Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45 review

This makes it particularly odd – not to mention frustrating – that Panasonic has opted to fit the FZ45 with a 14-megapixel sensor. Ever since the FZ-series cameras moved from 8 to 10 megapixels two years ago, the improvements in details captured in bright light have come at the expense of increased noise levels in low light.

This time, the negative outweighs the positive so much that the FZ45 is not just noisier but also less detailed than the 12-megapixel FZ38. Even at ISO 80, heavy noise reduction was applied to keep images smooth, and that had a detrimental effect on fine details. Higher ISO speeds were necessary indoors or at long telephoto zooms in anything but direct sunlight, and this resulted in smudged details, messy edges to objects and blotchy colours. Otherwise, image quality was excellent, with well-judged automatic exposures and natural white balance, but the sharp lens was let down by the sensor. Take a look at our sample photos in our gallery

At least the 14-megapixel resolution hasn’t damaged performance. We measured 1.2 seconds between shots in normal use, rising to 2.7 seconds in RAW mode – both fine achievements. However, choosing to save both RAW and JPEG images together and taking a quick succession of shots resulted in a card error, despite using a fast SDHC card. Continuous performance was poor, capturing just three JPEGs at 1.1fps before it needed a rest.

Had Panasonic stuck with a 12-megapixel sensor – or better still, used a 10-megapixel one – we’d have no hesitation in recommending it. As it stands, we can’t help feeling disappointed. We have some sympathy for camera manufacturers at the budget end of the market, where there’s pressure to produce cameras with ever-better sounding specs. However, in an enthusiasts’ camera such as this, Panasonic should credit its customers with a little more intelligence (as it did with the Lumix LX5)

The FZ38 was an excellent ultra-zoom camera, and ultimately, the FZ45 isn’t much different. Its bigger zoom range is welcome; its higher-resolution sensor most definitely isn’t. On balance, there’s not much to choose between the two, and the newer model is no more expensive than the older one at current prices. However, both cameras are overshadowed by the Fujifilm FinePix HS10, which is now available for around £250. Panasonic needs to step out of the megapixel race if it wants to regain the ultra-zoom crown.