Over and above the DMC-FZ8, which the DMC-FZ18 replaces, the 1/2.5-inch sensor enjoys a moderate increase in megapixel power from 7.3MP to 8.3MP. New features of the FZ18 include a dedicated AF/AE button, Face Detection, and a new Intelligent Auto mode that integrates Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection, and Scene Detection into a 'Super' Auto Mode.
Form-factor-wise, the FZ18 is a retention of the tried and tested design formula that Panasonic established with the FZ7. The FZ18 is externally very, very similar to the FZ8, albeit with minor facelifts that give the body a bit more curve. With its good ergonomics, SLR-like controls, and massive zoom range in a very compact package, the FZ18 was the one to look at.
The smallish dimensions are no deterrent to the camera's handling at all. When held, the camera feels stable, safe, and solid, and the operation of the main controls is very easy. The excellent handling, along with the image stabilization, and well-balanced design, makes the camera equally safe to be used with one hand.
As with the Panasonic Lumix series, which started with the FZ1 in 2002, the strength of the FZ18, aside from the 8.1MP sensor and an impressive array of functions and features that makes it the choice for a very intelligent bridge compact, is undoubtfully the image-stabilized 18x Leica zoom lens with an f/2.8 maximum opening covering a range from 28 to 500mm.
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