Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30By: Dave EtchellsPanasonic's latest in the Lumix lineup, with an eight-megapixel sensor and high quality long-zoom Leica optics. <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 12:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 01/18/2006 |
Video Out
The Panasonic FZ30 has a video-out port that supports both PAL and NTSC timing formats. The video output can be used for reviewing previously recorded images or running slide shows and videos from the camera.
Power
The Panasonic FZ30 is powered by an internal Panasonic CGA-S002A rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. The camera ships with one battery pack and a charger. An AC Adapter Kit is sold separately, with a power adapter, DC coupler, and power cord.
Because the DMC-FZ30 relies on its LCD display for viewing and selecting some of its settings, it can be somewhat of a drain on the power supply. Fortunately, the camera has an automatic shutdown mode to help conserve battery power, and you can save power by relying on the electronic optical viewfinder whenever possible.
Here are the power consumption numbers I measured for the FZ30 , along with the projected run times for various camera operating modes:
(@8.4 volts on the external power terminal) |
(710 mAh LiIon cell) |
|
| Capture Mode, w/LCD | ||
| Capture Mode, no LCD | ||
| Half-pressed shutter w/LCD | ||
| Half-pressed w/o LCD | ||
| Memory Write (transient) | ||
| Flash Recharge (transient) | ||
| Image Playback |
The Lumix DMC-FZ30 uses a custom rechargeable LiIon battery for power. The table above shows maximum run times based on our power measurements and the rated capacity of its battery. These aren't terrible run times, but by the same token aren't nearly as good as some of its competition. Given the fairly short run time with or without the LCD enabled, you should definitely consider purchasing a second battery to pack along on extended outings.
Included Software
The Panasonic FZ30 comes with an very nice complement of software on the included CD. Compatible with Windows and Macintosh operating systems, the ArcSoft software suite applications provide a well-rounded offering of image organization and editing tools. The CD also features USB drivers for both Macintosh and Windows computers, and the Lumix Simple Viewer and PHOTOfunSTUDIO applications for image viewing.
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