Users can now capture objects from a distance easily with the new super-zoom camera from Panasonic. The Lumix DMC-FZ35 utilises a 12-megapixel sensor, has an enhanced Power Optical Image Stabiliser (O.I.S.) that reduces blur, and is great for both amateur and advanced photographers with its manual operation settings.

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 looks and feels like a miniature DSLR: it comes with an electronic viewfinder, a dioptre adjustment dial, a 2.7-inch LCD monitor, and a Mode dial for adjusting the camera settings. Since it sports a DSLR form factor, the FZ35 cannot be placed inside a bag and has to be worn on the neck. Panasonic has not included any case for the camera, so purchasing a third party one is a must.

The FZ35 comes with a shoulder strap, lens cap and string, lens hood and hood adaptor, as well as a battery pack and charger. It also comes with an AV cable, a software CD, and a CD containing operating instructions.

The main highlight of the FZ35 is its mode dial which allows for manual or automatic control. It has 14 different modes: program AE mode, aperture priority, shutter-priority, manual exposure, creative motion picture mode, custom mode, scene mode, my color mode, portrait mode, scenery mode, sports mode, close-up mode, night portrait mode, and Panasonic’s iA (intelligent auto).

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In iA mode, the camera analyses what you are shooting and automatically changes the settings accordingly. In our test, the camera was able to change the mode (from portrait, the camera changed to scenery mode), exposure, and ISO to produce the best looking photos.

The face detection worked well and was able to track faces in the image, while its quick auto focus ability allowed us to take ‘that’ shot with ease. Besides the iA mode, beginners can also have fun with the FZ35’s Scene mode which include settings such as pin hole, film grain, photo frame, panorama assist, and even flash burst.

Advanced users can take full control over the camera settings by simply choosing between manual, shutter-priority, aperture priority, and program AE mode.

The 2.7-inch LCD monitor made it easy for us to frame our shot and view it afterwards as it was able to adjust its brightness automatically in bright areas. If you still can’t see the image displayed on the screen, you can always use the electronic viewfinder by pressing the EVF button located right beside the LCD.

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The images produced by the camera were good and consistent throughout our review. The FZ35 produced noise-free images up to ISO 400. Indoor shots using the flash were good, with our subject having no red-eye and exposed well. In addition, the camera was able to take good outdoor shots, with the camera being able to minimise chromatic aberrations.

Besides taking photos in RAW or JPEG formats, the FZ35 can also shoot videos in HD (1280 x 720 @ 30fps). The camera stars recording as soon as you press the ‘Motion Picture’ button (located beside the EVF) and stops by pressing it again. The video quality is good while audio captured by the built-in microphone was clear and blocked out the wind. You can also stream HD videos from your camera although users would have to purchase an HDMI mini-cable for it. An AV cable is included but videos will not look as good.

Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 is good for those who want a camera that has the power to zoom in on far away objects. It can produce decent images, can take HD videos with one touch, and is packed with a lot of features that can help you take that perfect shot. This camera is available now for $769.