Panasonic Lumix FZ72 review

World's longest zoom range… but it does it deliver decent images?

Panasonic FZ72

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

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At 20mm, the FZ72's wide angle lens is wider than its nearest competitors on the market and means you can get creative with wide angle shots or fit more into the scene.

Panasonic Lumix FZ72

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The zoom function of the FZ72 is its standout feature. Here we can compare an image taken at the wide angle, in which you can barely see a clock face in the centre of the frame.

Panasonic Lumix FZ72

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Here at the full 60x zoom function, the full clock face is visible and the optical stabilisation system has done an excellent job of keeping blur to a minimum even though this picture was shot handheld.

Panasonic Lumix FZ72

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The FZ72's macro focusing option allows you to get very close to the subject to produce frame-filling pictures.

Panasonic Lumix FZ72

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Here again we can take a look at the zoom function. Here's another shot at the 20mm wide angle.

Panasonic Lumix FZ72

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Now look at the 60x optical zoom to see how close the lens can get.

Panasonic Lumix FZ72

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If you do need extra reach, the camera's decent digital zoom comes in handy and allows you to get even closer. There is some loss of detail, but it's certainly good enough to share online and so on.

Panasonic Lumix FZ72

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The FZ72 has a dedicated panoramic mode, which is easy to use. Simply pan the camera across the scene and release the shutter button when you want the camera to stop recording.

Panasonic Lumix FZ72

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In artificial lighting conditions, the FZ72's automatic white balance tends towards the warm side. Meanwhile, noise is visible in this shot taken at ISO 3200, especially when examining at 100%.

Digital filters

The FZ72 has a large number of digital filters available when shooting in a specific mode. They are as follows:

Panasonic Lumix FZ72

Expressive

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

Retro

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

Old Days

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

High Key

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

Low Key

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

Sepia

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

Dynamic Monochrome

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

Impressive Art

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

High Dynamic

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

Cross Process

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

Toy Effect

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

Miniature Effect

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

Soft Focus

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Panasonic Lumix FZ72

Star Filter

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Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.