The Panasonic Lumix FS35 digital camera resides in Panasonic’s range of smaller Lumix digital cameras that combines excellent specifications with a slim design at competitive prices. The compact camera has a 1/2.33-inch sensor that comes with a whopping 16-megapixel lens, which has a 10.1 optical zoom and a 24-224mm focal range. Although priced relatively low, the Panasonic FS35 still has several brilliant features. The optical zoom has a technology called ‘Smart Resolution’ which supports the image stabilization function (MEGA OIS). The disappointing part of the specification is the Panasonic FS35’s LCD Display. Although it is a respectable size (2.7 inches), the 230k pixel resolution is quite poor compared to other models in its range.

There are many functions and features on the Panasonic FS35 that target the beginner/entry level photographer, with a range of ‘Smart’ functions on the FS35 to make the shooting process easier, including Smart Resolution, Smart Auto and Smart Zoom.

In terms of design, the Panasonic Lumix FS35 is unremarkable when compared to other compact cameras in Panasonic’s FS range. The interface has minimal buttons, the finish is brushed metal. Most of the FS35’s functions are accessed via the ‘Q.Menu’ and ‘mode’ buttons on the rear of the camera, with playback and shooting modes accessed from a slider which is located at the rear. The FS range has featured cameras for some time that are difficult to distinguish from one another.

The Panasonic Lumix FS35 is compact and reliable, doing everything entry-level users would like to do. If you’re happy to hand control over to your camera rather than fiddle with shooting settings, then having the Panasonic FS35 in iA mode will give you good shots and an enjoyable photo-capturing experience. Although it has a variety of scene features, taking control of the photo shoot is an entirely different matter.

In general it has good image quality. Sharpness issues are resolved by the smart resolution feature, though it does show some degeneration in image quality at the edges of the frame. White balance tends to err on the warm side, however this is not extreme. ISO noise stays in check; it only becomes a problem towards the higher end of the scale.

The Panasonic FS35, like many other digital cameras in this range, is an affordable and reliable digital camera. Though it lacks any new innovation, it’s well spec’d, if you let the FS35 take the thought out of your photography; you will be rewarded with some great images.