Panasonic's 2009 18x bridge — 12.1MP CCD, Leica 27-486mm f/2.8, AVCHD Lite 720p; US name FZ35
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 was a superzoom bridge camera announced in July 2009, sold in North America and Australasia as the DMC-FZ35. It succeeded the DMC-FZ28 in Panasonic's long-running FZ line, keeping its predecessor's body and 18x lens while upgrading the sensor, processor and video capability.
It combined a 12.1-megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD with a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 18x zoom spanning 27-486mm equivalent from f/2.8, stabilised by the newer Power O.I.S. system. The Venus Engine HD5 enabled AVCHD Lite 720p HD video with stereo microphones on the flash housing, and a mini HDMI port fed HDTVs. Framing used a 2.7-inch 230k LCD or electronic viewfinder, with SD/SDHC storage and a proprietary battery.
The FZ38 offered full PASM manual control, raw capture and a DSLR-style grip, making it a genuine enthusiast bridge rather than a point-and-shoot. The 27mm-to-486mm reach covers everything from landscapes to distant wildlife in one package; its small CCD limits high-ISO work, so it performs best in decent light.
Used buyers should test the full zoom travel and stabiliser, check the EVF and LCD both display cleanly, and confirm AVCHD Lite video records with stereo sound. The proprietary battery and charger are essential inclusions. Look for dust inside the non-removable lens at the long end and wear on the mode dial; well-kept examples remain very usable CCD superzooms.