We test the FZ30 for its suitability for infrared photography using a Hoya R72 filter.
The Panasonic FZ30 digital camera is an impressive camera, with its 8MP resolution and a Leica lens giving a 35-420mm focal length range (35mm equivalent).
We tested its infrared photography ability over several weeks using a Hoya R72 and a firm tripod.
The blow noise tests are 100% sections from the center of an image at varying ISO settings, all with a Hoya R72 filter. Starting exposure was 2 seconds at f3.2.
80ISO
RAW
Red
Green
Blue
100ISO
RAW
Red
Green
Blue
200ISO
RAW
Red
Green
Blue
400ISO
RAW
Red
Green
Blue
Noise is very well controlled in this camera, infact it seems to be more a function of exposure length than ISO setting at exposures of a second or so.
Using the green channel
Using the blue channel for an extreme effect
Using the red channel
The red channel
The green channel
Overall the FZ30 is an impressive camera for IR use. The viewfinder remains quite usable for framing with the filter fitted and the image quality the camera can produce is very good.