The Panasonic DMC-FZ8 uses the built-in lens (fixed-lens camera) with a 6.02× crop factor (about 6.0 × 4.0 mm sensor). Below: equivalent focal lengths, maximum shutter speeds for sharp stars, a hyperfocal distance chart and how to check the shutter count.
Equivalent focal length & field of view
| Lens focal length | Full-frame equivalent | Diagonal FOV | Horizontal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm | 48 mm | 48.5° | 41.1° |
| 10 mm | 60 mm | 39.7° | 33.4° |
| 12 mm | 72 mm | 33.4° | 28.1° |
| 14 mm | 84 mm | 28.9° | 24.2° |
| 16 mm | 96 mm | 25.4° | 21.2° |
| 18 mm | 108 mm | 22.7° | 18.9° |
| 20 mm | 120 mm | 20.4° | 17.1° |
| 24 mm | 144 mm | 17.1° | 14.3° |
| 28 mm | 169 mm | 14.7° | 12.2° |
| 35 mm | 211 mm | 11.8° | 9.8° |
| 50 mm | 301 mm | 8.2° | 6.9° |
| 85 mm | 512 mm | 4.9° | 4.0° |
| 135 mm | 813 mm | 3.1° | 2.5° |
Multiply by the 6.02× crop factor for the full-frame equivalent field of view.
Milky Way exposure: NPF and 500 rule
| Focal length | NPF @ f/1.8 | NPF @ f/2.8 | Strict NPF @ f/2.8 | 500 rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm | 16.9 s | 21.2 s | 11.6 s | 10.4 s |
| 10 mm | 13.5 s | 17.0 s | 9.3 s | 8.3 s |
| 12 mm | 11.2 s | 14.2 s | 7.7 s | 6.9 s |
NPF = (35 × f-number + 30 × pixel pitch) ÷ focal length, with a pixel pitch of 2.4 µm (typical for this format — exact resolution not in our database). The strict version (Michaud's detailed NPF for the galactic core) gives pin-point stars at 100% view; the 500 rule is a loose rule of thumb that shows trailing on modern sensors.
Hyperfocal distance chart
| Focal length | f/2.8 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/11 | f/16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mm | 7.2 m | 3.6 m | 2.5 m | 1.8 m | 1.3 m |
Focus at the hyperfocal distance and everything from half that distance to infinity is acceptably sharp (circle of confusion 0.005 mm). Use the hyperfocal calculator for other settings.
How to check the Panasonic DMC-FZ8 shutter count
Panasonic Lumix cameras show a shutter counter in a hidden service menu on many models; EXIF tools rarely expose it.
ExifTool tag: (service menu). Always test an original, unedited file straight from the card.
Where to buy
Compare new and used prices at these retailers:
B&H PhotoAmazonKEH (used)MPB (used)