The new DMC-FZ20 is Lumix camera is Digital camera to combine 12x optical zoom with an optical image stabilizer. The 5-megapixel DMC-FZ20 features a high-performance Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens. Panasonic introduces the first digital camera to combine 12x optical zoom with an optical image stabilizer. Integrating unrivalled optical and digital technologies with ergonomic design, Panasonic's new 12x zoom Lumix DMC-FZ20 achieves a new level of performance for a digital camera. The DMC-FZ20 5-Megapixel camera features a versatile, high-performance Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with powerful 12x zoom (equivalent to a 35 - 420mm zoom lens on a conventional 35mm film camera) and F2.8 brightness throughout the entire zoom range. Combined with it's telephoto features and precision image stabilizers, this camera is engineered to capture every detail of distant or quick-moving subjects with superb brightness and clarity. Panasonic's MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer automatically detects and optically compensates for hand movement by shifting internal lens elements, enabling the user to capture crisp, clear, distortion-free ultra-telephoto or macro shots of distant or moving subjects, even in low lighting conditions. Photographers, especially those who shoot sports, wildlife or live performances, know that it's difficult to get sharp images if they are using a long lens on a handheld camera.
Optics and Resolution Featuring a 5-megapixel CCD sensor, the DMC-FZ20K delivers a wide range of detail and color with images up to 2560 x 1920 pixels--enough information to make photo-quality prints up to 13 by 17 inches. Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 12x zoom lens, with 3 aspheric elements, combines comfortably small size with superb image rendering. By combining with a 4x digital zoom, users will have an equivalence of a 48x zoom lens in a very compact body, though users should note that digital zoom degrades picture quality.
Movie Mode and Audio
The DMC-FZ20K lets you shoot QuickTime Motion JPEG video at resolutions up to 320 x 240 pixels with sound. The amount of video you can capture is limited by space on the memory card; you'll fit more at low quality (10 frames-per-second) than at high quality (30 frames-per-second). The movies aren't camcorder quality, but they're fun and convenient, and they're perfect as e-mail attachments. You can also record audio comments, up to five seconds in length, for your still pictures.
More Features
- Flip Animation: Allows you to create your own frame-by-frame animations.
- Unlimited Consecutive Shooting: Allows consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD memory card.
- Two-inch diagonal polycrystalline TFT LCD display (130k pixels)
- Hot shoe for external flash attachment
- Mega Burst Shooting Mode: Shoot up to seven images at three or two frames-per-second in standard resolution, or up to four images in fine resolution. This option is designed to provide you with the best selection of photos during action, such as a sporting event.
Storage and Transfer
Images and video are stored on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. A 16 MB SD card is included. Files can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.
Printing
This camera supports the PictBridge standard. PictBridge is a technology that lets you transfer pictures from a digital camera to a compatible printer, without a PC or image-editing software. Because PictBridge is an industry standard, users can connect PictBridge-compatible devices made by many different manufacturers. Learn more about PictBridge.
Power and Size
The camera is powered by lithium-ion battery pack (included with charger). It measures 3.43 by 5.02 by 4.18 inches and weighs 1.14 pounds.
What's in the Box
DMC-FZ20K digital camera, battery charger, battery pack, 16MB SD memory card, lens cap, lens hood with adaptor, A/V and USB cables, strap, and CD-ROM
1 An almost perfect photographic companion
I, like others who have reviwed this little (by SLR standards) gem, have been exhausted by carrying around a 35mm SLR with the lenses I needed for my photogaphy. This incuded a 400mm f 5.6 monster and a host of accessories. When I first read of the FZ20 I was concerned by the 5mp resolution but everything else seemed like just what I needed. I have been using it for about a month with excellent results. The control one has over it's functions are in a par with the best SLRs and in many ways surpass them. What SLR allows you to compensate AE levels in the viewfinder in 1/3 EV steps and observe the results as you do so? The image stabilization is impressive allowing one to use much slower shutter speeds without the problem of shake. In general, contrast and color are excellent and the histogram in the viewfinder helps you to obtain much more than acceptable detail in the highlights and shadows. Naturally, there are a few quibbles. Autofocus sometimes misses completely in less than bright light (even with the AF lamp on) but it is very easy to switch to manual focus and use the enlarged portion in the viewfinder to obtain critical focus. Like others, I found that the unusual shutter release and zoom control positions took some getting used to. The on-board flash unit is amazingly powerful (21 ft max range) but is a red eye dragon maker. However, you can use a non-dedicated flash on the camera's hot shoe. I used my old Vivitar 283 with excellent results. (Be sure the flash you use has a trigger voltage of less than 24 volts or you will fry the electronics). I am not sure how well the continuous AF will work in the type of nature photogaphy that I do, but to be able to hold most of my 20 pound SLR camera bag in one hand (funtionally) will be worth a little extra effort on my part.
2 DSLR, Minolta Z5, or Nikon 8800? NO Pana FZ20!
I have shot with 35mm film for years (decades). On 3 different systems, and each
eventually had several lenses, typically a 24mm, a 28-80, and an 80-250.
The 80-250 at f3.5 was HUGE. More recently I have gone thru 3 digital
cameras, an HP215, a Pentax EI200, and a Canon A70. The Canon had the
widest zoom range at 3x and I also used a 2.4x Canon teleconverter with it.
So it was a handful as well.
I wanted to simplify my life, and yet preserve the quality of the photos I
am accustomed to taking. In other words as much zoom range, built in manual
functions, external flash capability, etc, but NOT a 5-10 lbs bag of
accessories everywhere I go. Not really of utmost importance was the
megapixel resolution, I have taken prize winning and nationwide calendar
photos with a 2 megapixel camera. Many schools of thought here, add this
one; a hi res monitor will display 1280x1024 pixels with sometimes painful
clarity and sharpness. Yet that is barely 1.5 megapixel, the source and the
quality (dynamic range, edge sharpness, focus) of the original have as much
impact as the number of dots. This became important when I chose the FZ20,
as the other camera in consideration was the Nikon 8800 (The Minolta Z5
photo quality made it a non starter). It had 8 vs 5 meg resolution, but not
that wonderful Leica f2.8 lens, and that's f2.8 at 430mm! Compare that to
the Nikon's f5.2 at only 350mm. In photography the lens is everything. In
digital photography, that is closely followed by the CCD sensor size (the
Nikon is ahead here, however both camera test results show objectionable
noise at ISO200 and higher, so shoot at 80 or 100 ISO when possible). So a
digital SLR was too big and required a bag of lenses, the one lens that
came with the Nikon was only so-so, and the Panasonic got the nod of
approval.
So how does it fare after 4 weeks and about 1500 photos? Very well indeed.
The Lens is outstanding, the image stabilization works superbly, the 4 fps
motor drive is great, and the pictures are tack sharp and stunning in
quality. There is an incredible user community out there for this camera,
and most review sites have a large user base forums for this and other
Panasonic FZ cameras. I however could not entirely give up the gadget bag,
it still contains 52mm macro adapter lenses which fit just right into the
space in front of the FZ20 lens without any adapters, an external flash,
and two extra batteries. A joy to own and use.
PS. The camera makes noises as you move it, the aperture setting
mechanicals at work. Also the view finder will show white vertical lines if
there is a strong point light source (sun, spot lights, etc) in the field
of view, this does not show in the picture. The zoom lever position, and
the exposure button position especially take a lot of getting used to
3 SIMPLY THE BEST!!!!
i have been wanting this camera before it made its debut and i finally bought it 3 weeks ago and i do not regret it one bit. I LOVE THIS CAMERA, and im not one to love much of anything LOL
the 12X ZOOM was the clincher to buying the cam and the 5MP is more then enough. the cam is easy to use for anyone. its not a compact cam, so if you want something you can put in your pocket this isnt the one, but if you want a high quailty cam then this is the one and size matters at the moment. the 12X ZOOM lens is made by one of the best companies Leica in the business. if this is a cam that your thinking about, dont not pass it up.
4 I'm in love with my camera
I was going to buy a Kodak similar but I read that several people was having trouble with the focus, and I like perfection, so I bought this camera and... It's perfect! No problems even for an automatic one! I'm in horseshow jumping and I took all my pictures with my manual camera because all the automatic were trouble on focusing the jump, but this one, even without controling the aperture or exposure took fabulous photos! I thought I would take good pictures after learning how to control that, but, this camera is for dummies! Even a person who never took pictures can take fabulous ones, just press the button!
My old camera (actually it's 30 years old) is going to retire now, after so many years of a beloved relashionship, I finally found a camera worth it.
The zoom is almost equivalent a 230mm in a regular camera, but excelent anyway.
5 Rocking Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20K
Okay, suddenly finding myself sliding over the "old-guy" milestone, I don't really use expressions like "Rocking" or "Rocks" and so on. But I gotta' say that this camera is everything and then some for a digital hobbyist with pretensions to artistry such as myself. I have owned several $50-100.00 digicams in the vga-to-1.5 mp range; and also an Olympus C-211 2mp, Fujifilm F-2400Zoom, and another fuji 2mp digital camera. After learning how to coax some nice pix out of these digicams I began lusting after megapixels and zoom.
After doing what I thought was much research on the web I settled on the minolta z-3 and the Lumix DMC-FZ20K. I bought the z-3. Wonderfully ergonomic in the hand, the picture-taking was dissapointing. After doing more research I discovered that it was possible to take good pix with it with some tinkering, but not, generally, with the "auto" settings.
Not what I had in mind.
Sending it back after two weeks of puttering about with it, I bought the FZ20K.
YESSSS!!!!
I was taking fabulous pix right out the box, and even shifting exposure settings and such to realize special effects and so on. The camera is bulkier than the minolta, but I find it more intuitive and I don't have to putz around with the controls to get good snapshots. Along with the 12x optical zoom on the Leica lens, the ability to capture great shots with all the special scene modes, and video with sound, I have to say that this is the 5 mp digital camera to have, hands down!
NOTE:
I bought a three-piece filter kit and adapter tube along with this camera from A& M photo world (amphotoworld.com - ask for Tyler), a couple of extra battery packs from thomasdistributing.com, 3 ATP 512mb SD cards (60x), a universal ac adapter, a full-size and a desktop tripod, and a camera bag from microcenter, and I am now looking forward to capturing some good pix on our vacation in Hawaii.
Total price of this package: around $750.00 with taxes and shipping included and well worth it.
6 Brilliant!
I am convinced there is no better digital camera on the market that offers this combination of price and performance. I was looking to upgrade from an Olympus 4040, and wanted something more SLR-like in look and feel. Not having an extensive arsenal of existing SLR lenses, I opted away from some of the digital SLRs. The Olympus is a fine camera that yields high-quality results, but the Panasonic simply takes it to the next level.
The Leica 12X zoom not only offers an incredible zoom range (35mm equivalent: 36-432mm), but it provides f2.8 across the entire range! Granted, this results in a camera with more lens than body, but that is part of what gives it it's nice SLR feel.
Powering on and off is quick and smooth. The Olympus takes its own sweet time to extend the lens when powering up, and always had a kind of grinding noise that was rather unsettling. With the Panasonic the process takes about a second and is very quiet.
And then there is the picture quality. I've never really had a need for the 8 megapixel range in a camera, and the 5 megapixels in this one yield crisp, sharp results with very accurate color reproduction.
There are many other features and tech specs that I won't go into here, but one nicety is the simulated shutter sound. If you like the click-click of an SLR, you'll be glad to know it will still be there for you....with three volume choices to boot.
This will quickly become your favorite camera.
7 Think of it as buying a lens for your DSLR
I purchased the FZ20 as a "specialty" camera because it provides the most economical way to get to high quality 400+mm photographs (even though I have a DSLR).
400mm equivalent zoom telephotos for DSLRs are 2-3 times the cost of the FZ20 and none of them are f/2.8 throughout the range. A DSLR lens at f/5.6 and ISO320 captures the same amount of light as the FZ20 at f/2.8 and ISO80. With those settings, the image quality on the FZ20 will be as good or better, the anti-shake will make handheld operation a reality, and it will be in a much, much smaller package. Add a 1.7x teleconverter, and you're out into exotic 700+mm range with a camera that will fit in your waistpack and won't get dust on the image sensor when you're on safari!
8 How could it get any better?
I love this camera. I have bought and returned several other cameras, $900 cameras, and they were no where as good as this one. It is easy to hold, easy to understand, the pictures are great and the shooting is fast. I love the big zoom, one of the best of any camera out there, without buying your own extra lens. I did buy the 512mb card and an extra battery as recommended which I also now recommend. I only gave it 4 stars because you must leave room for improvement...
9 Panasonic DMC-FZ20
I have been using digital photography for about 4 years, first with a Canon S30 and then with a Canon S50. In comparison to those cameras, which are very good (I prefer the S30 as the images are a little less over-exposed outdoors), the FZ20 is far easier to use, has a superior LCD screen, and has some significantly better features. For example, the FZ20 has a bracket function which allows the user to make three exposures simultaneously at three different user-defined exposure settings in order to allow selection of the best result. Since this camera also tends to overexpose bright spots in outdoor sunlight as the Canon S50, this bracket option allows selection of a preferred exposure. Obviously the 12x zoom lens is a nice feature, but also the ease of adjusting flash fill, picture deletion... I could go on at length about the ease-of-use of the menu system... One feature missing that is present in the Canon models is the on-board ability to set up stitch photos and, even though software is supplied to accomplish this on the computer, it is no substitute for an on-board system. Also, the software provided with the FZ20 for Macintosh is restricted to a very slow PhotoImpression software which is very disappointing compared to Canon's offering. However, iPhoto on the Mac can substitute. Overall a nice camera with an excellent display and menu system.
10 The DMC-FZ20 is ideal
I had researched digital cameras til my head was spinning. I narrowed the field down to 3 brands - then went shopping. The first brand was extremely disappointing both in feel and in the LCD review of the 10x optical zoom. The other two were ok - some difficulty in figuring out what I was doing in just looking through the viewfinder and the LCD panel. Then I picked up the DMC-FZ20. Not only was it easy to use -the menu is quick and easy to figure out; the 12x optical zoom is fantastic; you can turn off the digital zoom - a must; and I have more manual control over the camera. The downside, and there always is one, is that it doesn't handle lighting well on the auto setting. Great pictures outdoors in sunlight; but easily overexposes the brightest parts. Indoors it does well, still the light handling with and without the flash leaves a bit to be desired, but nothing I can't fix in a good photo program. For ease of use, comfortable handling, great manual ability, excellent quality lenses and zoom, this is a great camera for the money. I don't have the silver one though, just the black one. Doubt the outer appearance changes much in the quality.
11 Panasonic FZ20
I have had this camera for about a month now and have been able to try it in many situations. First of all from a feature standpoint this is a great camera. The only other cameras I've owned that I can compare it to are a Canon G2 and Olympus C750 and I think the FZ20 has the best features and is easiest to use. The main thing to know if you're considering this camera however is it is noisy. I recently made an 8x10 print of a sunny day scene with lots of white clouds and sky and was surprised at how much noise came through. The camera was set at ISO 80 with all options such as sharpness,contrast etc. set to standard. In the cameras defense I will say there is a lot of detail in the pictures and in many situations the noise wouldn't be so noticeable.
12 thanks Mr. Stutz!
Thanks Mr. Stutz for doing some research. To end this non-sense, I removed my review. Go ahead folks and buy the LUMIX. I am sure that it is perfect. and if you disagree, you will get attacked personally.
And thank-you "cyclonoscope" for your wonderful fictional piece. with your "excellent" analysis, I am sure that you served on the O.J jury.
13 more detective work
I too found the exchange interesting, but my detective work showed that the review was not copied as Meng Hsiao claims. (Okay, no detective work was involved, just memory!) I read the review originally on digital camera reviews in Sep-Oct 2004. I remember it distinctly because it noted the Lumix's problems, the name "china guy" (I visit China often) and I was looking into the Lumix at the time (bought a Casio). Actually, China Guy's review was not copied as Meng charges. And personally, I think Meng Hsiao's working for Panasonic is relevant. Like an author reviewing his own book. I feel he can give his review, but should tell folks that he has something to gain by attacking a negative review. Meng's nasty remarks started this exchange, right?. If he removed his posting, I am sure all others will follow... (If they have class!)
14 Some detective work:
Regarding the three strange reviews below: "Reviewer" LL (02/04/05) criticizes reviewer MH (01/31/05) for calling reviewer KM (01/31/05) "a fake" and "a shame". As I watched this odd exchange unfold, I did a little detective work. It wasn't difficult to solve this nonsense. LL appears to have intended to defend KM's integrity, but there is less to defend that LL understands. MH is telling the truth, whether or not he works for Panasonic (LL's charge) is not relevant.
The evidence affirms that "reviewer" KM, who initiated this tomfoolery, in fact "copied the text that he read from the bad review of a guy gave to Kodak 7590" precisely as MH charged. KM quickly acted to remove the evidence that his review was in fact "a fake" by not just editing it but by completely replacing his fraudulent "review" with what appears below at this time entitled "lumix - personal attack???" in which he claims that "the text" was copied by the person (a certain SG) referred to by MH. KM's "childish play" has now degenerated to slander. On the 31st of December 2004, SG posted a review on Amazon's product page for the Kodak 7590 camera. KM scurrilously copied that review and swapped the two camera model names. KM has now slandered SG, who is probably completely unaware of all this, by stating "I posted it first on a digital camera review bulletin board and it was copied from me." But it was easy enough, just by looking at SG's other reviews and KM's other reviews and comparing elements of style, to determine that the review was in fact written by SG and plagiarized / ripped-off and perverted by KM. It is also evident that the review was originally SG's because his comments about the Kodak model are corroborated by another reviewer of that product, a certain AH (11/25/04). In contrast, no reviewers post this same complaint (a focusing problem) as it was directed in KM's copied but perverted "review" against the Panasonic Lumix model.
KM, who calls himself "chinaguy", replaced his provably fraudulent review with a slanderous one. Looking at the response of several other shoppers, I am not the only one who noticed this. It's pathetic that this kind of thing happens in these forums. KM should completely delete his "review" immediately, and clean up his feeble act. That way MH and LL (who does not seem to have known what he was dealing with anyway) could both delete their comments too, it appears they all monitor this forum. I could delete this, and shoppers could read some real reviews.
Wow, that was almost confusing. To see the last preceding legitimate reviews of this product, scroll down to "Pigs on the Wing" (12/27/04) and continue from there.
15 works for panasonic
Meng Hsiao can say what he wants, but I am sure that he is the Meng Hsiao who works for Panasonic in Hong Kong and Taipei. The camera is okay, the Kodak is cheaper-this is a fact-but I think Meng's attack on the other reviewer is uncalled for. It's okay for some reviews to be negative.
16 Pigs on the wing.
Hell freezes over. Pigs fly. I review something that isn't a book.
Thanks to my wonderful wife giving me this as a Christmas gift, my well-used, 25 year old Minolta has been retired. As a rule I'm not easily impressed by "new" stuff. However, the old proverb instructs that rules are proved by the exception, and here it is.
This is incredible. The camera yes, and the fact that I should actually want to take a few minutes to praise it as well. I'm more of a thinker than a thing-er, and I don't think much about things. (After all, "things" are not even what we material-grubbing capitalists want to believe they are. They're the composite programming of so-called "quarks and gluons" resisting, for a given duration, the deprogramming effects of the electro-weak force and the second law of thermodynamics. Strangely ethereal stuff.) It invariably happens that today's latest and greatest techno-toy is tomorrow's techno-trash. While generations from now an idea or 'problem' thousands of years old might still be interesting and relevant, last year's cell phone might not even have a game station or a high-def camera in it, for-cryin-out-loud! (When will someone figure out how to include a digital cheese straightener?).
So my perspective is not one from the bleeding edge of material technology-love. Other reviewers will offer more technological savvy, so if you're shopping for a new camera please pay close attention to what those people have to say. However, one need not be an expert to discern that this is an exceptional camera.
Compare features and you'll wonder if the price isn't a mistake, especially if you shop around for the best price (which will probably be at an on-line technology merchant in Brooklyn). The 12x optical Leica lens alone should get your attention, no camera in this price range compares. The features are pretty much industry standard for higher-end cameras. The digital menus are extremely easy to navigate. It takes great pictures. And so it is, after my detour into quantum theory and quasi-Platonic philosophy, that my judgment at last achieves a resonance with most of the technological experts: it's a beautiful thing, a great camera.
17 Great camera, but..........
I really like the camera, so I am just going to note some pertinent negatives that others may wish to consider. These comments are based on my own experience, balanced by what I have read on other digital camera forums.
Noise-- easily noticeable on an 8 by 10, at ISO 100. Navy blue pants had red specks. This is a function of the small sensor, which allows the long lens at a reasonable size. I have read that the FZ15 (4 mp) has less noise, almost all the same features. The lesson learned is that sensor size makes a big difference, you do not want higher megapixels without increasing the sensor size.
Viewfinder "freeze"-- When using 3-zone focus, when you are test focussing by halfway pressing shutter, frame freezes. Disrupting to try to shoot picure when this occurs. Avoidable with other focussing modes.
Downloading pictures-- When using windows camera wizard, pictures do not appear and do not download in the order you took them, unlike my Canon S30. You have to pick through the old and new picture to download.
Filter use-- Camera has unorthodox filter system, comes with lens hood which will accept 72 mm filters, but at some distance from the lens, increasing storage bulk. People are buying various aftermarket filter adapters, but these increase the bulk of the camera when the camera is off. (Camera lens retracts during shutoff ). I am going to try a Nextphoto.net filter adapter which snaps into the retracting lens, to get both filter capability AND the compact size during storage.
Instruction manual-- Could be a bit more educational/explanatory, not too clear in many spots.
White balance-- Unlike a CanonS30 which I still use, I find the colors sometimes seem dull and bluish-- some think faces look pink, especially with flash. The solution is to adjust the white balance two clicks toward red. Most people are used to "warm" look to facial tones.
Otherwise, great camera, fulfills my need for quick candids, scenery, everything.
18 No Competition
Panasonic and Leica jointed forces more than four years ago, their first long zoom camera working together was the FZ1, which still remain being popular and with a heavy demand.
The FZ10 was the flagship of the Panasonic FZ line during the last year (2004) and it overcome the popularity of the FZ1, because of its 2 more MPs, its size and above all its high quality image with no vignette and very low noise levels.
The NEW FZ20 has improved both former models, and now is the best long camera BY FAR....there's NO COMPETITION....even Canon Pro 1 sucks in comparison with this technological Marvel.
A friend of mine own a Pro 1 and she's extremely jealous about the performance of my new toy....it is simply unbelievable.
COLORS are natural similar to a Digital SRL - I've compared them with those from a Canon 20D and differences are marginal.
The FZ20 has a very realiable performance, the GRIP is PERFECT even though is a bit smaller than in a DSRL.
The autofocus is also extremely fast(AVOID the 9 points), and if you use the halfpress bottom, the shutter lag does not exist.
the LENS....OH that LENS....LEICA....cant say more.
the OIS is one the best gadget that Panasonic has included in....it helps a lot, even you are gonna be capable of taking steady shots at 1/2 seconds - handheld (check out my sample image above)
About the noise, it's almost unnoticeable in outdoor shots, but indoor the performance is similar to any digital camera that comes with a small senzor (like G6, V3, etc)
I strongly recommend no look further and go for the FZ20.....dont be a zoombie Canon or Sony buyer.....try the FZ20 and show by yourself all the good things that everybody is talking about this fabulous Camera.....dont pay attention to those who only want to mislead people by leaving negative feedbacks on this product, even though they never have had one.
Thats all....regards.
19 uncomfortable feel
I hate the feel of this camera. it is not comfortable to hold and the colors are washed out.
Back to Cannon for me.
20 A well made camera with many features and quality pics
This is my first ever review of any product but i am so impressed with this camera, the quality pics it takes, and its good value, I am compelled to make some comments. I have to respectfully disagree with the previous review in one respect. My pics show accurate and natural color rendition under a variety of shooting conditions. The colors are not faded or washed out but are very accurate and vibrant. This camera is fast and has many features for the novice or pro and it is a joy to use. I have an old kodak dc 290 which I plan to use as a back up and it has provided great service, but when comparing this camera with the comparable kodak 10x 5mp it is no contest regarding the solid construction and design of this camera and metal lens housing in addition to the quality pics. The menu, dial and other functions are very user friendly and so far it performs consistently with all previous positive reviews. The flash is small but powerful and is more than adequate for a variety of circumstances. I like the step down feature of the flash output. The live histogram and focus assist are also great features and there are many others. This site and other reviews which were linked from a previous reviewer at this site were very helpful in my decision to purchase this camera. The 12x IS 5mp is in a class by itself for the price. This is one solid camera!!!!
21 Easy to use, quick shots, poor quality color
While I am not a sophisticated photographer, I am something of a tech junkie such that this is my 7th, 8th or 9th digital camera. Because of the frequency with which I switch machines of all sorts, I make it a rule never to read manuals. This camera holds its end and is ready to use out of the box with little instruction and logical controls. It distinguishes itself with extremely fast shutter time and instantaneous time between shots even when not in fast frame mode. You don't have to stand around and wait for the camera while your subject moves on to something else as you do with other digital cameras. The 12x zoom works quite well. Better still, because of the wide angle of the lense, close shots are happily in focus. There is no need to back up to photograph subjects near to you.
However, the camera lacks the software/chipware standard on most other digital cameras to make colors look true. Colors look faded and washed out like they came out of an antique album. Also, pictures are cast in the hue of the predominant item such that even skin looks purple if the subject is wearing a purple shirt. This is something that one cannot fix well with software. I have never had a camera with this problem before. Moreover, there doesn't seem to be much consistency from picture to picture with the same settings in the same room as far as color goes such that one doesn't get a feeling of control over color. "Kodachrome, give me those nice bright colors." I think I'll give this camera to my husband and move on. Any suggestions?
22 Great!!!
I am not photography savvy by any means. I have had this camera for upwards of about a week or 2, and I still suck at taking pictures. But this camera is so versatile you'd never even notice how bad I am at it. It's very easy to use, while still being adaptable almost to a fault. It's not clunky like some other cameras I've seen, yet it's still sleek while being loaded with features you wouldn't expect (like some other cameras). Buttons and settings are all easy to get to. It has many preprogrammed settings in already (for the REAL amateurs). I find myself always looking out the window for things I could shoot, because with the SD cards, it takes pictures quite rapidly, even the large ones. And if you're feeling frisky, you can take some nice panorama shoots that are HDTV widescreen compatible. I already have. The camera includes pretty much everything but the kitchen sink. The 16MB card is a laughable inclusion since the standard settings will fill it up in about 5 minutes. But I've found high end SD cards at stores at prices that make me feel like I should have a gun in my hand when I buy them.
I LOVE this camera, and it's been a great tool in helping me get the feel for the art of photography. Now digital editing? That's my next mission. But with the quality this camera takes, you won't need to do much editing (the pictures will either be utterly horrible [your fault, not the cameras], or not as bad as you thought they were).
I highly recommend it.
23 Excellent - 4.7 stars
This camera is quite good. As other reviews have noted, it offers a combination of image quality and zoom flexibility that no other camera currently offers at the price. I needed to get a camera that could capture my 2-year-old before she ran out of the shot, and this camera handily fulfills my prime criteria: Good resolution, excellent zoom, point-and-shoot options, and very fast image capture and storage. And for those of you who don't think you need a big zoom, remember what it was like when you had dial-up internet and didn't think you needed broadband? Most standard digital cams have only a 3x optical zoom but I recommend at least a 6x; this camera had lots of spare zoom for me at 12x, but I am already finding it handy. Do not underestimate this feature in its ability to deliver good photos!
There are some small compromises, however. For example, it's bulky and awkwardly designed; not as bad as a traditional SLR but not as conveniently compact as most digital cameras. Also, you have to manually pop the flash up for indoor shots; I wish they made this an automatic option. Finally, while image quality is mostly quite good I don't like color balance as much as on my old Fuji Finepix. There are some saturation options but even the mild setting looks a bit overdone.
These are minor annoyances however and I recommend it, especially if you can get a discount off the list price.
Suggested accessories:
-Spare battery
-Zoom camera case (not the one listed on Amazon)
-of course, a bigger memory card.
24 Best super zoom camera except for the ccd smear
This is hands down the best super zoom camera out right now. Do a search on the internet and you'll quickly see it's high ratings. Pic quality is outstanding and the manual features are incredible. With a super fast SD card, it writes massive 13 meg images in under 1.5 seconds, which is incredible. Zoom is amazing. Crispness is to die for. The only minor complaint is that, like almost all other digital cameras, it exhibits ccd smear (vertical lines) when aiming at pinpoint lights (such as Xmas tree lights, headlights, the sun, etc.). This smear effect is most evident in zoom over 6x, but it really shows up on the LCD because it's of such a high quality. These smears do not appear in still pictures that you take, but if you were filming a movie, they would. Since about 99.9% of the time I'm not shooting Xmas tree lights, headlights, and the sun, I can live with with it. Just be aware that this is a common occurence on digicams and if you see it happening, don't be alarmed. It's normal and won't effect your still shots at all. Other than that, I'm quite pleased.
25 Definitely 5!
excellent camera! this is my third DC and it is the best. 12X zoom and quick response time, feel like a film camera. powerful flash light and long battery life. photo qulity is excellent.
26 Leica and Lumix: Great marriage
This is a great camera. The lense is crisp and shows great detail. The controls are easy to understand. The 12X Zoom capability comes in very handy......and it even comes up CLOSE with a Macro feature. 5 Megapixels is more than enough, unless you are beyong 8x10's.
27 Plain fantastic
Everything abt. this camera rocks. Zoom-fantastic, Leica lens- 2 good, zero noise, very smooth zoom, 2 levels for image stabilization, burst mode for taking sporting pics, very good LCD display, light weight, perfect design etc etc... can keep on going
Just buy a Phayee (Ships from China) adapter and a lens cap with strap from ebay for around $22-25 and a u/v filter to protect the lens ... all 62mm and thats it... 5 stars all the way
28 excellent pictures and quality
I am so pleased by this camera. I am not at all an experienced photographer but the camera is amazingly easy to use and the results are outstanding. I talked my father into getting this camera as well. It is his first digital camera and his knowledge with dig cameras is even less than mine. We use it all the time for work, parties, portraits, sports, and we have not been disappointed. I strongly recommend this camera.
29 SUper
I give this a 4 star because of the higher noise at 200 iso and higher - which other cameras will also have. Reason? It has a smaller CMOS sensor than the comparable $600 Olympus camera.
The best features of this camera are -
super flash, image-stabilization, leica lens, fast operation. To me each of these 4 features were critical. Lumix beats the competition in each of those.
The camera is very fast to operate. Flash power is way more than others. The zoom lens is great. None of my indoor low-light pictures had any visible shake in them. For indoor pics, my older Nikon Coolpix 3200 had a shake in *many* of them - it would take 4 seconds to cycle between flash shots. Its goodbye to those problems with the Lumix.
30 great camera with all the trimmings
This is a great camera! I am a VERY amateur photographer and I wanted a camera that I could use for all of the regular "family" photos as well as some artistic and more "advanced" photos. This camera is a blast and has yet to disappoint. It has all the features I could ever need and the Leica lens is superb. I highly recommend this camera!
31 The Reviews Have Been Proven
First, allow me to give a brief history on my owned camers. The first good camera I bought was a Minolta Maxxum 7000 back in the mid 80's. This was a good camera and I took many pictures over the years. The first digital I bought was the 3MP Olympus C3000 in 2001. In mid 2004, the camera bit the dust (unfixable). Luckily, I had an extended warranty and the retailer allowed me to choose another camera which cost the same as the Olympus. The only one they had in stock which suited me at the time was Kodak's DX7590. I kept the camera for a couple of months and even though it took good pictures, something just wasn't right. The detail was lacking, shots were not consistent and white balance was off at times. Even though it was a little faster than the Oly, still something was missing. Since it was a replacement, and I was ready to upgrade anyhow, selling it outright would not be a loss to me.
I wanted a good camera in the $500 range, at least 5MP and a powerful zoom. I researched and researched, and everything seem to lead me back to the Panasonic FZ20 time and time again. I was nervous about complaints on some noise, dim LCD and battery life. I ordered the FZ20 and I must say I made a good decision. Maybe I've had bad apples in the past and didn't know a good digital when I saw one, but the Panasonic far exceeds my expectations.
It is quick to focus (even in a dim lit room). The zoom is fast and awesome. The histogram is a nice feature. The noise is not detectable for 99% of the shots, and probably 100% of the shots for most users. The flash has a very good range, as well. It reminds me a lot of my Maxxum 7000 in the feel, functionality, and operation. I took and compared similar pictures with the Kodak and found that the Kodak was richer in color, but the Panasonic was clearer. However, the Panasonic has settings which increased saturation. As far as the the LCD brightness, I'm not sure where those complaints come from. It's bright enough for me. It does dim a little when you press the shutter, but that is no concern to me at that point.
If you are looking for a simple, no thrills, point and shoot camera, the Panasonic may not be for you. Don't get me wrong, the panasonic produces good pictures by pointing and shooting, but you have much more control over varying situations if you need that control. I think it is more of a professional camera than the Kodak and Oly, which I previously owned.
Not sure on what color to get? Silver or Black. That was a hard decision for me, but I recommend the black. It's sharp looking, and any lens accessories you buy will probably be black, too. I've heard that when silver finishes wear they show black. That was enoght to turn me against the silver.
So, if you are looking for a 5MP range, long zoom, professional feel and operation type camera, which takes excellent pictures, look no further. I think the Panasonic DMC-FZ20 will make you happy.
Update: After two months of use, I like this camera even more. I always display the most recent pictures as a slideshow screensaver (full screen) on our PC. Looking over the Christmas pictures, I am intrigued by the clarity, color richness, and natural look given by these photographs. I've also purchased a lens tube adapter (Raynox RT5264P) and attached a 52mm UV filter. If you want your camera to look even sharper, get the lens adapter. The lens hood which comes with the camera is nice to have gotten, but it is mainly for bright light situations, and the thread size is like 72mm. The hood is good for wide angle, but zoom shots have a decreased angle of view, can can cause flare and ghost images. [...]
32 Excellent in all aspects
I've been a confirmed film photo bug for many-many years and grew up thru all the various Minolta then Canon SLR's. Finally bought a relatively inexpensive Olympus three years ago to test the digital waters and I liked what I saw in the images I made, but NOT the camera , its manual or ease of use. After misplacing and losing the Olympus ( I'm a Senior which explain's that), researched all the net sources and popped for the Panasonic. The Leica optics, great optical zoom and good reviews to that point(all two of them), plus a Circuit City sale pushed me over the edge.
Cut to the chase: The camera has excellent feel, like a 35mmSLR except much lighter. The manual is very well done with easily understandable instructions. I was up an shooting almost immediately. Being an old SLR shooter I prefer the EVF viewfinder and the conversion between that and the LCD are a single button click. The FAST lens lets me shoot in available light almost all the time and going to flash is SO quick( compared to my lost O).
Low light photography is one really nice feature. I took some pics of my son-in law with his 1st bow and arrow deer after sunset. I could barely see him but the camera focused perfectly.
Needless to say the 5 MP CCD produces excellent quality pics when I set my printer to max resolution. Focusing is instantaneous compared to my old "O" and taking pic's of Grandkids is a snap(literally)!
Don't be put off by the small memory card, nobody gives you enough size. I got a 512 right away and plan to get another.
One small complaint:
I really wanted to find a camera that used generic batteries. So far the supplied battery has performed OK, but, I intend to get a spare. The charge does decay on standing like any rechargeable battery. I am holding off until the knock-off co's make one for me, the original Panasonic battery is a litle pricey.
I have not used the multiple exposure feature yet
33 FANTASTIC camera (beware of recommended accessories)
Before ever cracking open an owner's manual, I always investigate a product's intrinsic intuitiveness. Most of what you need to do should be reasonably clear from the labels and menus once you discover that the zoom lever is a helpful menu navigation tool. Aside from giving a false impression that buttons must be pushed simultaneously to access some features, the manual is well written.
When previewing a photo on the LCD, consider using the zoom lever to closely inspect possible trouble spots. Unless there is a composition or focus problem with your photo, keep it until you can import into your computer -- I was astonished at the excellent clarity and color captured by this camera, including those that looked a bit overexposed on the LCD.
A word of caution about accessories: Read customer comments about the accessories recommended by Amazon for this camera. If you believe Amazon's claim that the Targus DPBC03 bag fits this camera, you will be sorely disappointed -- it is too small (and Amazon might try to deduct shipping from your refund by claiming that the error was not their fault).
34 Great Leica 12X Optical Zoom Lens
This is a great camera. I have been waiting to buy a Digital camera and after reading the review at http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz20/ , I ordered it and it is even better than I thought it would be. Be sure and get a SanDisk Ultra II card as this will write the pictures faster which lets you shoot again quicker. Also you will want at least one extra battery (use the Power2000 CGA-S002 800mAh, which is cheaper and better than the 680mAh Panasonic battery). Also look at the DigiPower DPS-9000 Power Pack (http://www.pbase.com/10kzoomfz/dps9000_battery , for pictures of battery mounted on cameras) which mounts by screwing into the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera and gives the ability to shoot all day on one charge. both batteries are available through Amazon.
35 Superb!
Excellent performance for the price! If you are still not convinced by these customer opinions, check out the reviews at:
http://www.dpreview.com/
http://www.dcresource.com/
http://www.megapixel.net/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/
36 LOVE this camera...
My only complaint about this camera is that the LCD screen cannot be moved for taking pictures at odd angles, or to protect the screen when you are done. Otherwise, it's a wonderful camera. One of the lesser-known but very unique features of this camera is that it can maintain an F-stop of 2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. Most zoom lenses must reduce the aperture size, letting in less light, at full zoom. The top-notch Leica lens on this camera allows you to maintain the maximum aperture setting at full zoom, allowing you to use the zoom effectively in low light settings.
Here's my list of accessories that you may want to purchase in addition to this camera:
1. Bigger memory card (comes w/ 16MB SD card). If you want to take a series of photos in rapid succession (using the "burst" mode), a high speed (Ultra II) SD card works better. Otherwise, a regular SD card is fine. Also, several smaller memory cards may be safer, and cheaper, than one large memory card, in case a card goes bad.
2. Camera case. I just bought the Tamrac 5683. The fit inside is snug, but with a little room for a lens-extension. It's not quite the smallest bag for this camera, but it's very sturdy, waterproof and has a good deal of padding. It also has just enough room in the side pocket for extra cards and cables.
3. NC (no coating) or MC (multi-coated) clear filter. This is a filter that you can attach and leave on at all times to protect the lens. In order to use a filter, you must attach a lens hood. The camera comes with a hood that requires 72mm filters. You can also purchase a hood (e.g., made by Photosolve, Pemaraal, or Raynox) that fits 62mm filters. Why would you purchase a 62mm hood? Several reasons. First, 72mm filters are more expensive. Second, the 62mm hood is shorter and smaller than the Panasonic 72mm hood. Lastly, I don't think the Panasonic 72mm filter lets you cover it with a lens cap, though I'm not sure.
4. 62mm lens cap (for the filter in #3).
5. AC adaptor to power the camera directly. The camera does not come with this, but you might find it convenient to have.
6. Extra battery. The battery charge lasts for quite a while, but it never hurts to have a backup. CGA-S002 is the part number.
7. USB card reader for SD cards. The camera comes with a USB cable to transfer your pictures from the memory card to a computer. However, a USB card reader can be useful if you want to download pictures without turning on your camera.
8. LCD screen protectors (look for PDA screen protectors at an office supply store, and cut to size).
Finally, if you buy accessories online, just make sure you find a good price, because the online stores that sell really cheap cameras tend to overcharge for the accessories.
37 Great excuse to go digital
In recent years, I haven't taken very many pictures. I had some top-quality equipment, but I've reached the age where fiddling with the tools isn't as much fun as it used to be. Besides, toting around my camera bag with a 35 mm SLR, three lenses, flash and enough film to keep it fed was getting to be real burden on my aging shoulders. I'd been thinking about going digital, but never made the move. For a while now, I'd been thinking of getting either the Canon EOS-10D, but the 1.6 focal factor meant my glorious Canon 28-135 IS primary lens would become a much less useful 45-216. Worse yet, my Tokina 19-35 wide angle would only be a 30 mm equivalent at its widest setting.
Still, I was willing to accept some compromise, but not at the price of the 10D. What to do?
I'd been interested in the phenomenon of electronics giants teaming up with some of the great optics houses - Sony & Zeiss, Panasonic & Leitz, etc. - and had my eye on both the Sony DSC-F828 and the Panasonic DMC-FZ10. However, my daughter-in-law has the older DSC-F717 model and while the lens is great, it never impressed me as much in my hands as it did on paper. A friend had the newer DSC-F828 and it still felt "wrong" to me. Still, I was leaning toward getting one, until the DMC-FZ20 came out. At 5 MP, it just barely reaches the threshold of acceptable resolution for me, so I took an interest in it.
A friend has a DMC-FZ10 and, to me, it handled much better than the Sony. What's more amazing, the pictures he took with his 4 MP Lumix seemed at least as good as those I'd seen from the 8 MP Sony. There seems to be a synergy between the Leica optics and the Panasonic chip set that is simply incredible. The image stabilization works at least as well as in my old Canon 28-135 IS and, combined with its constant maximum f/2.8 aperture at all focal lengths, it yields amazing low-light and action capabilities. All the automatic stuff works as advertised and manual focusing is easier than with any other digital I've ever tried - when you start to turn the focusing ring, it magnifies the center of the image for critical focusing.
And then there's the price!
The bottom line is that I went ahead and bought the DMC-FZ20 and I'm extremely happy with it. The lens is amazing! Although rarely advertised, Panasonic also sells some Leica add-on lenses if the standard 12X zoom range isn't enough for you.
Is it perfect? No - what ever is? I'd like it better if it had a dedicated flash. Panasonic's accessory flash is wimpy and overpriced. (Hint: Look up the Vivitar DF-200 as a superior alternative.) You can't use filters without the lens hood. With the lens hood in place, it's difficult to use the lens cap.
Still, it does everything I wanted and has put the fun back in picture taking for me. It handles like a dream and takes great pictures at all focal lengths. It also made my granddaughter very happy - she picked up my love of photography and she just inherited some $2500 worth of Canon EOS system gear without my having to die and leave it to her.
38 OUTSTANDING SIMPLY THE BEST!!!
THE MOST OUTSTANDING DIGITAL CAMERA ON THE MARKET TODAY. THERE IS NO OTHER DIGITAL CAMERA IN THIS PRICE RANGE, FOR THAT MATTER EVEN DOUBLE THE PRICE, THAT CAN COMPARE TO THE FEATURES OF THIS CAMERA, BAR NONE!!!. THIS CAMERA HAS. FOR EXAMPLE A 12X OPTICAL ZOOM WHICH IS SECOND TO NONE. THE PHOTO QUALITY IS WONDERFUL. THE IMAGE STABLIZATION IS JUST INCREDIBLE, WHILE SHOOTING MOVING OBJECTS AND THINGS, SUCH AS CARS, PLANES, ANIMALS, BIRDS, ANYTHING IN MOTION FAST OR SLOW, EVEN ATHLETES, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH AFTER TAKING THE PHOTO, YOU WOULD SWEAR THEY WERE STANDING STILL, WITH OUT THE SLIGHTEST DESTORTION. THE LARGE 2IN. LCD SCREEN IS BRIGHT AND COLORFUL.THE HAND GRIP AND BUTTONS ARE ALL IN THE RIGHT PLACE. IT MAY SEEM AS THOUGH I WAS A LITTLE BIAS, AND IF YOU THOUGHT THAT, YOU WOULD BE RIGHT. I'VE HAD THEM ALL, SONY, CANON, KODAK,AND OLYMPUS. HIGH AND LOW PRICED, AND NONE TOP THIS, BELIEVE ME I KNOW. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GET THIS ONE, YOU WON'T BE SORRY. REMEMBER THE 5 STAR RATING MOST PEOPLE HAVE GIVEN THIS IMPECABLE MASTERPIECE.IT,S NO FLUKE. NEED I SAY MORE.
39 AWESOME CAMERA!!!
I've had this camera little a month now and I am absolutely blown away by it. Especially for the price, the 12x Image stabilizer is amazing!!! This camera is a must and I highly recommend it. You will understand what I mean once you get to test drive one of these babies!!!
40 Best value for money!
Although i am nowhere close to a professional when it comes to photography, i got some astonishing photos with this jewel during the very first days of using it. Especially after developing them, their great quality was even more evident. And i haven't even read the manual yet...
The only thing i do not understand is how come Panasonic has priced this terrific piece of equipment so low! Other cameras of this feature range are at least double the price...
41 Quality Camera for a great price!
I just bought this camera for my birthday and it is just amazing. This cameras zoom is super sharp. My dad was driving in his car with me. I was sitting in the front seat next to him. I took pictures of scenery from 12x optical zoom and it was clear and totally sharp. The image stabilizer is very neat. I had also a small 1 year old canon camera that I took pictures with and caompared them with the Panasonic's. Big difference. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 is by far the better picture taker. I recommend to anyone to by this camera while its price is low. I checked other internet stores for a better camera price. (...)
42 Best Camera Ever Made
The Lumix DMC FZ20 is, arguably, the best camera ever designed and produced. It is, most definitely, the very best camera I have ever used and I have been taking and making pictures professionally and for fun for 50 years, starting with a Yashica-Mat (2 1/4 sq. TLR), light meter and flashbulbs and lately, with three other digital cameras. I was skeptical of the hype produced about the camera but its appearance, alone, is sexy. It's the Darth Vader of cameras. So I took a chance and made the purchase, thinking that something had to be wrong or missing for a camera with those specs for only [$...]. Wow, was I wrong. As soon as I opened the box and got it in my hands, I knew what love at first sight really meant. Every control falls under the right fingers. The Lumix must have been designed by a working photographer and not an engineer. Every feature is superior quality, such as the LCD monitor, the viewfinder, the unbelievable 12x optical zoom, all of the manual overrides that are available, the plethora of shooting modes, and, most especially, that hunk of glass called a lens. That lens proves that it takes more than a lot of pixels to take a good digital picture. That lens lets all of the juicy colors get through to the pixels. That lens lets razor sharp images through to the pixels. That lens alone is worth the price of the whole camera. Everything came together when I made my first prints from the Lumix: up to 13x19 enlargements that were so crisp you could hear the snap, crackle and pop; Colors that were perfectly faithful to the original scenes; and cropping that represented half of the 'negative' before I could discern a single pixel. I could go on and on but life is too short and I have a lot of pictures to make. Rush to buy the Lumix before Panasonic realizes the serious error they have made and doubles the price of this masterpiece.
43 Lumix DMC-FZ20 has no competition in this price range!
I researched extensively and found nothing but positive comments from pro magazines and online shoppers. The specs are amazing for a camera in this price range. Even with all that going for it, the camera still exceeded my expectations. Everything about the design of this camera was well though out. Despite the wealth of features, I had most figured out in minutes without reading the exceptional manual. I got more great shots in my first soccer game with this camera than I had in 4+ years with my previous camera! Look no further, this is the best camera for the money by far!
44 Nicey-nice!
Owning this makes everyday feel like Christmas.
This camera can carry you through beginning photography to advanced as you learn. Lots of room to grow.
Set up beautifully and easy to understand. Crisp clear images.
45 Lumix is the camera of the year!
For $599, this is an unbelievable camera for an aspiring amateur or blooming professional. I was looking for something better than the average point and shoot but not as complicated as the digital SLR's. I wanted a nice optical zoom, not just some 3x optical with 4x digital.
I researched camera after camera for over a month. I looked at basically every camera out there including the newest and higher end cameras such as the Canon Powershot G6, Canon Powershot Pro1, Canon Digital Rebel SLR, Kodak DX7590, Nikon 8700, Olympus C-8080 and the Sony F828 among others. After much debate, it came down to the Canon Powershot Pro1 and the Panasonic Lumix FZ20. I didn't mind paying more for the Canon if it was really worth it, but I could not turn my attention away from the Lumix.
It had a much better optical zoom -- an unbelievable 12x!!! The higher end cameras only went to 8X (Canon Pro1) or 10x. Although I wanted a 6 - 8 megapixel, and the Canon had 8, I figured that I'd rarely blow up my images greater than 8 x 10, so when would I really need such high pixel resolution. See, in my research I found out that pixels aren't everything, believe it or not. It depends on what you're going to do with the images. If you just want to send e-mails, you only need a 3 megapixel. If you want to print out quality pics, you might go for a 4 or 5. You only need a high megapixel camera if you're going to do some really big layout stuff. For me, that wasn't the case and the only other thing I liked more about the Canon was the swivel screen. So I went with the Lumix.
After you hold this thing and take pics, you'll think this is an 8 megapixel!! The images are so sharp and clear it is unbelievable. I was told in reviews that I'd see some redeye in the pics, so just to be safe I purchased an external flash (yes, the camera has a hot shoe). The best part is, I took off the external flash and tried it with the standard pop-up flash and still -- NO RED EYE. I was amazed.
The menu is easy yet there are tons of options. The unit feels and shoots like a professional camera, yet with the ease of use for an aspiring amateur. I am SO VERY HAPPY that I purchased this camera. Do not pass it up. I'm telling you, if you want something affordable and better than the average compact point and shoot -- this is the way to go. If you're looking for small size, then go with something else. This is a big boy, but not extremely heavy or bulky by any means (like the F828). It just won't fit in your pocket.
Before you buy, I suggest you go to Circuit City and play with it. See how it feels. Don't just go in blind. In purchasing your next camera, really see which models out there have what you need. Every camera has its pros and cons. I have yet to see the flaws in this baby, but it may not be for you. Do your research. A great site to compare and see the newest reviews on the best cameras is www.dcresource.com. It really has some great info.
Good luck on finding your new camera. My vote goes to the Lumix FZ20 -- ALL THE WAY!
46 Panasonic winner
I have waited patiently since July when this camera was first announced by Panasonic. I went to forums and read reports from everywhere in the world but the U.S. (just released for U.S sales a week ago.)
The wait was worth it. I have been sleeping with the camera for a week now and am delighted with the features and ergonomics of this instrument and at the top is the Leica lense, This camera is state of the art at present and comes at an affordable price
for such a package. Did I mention it takes great pictures?
47 Do yourself a favor ! Stop researching & buy this !!!
I used to own Panasonic LC33, a simple 3MP camera. Then i used a sony, canon(many models) & fuji. I returned everyone of them, becos they came no where close the clarity of Panasonic.
I bought this DMC-FZ20K 5MP, since i needed the 12x Zoom. WoW !!!!!! is all i have to say.
1. Leica lens is the best. Smooth & awesone, canon lens is coarse.
2. Simplest Menus.
3.Huge 2.0 LCD screen
4. Awesomest Pics !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5. Very sharp, Canon did produce good colors but lacked sharpness as Panasonic does. We printed several 8x11 & compared.
6. Several Useful SCENE modes, so no complex manual adjusting.
7. Image stabilizer really works. remember this is optical, not digital stabilizer.
8. Leica lens & Panasonic technology, marriage made in heaven.
9. Not too heavy not too light.
10. This is not pointnshoot but not as bulky feel you get with canon g-5, g-6. The grip on this is awesome.
11. hot shoe, lens adapter for more lens, if you are a camera freak.
If you think i am overwhelmed with this camera & giving biased reviews, check out Circuit City reviews on same camera, every single user gave 5 stars................all 32 users.
Panasonic is at the top. Then, why panasonic is NOT popular, not popular does not mean it is NOT best ! Same goes with Subaru as i always say !!!!
48 This FZ20 has put the fun back into taking pictures
I got the DMC-FZ20K over the Labor Day week-end. I have used it everyday since then. I haven't had this much fun in a long time. It is very easy to learn the functions and all the buttons and switches are in the right location for ease of use. The 12xOpt.lense is super and very easy to use and focus. This is truly a very precision camera. It is not small, but is fairly light and fits my grip, which makes for a simple operation. The menus are simple and very easy to understand in a very short period of time. If I wore a hat I would take it off to Panasonic for developing such a prodigious digital camera.
