Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Review
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 comes with a substantial amount of features including 10 megapixel high resolution CCD and 12x optical zoom. The Venus Engine III is an improvement on previous models as it has reduced the use of power by 20% and is able to achieve a longer battery life of approximately 360 pictures on a single charge. It also allows images to be recorded at an ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution.The Mega OIS system is also incorporated into the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 which is a feature that compensates for shaky hands and movement of subjects to eliminate blurriness of image. The Panasonic FZ50 will automatically ensure that clear, precise images are captured.
Focus ranges are AF, AF Macro and MR switchable with areas of AF - wide (30cm), tele (200cm - infinity) and macro and MF wide (5cm) and tele. There is also the addition of an AF Assist Lamp to assist in low light conditions.
ISO range is auto/Intelligent ISO/100/200/400/1600 with White Balance in Auto, daylight, shade, cloudy, halogen, flash and white set.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ50 has various scene modes where settings have been preselected for maximum results and these include; portrait, night, party, fireworks, snow, candle and food. Colour effect modes are black and white/sepia/warm/cool.
Still images are recorded as JPEG and motion images as QuickTime motion JPEG RAW. Images can be viewed on the free angle 2" TFT LCD display that gives approximately 100% coverage. The Lumix DMC-FZ50 has various playback choices including 9 or 25 thumbnail display, calendar, zoom, slide show and favourite images. Images are stored on SD memory card, SDHC memory card or MultiMediaCard.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 is powered by a Li-ion battery pack with an AC adaptor available as an optional accessory.
Software accompanying the Panasonic FZ50 includes LUMIX simple viewer, Silkpix Developer Studio and ArcSoft and the FZ50 is PictBridge compatible.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Specifications & Features
- 10.1 Megapixels
- 12 x Optical Zoom
- 4 x Digital Zoom
- 48 x Combined Zoom
- 5cm Focusing Distance
- Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, Flash and White Set 1/2 White Balance settings
- 2.0" Free-angle TFT, 207,000 pixels
- Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction and Forced On/Off flash modes
- Maximum Image Size 3648 x 2736 Pixels
- 848 x 480, 30fps Movies
- PictBridge Compatible
- SD Memory Card, MultiMedia Card with 32MB SD Card supplied
- Li-ion Battery Pack included
- Approximate Weight 668g
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 User Reviews
Add a review for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50
Reviewer: Alan Douthwaite - UK
I've had my FZ50 for a year now, having previously been addicted to pocket compacts, the latest was (and still is) a Fuji fine pix 810. I have in the past used (and still have ) a variety of 35mm slrs.
I( decided to purchase a DSLR because I wanted a bigger lens to work with as most compacts are fine in good light but loose out in mderate to poor light. I couldn't, at the time, decide between a Canon 350D or the FZ50 but when looking at the price of a lens to give the same as the FZ50, I quickly realised that I coudnt afford a Canon, so bought the FZ50 and have been more than pleased with the results.
I Bought a Canon 350D on Ebay last month (August 2008) at a very good price and decided that now I had a camera with replaceable lenses, I would rig myself up then sell the Panasonic!
I have, today, bought a tele and a wide angle Lumix Lens, Which give superb results and I will definitely be keeping the FZ50.......Anyone want to buy the Canon??????
This is a very serious piece of kit but if you've 5 grand to spare!!!!!!!!!
Features
Image Quality
Usability
Reviewer: Tony Walsh - UK
I regularly photograph airshows and the family and this camera is the best I have ever used. I would buy another straight away if necessary. As for leaving one in a box becauseyou don't understand the instructions, get a life.
Features
Image Quality
Usability
Reviewer: Vinod - India
The best digital camera I had handled for a long time.
Excellent image quality at lower ISOs. The usual noise at higher ISOs. The noise is the same as in other makes.
The Venus III engine has a lot more than its Digic and other counter parts. It processes the image faster and better. Even at lower megapixel settings, fine details are caught perfectly.
Best bet for the price range: $400-$600.
Heavy pockets can always go for SLRs. But anything below SLRs, FZ50 is the best I had my hands on.
Remember, I am a professional photographer and handle atleast 3 SLRs and 2 low level cameras every month.
Features
Image Quality
Usability
Reviewer: Michael Spencer - UK
Cannot agree with Ashley - I'm an absolute dummy where photography is concerned but this camera is virtually idiot proof - except where the flash is concerned. The instruction booklet is extremely easy to understand but the main redeeming feature for me compared with other digital cameras I've used is the ease of use of the menu. I bought this camera May 2007 and have no regrets whatsoever. Will buy external flash shortly
Features
Image Quality
Usability
Reviewer: Pat Cantwell - UK
I completly disagree with ashley rayfield - UK about the instruction book. Sure it might be better but it isnt as bad as he says. I consider myself thick but I can understand it. The camera is so easy to use that you only need to read the book to learn about the special features in depth. I read the book to discover how to put the battery in and then I was away. When I needed to use a feature I looked it up in the instruction book.
The FZ50 has a wonderful zoom range and have been taking some stunning photographs. The lens is outstanding.
I did buy a spare battery, I dont know why because the supplied battery lasts for two or three days of heavy use. I might buy the macro lens but most other things are supplied. Buy it, its good value.
Features
Image Quality
Usability
Reviewer: Nick Ballard - UK
I upgraded my old Konica-Minolta 5MP Compact to this a few months ago. I added the Panasonic Macro lens to the set-up and have been very pleased with the results. The image stabilisation is v. good and start-up and multiple picture mode is quick. True, it is not the most user-friendly camera nor are the options easy to set-up sometimes.
However, if you are happy to start with running on Auto - and I use this a lot for taking pictures of butterflies when set-up time is not available - then the results are very good. Would be nice to have more control on depth-of-field, and therefore setting Aperture and Speed more easily (if I used the custom settings that might be better...) but it is only my ignorance (and time and potential lost pictures!)that stops me trying this...
All in all, I have just scratched the surface of what is possible with this camera and for the equivalent Macro work would have to have spent £500 on a DSLR and up to $750 for a branded MacroZoom (about £200 non-branded) and carry an array of lenses and bags. This does the job in one!
Features
Image Quality
Usability
Reviewer: ashley rayfield - UK
Buying this camera was a mistake.
The instruction book, for a book it is, is virtually impenetrable. Be prepared to spend many hours reading this tome and to be not much better informed at the end of it.
I've been reduced to trying Google to see if there's a simple user guide - wiyhout success.
So the camera sits in its box unused.
Features
Image Quality
Usability
Reviewer: peter - UK
I had the Panasonic FZ50 for 6 months, together with a Nikon T6 close up lens. I found the quility more then happy. The range of lens covers most of my photographic needs, tother with the TV moniter which moves to suit your needs as well as protecting the monitor. People who commented of the high quality prints and my type of photograpy. Todate I find the camera very reiable I did not want a D SLR as it ment carrying more equipment and more to the cost. I would recomend the camera.
Features
Image Quality
Usability
Add a review for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50
Home | Links | Privacy Policy | Website Usage
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Review & Features - © UK Digital Camera Reviews 2008
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX07
7.2 Megapixels
3.6 x Optical Zoom
2.5" TFT Monitor Read Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX07 Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2
10.2 Megapixels
4x Optical Zoom
4x Digital Zoom
2.8" TFT Display Read Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50
10.1 Megapixels
12x Optical Zoom
4x Digital Zoom
2.0" TFT Display Read Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7
6 Megapixels
12 x Optical Zoom
2.5" TFT Monitor Read Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1
5 Megapixels
10 x Optical Zoom
2.5" TFT Monitor Read Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 Reviews
7.2 Megapixels
3.6 x Optical Zoom
2.5" TFT Monitor Read Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX07 Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2
10.2 Megapixels
4x Optical Zoom
4x Digital Zoom
2.8" TFT Display Read Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50
10.1 Megapixels
12x Optical Zoom
4x Digital Zoom
2.0" TFT Display Read Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7
6 Megapixels
12 x Optical Zoom
2.5" TFT Monitor Read Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1
5 Megapixels
10 x Optical Zoom
2.5" TFT Monitor Read Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 Reviews
