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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Digital Camera

User Reviews: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Digital Camera
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4.7 out of 5.0 stars 61 Ratings (18 Reviews)

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    Newest FZ "double digit" series from Panasonic

    By michal  Nov 29, 2006 | 38 out of 40 found this Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 review helpful

    Pros: Easy to use, rich features, very good picture quality

    Cons: Not that much improvement over the previous FZx0 series

    Let's start with my previous experience with Panasonic still cameras. I believe it's fair to add such disclaimer so i won't be suspected of being biased later. I was an user of FZ10 camera which even though being 3 generations back shares... surprisingly much with the newest FZ50. It is worth to mention that in the meantime there was the FZ20 and FZ30 out. The camera features the Leica DC 14-element lens with impressive range of 35-420mm (35mm equivalent). This translates to optical zoom around 12x, which places this camera in the so called "Ultrazoom" category. When it comes to lens, they are essentially unchanged since the first model, with exception that minimum aperture has been reduced from F2.8 to F3.7 in some modes. The camera has the familiar zoom ring and focus ring, which makes operation similar to classic SLR. The camera is bulky and quite heavy; especially in black finish it could be easily mistaken for professional mirror reflex. Camera has large and convenient grip, which is also important in achieving steady, non blurred shots. But here, most is left to Panasonic-proprietary OIS, the lens stabilizer. Of course it is not a miracle and it cannot overcome physics so don't expect night hand shots with no blur, but it's very useful for extending the range of conditions where pictures will be still crisp and no tripod is necessary. Manufacturer claims that the battery life is extended by nearly 30% over the FZ30 model; comparing to my FZ10 with quite old batteries i found the battery life really outstanding. The electronic viewfinder is easy to use and has excellent quality (actually it has more pixels than the foldable LCD which has less resolution than FZ30 for some reason). Taking pictures in low light condition is also not a problem, thanks to built in assist lamp. The software is somehow upgraded over the previous models; TIFF format has been dropped but there is still possibility to save RAW files (a minor complaint here; along with RAWs there is always JPG saved which takes up the card space). Built in flash is, well, just average and perfoms as You could expect from this kind of device. Lens hood has to be taken off when using built-in flash. Last but not least, 10.1 Megapixel sensor does not offer much over the 8MP camera models; i consider it mostly marketing feature. However, mated with Leica lens it allows achieving optical zoom even up to 21x when used in reduced resolution modes and this is really nice. Of course forget about taking such pictures without tripod or at least good support for the camera body. I believe that for the price it offers excellent value of very universal camera with good lens (base model DSLR with equivalent set of lens will be easily twice as much as Panasonic FZ50). I would recommend the Panasonic to any compact camera user which demands more features, quality and lens parameters and still did not decided about entering the DSLR realm. Read more Less

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    amatuer photographer

    By Tony  Apr 9, 2007 | 8 out of 9 found this Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 review helpful

    Pros: Great zoom! This camera has a great zoom for its class. From the back of a concert hall (with a bit of manipulation) I can have a performer full frame.

    Cons: ISO is extremely noisy at 200 on up

    I love my camera. I take it with me everywhere and take pictures of everything. For someone who is starting photography but is very serious about it, this camera is great. It has lots of options and manipulations. It even allows for the use of video.... Unfortuantely it is not an SLR. Now that I have been using my camera for about a year, I wish I had the ability to have a bigger f-stop. It only goes to f2.7 which is good, but for a couple hundred dollars more, you could buy an slr that has much better range. One thing about the manual setting. You can only set the exposure to 60 seconds instead of bulb or infiniti. The video is not the best in the world, but for documentational purposes it gets the job done. Something else to look at is the ISO. The ISO goes up to 1600 but it really can only handle 100 with very little noise. Anything above that and the noise is extremely noticeable. What is the point of iso if there is that much noise? I tried out my friends camera which was a D-SLR. I took a picture at ISO 400 with barely noticeable noise. Panasonic screwed up with the ISO. I can't complain much because overall this camera is a dream come true. It has a macro setting built in along with a 12x lens. Although the ISO is a big problem, the camera makes up for it with it's zoom. Read more Less

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    I adore this camera!

    By hurleygurley  Jun 13, 2007 | 7 out of 7 found this Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 review helpful

    Pros: 4way color control, megazoom (24x), image stabilization, feel, leica lens, LCD, autoexposure lock.

    Cons: Raw images are extremely slow, lots of noise at slower speeds

    I have a D70 and due to eyesight problems I had trouble focusing in tougher situations. I already had an FZ20 which I loved but for the potential of making large prints I wanted more megapixals and I also wanted RAW. I discovered the FZ50 had just be...en released with enough megapixals (11), added RAW and doubled its zoom capacity to 20x with a digital zoom boost. I just recently played with this feature and was stunned by the results - no digital artifacts! The RAW shooting is my only beef with this camera. It is slow - perhaps taking about 10 seconds to process. I only use it when I know I'm taking just a few special still image photos. The noise level can get pretty high in low lighting. I love the weight and feel of this camera and find that I can shoot in lots of iffy situations without a tripod due to the image stabilization - even at very high zoom. Between the beautiful lens and the color control, the quality of images is definitely better than the d70's. In short this camera is up to taking professional grade photos and is a pleasure to handle. I paid a stunning $450 for it just as it came out. I highly recommend this camera to both beginners and advanced photographers with limited budgets. Read more Less

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    This camera doesn't work like other P&S....

    By HugoC  May 13, 2007 | 10 out of 14 found this Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 review helpful

    Pros: 12X zoom, manual controls, overall substantial feel, looks

    Cons: this camera not for the beginner...

    Exactly what the CONS part says: this camera is not for people just starting out in digital photography. If you search all throughout the internet for rreviews about the FZ50, you will see that each one complains of image quality and that people who... have owned them are extremely dissatisfied with it. Well, it's not really the camera's fault the pictures didn't turn out well, it's the user's. Granted if you leave the setting in AUTO for indoor picture shooting, you will definitely going to be disappointed. You'll be better off setting it in M (manual) andjusting the aperture and shutter speed (if you don't have the slightest idea what those are, then this camera is not for you.) There are also settings to adjust the flash intensity and the exposure. I sue this camera as a backup to my Nikon D80, and by comparison, the images are comaprable to the D80. If you own this camera and you're dissatisfied with the images, please either learn how to use the manual controls and read the manual or.... just get a Sony P&S. BTW, I don't work for Panasonic. I think this camera got bad rap because of a lot of people out there thinks if they get a good camera, they will get good pictures, regardless of their 'unartistic talent'. Read more Less

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    Prosumer Camera

    By Chris  Oct 22, 2007 | 5 out of 5 found this Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 review helpful

    Pros: Large feature set, full manual controls, and that gorgeous Lecia lens

    Cons: Noise at high ISO because of the small sensor, Panasonic pixel crammed it to 10.1

    I'll start with the Pro's then - put simply, this camera delivers a stunning amount for it's price. A DSLR with a 35-420mm Image Stabilised lens would cost a fortune, weigh a tonne, and be massive. What you sacrifice in quality, you more ...than regain in the features and size. This camera feels like a DSLR - it has a proper manual zoom ring (That moves the lens elements - no zoom motors to wear out here), and a manual focus ring (That controls some focus motors in the lens). Along with two dials for controlling the aperture and shutter speed in Manual mode (Which if you have this camera, you should be using), and easy access through a quick drop down menu to important controls such as ISO, this camera is incredibly well laid out, and very user friendly. The IS is very effective, and the lens is very sharp for a compact camera, being able to focus very close for macro subjects, as well as near infinity for landscapes. The battery life is fairly good, and the provided charger is fast. But because of the high file size, bring a LOT of memory - In RAW mode, you can fit 85 pictures on a 2 gigabyte card (Due to the rather idiotic compulsory saving of a JPEG with the RAW file). Downsides - Panasonic have gone for marketing, cramming a massive 10.1 megapixels into a sensor smaller than a thumbnail. The result is hideous noise at high ISO, and noise even at ISO 100. But this can be rectified for free with Neatimage fairly well on the computer. Another downside is that as this is not a proper DSLR camera, the buffer if fairly small, so you can take relatively few photos in succession, the write speed to the card in RAW mode is the very definition of sluggish, and there's definatly no burst in RAW. But to be honest, there's very little I can criticise. Maybe that the neck strap included isn't very comfortable... So overall - a stunning camera for the convenience and price, packed full of features. For the professional, not the right machine. But for people like me, just getting to know the more intricate details of photography, and willing to spend a bit of time and sacrifice some quality to learn it conveniently, this camera is spot on. A big thumbs up, and I highly recommend it. Read more Less

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    Good Bridge Between Point & Shoot and DSLR

    By Carl  Jul 17, 2007 | 3 out of 3 found this Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 review helpful

    Pros: Superb lens

    Cons: Noisy at high DIN settings, no bulb shutter setting

    If you're looking for something better than a point & shoot camera but aren't ready to drop $800+ on a digital SLR, the FZ-50 is a good choice. While the fixed lens doesn't provide the flexibility of interchangeable lenses on an SLR, the ...Leica's wide zoom range and excellent macro abilities will suffice for most uses and the manual zoom and focus rings will feel right at home to anyone who's accustomed to using a 35mm SLR. While I've read some complaints about noise in the pictures, in my opinion, it's not problematic unless you're shooting at over 200 DIN. Over all, I'd say that this camera is a well-built unit that offers good value and many features for the price. If you're considering purchasing one, I would recommend that you buy an extra battery--while battery life is adequate, you may find yourself taking so many pictures that you'll burn through the charge before you know it. Do be prepared to spend some time with the owner's manual, however. While the camera is easy enough to use in "AUTO" mode, you need to understand all the features to get the most out of it. Read more Less

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    Lover

    By Pim  Sep 29, 2008 | 2 out of 2 found this Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 review helpful

    Pros: price, ease of use, zoom

    Cons: quality of the pictures is not always the perfect.

    I own this camera for about six months and I don't care about what other people say: this camera is just great! I just started with fotography and this camera is just perfect for it. I it so easy to use it: lots of zoom, good macro pictures and e...nough options to satisfy you when your getting better. An other advantage is that the price is very reasonable. So my advice for starting photographers who still want to make good pictures this is your camera! Read more Less

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    Fantastic for beginning amateur

    By syn-com  May 15, 2008 | 1 out of 1 found this Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 review helpful

    Pros: ease of use, versatility, leica lens, great for action shots, great battery life

    Cons: noisy in low light,

    FOr one looking to get serious as an amateur phtographer and not spend over 500-600$ it does not get any better than this. Looked around for about 3 months and finally settled on the FZ50. Great value for the price.

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    Great buy for the price.

    By cyberdos  Dec 22, 2007 | 1 out of 1 found this Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 review helpful

    Pros: Awesome quality pictures and features for a P&S

    Cons: Noise abouve 200. Slow to record RAW images.

    I was very stuck between jumping over to DSLR or P&S. I am not new to photography but I'm on a tight budget so buying lenses for a DSLR just didn't fit into my plans at this moment. I have not been disappointed with this camera. The colors a...re vivid and the features are at par with entry level DSLR's. The only nuisance I have had with the camera is that I keep accidentally hitting the latch that opens the battery door. Not a big deal but it happens all the time. Read more Less

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    A great value for money.

    By Sayantan  Feb 20, 2008 | 1 out of 2 found this Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 review helpful

    Pros: Very large zoom, feature packed, steady built

    Cons: Noise at high ISO, Long shuter lag

    Having been intersted in photography for quite some time I really wanted to buy a camera that would give me the creative freedom to take images the way I like them. After a lot of web browsing for the most appropriate piece to pick up I came across t...he Lumix fz 50, since I did not have the fund to go for a DSLR I decided to give this prosumer category a try. Initially my was apprehension was aplenty about the camera since I knew I was compromising on quality on not going for a SLR.To my pleasant surprise this piece of machinery has the capability which is as close to an entry level SLR as it can get. For any beginier who is seriously interested in photography this camera is highl;y recommended, but the maximum utility can only be achieved only when one is aware of all its features by going through the manual throughly. To conclude I would like to say that this is a total value for money specially for people looking for a good camera at a price much lesser than a entry level DSLR. Read more Less

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