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Panasonic DMC-FH20 Digital Camera Features
The DMC-FH20 sports a powerful 8x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-224mm). This gives you highly natural expressions from people and animals that you can't get close to. And its slim, compact, pocket-sized body can easily go wherever you do for both everyday snapshots and traveling.
28mm Wide-angle Lens The 28mm wide-angle lens* lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from short distances. * Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.
Powerful 8x Optical Zoom The DMC-FH20 sports a powerful 8x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-224mm). This gives you highly natural expressions from people and animals that you can't get close to. And its slim, compact, pocket-sized body can easily go wherever you do for both everyday snapshots and traveling.
iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode When you don't know which mode will give you the best shooting results, or when a sudden photo opportunity pops up and you don't have time to make any settings, simply choose iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode by simply pressing the dedicated button and let the camera do it all for you. You just choose iA Mode, aim at your subject, and shoot. 4 detection and correction functions are simultaneously activated to optimize the settings, so you get stunning photos every time.
HD Movie Recording (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG Format) The DMC-FH20) can record motion images in high-definition (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format). The pixel mixed readout method enables bright motion-image recording even in low-light settings. The DMC-FH20 can also record full-size motion images in WVGA (848 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) or standard motion images in VGA (640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) and QVGA (320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps)
Purchased camera for an upcoming trip. Wanted a point and shoot that was pocket sized and took good pictures. I was going to get a Canon Powershot but then started looking at Panasonic. I feel like I got more for my money. Maybe because Panasonic is not yet a household name in cameras. A few clicks online will reveal they are "joined at the hips" with Leica.
Using the iA mode delivered great pictures everytime. Did not take a bad picture yet, the smarts built-in really work! Focusing time is short, but you have to let the camera focus before pressing all the way. Zoom is great for such a small package, but image stabilization is a must without tripod. Also has wide angle lens which is a plus, not readily available in competing models. Have not played with any of the scene modes, I let iA handle that. And when I'll need the manual modes, I'll be reaching for the dSLR where I can play with buttons.
Played briefly with the video mode and was happily surprised. It is not a camcorder replacement, but it is better than expected. Sreen is large and bright under all experienced conditions so far. It does have a mode that adjusts LCD brightness to ambient light automatically. I do miss the viewfinder but I would trade a bigger LCD for a poor viewfinder anytime. Great point and shoot camera so far, good optics, it does what it should. Will probably look for a second battery soon, but I am a little confused at moment on which one to buy.
Only just the best compact camera on the market for me
Reviewed by: Doris C. Moran, Middleburg, FL United States Review Date: 2010-05-12
I've used a Canon for many years, recently bought the ultra compact Canon SP790IS. My original Canon was slowly giving out. Did research and checked out the FH1,FH3, FP8 and the FH20 along with the Canon 790. Received this camera several days ago, this FH20 rocks. Pictures are really very, very good. I couldn't believe it. The size is great, ease of use is beyond belief. I'm an artist and use my camera to take pictures of lighthouses, old barns and interesting buildings. This camera gives me what I'm looking for and more. So glad I took the plunge. As the first reviewer said she read a test of the FH20 by a pro photograher, I read the same article and it's all GOOD. I'd receommend this camera above all others. Thanks Amazon, once again you came through for me as did Panasonic.
Excellent Camera for a "point and shoot"!
Reviewed by: George M. Allen, ACTON, CA, US Review Date: 2010-04-13
Ordered the camera and did not realize it did not come with a memory card. No big deal as it has 40mb of built in memory. Took it for a weekend trip to Dumont Dunes. It took 8 photos (at max resolution) and I simply loaded them on my MacBook, deleted, and took more. Great pictures, fair video (with limited memory we had to take short ones)but overall a great little camera. The "automatic mode" makes using it a snap. A great value, in my opinion.
HOLY SMOKES!! THIS CAMERA!!!
Reviewed by: Mountainman, Review Date: 2010-07-05
First off. I'm not a professional photographer. I'm an average joe that loves to take pictures.Before I left on my trip to Jackson Hole Wyoming I knew I wanted a point and shoot camera. So, being a Nikon man, I looked at the Coolpix but when I started reading all of the great reviews on the FH20, I decided to give it a shot. The battery life, the 8x optical zoom, intelligent auto, 14 megapixel all make this camera remarkable. But it's the ease of use (I never opened the manual) and the fact that there is abosolutely no shutter delay.I shot with this camera 10 to 12 hours per day and still had juice left at the end of the day. To give it to you in a nutshell.This little camera that I carried around in the front pocket of my trek pants for 6 days, packs one hellava wallup!!!...Panasonic has done it!! And the FH20 is by far top of the line in point and shoot. I'm completely sold. Get this camera and I promise you will come back here and rave about it!! I just wish that I could somehow attach a couple of pics that I shot with this camera so as to show you just how stunning your pics will be.
Love this Camera!
Reviewed by: Line Dancing Mom, Southern California Review Date: 2010-06-13
This is an awesome little camera. Little only in size. I have been a loyal Canon owner, and have several point and shoots as well as a Rebel D SLR. I wanted a new camera for a wedding and graduations and this camera caught my eye..mainly because it was red.
This zoom is amazing, the scene modes give the user many options, from beach to snow. The low light option was what I really wanted since I have not found any P and S camera that can handle low light situations. This camera can!! No lie. The pictures are crisp and clear.
I love the ease of the functions, I think this camera is "goof proof". Very user friendly without sacrificing the high end features.
I bought an extra battery, and a faster level 4 SD card which does make a difference with start up and rapid photography.
Enjoy this camera!!
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25mm Ultra Wide-angle Powerful 12x Optical Zoom LEICA DC Lens Featuring Intelligent Resolution Technology and Built-in GPS
Ultra Compact 25mm Lens and 16X Intelligent Zoom - Easily bring your images closer without losing picture quality in an ultra compact camera
AVCHD Lite HD Movie Recording - Record HD quality movies
Travel Mode with GPS - Access your images easier by automatically recording location and time of each photo
25mm Ultra Wide-angle Lens The DMC-ZS7 features a 25mm ultra wide-angle* 12x optical zoom f/3.3-4.9 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens (35mm camera equivalent: 25-300mm). Incorporating Panasonic's advanced optical technologies, this lens system is comprised of 10 elements in 8 groups, with 2 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) lenses and 2 aspherical lenses / 3 aspherical surfaces while preserving compactness. This lens system enables a remarkable 25 to 300mm range of focal length in this compact body. The powerful zoom of the DMC-ZS7 can be freely controlled even when shooting motion images. Inheriting the fine rendering and outstanding quality of the LEICA ELMAR lens, this easy-to-carry camera delivers beautiful images any time, any place. * Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position. The 25mm ultra wide-angle lens* has about twice the shooting area as a standard 35mm lens. This enhances all kinds of shooting situations, like when you're photographing a group of people at an indoor party or shooting a large structure or sweeping landscape while traveling. * Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.
16x Intelligent Zoom / 23.4x Extra Optical Zoom Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the DMC-ZS7 which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x maintaining the picture quality even combining a digital zoom. Th
12.1-megapixel effective recording
12X optical zoom (4X digital/48X total zoom)
Built-in GPS function lets you keep track of your photos by location
Reviewed by: Photo-Am, Brooklyn, NY USA Review Date: 2010-03-19
I've got my ZS7 today - the camera is just great! A superior Leica lens with a high-resolution sensor, advanced image processing, and plenty of sophisticated features in a small but very solid and stylish body.
PROS:
- Solid metal body, stylish design, nice dark-blue color
- Very convenient one-hand grip, unusual for such a small pocket-size body
- Short startup time (1-1.5 sec), no shutter lag, fast auto focus
- A dedicated Movie-button for instant recording
- Big 3" colorful "juicy" display visible even in direct sunlight
- Intuitive menu plus very convenient Quick-menu with a dedicated button
- Excellent quality Leica lens: sharp and contrast in the entire zoom range
- Wide 25mm (35mm equiv.) is very convenient for indoors
- Huge 12x optical zoom (up to 300mm equiv.) in such a compact design
- Two-speed of zooming - fast/slow controlled by the lever
- Smooth and silent auto focus and optical image stabilization
- Best in the industry "iAuto" mode - you can really trust it!
- New "Intelligent Resolution" feature greatly improves the image quality
- Creative Aperture- and Shutter-priority and full Manual modes
- Three independent scenery modes including "High Dynamic" range scene
- New GPS feature for those who travel a lot
- Very good movie quality in 720p AVCHD mode looks like a full 1080 HD one
- High-quality stereo microphones
- Accepts SD/SDHC and new SDXC huge capacity memory cards
CONS:
- A mechanical lever for switching between shooting and playback modes
- Some soft "sh-sh-sh" noise while zooming in and out (but no "clicks")
- I wish more sensitivity for low-light shooting
BUILD: The ZS7 camera looks and feels as good as it's predecessor DMC-ZS3. The design is almost as the same, just the power switch and the mode dial exchanged their places. One significant addition - a GPS mark on the top, right above the lens. The blue color is not that dark as on TZ5 and not so striking bright as on ZR1. A slight dent on the back with some prominence on the right side makes a very convenient grip to operate with one hand. A metal body looks pretty solid, however it is not that heavy.
PERFORMANCE: The new camera has a pretty good performance: the startup time is a little bit more than 1 sec and with almost zero shutter lag. Taking into account a new very quick "Sonic Speed" auto focus, which takes about 0.35-0.4 sec, you will be able to catch virtually every spur-of-the-moment photo. And a dedicated movie button allows starting video recording at any time without any preparation.
LENS: Leica lens is just excellent: unusually big for a so small body 12x zoom starting with the very convenient for indoors shooting 25mm up to telephoto 300mm (equiv.) plus a quick and precise auto focus (however might be somewhat slower in low-light), and good optical image stabilization in conjunction with the digital one which allows you to take sharp pictures in the entire zoom range and at the very low shutter speed around 1/8 and even 1/4. The auto-focusing and optical image stabilization work in absolute silence, and the only zooming produces some soft "sh-sh-sh" noise. Good news - without any start/stop clicks on the footage :).
DISPLAY: A large 3-inch high-resolution LCD monitor with 460K pixels has a very good contrast and saturation - the pictures look very "juicy". The brightness also is high enough to be seen even in a direct sun-light (just a bit darker) and in a wide angle of view. All that allows to share photos and videos immediately with other people.
MENU: For those who used the Panasonic P&S cameras before the ZS7 menu looks very familiar, just some new items added. Also there is a Quick-Menu button which is very helpful for a quick access to the most frequently used settings. The new camera has such a luxury as the Aperture, Shutter speed, and Manual modes and there is a new Exposure button (next to the video one) which allows to set manually the aperture using the Left-Right buttons and the shutter speed with Up-Down buttons.
AUTO SETTINGS: The best in the industry Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode is getting better with each new model. Actually it's a whole bunch of sophisticated algorithms which help to take really nice pictures with minimum efforts. They are worth to be aware about so here is a brief list of most effective of them.
"Intelligent Scene Selector" - It quickly analyzes the light conditions as well as focusing results and selects either portrait, scenery, macro, night portrait or night scenery. It also displays a small icon of the chosen scene in the top left corner. The feature is extremely helpful when you need to shoot very fast on spur-of-the-moment.
"Intelligent ISO" - If camera detects that your subject is moving, it raises ISO and shutter speed to take shots without motion blur, otherwise it will try to keep the lowest possible ISO to reduce noise and to get nice clear pictures.
"Intelligent Exposure" - it's a kind of a small brother of the High Dynamic Range feature. If the camera sets the correct overall exposure but some areas happen to be too dark, this feature automatically increases the brightness of the dark areas to make the entire picture to look more balanced. It also pretty effective for the backlight conditions - instead of getting just a silhouette of your subject against the bright sky it makes the subject normally exposed but without washing out the nice blue sky.
"Face Detection" - is another great thing for taking good-quality pictures of people. It happened to me a number of times in the past that a presence in the frame of a more contrast element somewhere behind the person I'm taking picture of was making the camera to adjust focus at that unimportant distant object and therefore made the major person out-of-focus. The same way if there is a bright background behind the person then the camera will measure the luminance of that background while the person's image will be pretty much underexposed (dark). The Face Detection feature identifies the human faces and tells the camera to adjust focus and exposure for the faces first so the people on the picture will be looking well exposed, clear and sharp.
ADVANCED FEATURES: I guess the most interesting and advanced is a new "Intelligent Resolution" feature. Actually it combines a sophisticated noise reduction with a new picture enhancement algorithm. This feature automatically identifies the 3 type of the picture areas: outlines, detailed textures, and smooth gradation panes and provides an optimized handling for each of them separately. As a result the photo looks sharper at the edges and more clean in between. Many old P&S cameras had pretty fast picture quality degradation at the ISO around 300-400 and higher. The shots taken by ZS7 even at ISO 400 look pretty good on the small and even medium-size prints.
IMAGE QUALITY: Imagine on a sunny day you take an outdoors picture of a wall made of the new brown bricks with a $3000 DSLR and a small P&S camera from the distance about 6-8 feet. How could you recognize by which camera was taken a certain shot? The subject is plain so no Depth-of-Field is involved into comparison. However in this example the two characteristics will help to distinct the cameras: 1) The edges of bricks will be well outlined on DSLR shots and a kind of fuzzy on the P&S ones; 2) The new bricks do not have any structure on their sides, they are just plane and so exactly that way they will look on the DSLR shots, while on the P&S ones their sides will show more or less amount of noise. If you perform the same test for an evenly cut line of bushes (again DOF is not involved) you will see the same result plus the internal structure of each leaf will be more clear on the DSLR photos. So to make pictures taken with your P&S camera looking like the DSLR ones the P&S camera should make the outlines sharper, clean the noise on the plane or soft gradation areas, and slightly emphasize the internal structures, if any. That is exactly what the new "Intelligent Resolution" (IR) feature tries to do.
The "iAuto" mode in ZS7 is organized the way that you will have decent, good photos in virtually any situation right out-of-the-box. The several hundreds shots I took by now look good on my 24" display and so they will on the similar size prints. But if you look at them at 100% crop (magnification) then on many of them you might find some areas which do not look natural. If the IR-algorithm decides about a certain low-contrast part on your picture that it's a plane area then it will remove all the noise altogether with all the subtle details from that part of the picture. If you take a picture of a big tree with hundreds of branches (but without leaves) against a bright sky the IR-feature will treat it as a structured area and will slightly sharpen it to look clearer. But when you take a landscape picture with many distant trees in front and behind, those hundreds of crossing branches will create a low-contrast pattern which together with internal sensor's noise might look for IR-algorithm as just a noisy plain area and so it will obliterate all the details leaving only some average color in that part of the picture and so making it looking very unnatural. The thing is that unlike the previous models the noise reduction in ZS7 is pretty strong. I would not call it "aggressive" but it's really strong.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS: There is a way how to get the best out of this camera while shooting landscapes on sunny days. Here is a recipe for experienced amateurs:
- Switch the mode dial to the program "P" mode.
- Press the Menu button and select the lowest ISO 80 instead of "Auto" (this is the key-point! If there is no enough light to set that low ISO it will not work).
- Make sure you have the "Intelligent Resolution" feature on!
- Find on the 4th page of the shooting menu the item "PICT.ADJ." and press the right button to go inside. You will see the 4 pictures attributes:
CONTRAST
SHARPNESS
SATURATION
NOISE REDUCTION
- A default value for each of them is "0". Set "-1" for contrast (to reduce the clipping of highlights), "+1" for sharpness, leave the saturation unchanged, and most important set noise reduction to "-1" or even to its minimum "-2". Take this advice as a starting point and try to play with the SHARPNESS and NOISE REDUCTION settings and see what looks more appropriate for you, because some people prefer more sharpness while the others are more concern about noise visibility, so try different settings and choose which one looks better for you.
Those settings will allow you to take the most sharp and detailed pictures of landscapes, architecture, etc. if you like that. However you should be alert and check periodically the quality of pictures and if something is going wrong then switch immediately to "iAuto" mode. The ZS7's intelligent auto-mode is very sophisticated and might take into account the parameters you're not even aware about. For example, if you apply the full zoom then the aperture drops to a small F/4.9 value giving much less light for the sensor and additionally at that huge focal length 300mm (equiv.) the impact of your shaking hands might be as so much that the optical image stabilization can not completely compensate it and so the camera will have to increase the shutter speed to have the picture un-blurred. In that tough scenario the only high ISO around 300-400 might satisfy all those conditions and the camera will normally set it in auto-mode. But if you keep shooting recklessly at ISO 80 without getting the feedback such kind of pictures might be spoiled in some way. So, use this recipe only if you know what you're doing.
Update: Having using ZS7 for a while I've identified the 3 major types of pictures depending what is most important for you on those shots: 1) The main part are the areas with soft gradations like human faces, petals of flowers on macro shots, etc; 2) Mixed content of plain areas and patterns with no central subject; 3) Landscapes with plenty of trees, branches and leaves or small flowers. The above proposed recipe is most effective for the last category - it will give you the sharpest pictures with no low-contrast areas smeared by the strong noise reduction and on the other hand the higher level of noise will be effectively hidden by the complex image structure. For the 2nd category it would be wiser to decrease noise reduction just to -1 (not -2) to make the noise less visible on some plain areas, and for the 1st category it seems better to keep the default neutral setting since to have less noise on the human's face is much more important than lack of minor details around. Anyway you'll still have the advantage of less noise at minimum ISO.
I did some comparative testing of ZS7 with my Nikon D90 to find out how much that new IR technology and the above mentioned recommendations could help to improve the overall picture quality. I've uploaded some pictures and put a link into my comments dated 04/24/2010 with the title "Compare to Nikon D90". Don't assume, just take a look - you might be a bit surprised :-)
LOW LIGHT: Recently I performed a brief comparative test of my P&S cameras: Panasonic ZS7 and Sony TX7. Shortly - their low-light performance (in normal mode) is very similar. The medium-size 8"x10" prints without much cropping look good up to ISO 400. At ISO 800 there is a noticeable drop of the image quality of both cameras and at 1600 the shots look decent only for 4"x6" prints. Generally the Sony TX7's shots look smoother because of more aggressive noise reduction while the Panasonic ZS7's ones display slightly more details along with a little bit more noise. So it's the matter of taste to decide which shots look better. I would admit that at ISO 1600 while the Panasonic's shots became much more blurred because of the increased noise reduction strength, the Sony's shots became poured with much coarse noise which got even stronger at ISO 3200 making the pictures completely unusable. So neither of these cameras could be considered as great low-light performers.
In case when the shots become too dark because of big lack of light you can select the "HIGH SENS." (sensitivity) scene. The camera will automatically choose a high ISO in the range 1600 - 6400 and decrease resolution to 3MP (it was stated 3200-6400 but in some tests my camera set ISO 1600). It will not provide better quality but at least will allow to increase the picture's brightness.
NOTE! This camera is great outdoors, but if many of your pictures are indoors or in low-light environment then you'd better look for some other cameras like Panasonic LX3 or GF1, Canon S90 or G11, Fujifilm F80EXR, etc. which were designed especially for those conditions. The original model name of this camera is "TZ" which stands for "Travel Zoom" i.e. it was designed for travel outdoors, not for indoors.
DYNAMIC RANGE: means the difference between the most light and dark areas on the picture. If you're taking the shots of your friends on a sunny day with a bright blue sky above and some bushes with green leaves aside and those bushes happen to be in the shadow of a nearby building then the difference between brightness of the sky and the bushes will be thousands of times. On the shots taken by a camera with narrow dynamic range only one element - your friends might look good, but the sky will be completely washed out to white and the bushes will be almost black. For the cameras with a decent DR like ZS7 at least two elements of that picture will look good i.e. either your friends with a nice blue sky while the bushes will be very dark, or the friends and bushes good but the sky pretty much wiped out. The new Panasonic ZS7 has the two solutions to help in such situations: the "Intelligent Exposure" feature and the "High Dynamic (range)" scene.
Although both solutions aim at the same goal they work in a different way and should be used in different situations. The "Intelligent Exposure" feature once it is activated via the main or quick menu puts its white icon to the lower left corner and starts constantly analyzing the picture. If the difference in brightness of some significant areas of the picture exceeds a certain threshold then the icon becomes yellow and that feature decreases the overall contrast of the picture. Since that threshold is very high that feature would be mostly useful on the bright sunny days. Its effectiveness is not that big but it still can be helpful and anyway it's better than nothing so you can have it turned on all the time. The "High Dynamic" scene should be used only in low light conditions because even in a bright sun it will unconditionally set ISO 400 (or even higher) and decrease the shutter speed. Such a high ISO will greatly increase the amount of noise and therefore will cause a more aggressive noise reduction which will actively obliterate small details. That scene provides much more effective dynamic range compression but at the cost of significantly decreased picture quality. If you're shooting in a low-light condition you have nothing to loose, but if you're taking pictures on a nice day with a plenty of sunshine the loss of quality might greatly disappoint you, so that scene should be used only for the low-light shooting.
MOVIE MODE: By now I tried only the advanced AVCHD movie mode - it looked very well. Apart from the processing the still images in this model Panasonic applied their new "Intelligent Resolution" feature to video recording as well and the result is just gorgeous! Because of that special processing personally its 720p HD looks even better than from my Sony TX7 with its full 1080 HD resolution.
So this new Panasonic ZS7 camera is a very good device for taking nice still pictures and advanced video recording.
Improves on the already great ZS3!
Reviewed by: A. Sanders, SF, CA Review Date: 2010-04-05
I just replaced my trusty ZS3 with the new ZS7 and, so far, I am very pleased with this camera. The output is much cleaner and smoother than the ZS3's, much more refined. Compared to the ZS7, the ZS3 produced images that look brittle and over-processed. As with virtually all small-sensor cameras, the ZS7's images are a little noisy (even at base ISO) if you look close enough. But noise is far less objectionable than ragged edges and smeared details, which is what I usually got from the ZS3. The images I'm getting from the ZS7 look surprisingly good even at 100% on-screen enlargement; whereas the ZS3's output was virtually unusable at this magnification. The improvement is dramatic. Considering that the ZS7's resolution has also increased from 10 to 12 MP (it's actually a 14 MP sensor that is masked to create different aspect ratios), I'd say that Panasonic has done a really good job here.
The ZS7 improves on the ZS3 in several ways; but for me the most important new feature is Picture Adjustments, which let you turn down the amount of sharpening and noise reduction that are automatically applied to every image. Photographers who do their own post-processing will appreciate the ability to apply their own preferred methods of sharpening and noise reduction.
The next most important new feature (imho) is the addition of aperture/shutter-priority shooting modes. There isn't much latitude for adjusting the f-stop in most small-sensor cameras because of defraction effects; but it's great to be able to control the shutter speed manually.
The ZS7 also adds GPS, which can (thankfully) be turned off. Leaving it on shortens battery life.
Other improvements that I appreciate include (1) improved image stabilization, (2) new Venus processing engine, (3) High Dynamic mode, and (4) the LCD now has a good anti-glare coating.
All things considered, the ZS7 is an impressive upgrade that is easily worth the price.
Almost Perfect 4.9 stars!
Reviewed by: K. Wheaton, Napa Valley, CA United States Review Date: 2010-05-17
After using this camera for a few weeks I am amending my rating and giving it 5 stars. This camera is truly incredible. The intelligent automatic is amazing---I only move it to manual for a few special situations. The only real complaint is that I occasionally inadvertently hit the video button. Otherwise it is simply amazing.
It handles difficult situations with grace. Sunset with sky and foreground properly exposed. Delivery room newborn with no flash and low ambient lighting. Black and white is fantastic. Couldn't be happier.
This is a great camera for a beginner---Point and shoot. Lots of control for advance photographers. I'm sorry to say I don't lug around a camera bag and tripod anymore. Just slip this in my purse.
I waited a long time to upgrade from the first generation Panasonic Lumix TZ1 (complete with dangling lens cover & 5MP) Glad I did. The best improvements are the quick power-up and lack of a shutter delay for catching fast action. If you leave it in the completely automatic mode it does an impressive job---and if you need control there's plenty and then some. Lots of programs plus aperture and shutter priority or complete control.
Other notable improvements are in the macro end of things where capturing very fine close-ups are greatly improved---my TZ1 was always focusing on the background if I could get it to focus at all. This does an incredible job! Almost too much detail (if that's possible) Every speck on the petal of a flower is exposed. This camera is slightly smaller and has a larger display screen. Most of the functions and dials are similar and I find easy to use but that may be because they are familiar.
Flash is improved over the first generation.
The zoom on the original was 10X. 12X even better. I took incredible photos of bullfrogs 15 feet away. Unbelievable detail.
This camera isn't perfect and no camera will ever be. It would be nice to have a more powerful flash and nice if you could shoot in lower light with less noise without flash and it would be nice if it had a 20X optical zoom and a faster lens but for what it is its an incredible piece of engineering. AND don't forget the Leica lens which is just plain beautiful.
All cameras have limitations and this is no exception. However it will get you a great photo most of the time. The wide angle to long telephoto range is why I bought my first Lumix. This flexibility makes for great travel photos. I did side by side comparisons of a Sony, Canon, Nikon and the first Lumix in the store and then we printed them out on the spot. No comparison. No ghosting, better color correction, better macro. And I like the ergonomics. I always place the wrist band over my wrist and hold onto the camera with fingers and pad of thumb and it feels secure. Some of the ultra small cameras are almost too small for me. (Didn't compare to current models)
What is truly awful about this camera is that the manual is on a disk and covers this camera and its 2 predecessors making it a bit (if Not totally confusing at times). It also does not come with MAC compatible editing software which is really not a big deal for me. One person asked if it is MAC OSX 10.6.3 compatible and it is. The only problem I've encountered is in using Aperture (a MAC program)it doesn't want to import directly into a project that has other images from my other Lumix camera. Make a new project and problem is solved but irritating. (Manual software and downloading from card to MAC is compatible)
Haven't tried uploading video yet.
DO purchase an extra Panasonic Battery DMW-BCG 10PP. Make sure it has the PP (It won't work without it) Also you'll need a SD Card. It's not necessary to go to the Class 6 cards unless you are shooting HD video. A SDHC 4GB card will hold 700+ photos at full MP.For most people this will be more than adequate. I carry two cards in case one goes south. You can always find them on sale for under $20. I also like the Caselogic TBC-302 Ultra Compact Camera Case for under $8.
A Great Little Camera
Reviewed by: King Tut, Texas, USA Review Date: 2010-03-27
First; I loved the ZS3 after I tried the demo display at the local Fry's store, then the ZS7 got announced with tons of improvement over the Zs3, then Canon announced the SX210 with 14X Zoom but it comes in unattractive colors and strange buttons layout. After all reading tons of reviews and comparison charts, and live demos; the Winner is the ZS7.
ZS7 Improvement over the ZS3:
Manual settings (ZS3 is only auto w/o manual settings), 1/2.33" CCD processor, 16X Intelligent Zoom/23.4X Zoom at 3 Meg resolutions, Sonic speed AF, Venus Engine HD II, Color Mode, Video divide, Happy & Custom Mode, Travel Mode "GPS", and more important Panasonic has moved the shutter button to its natural location (the ZS3 has the mode dial button placed closer to the finger, and the shutter button was somewhat far)
Panasonic ZS7 vs. Panasonic LX3 vs. Canon S90:
Panasonic LX3 and Canon S90 both offer better low light images due to lens opening at its widest aperture of f/2.0 that allow significantly more light versus the ZS7 f/3.3, also they offer RAW format and better light sensitivity, the ZS7 don't. However when it comes to the zoom power; LX3 offer only 2.5X and the S90 has 3.8X zoom, where the ZS7 has the best zoom in a compact size camera of 12X Optical, 16X Digital, and 23.4X extended zoom at around 3 mega pixel resolution. So it really depends on your needs and preference.
The ZS7:
This is a beautiful eye-catching camera; the all metal deep black color is Majestic, compact size but sturdy solid feel, you will love the astonishing 460K DPI 3" wide LCD display. The camera has a very fast focus with auto tracking, almost no shutter-lag (0.006 of Second), flash recharges quickly and always ready to shot right away. The main attraction of this camera its 12X zoom, but it also can extend to 16X digital zoom with little or no loss of quality picture (see the first few pictures on the customer's images to see a real life zoom example and other modes). The GPS is nice but it consumes battery life even if the camera is turned off!! The good news is that you can turn if off if you don't need it. The camera has 15 MB internal memory, Stereo (right and left) microphone for recording and play back, faster 2.3 fps continuous shooting. The buttons and controls layout is easy and every thing makes sense; the dial has the auto, manual, and even custom setting for creative users, also there is a separate button for recording HD 720P video. Other features; Macro zoom, Panorama assist, Clipboard, ability to Zoom while recording movies, play back slide show with music, face detection, O.I.S., digital red-eye removal, and auto back light compensation. There a lot to mention about this camera, but I'm sure more experts reviews to follow. The only negative would poor low light images without the flash, the lack of mini HDMI cable to play back on HDTV, and the tiny little user guide is useless. A screen protector for the LCD screen is definitely recommended for any buyer.
Finally, this is an Elegant, Sexy, and Powerful Camera that is sure to Satisfy.
Progress is fast
Reviewed by: iestyn Bleasdale-Shepherd, Seattle, WA USA Review Date: 2010-05-16
I bought the original camera in this line (the DMC-TZ1) three years ago and have absolutely loved using that camera. I have taken over 60,000 photos with it and couldn't be happier. I never suffered any kind of technical problem with it - I only decided to get the ZS7 (or TZ10, as it is known in Europe) because the new features I read about were so enticing! In just 3 years, this line has raced through 4 generations and the improvements are amazing - despite which the price has stayed exactly the same.
Before I go into details, I should be clear as to what I personally am looking for in a camera, so that you may judge how relevant this review is to you. Things that I care about:
- I take photos everywhere I go, often at a moment's notice, so it must fit in my jacket pocket and be quick to use
- it must have a good zoom since that gives me the freedom to frame subjects tightly and remove them from context
- it should be good at macros since I love taking macro shots
- it needs to take photos with as close to SLR quality as possible, given that it's a compact
If you care about other things, like the packaged software (which I never use) or the various peripheral 'features' (e.g. face recognition, which btw does work - though sadly not on my cat ;) ), then this review may not provide the information you're most interested in.
Anyway, here's what I've found in my first few weeks using the ZS7.
Everything that I loved about the TZ1 is present in the ZS7, but in improved form:
- it's now even smaller and lighter
- I can get even closer for macros (down to 3cm!)
- I can zoom in even further (19x optical!)
- the awesome macro and zoom features now combine in the incredible 'telephoto macro' mode, which lets me focus on objects just 3 feet away at maximum zoom (the depth of field is simply gorgeous in these shots; bokeh like an SLR!). Definitely my new favourite feature!
In addition, I have been enjoying these lovely enhancements:
- image quality is improved along every axis:
-> noise: in addition to generally lower noise levels, 'noise reduction' can now be turned OFF and the overall improvements to image quality are fantastic - the ugly 'grunge' in the pixel noise that the TZ1 had was probably its single worst feature, and that is now completely gone.
-> dynamic range: images taken in bright sunlight are far less contrasty now, and I can take pictures of objects against the sky without ugly fringing and chromatic aberration around their silhouettes (as long as I get exposure right of course!)
-> colour balance: automatic white balance is in a new league compared to the TZ1. I was constantly changing the custom white balance settings for the TZ1, but with the ZS7 I'm happy to just leave it on automatic white balance 99% of the time (quite a relief!). Overall, colours look much more natural - they match how the scene looks to my as well as the SLRs that I have used.
- the new image stabilisation is absolutely UNBELIEVABLE - all but the most major jolts are smoothed out. This has a huge impact on the clarity of my shots when at max zoom or shooting in dim lighting (which let's face it is not the forte of these small-aperture compacts), and the jittery videos you'd expect from such a light camera are now smooth as butter. Really, really impressive.
- speaking of video, the HD video is absolutely STUNNING. You could shoot cable TV on this thing.
- minor but very welcome improvements:
-> in-built lens cap (yay!)
-> support for SDXC memory cards (I used to empty my TZ1's 2GB card every few days; my first 64GB card for the ZS7 isn't even a third full yet!)
-> JPG compression artifacts are noticeably reduced
-> the new program/aperture/shutter modes give me a little bit more control under certain circumstances (though not that much, given the small lens you get on a compact)
-> the new UI is very streamlined (the quick menu is extremely useful and photo browsing is much quicker)
-> GPS works well, and it's nice to have my photos automatically register on the world map once I upload them to Flickr.
Just so I don't give the impression that I'm gushing uncontrollably, I should also mention the things that I don't like:
- I wish the quick menu was customizable (e.g. I'd like to be able to use it to change aspect ratio and set custom white balance)
- I'm disappointed that zoom+scroll in review mode isn't any quicker than before
- I really don't like losing the 'review' button (review 'mode' resets the lens after a couple of seconds, to frequently irritating effect)
- auto-focus isn't noticeably faster (one of the big general down-sides of compacts, unfortunately)
- there is the occasional encoding error when shooting videos, which Panasonic needs to fix in a firmware update
Those are pretty minor complaints, compared to all the great new features I'm enjoying. My old camera, beloved as it was just a couple of weeks ago, is already languishing on a shelf, all but forgotten! Before getting the ZS7, I would have whole-heartedly recommended the TZ1 to anyone that cares about the same things that I do (portability, flexibility and image quality), and the ZS7 stands head and shoulders above it in every regard. What more can I say? Get one!
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Corrective power for visibly clearer zooming.
Hybrid still/motion images with POWER O.I.S. and an 18x optical zoom
AVCHD Lite Beautiful HD movies, extended shooting time
The FZ35 records HD movies with 1280 x 720-pixel resolution. It uses the AVCHD Lite format (MPEG-4/H.264) to achieve higher image quality while storing less data than the conventional Motion JPEG. Plus, the FZ35 is equipped with an HDMI output terminal for direct transmission of digital image and sound signals. Just connect the camera to an HDTV using a single HDMI mini cable (optional) for fast and easy slideshow enjoyment.
Creative Movie mode: You can adjust the aperture and shutter speed any way you like. This mode gives you a wider range of expressive possibilities to explore in your movie making.
Zoom-in movie: You can zoom in and out while shooting movies.
Stereo mic: This camera features Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, which records dynamic, true-to-life audio to bring out the power of your HD images.
IA mode (Movie): You can also use iA mode to shoot movies, and let the camera do all the work for you.
High-speed response for truly intuitive shooting
Enjoy high-speed 1.2-second start-ups, AF speeds of approximately 0.3 second, and up to five consecutive shots at 2.3 frames per second with full resolution. You can also take up to 470 photos with a single battery charge (CIPA). This comfortable level of performance lets you capture even the most fleeting shutter chances.
Wide-angle 27mm LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and 18x optical zoom
The bright F2.8 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens ranges from 27mm wide-angle all the way to 486mm telephoto. Combined with the double* corrective power of the improved POWER O.I.S., this makes it possible to capture subjects clearly without hand-shaking, even in the telephoto range.
*Panasonic comparison
12.1-megapixel resolution
27mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens; 18x optical zoom with POWER O.I.S.
HD movies with 1280 x 720-pixel resolution; AVCHD Lite format
2.7-inch TFT LCD screen
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Reviewed by: J. Holdahl, South Dakota Review Date: 2009-09-23
As a serious amateur, I've been fortunate enough to own a number of point and shoots including Panasonic, Fuji, several Nikon's, & a couple of Canon's. All have had their strong points and I'm not a brand loyalist by any means, but after a couple of weeks, I must say I absolutely love this camera.
My first impressions were ones of pleasant shock. The camera seemed smaller than in the pictures and if it seemed smaller, it seemed doubly more so in terms of weight. Compared to my SLR this thing is an absolute lightweight but very well built and certainly heavier than the smaller 'in your pocket' point and shoots. A great balance...although I wouldn't want to drop it. Some strategically placed silicone on the housing would make this a bit more rugged without much if any impact on cost. Powerup is about as fast as you can bring the camera up to your face - amongst the best of the point and shoots. Controls are easy to use and I like the mini joystick for making on the fly adjustments in manual and scene modes. The menus are fairly well laid out although some items I had to resort to the manual to find their location for the first time.
The iA or Intelligent Auto function gave consistently above par picture quality, although I was always able to tweak it better myself (this could have been as much preference as anything). The AVCHD and HD movies worked absolutely flawless with my Transcend 16 GB SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card TS16GSDHC6E [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]. (NOTE:Make sure you lowlevel format these SDHC cards a COUPLE of times BEFORE first use). I do wish that you could use the normal shutter release instead of the dedicated movie button on the back face when in movie mode. I kept forgetting and tried to stop the movies using the shutter button instead of the record button. Minor nuisance, but will be overcome as I get my brain wrapped around the change in button locations.
The battery worked well past 300 stills and about 35 clips, so I am very pleased with it with the LCD display being used for most of the shots. I purchase another spare battery;Lenmar DLP006 Lithium-ion Digital Camera/Camcorder Battery Equivelent to the Panasonic CGR-S006A Battery, also available here at Amazon, and it appears to be working about as well as the original Panasonic (a great buy). The EVF or Electronic View Finder was very handy, although most of the overlaid information is very hard to distinguish in the small EVF. I CAN'T BELIEVE PANASONIC DIDN'T INCLUDE A RUBBER BOOT FOR THE EVF! Please someone, anyone, make it as an accessory.
The EZ or Extra Zoom function is quite handy. Using this feature, you can shoot at lower resolutions and get more effective zooming power out of the camera...over 30x and it works very well. The LCD screen is clear and crisp, but its performance in high ambient light is about average. Thank goodness for the electronic view finder mentioned above.
Image stabilization is the absolute best amongst my camera collection and is especially noticeable in low light and full zoom. I was pleasantly surprised how well I could take indoor pictures at night with a simple tweak of the exposure. Far better than any of my other point and shoots, although nowhere near my SLR.
The standard 3picture burst mode was fairly standard and unimpressive, but the 10pics per second for speed priority and 6 pics per second in image priority burst mode worked well for catching difficult shots like geese landing on the water and children jumping out of swings, but I still wish the resolution and picture quality was better in these modes. Still, for a point and shoot, it's ability to catch the fast action is at the top of it's class.
The lens cap interferes with zoom, but the camera will kindly remind you that you have left it on with a 17,000 volt discharge...just kidding...it will tell you on the LCD screen.
UPDATE: A new megazoom runoff was conducted by Digital Photography Review in June of '07 and can be seen here: [...] or you can cut to the results here: [...]
To say the FZ35 stacked up well would be an understatement, but as they point out in the above review, you will likely not be disappointed with any of the other fine cameras in the pack. The review, however, will help you to pick one that works best for your needs and preferences. (I'm still super happy and winning contests with my amateur photos).
LIKES: Ease of use, picture quality, zoom and extra zoom, HD movie, lightweight, stop action. BEST Point and Shoot I've ever owned ! ! !
DISLIKES: (all minor) No eyepiece boot for EVF, lens cap interferes with zoom, tripod mount interferes with battery/memory door when in use. Only 10 sec. max on the built in timer.
Small but Mighty
Reviewed by: S. Hock, Bethlehem, PA Review Date: 2009-10-15
I previously purchased the Canon SX20is and used 2 weeks. I found the images just a bit too soft for my taste. Too bad because all other facets of the camera was great. But, to me image quality is everything. If it can't produce a crisp image, I don't want it. Perhaps I was spoiled by the excellent SX10is I was switching from.
Desperate for an inexpensive Hi Def video camera for a client project, I decided to give the dual Panasonic FZ35 a try. I had used a Panasonic LX2 for several years and liked it, so I figured why not even though Panasonic is not a manufacturer one would normally think of first for a high quality still camera.
So far, I have been pleasantly surprised!
What I like about the FZ35:
1. The super sharp Leica lens! Having 18x zoom in such a small package.(Sharper than SX20is)
2. Metal tripod mount
3. VERY Reasonable price for all the features included. Seems a bargain to me.
4. The fact you also get very nice HD video in one package is a bonus.
5. Excellent macro mode. If you like macrophotography you'll like this camera.
6. Relatively simple controls/interface once familiar. (You do have to read the manual)
7. Has 46mm filter threads for add ons.
8. Full time battery indicator.
9. Optional wide angle and telephoto lenses are available if desired.
10 Better than most image stabilization system.
11. Many focus & exposure options.
What I'm not so crazy about:
1. Buttons & switches are quite small and seem rather delicate.
2. Manual as PDF (what a pain). I'll take mine paper, thank you.
You might as well print it out right away. You're gonna need it!
3. Smallish Electronic ViewFinder (Not just this one either. They all leave me wanting.)
4. Construction and light weight give a slight feeling of cheapness.
5. Proprietary Panasonic battery.
6. Location of media card in battery compartment.
Is it perfect? Nope. Are any of them? Even the $5,000 ones?
What do I miss most when switching from my NIKON? That bright, super clear viewfinder.
Will it clip highlights? Sure, if you don't set it up right. They all do. High dynamic range is not usually a feature on most consumer cameras.
Can it take a sharp picture? You Bet! In macro especially, you'll love the clarity of the image.
Newbies purchasing this ... make no mistake, this is a complex little piece of gear. Sure, you can use it on intelligent AUTO if you want, but what a waste. You have to LEARN this camera to get the most out of it. And don't expect to learn it in a day or even a week. Used properly it will yield beautiful, sharp images. Buy it and shoot, shoot, shoot and you'll get the hang of it. Why not? The "film" is cheap!
By the way, purchase a Class 6 SD card right away. That way if you want to play with the HD movie function you can. Some cheap SD cards can't write fast enough for HD video use. If you have a hi def TV you'll love it.
Beware though, HD video files get HUGE fast! Uploads to YouTube (or anywhere else) can take quite awhile. A 1 minute, 36 sec. clip equals 491 MB and over 4 hrs to upload via DSL.
If you get serious about HD video, or enjoy doing critical focus photography, PLEASE, buy a decent tripod and USE it. Camera movement is the main enemy of sharpness. At the low ISO settings required to get the most out of these small sensors, keeping the camera still is extremely important. Don't expect stabilization systems to entirely solve "jitter" problems at very low shutter speeds!
High end users take note: In the Custom controls there is an separate adjustment for contrast, saturation, noise reduction and sharpness. YEA ! Somebody is listening.
Nov. 5, 2009. I've made nearly 1000 shots with this camera and I'm impressed and still very happy with it.
First impressions of the DMC-FZ35
Reviewed by: Michael A. Duvernois, Minneapolis, MN United States Review Date: 2009-09-03
This is the first of the Panasonic Lumix superzooms that I've had an opportunity to use extensively. I regularly use both small point and shoot digital cameras (Canon SD550 and a waterproofed Canon S100) and digital SLRs (Canon 5D and Rebel XTi), but this is definitely a different sort of beast. It's nearly the size and weight of a DSLR with a lens that is noticeably long in use. It's sold as straddling the line between the two categories and it initially seems that way. But the more that I think about it, the more I think this camera really fills a different niche. If you're a serious photographer, a DSLR is really the way to go. You get full control over the images, a large sensor size, a selection of lenses, and filter options. If you're that person, this is hardly a replacement, and for the compact point and shooter this is a massive camera. Where this camera wins out is for a very simple kit covering wide angle (27mm equivalent for a 35mm camera) and the stunning 18x zoom. You'll be able to do most everything passably with this camera and with no additional lenses. Maybe this is the camera to put in the glovebox of your car? It'll always be there, and you can get most any shot with it. No preparation needed. Okay, enough thinking about who wants the camera, how does it work?
Well, it works pretty darned well. The image stabilizer seems to work extremely well, especially at moderate zoom (say 50-150mm equivalent), the battery lasted about 300 shots with some flash use in there, and image quality (subjective, not measured scientifically) was quite good. The camera was a bit slow to react at times though and the face detection works only occasionally. Still, that leaves this a solid camera for what I think is a quite good price. If you're not going to take advantage of the DSLR capabilities, this is a good functional camera for you. Or an excellent second camera for simplicity.
Pros: 18x zoom with a genuine wide angle, solid construction, good battery life, image stabilization that works, one size might well fit many
Cons: big for a point and shoot, slow acting at times, gimmicky features are, well, gimmicks
Very good camera for the money; very convenient to use
Reviewed by: Cop3, Savannah, GA Review Date: 2009-10-28
I've had the FZ35 for about 3 weeks now. I have found nothing of substance to gripe about yet. The camera has a lot of features and since I have a day job it will take a while to really learn how to get the most from this camera, but the effort is worth it. Getting started is easy with the simple booklet that comes in the box; yes, it would be nice to have the entire manual in print but I downloaded to my laptop and read a little more each week as I fiddle with the camera, so slowly but surely I'm getting the big picture, so to speak, of how to operate the fz35.
I finally got around to using the supplied video cables tonight and learned I could hook the camera up to the hdtv. This past Sunday morning was sunny and inviting so I went into the yard and took pictures of flowers and assorted closeups mostly, in the fish pond, butterflies, even a hummingbird, using the different settings and priorities, the flash, and so forth. Tonight I watched a slide show of all the pictures on my hdtv, complete with music (it's programmed into the camera in several different styles). The picture quality on the tv was incredibly good; several photos were extreme closeups of a butterfly on the ground and the particles of dirt below the butterfy's wings were clearly visible on my 37" screen.
Picture quality and features aside, this camera is easy to use for the beginner who can gradually improve their skills by using the shutter speed/aperture priorities or manual mode, or automatic, or choose one of the many scene modes depending upon the situation. The camera boots up quickly and the delay between shots is acceptable, if not blazingly fast. (There is a setting for taking several shots in quick sequence, if needed.) The flash is strong and recycles fairly quickly. the camera won't fit in your pocket unless you're Captain Kangaroo, but with its accessories it'll fit into a small camera bag. I purchased the wide angle and exta zoom lenses because they came on sale, but really, you don't need them given the range of the supplied Leica lens. The controls are fairly easy to use and intuitive; I really like the design of one convenient button to toggle directly back and forth between the lens finder and the lcd screen on the back of the camera; all digital cameras don't feature that.
Sure, not much is perfect in life, but this camera is close enough for me.
.
Excellent Camera & Excellent value
Reviewed by: Charles F Ferrara, Review Date: 2009-10-30
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 is exceptionally versatile. I am a serious photographer and I was looking for a quality point & shoot that was more portable than an SLR. This camera has filled this need splendidly. Years ago, I would have needed a bag of lenses and a tripod to get some of the shots that it successfully took with little effort.
During a recent trip, I put the image stabilization to the test with extremely low expectations. On a very overcast day, I took several fully zoomed telephoto shots of the landscape (at 12 MP resolution) from a moving car - on an interstate. Although a few were blurry, most of them came out exceptionally sharp. I was pleasantly surprised how well the camera held up under these circumstances, where shooting is normally impossible.
Another important feature for me is the filter threads (46 mm) so I can use a polarizer on outdoor shots (which is a must for any serious photographer). This was the only camera in its class to offer threads. With most of the competition, only their SLR's offer this. Additionally, a UV filter is always a good idea to protect your lens.
There are a few cons, but I consider them to be minor - especially considering the price I paid:
1) Vignetting at full wide-angle when using a polarizer. NOTE: I recently solved this problem using the the manufacturer recommended polarizer that was made for this camera (Panasonic DMW-LPL46 46mm Polarizing Filter). I had been using a third party Tiffen polarizer, which was much too thick. The Panasonic polarizer is linear and not circular, but it works fine & does not affect the autofocus. It's also a bit pricey, but it's a safe option.
2) Smallest aperture is f/8. A neutral density filter would be needed to slow-down most waterfall shots.
3) No bulb setting for night photography
4) No hot shoe for flash
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Panasonic DMC-FH20K Digital Camera Features
28mm Wide-angle Lens The 28mm wide-angle lens* lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from short distances. * Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.
Powerful 8x Optical Zoom The DMC-FH20 sports a powerful 8x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-224mm). This gives you highly natural expressions from people and animals that you can't get close to. And its slim, compact, pocket-sized body can easily go wherever you do for both everyday snapshots and traveling.
iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode When you don't know which mode will give you the best shooting results, or when a sudden photo opportunity pops up and you don't have time to make any settings, simply choose iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode by simply pressing the dedicated button and let the camera do it all for you. You just choose iA Mode, aim at your subject, and shoot. 4 detection and correction functions are simultaneously activated to optimize the settings, so you get stunning photos every time.
HD Movie Recording (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG Format) The DMC-FH20) can record motion images in high-definition (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format). The pixel mixed readout method enables bright motion-image recording even in low-light settings. The DMC-FH20 can also record full-size motion images in WVGA (848 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) or standard motion images in VGA (640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) and QVGA (320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps).
Extended Battery Life The energy-saving Venus Engine IV image-processing engine and the efficient, rechargeable lithium-ion battery which has been slimmed down to fit into thinner camera bodies work together to extend the shooting time of the DMC-FH20. This lets users take approx. 300 shots on a sin
14.1-megapixel effective recording
8X optical zoom (4X digital zoom/32X total zoom)
2-11/16" LCD screen
Optical image stabilization
Sonic Speed AF for quick focusing on moving subjects
Having used only 35 mm cameras and definately not being a photo-pro by any means, I decided to get a digital camera. I was overwhelmed and confused by the information on so many makes and models and became frustrated by contradicting reviews of same-type features from both Consumer Review Reports by professional photographers, as well as customer reviews.
About to give up, I came across a review from a professional photographer (a dedictated Canon user) who tested the Panasonic and gave it's performance an excellent review from all aspects.
I purchased this and haven't looked back. It's excellent. It feels substantial when you hold it; it's easy to use and priced right. The pictures are extremely clear and sharp regardless light conditions or movement. The video is also excellent. Friends who have other makes and models admitted they were highly impressed.
What more can you ask for in a camera. I highly recommend this camera and couldn't be happier with my purchase.
Exactly what I wanted - and expected
Reviewed by: Don in ATL, Atlanta, Georgia Review Date: 2010-04-15
I purchased this camera specifically for a vacation to Rio de Janeiro. I also have a Nikon DSLR that I adore, but didn't want to risk carrying it around Rio. I wanted something I can easily put in my pocket and pull out to quickly take pics.
I investigated several different point-and-shoot cameras, and they all suffer that is pretty much standard issues with Point and Shoots - not dealing well with low light, blurry when compensating for low light, lag time, etc. These things are pretty much a fact with point and shoots.
After playing with a few different camera's, I opted for the Lumix DMC-FH20. The main reasons where the zoom - 8x optical, and then up to 32X digital with the right settings.
On my trip, this camera did not disappoint. Sure I had to play with the settings a little bit to get the desired effect, but I pretty much only used the Auto, Landscape, Nighttime landscape and Macro settings. All of these worked perfectly.
In low light, I had to stabilize the camera on a bench or fence, but that's expected, and not a downfall of the camera.
Overall, I love this camera and considered it well worth the price I paid (about $180us). I feel it far exceeds any other camera I have played with (around the same price point).
I would buy this same camera again - without question.
Amazing camera!!!
Reviewed by: Maria Villafane, Miami, FL Review Date: 2010-05-04
I bought this camera because i wanted a small camera that was easy to carry around for a 4 day trip to Disney World. As the owner of a panasonic lumix fz50, I was very excited to see this small and compact camera, since my other lumix is bulky (10MP, 12X), When i saw the price for this camera, a 14mp, 8X I knew i had to have it. I took it to my trip to disney with a full charged battery and the battery sustained up to 14 hours of continuous photo sessions in different places around the park, it never died on us, but we charged it every night to make sure the next day it would last the same. The pictures are great, they do have some noise in dark places but that is to be expected. The image stabilization does an amazing job at getting pics without flash that are taken in the dark, i was surprised with that. We took some really awesome pictures with this camera. It weights close to nothing and it fits right in my pocket, it was the best purchase i ever made for the trip. I do have to say i am not particularly impressed with the video quality, except for the HD. the HD is pretty cool, but you need an sd card with massive storage to get a good recording time because it takes a lot, a lot of space. I bought an 8gb sd card which held about 1200 pictures at 14mpx, but i took my pics at 10 mp since i don't think i will be printing this pics at a large size. Overall i think this camera is amazing, it also has a pretty awesome lcd which is big enough for you to know what you're doing, and there's no viewfinder, which i like to use every now and then, but i can live without. I love this camera!!!!!!!!
Elegant but surprising
Reviewed by: Joseph N. Scudder, Review Date: 2010-04-19
I bought this camera for times when I cannot easily take my larger equipment. Although it is made in China,the quality seems remarkably great on the outside. Since I have only had it for a few weeks, it has not had a chance to stand time yet.
I have not been so attracted to a small camera since my wife purchased my first Elph years ago. It has quite a few features that one sets by the menu system. I found that I need to reduce the exposure compensation at least one full stop or it overexposed most of my outdoor pictures. Also, most people will probably want to set the ISO at 400 so that pictures are not blurry.
I do miss the Nikon software on my digital SLR that allows me to save the picture in RAW format and a smaller JPEG to mail people at the same time. Surprisingly, it doesn't take a long time for a 14 megapixel file to save to the card. I am using class 4 memory cards with no problems.
I bought another battery through Amazon. You have to use the actual Lumix battery. Panasonic says this is for your safety, but I think it really is for their bottom line. They run around $30. My replacement battery, however, was made in Japan instead of China and had more power than the original. You need to have a spare battery because you just can't find these everywhere. Just figure this into your cost.
The 8x zoom is all I need in this type of camera. It is amazing that an 8X zoom will fit in a camera that is about 1 1/8" deep, 2 1/4" wide, and 3 7/8" long. I
give Panasonic a minus five for not giving accurate dimensions anywhere. As with most products from Asia these days, the instructions and information about the product is far from stellar.
Now they just need to come up with a great extended warranty to give people more peace of mind.
Very effective point-and-shoot
Reviewed by: N. Stevens, Twin Cities, MN USA Review Date: 2010-05-15
We bought this camera for a trip to Japan, and couldn't have been happier with how it performed - an all-around fantastic point-and-shoot camera. It's small, so it fit in a pocket or snugly in a knapsack. The default settings were perfect for posed shots with people as well as scenery, and the automatic stabilization meant that ZERO pictures came out blurry (this impressed me since my pictures always seemed to blur with my previous camera). The most impressive thing wasn't even a feature we bought the camera for though - while on Odaiba (an island in Tokyo bay) at night, we had an excellent view of the lit-up Tokyo skyline and Rainbow Bridge. We decided to take a picture using the Night Scenery setting, not really expecting much but willing to give it a shot. WOW. Easily the best picture this total photography neophyte has ever taken. Clear and vibrant like we were still there. Very, very happy with this camera!
A return to the essence of photography - the Lumix DMC-LX5 from Panasonic. Look to a LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens with 24mm wide-angle capability and f/2.0 aperture to bring you optical performance with exceptional precision and clarity. Then, rely on a 1/1.63" CCD image sensor for 10.1-megapixel still photos that exceed higher-resolution images in purity and detail. Next, adding multimedia to your outing, the DMC-LX5 lets you shoot HD 720p video with expanded manual controls. Further, while Power optical image stabilization ensures blur-free shots, a Lithium-ion battery lets you shoot up to 400 photos on a single charge. Finally, Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode steps in and handles camera functions flawlessly when you want to focus on the fun and not on settings.
10.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
3.8x F2.0 ultra-wide-angle 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens
3.0-inch Intelligent LCD; Record HD videos in AVCHD Lite; Creative Movie mode
Venus Engine FHD image processor; hot shoe for easy accessorization
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Wow, I am so impressed by this camera! I am a professional photographer and have been searching for a quality point & shoot for casual use when I don't want to lug around my DSLR (Nikon D700 at the moment) but have never been happy with the compromises of a P&S. Some of the features that were most important to me for a P&S were:
- RAW files - LX5 can shoot RAW files to allow changing WB and giving maximum flexibility in editing images in my preferred RAW converter, Lightroom 3.
- Fast glass - f/2 lens!! Even at 90mm, it is still f/3.3!
- Wide-angle - 24mm (35mm equivalent) is awesome, the Canon S90 only goes to 28mm and most P&S no wider than 35mm.
- Decent zoom range - I wasn't interested in a 10x superzoom but wanted something at least to 70 or 80 mm. The zoom range of 24mm to 90mm is just perfect without compromising the quality and speed of the lens.
- Reasonable compactness - it is fairly compact without feeling like I'm handling a bar of soap. It handles well for a P&S and feels like a real quality piece of equipment. The controls are logically placed with controls for the most commonly used adjustments within easy and quick access. Not as pocketable as most compact P&S cameras, but has the best handling of a P&S I've ever used.
- Low light sensitivity - I almost never shoot with the on-camera flash, so low light sensitivity is really important to me. I've shot images up to ISO 1000 that clean up quite well in LR3. I even feel that ISO 1600 is usable in a pinch if you aren't going to blow it up too large.
- Manual controls - I love that I can set everything manually: aperture, shutter speed, ISO and the controls make it quick and easy to do so without digging into the menus.
- Sharp, high quality images - I have been blown away by the quality of the lens on the LX5. I've taken shots wide open at f/2 and was very surprised at the quality, and sharpness of the images. They seriously rival images from my DSLR with some of my pro f/2.8 lenses.
Some other things to note:
- Has effective image stabilization. I've taken sharp photos at 1/10 sec.
- Shoots 720p video in AVCHD
- Has hotshoe to attach an electronic viewfinder, flash, or radio trigger (like a Pocket Wizard)
- Has a small pop-up flash
- Has a removable lens cap that many complained about on the LX3. I actually don't mind since I am used to having to remove it with my DSLRs.
- Can shoot in a number of different aspect ratios: square, 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9
- Can quickly go from play (review) mode to shooting mode with a quick tap of the shutter release button
- Can add filters and lens converters with an adapter
- All metal body - it feels really nice in the hand
One thing I really wish it had was some way to remotely trigger the camera. There is no infrared shutter release or a manual shutter release available for it. It does have the usual timer mode.
I considered a micro 4/3 camera such as a Panasonic GF1 or Olympus EP2 but the size with the lens approaches that of the smaller DSLRs. I bought a Canon S90 but returned it because the handling was just terrible. It was too small, had no hand grip and had a finnicky dial. Also, the image quality and sharpness were not nearly as good as the LX5. I've only briefly borrowed a friend's LX3 but I didn't use it enough to provide a comparison besides looking at the specs and reading the reviews.
Overall, I highly recommend the LX5 if you are in the market for a serious photographer's P&S camera. No, it won't replace a DSLR if you need the ultimate image quality and speed, but within the context of a P&S, it fits the bill nearly perfectly for me.
Excellent Image Quality
Reviewed by: Randy Benter, Kansas City Review Date: 2010-09-05
I have owned a few premium compacts, so this is a review of how I think the LX5 compares to the competition. My primary camera is a Nikon D90, but I like to have a compact camera that I can put in a pocket for outings when photography is a secondary objective.
***THE GOOD
The image quality of this camera is excellent for a compact. The metering and auto white balance do a fine job of accurately reproducing the scene. The contrast and colors are excellent with nice saturation. Skies look better than some other Panasonics which tend to render the sky more cyan than blue, but the reds seem a little too strong (be careful not to blow the red channel). I can definitely see a difference between the LX5 and previous Panasonics and overall, I think the new Venus Engine FHD does a fine job.
The ergonomics of this camera are great. I never could get used to the small size of the Canon S90, it is too small and too slick; I always felt as if I could easily drop it. The LX5 is just slightly larger than the S90 and feels much better. I have no problems operating this camera with one hand. The buttons and menu system are well designed so you can get to the most commonly used settings quickly.
The lens is super sharp for a compact fixed lens and the extended zoom range compared to the LX3 is a nice improvement. Pictures taken with the LX5 are slightly sharper than the Canon G11 and much sharper than the Canon S90 and Samsung TL500. The lens is also wider and faster than other compacts.
Low light (high-ISO) performance has long been Panasonic's Achilles heel. Pictures taken with an LX3 at ISO settings above 200 were very noisy. The LX5 is greatly improved in this area and I find ISO 800 to be very usable. Don't expect the low-light performance to be as good as an APS-C or 4/3 camera, it is not even close, but considering the sensor size, the LX5 does a good job. I think the Canon compacts are still ahead in this area, but the difference is now very slight. The new intelligent-ISO feature is also an improvement; it considers both available light and subject movement when setting the ISO. I usually set ISO manually, but by setting the ISO limit to 800 and using intelligent-ISO I have found the camera sets the ISO just where I would want it.
Autofocus seems very accurate and I seldom get a blurry shot. The AF speed is typical of cameras in this class, but noticeably slower than my GF1. I had hoped the fast AF of the GF1 would make it into the LX5, but I presume this is a trade-off for a smaller, lighter camera.
The image stabilization feature works very well and is equal to the Canon compacts.
The camera ships with the latest version (3.1) of SilkyPix, which does an excellent job of raw file conversion. The camera is also supported in Adobe Camera Raw 6.2 for users of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.
***THE BAD (in case Panasonic is listening)
Manual Focus is difficult to use! The MF assist zoom releases within 1 second of changing the zoom while the camera is still shaking from the operation of the wheel or button. The zoom really needs to stay on longer (the GF1 stays on for about 10 seconds). I hope Panasonic releases a firmware update to fix this issue soon. I think 3-5 seconds would be ideal.
The AE-Lock indicator is only displayed with the normal display along with all other setting icons. AE-Lock only functions as lock-hold, so the status indicator is necessary. Users should have the option to disable lock-hold and the indicator should be displayed regardless of display mode.
The detachable lens cap seems unnecessary; I would prefer a built-in cap like most cameras in this class.
It is annoying that the only way to view a histogram in playback mode is to enable it in live-view mode. My personal preference is to not have it in the way while framing, but I occasionally check the histogram when reviewing a shot. A color histogram would also be nice in playback mode.
The buttons on the rear control pad are in different locations compared to my GF1 which has the ISO button on the top and the focus button on the left. The memory card orientation is also inconsistent between Panasonic models. These are not major issues, but I wish the designers hadn't overlooked this. As long as I own both cameras, I will occasionally push the wrong button and insert the memory card backwards.
There is no remote trigger option.
***SUMMARY
There really aren't many cameras too choose from in the premium compact market. I only consider those with 1 1/6 or 1 1/7 sensors and the ability to shoot raw to be true premium compacts. Anything with a smaller sensor will not deliver the same image quality. There are also some larger sensors available in small cameras, but if you want to fit it in a pocket or small belt case, then you are limited to a single focal length, like the Sigma DPx or a Micro 4/3 with a pancake lens. Once you put a zoom lens on a micro 4/3, then you are so close to the size of a small DSLR that you might as well carry a Rebel or D5000 (the same goes for the Sony NEX series). I expect when I walk out the door I will either select the D90 for image quality or the LX5 for its small size, the GF1 might get lost in the middle and may not remain in my arsenal much longer.
If you are trying to choose between an S90, a G11, an LX5 or a TL500, then I recommend you cross the S90 and TL500 off your list straight away; the LX5 and G11 are better. Choosing between the LX5 and G11 is a bit more difficult as there are some things each camera does better. I personally think the LX5 has the edge based on image quality and a slightly wider (24mm) and faster (f2.0) lens, but if an articulating screen and remote control are important to you, then a G11 will also provide excellent images. The good qualities I listed above far outweigh the minor bad issues; I highly recommend this camera.
Love this camera
Reviewed by: MSafer, Review Date: 2010-09-03
I'm not a professional photographer and I don't know a lot about the intricate details of cameras. I had a Lumix point and shoot that I got proficient with (or as proficient as one can be with a point and shoot camera) and I had limited experience with my husband's Nikon D300. I wanted to slowly step my way from point and shoot to dSLR and thought this would be a good middle ground.
The LX5is great! It is smaller than I thought it would be and light as well. The controls are easy to use and easy to access. The photos are crisp and clear and I really enjoy that I am able to have more control over my photos than I would have had with just a point and shoot. I have been able to get some great narrow depth of field and have played around with the manual modes a bit.
I am definitely impressed with the quality of pictures I have gotten so far, which have blown away my last camera's pictures (and I thought those were good!). And I really appreciate how intuitive everything is, especially for someone like me that doesn't really know anything about photography and is just learning.
Nice upgrade from the LX3
Reviewed by: Mic Masterson, New York, NY Review Date: 2010-09-05
This camera is really fantastic and a nice upgrade from the LX3 for some. For others it won't be, because at the end of the day both cameras take excellent photos.
For me, I really needed the additional zoom and was very excited to hear that this is exactly what the LX5 had, without sacrificing the f2.0 lens. My brother needed a new camera anyway and was happy to get my 2 year old LX3. By the way that camera is in nearly perfect condition. Panasonic really build a quality product with the LX line and I think the LX5 is even better.
Here are the major comparisons to the LX3. Decide if these are worth it to you:
- Better image stabilization. I am getting crisp photos at speeds as low as 1/10
- Better sensor than the LX3. The colors are slightly more accurate and the auto white balance works better (I need to make less adjustments).
- Better low-light shooting. Perfectly usable up to 1600 out of the camera. Shots in ISO 3200-6400 can be used with some photoshopping. ISO 12800 won't be very good, but nice to have if you don't care about quality and just need a quick shot in the dark. With the LX3 I was getting usable shots at ISO 800.
- Faster autofocusing.
- Better processor. Faster startup and shot-to-shot time.
- Better battery life... this camera lasts almost twice as long!! And I always thought the battery life on the LX3 was already outstanding. I'm going on a weekend trip soon and feel confident that this will last the entire weekend without needing a charge.
- As mentioned, the added zoom is terrific. The leica lens is better than any PaS lens I've ever used.
- Easier to get into the film mode with the dedicated movie button. Honestly I havent really tested recording in 720p yet, but the AVCHD codec is supposed to give better results.
- More comfortable to hold and better build quality.
- Hot shoe, but I don't see this as a benefit to myself. The option to add an EVF or flash is nice, but defeats the purpose of keeping this camera compact. At that point you may as well get an SLR.
- Better control with the GF1 style click wheel on the back. Seriously, this is the best PaS camera I've ever used. You literally forget about the controls. Really well thought out. The menus are similar to the LX3 and "just work". Really a nice interface and plenty of options to tweak.
- Improved screen. Looks better in the bright Singapore sun than my LX3 ever did. Wish it had more pixel density, but still looks great.
- Added 1:1 square format is really neat. Not a major addition, but nice to have. I really like that the LX-series has a dedicated image ratio button. Very useful and unique.
Complaints:
- The lens cover needs to be built in. I really don't mind the one it comes with much, but there were lots of complaints about the lens cover on the LX3. Not sure why Panasonic chose to ignore these. I would definitely prefer not to worry about losing the lens cover.
- Should be a better panorama mode. I think sony's "Sweeping panorama" feature is fantastic. Panasonic should adopt something similar if they can. The current mode works fine, but could be improved.
Wish list for the "LX6":
- Larger sensor, like m4/3.
- Brighter lens, F1.8 or lower would be nice :)
- Built in EVF!
- Articulating screen.
- Built in lens cover.
- Weather sealed to make it even more durable against splashes and dust.
- Manual focus/zoom wheel that can be programmed like the canon S90/95.
I think adding these would make for a nearly perfect PaS.
Other cameras to consider:
Canon S95: I tried this camera out the other day and it's not as good as the LX5 in many ways, but does have a few advantages. Image quality on the S90 was not as good as the LX3/LX5. The LX cams are also wider at 24mm (I think the canons are 28mm). The jog dial on the back of the S95 is cool but since the camera is so small I found myself hitting it accidentally a few times and changing the settings. Can be kind of annoying, especially if you want to take a quick shot. The LX5 is also much nicer to hold and easier to dive into the menus as a result of the control placement. But to be fair, the Canon does start at ~$100 cheaper and is smaller. Assuming size and price are more important to you, I would say it makes for a fine choice. It's still better than most other cameras out there and also has an f2.0 lens. The addition of 720p on the S95 is nice as well.
Canon G11: Not a big fan of this camera as it uses the same sensor as the Canon S90 and doesn't use as fast a lens. Lacks HD video recording and is more expensive. It's also larger and bulkier than the LX5. Overall I just don't feel like it is a strong competitor. The G12 will probably be something better to compare against the LX5 or any of the other cameras mentioned here. To the G11's credit, it does have an articulating screen and a view finder which is nice.
Olympus EP-L1: This camera is also a worthy competitor and has the benefits of a larger sensor and interchangeable lens. However, the build quality is not as good, the lens that comes with the EP-L1 isn't very impressive and it's a bit larger. You will need to spend some serious money on the 20mm f1.8 lens which makes this purchase almost ~$850. If you are okay with the kit lens this is a great bargain for just slightly more than the LX5.
Pansonic GF1: This was the most difficult decision to make for me. The GF1 costs $250 more than the LX5 at this point, but comes with a better lens (20mm f1.8) and is m4/3 like the EP-L1. While the 20mm kit the GF1 does take noticeably better pictures, I still ended up choosing the LX5. Why? The LX5 is still cheaper (the $250 difference does matter to me, it might not to you), has image stabilization (the GF1 does not) and it's substantially smaller. I like the GF1 and think it is tiny compared to traditional digital SLRs, but it's still not as convenient as a compact PaS like the LX5. Basically, I see myself taking the LX5 to more places and using it more in general. I think that beats out the image quality edge that the GF1 has.
Ricoh GR Digital III: Looks interesting and has a nice spec'd 28mm f1.9 lens, but is fixed (no zoom) and has no HD video recording. I didn't test this because I need zoom and HD recording, and it's also larger and a good amount more expensive than the LX5. I've heard the menu system on the Ricoh's is one of the best to use, but it seems to be targeted at a very niche audience.
Samsung TL500: Was really impressed and seriously considered this camera because I read about it having a f1.8 lens at 24mm! And it has a nice articulating AMOLED screen. I played with the camera a bit and was impressed, but it's larger than the LX5, doesn't have as good a zoom range and about 1/2 the battery life. I've also examined the TL500 image samples on the web and don't think they are good as the LX5. Low light performance is a little less impressive, but the LX5 just produces more crisp images with better colors IMO. This is comparing jpg's straight out of the camera, not RAW files. Lastly, there is no HD video recording (only does 480p). The price on this camera is great though and it looks and feels like it will last a LONG time. Great design here by samsung.
Conclusion:
After weighing the LX5 against the competition I think overall it's the most balanced camera out there and a worthy successor to the classic LX3.
If you're willing to sacrifice some features and IQ, but need a cheaper camera with a fast lens and with smaller size go for the Canon S90/95.
The LX3 still competes with most of the cameras mentioned and is a terrific bargain. I'd definitely recommend looking into getting one if you're a bit tight on cash, but want a great camera that will last years and years.
If you don't mind being able to record video and are willing to sacrifice some IQ look at the Samsung TL500, it has even faster glass than the LX5 and offers some unique features like an articulating amoled screen. Overall an excellent value for what you get.
Finally, if you want SLR-like image quality and are willing to pay a bit more, look at the Panasonic GF1. The 20mm kit will take amazing photos but you get a less compact camera, no zoom, no image stabilization, and of course the higher price for a camera that's already about 1 year old.
Hope this was helpful.
Love My LX5
Reviewed by: terryoregon, Beaverton, OR USA Review Date: 2010-09-02
Sorry, don't have the patience to do one of those long reviews, there are plenty of those elsewhere.
I've had my LX5 for about five days now. I'll just say that its out-of-camera photos certainly look as good as my LX3. The photos have that unusual tack sharp realistic look & colors that I was used to with the LX3. The ability to zoom and focus track during video is a nice plus over the LX3.
The LX5 certainly created a lot of buzz on dpreview forums (now owned by Amazon). Seems that Canada got the LX5 almost two weeks before retailers in the US. People in the US ordered the LX5 from Canada and paid good money for expedited shipping. That shows you how much expectation/trust people had for the LX5.
You can't go wrong with this camera. The LX3 was one of the most highly rated point-and-shoots in the last ten years.
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Panasonic DMC-ZS5 Digital Camera Features
25mm Ultra Wide-angle 12x Optical Zoom LEICA DC Lens The DMC-ZS5 features a 25mm ultra wide-angle* 12x optical zoom f/3.3-4.9 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens (35mm camera equivalent: 25-300mm). Incorporating Panasonic's advanced optical technologies, this lens system is comprised of 10 elements in 8 groups, with 2 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) lenses and 2 aspherical lenses / 3 aspherical surfaces while preserving compactness. This lens system enables a remarkable 25 to 300mm range of focal length in this compact body. The powerful zoom of the DMC-ZS5can be freely controlled even when shooting motion images. Inheriting the fine rendering and outstanding quality of the LEICA ELMAR lens, this easy-to-carry camera delivers beautiful images any time, any place.
* Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.
Powerful 12x Optical Zoom The DMC-ZS5 features a powerful 12x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 25-300mm). This gives you highly natural expressions from people and animals that you can't get close to. It is also available in movie recording with the mechanism designed to minimize the noise of auto focusing or zooming. And its slim, compact, pocket-sized body can easily go wherever you do for both everyday snapshots and traveling.
25mm Ultra Wide-angle Lens The 25mm ultra wide-angle lens* has about twice the shooting area as a standard 35mm lens. This enhances all kinds of shooting situations, like when you're photographing a group of people at an indoor party or shooting a large structure or sweeping landscape while traveling.
16x Intelligent Zoom / 23.4x Extra Optical Zoom Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the DMC-ZS5 which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x maintaining the picture quality even combining a digital zoom. This means the 12x optical can virtuall
The DMC-ZS5 features a powerful 12x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 25-300mm)
The 25mm ultra wide-angle lens has about twice the shooting area as a standard 35mm lens
The Intelligent Zoom with the DMC-ZS5 extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x maintaining the picture quality even combining a digital zoom
The Sonic Speed AF system in the DMC-ZS5 has a maximum speed of approx. 0.35 second (wide-end) / 0.41 second (tele-end) for auto focusing
The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) nearly doubles the hand-shake correction power of conventional MEGA O.I.S
Best P&S Camera on the Market, PLUS Amazing HD Video
Reviewed by: Jacob L. Mcgee, Lakewood, Ohio Review Date: 2010-04-18
This is hands-down the best camera I've owned, and that includes SLR's.
Right out of the box, this camera is simple to use. As a still camera, it turns out crazy clear pictures, and the 12x Optical Zoom lens is pretty nuts for this sized camera. I first tried out the Nikon Coolpix S8000, and this thing stomps the Nikon in every way, including the lens. Yes, this 12mp camera turns out better pictures than Nikon's 14mp camera.
On top of being a great still camera, this takes GREAT HD video. Super clear, little to no feedback or distortion.
Then, if you get into the manual and learn how to really use this camera, there are so many manual adjustments (shutter speed, fstop, etc), it's almost as customizable as an slr camera, save for interchangeable lenses.
All in all, this is a great deal, and certainly at the top of the line.
panasonic DMC-ZS5
Reviewed by: S. J. Greiner, Marquette, MI Review Date: 2010-04-04
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black)
I just got this camera to replace a fujifilm 12x Zoom i got last year. It was just ok. This camera is the BEST hands down!!! Right out of the box great photos and movies, the best point and shoot camera with great zoom for a compact!! Nothing bad to say about this, the price is fare for this camera!
"Great little point and shoot "
Reviewed by: T. Lindsay, Indianapolis Review Date: 2010-05-23
I'm a novice , but I'm thoroughly pleased with my results. I used it outdoors today for the first time WOW !! Clarity and colors look great. Indoor pictures are great with proper lighting. With low light good not great. I'd highly recommend. HD video is a pleasant bonus crystal clear. Definitely a keeper. I'm headed to the Bahamas in July I can't wait !
Panasonic DMC ZS5 vs Canon SX 210 vs Nikon S8000
Reviewed by: Nitze, Washington, DC Review Date: 2010-07-08
The title of my comments presents the dilemma I had before going to a camera shop and holding them, testing them and talking with the salesman. My research suggested, despite the media hype and ads and especially Consumer Reports high recommendation of the Nikon, that I select the Panasonic and I did and I think it is GREAT!!!!!!! It is the only one of the three in its "macro zoom" point and shoot class that had a built in flash (not an annoying pop-up that conflicts with one's hand), has a battery charger that plugs directly into the electrical socket (don't we all have too many adapters and chargers in our lives already to deal with still another cord???!!), had versatility of both Auto and powerful Manual, had nicely placed and useful controls and had a "handle" to make it easier for this medium sized woman's hand to hold the camera steadily and comfortably. The photos are just fine and superior to the Canon Supershot 1200 IS that launched me into the digital photography world. I plan to use the Canon from time to time, but I am looking forward to my new Lumix world-- for travelling and recording sporting events -- and hope others join me.
One question: "What do you recommend for a camera case for the Panasonic ZS5?" Semi soft case? hard? And what manufacturer and model?
Thanks!
PANASONIC ZS5 BEST IN CLASS?
Reviewed by: D. A. Paulon, Forest Lake, MN United States Review Date: 2010-09-03
The question is whether the Panasonic ZS5 is the best in the 2010 class of point and shoot cameras. In my humble opinion it is. All of the reviews written against this camera, for example poor picture quality and not a real 12X Optical Zoom(you've got to be kidding), are simply not true. Even the favorable reviews are not necessarily true. I have been taking photos of some kind over 45 years and I have yet to find the "perfect" camera. Of course, I am not a professional, but I feel I am more than just the casual photographer.
I have tested the ZS5 camera against an older, but more expensive Casio Exlim 7.2 Megapixels and my Nikon D70. All of these cameras are very good, but I wanted to take a more versatile camera on our recent trip to Alaska. The picture quality was just simply outstanding. Were all of them perfect? Did all the 500 plus photos turn out with perfect contrast, sharpness, and focus? No, to both questions. But taking pictures of Orca whales on the move, which turned out very good, and a still picture over Resurrection Bay are quite different. The camera performed in excellent fashion when properly used. For example, in manual mode it took almost perfect pictures of the moon rising over the mountains on Resurrection Bay and in IA, the camera performed very well in the sunlight over Exit Glacier. However, you will get washed out colors, especially on white capped mountains when taking the picture into the light. But that is what most any camera would likely do. One review accurately noted that putting the camera in Scene mode would be very beneficial and I agree with this observation. And of course, Manual, Aperture, and Shutter speed modes are all there to learn and use to take better pictures by anyone.
The camera also did an excellent job with the true 12X optical zoom plus the 4X digital. Excellent quality if one holds the camera still.
As other reviews have noted, the ZS5 does an outstanding job taking macro zoom pictures. Taking video movies with the camera also showed excellent results; just don't move the camera too quickly.
I highly recommend the Pansonic ZS5 digital camera as an all around camera. To those who are still undecided as to which point and shoot camera to buy, you will not be disappointed with the Panasonic ZS5. For those who have purchased the camera, stay with it.
In conclusion, this is still a point and shoot digital camera. These cameras have come a long way in quality and price reduction. All of the major companies make great point and shoot cameras, but that is exactly what they are. These kinds of cameras have a place for good photography but are no match for a digital SLR, but again, when hiking up the Harding Ice Fields near Seward, Alaska, the Panasonic ZS5 was a perfect litte pocket camera to carry.
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25mm Ultra Wide-angle Powerful 12x Optical Zoom LEICA DC Lens Featuring Intelligent Resolution Technology and Built-in GPS
Ultra Compact 25mm Lens and 16X Intelligent Zoom - Easily bring your images closer without losing picture quality in an ultra compact camera
AVCHD Lite HD Movie Recording - Record HD quality movies
Travel Mode with GPS - Access your images easier by automatically recording location and time of each photo
25mm Ultra Wide-angle Lens The DMC-ZS7 features a 25mm ultra wide-angle* 12x optical zoom f/3.3-4.9 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens (35mm camera equivalent: 25-300mm). Incorporating Panasonic's advanced optical technologies, this lens system is comprised of 10 elements in 8 groups, with 2 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) lenses and 2 aspherical lenses / 3 aspherical surfaces while preserving compactness. This lens system enables a remarkable 25 to 300mm range of focal length in this compact body. The powerful zoom of the DMC-ZS7 can be freely controlled even when shooting motion images. Inheriting the fine rendering and outstanding quality of the LEICA ELMAR lens, this easy-to-carry camera delivers beautiful images any time, any place. * Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position. The 25mm ultra wide-angle lens* has about twice the shooting area as a standard 35mm lens. This enhances all kinds of shooting situations, like when you're photographing a group of people at an indoor party or shooting a large structure or sweeping landscape while traveling. * Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.
16x Intelligent Zoom / 23.4x Extra Optical Zoom Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the DMC-ZS7 which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x maintaining the picture quality even combining a digital zoom. Th
Features 12.1-megapixel effective recording
Features 12X optical zoom (4X digital/48X total zoom)
Built-in GPS function lets you keep track of your photos by location
Reviewed by: Photo-Am, Brooklyn, NY USA Review Date: 2010-03-19
I've got my ZS7 today - the camera is just great! A superior Leica lens with a high-resolution sensor, advanced image processing, and plenty of sophisticated features in a small but very solid and stylish body.
PROS:
- Solid metal body, stylish design, nice dark-blue color
- Very convenient one-hand grip, unusual for such a small pocket-size body
- Short startup time (1-1.5 sec), no shutter lag, fast auto focus
- A dedicated Movie-button for instant recording
- Big 3" colorful "juicy" display visible even in direct sunlight
- Intuitive menu plus very convenient Quick-menu with a dedicated button
- Excellent quality Leica lens: sharp and contrast in the entire zoom range
- Wide 25mm (35mm equiv.) is very convenient for indoors
- Huge 12x optical zoom (up to 300mm equiv.) in such a compact design
- Two-speed of zooming - fast/slow controlled by the lever
- Smooth and silent auto focus and optical image stabilization
- Best in the industry "iAuto" mode - you can really trust it!
- New "Intelligent Resolution" feature greatly improves the image quality
- Creative Aperture- and Shutter-priority and full Manual modes
- Three independent scenery modes including "High Dynamic" range scene
- New GPS feature for those who travel a lot
- Very good movie quality in 720p AVCHD mode looks like a full 1080 HD one
- High-quality stereo microphones
- Accepts SD/SDHC and new SDXC huge capacity memory cards
CONS:
- A mechanical lever for switching between shooting and playback modes
- Some soft "sh-sh-sh" noise while zooming in and out (but no "clicks")
- I wish more sensitivity for low-light shooting
BUILD: The ZS7 camera looks and feels as good as it's predecessor DMC-ZS3. The design is almost as the same, just the power switch and the mode dial exchanged their places. One significant addition - a GPS mark on the top, right above the lens. The blue color is not that dark as on TZ5 and not so striking bright as on ZR1. A slight dent on the back with some prominence on the right side makes a very convenient grip to operate with one hand. A metal body looks pretty solid, however it is not that heavy.
PERFORMANCE: The new camera has a pretty good performance: the startup time is a little bit more than 1 sec and with almost zero shutter lag. Taking into account a new very quick "Sonic Speed" auto focus, which takes about 0.35-0.4 sec, you will be able to catch virtually every spur-of-the-moment photo. And a dedicated movie button allows starting video recording at any time without any preparation.
LENS: Leica lens is just excellent: unusually big for a so small body 12x zoom starting with the very convenient for indoors shooting 25mm up to telephoto 300mm (equiv.) plus a quick and precise auto focus (however might be somewhat slower in low-light), and good optical image stabilization in conjunction with the digital one which allows you to take sharp pictures in the entire zoom range and at the very low shutter speed around 1/8 and even 1/4. The auto-focusing and optical image stabilization work in absolute silence, and the only zooming produces some soft "sh-sh-sh" noise. Good news - without any start/stop clicks on the footage :).
DISPLAY: A large 3-inch high-resolution LCD monitor with 460K pixels has a very good contrast and saturation - the pictures look very "juicy". The brightness also is high enough to be seen even in a direct sun-light (just a bit darker) and in a wide angle of view. All that allows to share photos and videos immediately with other people.
MENU: For those who used the Panasonic P&S cameras before the ZS7 menu looks very familiar, just some new items added. Also there is a Quick-Menu button which is very helpful for a quick access to the most frequently used settings. The new camera has such a luxury as the Aperture, Shutter speed, and Manual modes and there is a new Exposure button (next to the video one) which allows to set manually the aperture using the Left-Right buttons and the shutter speed with Up-Down buttons.
AUTO SETTINGS: The best in the industry Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode is getting better with each new model. Actually it's a whole bunch of sophisticated algorithms which help to take really nice pictures with minimum efforts. They are worth to be aware about so here is a brief list of most effective of them.
"Intelligent Scene Selector" - It quickly analyzes the light conditions as well as focusing results and selects either portrait, scenery, macro, night portrait or night scenery. It also displays a small icon of the chosen scene in the top left corner. The feature is extremely helpful when you need to shoot very fast on spur-of-the-moment.
"Intelligent ISO" - If camera detects that your subject is moving, it raises ISO and shutter speed to take shots without motion blur, otherwise it will try to keep the lowest possible ISO to reduce noise and to get nice clear pictures.
"Intelligent Exposure" - it's a kind of a small brother of the High Dynamic Range feature. If the camera sets the correct overall exposure but some areas happen to be too dark, this feature automatically increases the brightness of the dark areas to make the entire picture to look more balanced. It also pretty effective for the backlight conditions - instead of getting just a silhouette of your subject against the bright sky it makes the subject normally exposed but without washing out the nice blue sky.
"Face Detection" - is another great thing for taking good-quality pictures of people. It happened to me a number of times in the past that a presence in the frame of a more contrast element somewhere behind the person I'm taking picture of was making the camera to adjust focus at that unimportant distant object and therefore made the major person out-of-focus. The same way if there is a bright background behind the person then the camera will measure the luminance of that background while the person's image will be pretty much underexposed (dark). The Face Detection feature identifies the human faces and tells the camera to adjust focus and exposure for the faces first so the people on the picture will be looking well exposed, clear and sharp.
ADVANCED FEATURES: I guess the most interesting and advanced is a new "Intelligent Resolution" feature. Actually it combines a sophisticated noise reduction with a new picture enhancement algorithm. This feature automatically identifies the 3 type of the picture areas: outlines, detailed textures, and smooth gradation panes and provides an optimized handling for each of them separately. As a result the photo looks sharper at the edges and more clean in between. Many old P&S cameras had pretty fast picture quality degradation at the ISO around 300-400 and higher. The shots taken by ZS7 even at ISO 400 look pretty good on the small and even medium-size prints.
IMAGE QUALITY: Imagine on a sunny day you take an outdoors picture of a wall made of the new brown bricks with a $3000 DSLR and a small P&S camera from the distance about 6-8 feet. How could you recognize by which camera was taken a certain shot? The subject is plain so no Depth-of-Field is involved into comparison. However in this example the two characteristics will help to distinct the cameras: 1) The edges of bricks will be well outlined on DSLR shots and a kind of fuzzy on the P&S ones; 2) The new bricks do not have any structure on their sides, they are just plane and so exactly that way they will look on the DSLR shots, while on the P&S ones their sides will show more or less amount of noise. If you perform the same test for an evenly cut line of bushes (again DOF is not involved) you will see the same result plus the internal structure of each leaf will be more clear on the DSLR photos. So to make pictures taken with your P&S camera looking like the DSLR ones the P&S camera should make the outlines sharper, clean the noise on the plane or soft gradation areas, and slightly emphasize the internal structures, if any. That is exactly what the new "Intelligent Resolution" (IR) feature tries to do.
The "iAuto" mode in ZS7 is organized the way that you will have decent, good photos in virtually any situation right out-of-the-box. The several hundreds shots I took by now look good on my 24" display and so they will on the similar size prints. But if you look at them at 100% crop (magnification) then on many of them you might find some areas which do not look natural. If the IR-algorithm decides about a certain low-contrast part on your picture that it's a plane area then it will remove all the noise altogether with all the subtle details from that part of the picture. If you take a picture of a big tree with hundreds of branches (but without leaves) against a bright sky the IR-feature will treat it as a structured area and will slightly sharpen it to look clearer. But when you take a landscape picture with many distant trees in front and behind, those hundreds of crossing branches will create a low-contrast pattern which together with internal sensor's noise might look for IR-algorithm as just a noisy plain area and so it will obliterate all the details leaving only some average color in that part of the picture and so making it looking very unnatural. The thing is that unlike the previous models the noise reduction in ZS7 is pretty strong. I would not call it "aggressive" but it's really strong.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS: There is a way how to get the best out of this camera while shooting landscapes on sunny days. Here is a recipe for experienced amateurs:
- Switch the mode dial to the program "P" mode.
- Press the Menu button and select the lowest ISO 80 instead of "Auto" (this is the key-point! If there is no enough light to set that low ISO it will not work).
- Make sure you have the "Intelligent Resolution" feature on!
- Find on the 4th page of the shooting menu the item "PICT.ADJ." and press the right button to go inside. You will see the 4 pictures attributes:
CONTRAST
SHARPNESS
SATURATION
NOISE REDUCTION
- A default value for each of them is "0". Set "-1" for contrast (to reduce the clipping of highlights), "+1" for sharpness, leave the saturation unchanged, and most important set noise reduction to "-1" or even to its minimum "-2". Take this advice as a starting point and try to play with the SHARPNESS and NOISE REDUCTION settings and see what looks more appropriate for you, because some people prefer more sharpness while the others are more concern about noise visibility, so try different settings and choose which one looks better for you.
Those settings will allow you to take the most sharp and detailed pictures of landscapes, architecture, etc. if you like that. However you should be alert and check periodically the quality of pictures and if something is going wrong then switch immediately to "iAuto" mode. The ZS7's intelligent auto-mode is very sophisticated and might take into account the parameters you're not even aware about. For example, if you apply the full zoom then the aperture drops to a small F/4.9 value giving much less light for the sensor and additionally at that huge focal length 300mm (equiv.) the impact of your shaking hands might be as so much that the optical image stabilization can not completely compensate it and so the camera will have to increase the shutter speed to have the picture un-blurred. In that tough scenario the only high ISO around 300-400 might satisfy all those conditions and the camera will normally set it in auto-mode. But if you keep shooting recklessly at ISO 80 without getting the feedback such kind of pictures might be spoiled in some way. So, use this recipe only if you know what you're doing.
Update: Having using ZS7 for a while I've identified the 3 major types of pictures depending what is most important for you on those shots: 1) The main part are the areas with soft gradations like human faces, petals of flowers on macro shots, etc; 2) Mixed content of plain areas and patterns with no central subject; 3) Landscapes with plenty of trees, branches and leaves or small flowers. The above proposed recipe is most effective for the last category - it will give you the sharpest pictures with no low-contrast areas smeared by the strong noise reduction and on the other hand the higher level of noise will be effectively hidden by the complex image structure. For the 2nd category it would be wiser to decrease noise reduction just to -1 (not -2) to make the noise less visible on some plain areas, and for the 1st category it seems better to keep the default neutral setting since to have less noise on the human's face is much more important than lack of minor details around. Anyway you'll still have the advantage of less noise at minimum ISO.
I did some comparative testing of ZS7 with my Nikon D90 to find out how much that new IR technology and the above mentioned recommendations could help to improve the overall picture quality. I've uploaded some pictures and put a link into my comments dated 04/24/2010 with the title "Compare to Nikon D90". Don't assume, just take a look - you might be a bit surprised :-)
LOW LIGHT: Recently I performed a brief comparative test of my P&S cameras: Panasonic ZS7 and Sony TX7. Shortly - their low-light performance (in normal mode) is very similar. The medium-size 8"x10" prints without much cropping look good up to ISO 400. At ISO 800 there is a noticeable drop of the image quality of both cameras and at 1600 the shots look decent only for 4"x6" prints. Generally the Sony TX7's shots look smoother because of more aggressive noise reduction while the Panasonic ZS7's ones display slightly more details along with a little bit more noise. So it's the matter of taste to decide which shots look better. I would admit that at ISO 1600 while the Panasonic's shots became much more blurred because of the increased noise reduction strength, the Sony's shots became poured with much coarse noise which got even stronger at ISO 3200 making the pictures completely unusable. So neither of these cameras could be considered as great low-light performers.
In case when the shots become too dark because of big lack of light you can select the "HIGH SENS." (sensitivity) scene. The camera will automatically choose a high ISO in the range 1600 - 6400 and decrease resolution to 3MP (it was stated 3200-6400 but in some tests my camera set ISO 1600). It will not provide better quality but at least will allow to increase the picture's brightness.
NOTE! This camera is great outdoors, but if many of your pictures are indoors or in low-light environment then you'd better look for some other cameras like Panasonic LX3 or GF1, Canon S90 or G11, Fujifilm F80EXR, etc. which were designed especially for those conditions. The original model name of this camera is "TZ" which stands for "Travel Zoom" i.e. it was designed for travel outdoors, not for indoors.
DYNAMIC RANGE: means the difference between the most light and dark areas on the picture. If you're taking the shots of your friends on a sunny day with a bright blue sky above and some bushes with green leaves aside and those bushes happen to be in the shadow of a nearby building then the difference between brightness of the sky and the bushes will be thousands of times. On the shots taken by a camera with narrow dynamic range only one element - your friends might look good, but the sky will be completely washed out to white and the bushes will be almost black. For the cameras with a decent DR like ZS7 at least two elements of that picture will look good i.e. either your friends with a nice blue sky while the bushes will be very dark, or the friends and bushes good but the sky pretty much wiped out. The new Panasonic ZS7 has the two solutions to help in such situations: the "Intelligent Exposure" feature and the "High Dynamic (range)" scene.
Although both solutions aim at the same goal they work in a different way and should be used in different situations. The "Intelligent Exposure" feature once it is activated via the main or quick menu puts its white icon to the lower left corner and starts constantly analyzing the picture. If the difference in brightness of some significant areas of the picture exceeds a certain threshold then the icon becomes yellow and that feature decreases the overall contrast of the picture. Since that threshold is very high that feature would be mostly useful on the bright sunny days. Its effectiveness is not that big but it still can be helpful and anyway it's better than nothing so you can have it turned on all the time. The "High Dynamic" scene should be used only in low light conditions because even in a bright sun it will unconditionally set ISO 400 (or even higher) and decrease the shutter speed. Such a high ISO will greatly increase the amount of noise and therefore will cause a more aggressive noise reduction which will actively obliterate small details. That scene provides much more effective dynamic range compression but at the cost of significantly decreased picture quality. If you're shooting in a low-light condition you have nothing to loose, but if you're taking pictures on a nice day with a plenty of sunshine the loss of quality might greatly disappoint you, so that scene should be used only for the low-light shooting.
MOVIE MODE: By now I tried only the advanced AVCHD movie mode - it looked very well. Apart from the processing the still images in this model Panasonic applied their new "Intelligent Resolution" feature to video recording as well and the result is just gorgeous! Because of that special processing personally its 720p HD looks even better than from my Sony TX7 with its full 1080 HD resolution.
So this new Panasonic ZS7 camera is a very good device for taking nice still pictures and advanced video recording.
Improves on the already great ZS3!
Reviewed by: A. Sanders, SF, CA Review Date: 2010-04-05
I just replaced my trusty ZS3 with the new ZS7 and, so far, I am very pleased with this camera. The output is much cleaner and smoother than the ZS3's, much more refined. Compared to the ZS7, the ZS3 produced images that look brittle and over-processed. As with virtually all small-sensor cameras, the ZS7's images are a little noisy (even at base ISO) if you look close enough. But noise is far less objectionable than ragged edges and smeared details, which is what I usually got from the ZS3. The images I'm getting from the ZS7 look surprisingly good even at 100% on-screen enlargement; whereas the ZS3's output was virtually unusable at this magnification. The improvement is dramatic. Considering that the ZS7's resolution has also increased from 10 to 12 MP (it's actually a 14 MP sensor that is masked to create different aspect ratios), I'd say that Panasonic has done a really good job here.
The ZS7 improves on the ZS3 in several ways; but for me the most important new feature is Picture Adjustments, which let you turn down the amount of sharpening and noise reduction that are automatically applied to every image. Photographers who do their own post-processing will appreciate the ability to apply their own preferred methods of sharpening and noise reduction.
The next most important new feature (imho) is the addition of aperture/shutter-priority shooting modes. There isn't much latitude for adjusting the f-stop in most small-sensor cameras because of defraction effects; but it's great to be able to control the shutter speed manually.
The ZS7 also adds GPS, which can (thankfully) be turned off. Leaving it on shortens battery life.
Other improvements that I appreciate include (1) improved image stabilization, (2) new Venus processing engine, (3) High Dynamic mode, and (4) the LCD now has a good anti-glare coating.
All things considered, the ZS7 is an impressive upgrade that is easily worth the price.
Almost Perfect 4.9 stars!
Reviewed by: K. Wheaton, Napa Valley, CA United States Review Date: 2010-05-17
After using this camera for a few weeks I am amending my rating and giving it 5 stars. This camera is truly incredible. The intelligent automatic is amazing---I only move it to manual for a few special situations. The only real complaint is that I occasionally inadvertently hit the video button. Otherwise it is simply amazing.
It handles difficult situations with grace. Sunset with sky and foreground properly exposed. Delivery room newborn with no flash and low ambient lighting. Black and white is fantastic. Couldn't be happier.
This is a great camera for a beginner---Point and shoot. Lots of control for advance photographers. I'm sorry to say I don't lug around a camera bag and tripod anymore. Just slip this in my purse.
I waited a long time to upgrade from the first generation Panasonic Lumix TZ1 (complete with dangling lens cover & 5MP) Glad I did. The best improvements are the quick power-up and lack of a shutter delay for catching fast action. If you leave it in the completely automatic mode it does an impressive job---and if you need control there's plenty and then some. Lots of programs plus aperture and shutter priority or complete control.
Other notable improvements are in the macro end of things where capturing very fine close-ups are greatly improved---my TZ1 was always focusing on the background if I could get it to focus at all. This does an incredible job! Almost too much detail (if that's possible) Every speck on the petal of a flower is exposed. This camera is slightly smaller and has a larger display screen. Most of the functions and dials are similar and I find easy to use but that may be because they are familiar.
Flash is improved over the first generation.
The zoom on the original was 10X. 12X even better. I took incredible photos of bullfrogs 15 feet away. Unbelievable detail.
This camera isn't perfect and no camera will ever be. It would be nice to have a more powerful flash and nice if you could shoot in lower light with less noise without flash and it would be nice if it had a 20X optical zoom and a faster lens but for what it is its an incredible piece of engineering. AND don't forget the Leica lens which is just plain beautiful.
All cameras have limitations and this is no exception. However it will get you a great photo most of the time. The wide angle to long telephoto range is why I bought my first Lumix. This flexibility makes for great travel photos. I did side by side comparisons of a Sony, Canon, Nikon and the first Lumix in the store and then we printed them out on the spot. No comparison. No ghosting, better color correction, better macro. And I like the ergonomics. I always place the wrist band over my wrist and hold onto the camera with fingers and pad of thumb and it feels secure. Some of the ultra small cameras are almost too small for me. (Didn't compare to current models)
What is truly awful about this camera is that the manual is on a disk and covers this camera and its 2 predecessors making it a bit (if Not totally confusing at times). It also does not come with MAC compatible editing software which is really not a big deal for me. One person asked if it is MAC OSX 10.6.3 compatible and it is. The only problem I've encountered is in using Aperture (a MAC program)it doesn't want to import directly into a project that has other images from my other Lumix camera. Make a new project and problem is solved but irritating. (Manual software and downloading from card to MAC is compatible)
Haven't tried uploading video yet.
DO purchase an extra Panasonic Battery DMW-BCG 10PP. Make sure it has the PP (It won't work without it) Also you'll need a SD Card. It's not necessary to go to the Class 6 cards unless you are shooting HD video. A SDHC 4GB card will hold 700+ photos at full MP.For most people this will be more than adequate. I carry two cards in case one goes south. You can always find them on sale for under $20. I also like the Caselogic TBC-302 Ultra Compact Camera Case for under $8.
A Great Little Camera
Reviewed by: King Tut, Texas, USA Review Date: 2010-03-27
First; I loved the ZS3 after I tried the demo display at the local Fry's store, then the ZS7 got announced with tons of improvement over the Zs3, then Canon announced the SX210 with 14X Zoom but it comes in unattractive colors and strange buttons layout. After all reading tons of reviews and comparison charts, and live demos; the Winner is the ZS7.
ZS7 Improvement over the ZS3:
Manual settings (ZS3 is only auto w/o manual settings), 1/2.33" CCD processor, 16X Intelligent Zoom/23.4X Zoom at 3 Meg resolutions, Sonic speed AF, Venus Engine HD II, Color Mode, Video divide, Happy & Custom Mode, Travel Mode "GPS", and more important Panasonic has moved the shutter button to its natural location (the ZS3 has the mode dial button placed closer to the finger, and the shutter button was somewhat far)
Panasonic ZS7 vs. Panasonic LX3 vs. Canon S90:
Panasonic LX3 and Canon S90 both offer better low light images due to lens opening at its widest aperture of f/2.0 that allow significantly more light versus the ZS7 f/3.3, also they offer RAW format and better light sensitivity, the ZS7 don't. However when it comes to the zoom power; LX3 offer only 2.5X and the S90 has 3.8X zoom, where the ZS7 has the best zoom in a compact size camera of 12X Optical, 16X Digital, and 23.4X extended zoom at around 3 mega pixel resolution. So it really depends on your needs and preference.
The ZS7:
This is a beautiful eye-catching camera; the all metal deep black color is Majestic, compact size but sturdy solid feel, you will love the astonishing 460K DPI 3" wide LCD display. The camera has a very fast focus with auto tracking, almost no shutter-lag (0.006 of Second), flash recharges quickly and always ready to shot right away. The main attraction of this camera its 12X zoom, but it also can extend to 16X digital zoom with little or no loss of quality picture (see the first few pictures on the customer's images to see a real life zoom example and other modes). The GPS is nice but it consumes battery life even if the camera is turned off!! The good news is that you can turn if off if you don't need it. The camera has 15 MB internal memory, Stereo (right and left) microphone for recording and play back, faster 2.3 fps continuous shooting. The buttons and controls layout is easy and every thing makes sense; the dial has the auto, manual, and even custom setting for creative users, also there is a separate button for recording HD 720P video. Other features; Macro zoom, Panorama assist, Clipboard, ability to Zoom while recording movies, play back slide show with music, face detection, O.I.S., digital red-eye removal, and auto back light compensation. There a lot to mention about this camera, but I'm sure more experts reviews to follow. The only negative would poor low light images without the flash, the lack of mini HDMI cable to play back on HDTV, and the tiny little user guide is useless. A screen protector for the LCD screen is definitely recommended for any buyer.
Finally, this is an Elegant, Sexy, and Powerful Camera that is sure to Satisfy.
Progress is fast
Reviewed by: iestyn Bleasdale-Shepherd, Seattle, WA USA Review Date: 2010-05-16
I bought the original camera in this line (the DMC-TZ1) three years ago and have absolutely loved using that camera. I have taken over 60,000 photos with it and couldn't be happier. I never suffered any kind of technical problem with it - I only decided to get the ZS7 (or TZ10, as it is known in Europe) because the new features I read about were so enticing! In just 3 years, this line has raced through 4 generations and the improvements are amazing - despite which the price has stayed exactly the same.
Before I go into details, I should be clear as to what I personally am looking for in a camera, so that you may judge how relevant this review is to you. Things that I care about:
- I take photos everywhere I go, often at a moment's notice, so it must fit in my jacket pocket and be quick to use
- it must have a good zoom since that gives me the freedom to frame subjects tightly and remove them from context
- it should be good at macros since I love taking macro shots
- it needs to take photos with as close to SLR quality as possible, given that it's a compact
If you care about other things, like the packaged software (which I never use) or the various peripheral 'features' (e.g. face recognition, which btw does work - though sadly not on my cat ;) ), then this review may not provide the information you're most interested in.
Anyway, here's what I've found in my first few weeks using the ZS7.
Everything that I loved about the TZ1 is present in the ZS7, but in improved form:
- it's now even smaller and lighter
- I can get even closer for macros (down to 3cm!)
- I can zoom in even further (19x optical!)
- the awesome macro and zoom features now combine in the incredible 'telephoto macro' mode, which lets me focus on objects just 3 feet away at maximum zoom (the depth of field is simply gorgeous in these shots; bokeh like an SLR!). Definitely my new favourite feature!
In addition, I have been enjoying these lovely enhancements:
- image quality is improved along every axis:
-> noise: in addition to generally lower noise levels, 'noise reduction' can now be turned OFF and the overall improvements to image quality are fantastic - the ugly 'grunge' in the pixel noise that the TZ1 had was probably its single worst feature, and that is now completely gone.
-> dynamic range: images taken in bright sunlight are far less contrasty now, and I can take pictures of objects against the sky without ugly fringing and chromatic aberration around their silhouettes (as long as I get exposure right of course!)
-> colour balance: automatic white balance is in a new league compared to the TZ1. I was constantly changing the custom white balance settings for the TZ1, but with the ZS7 I'm happy to just leave it on automatic white balance 99% of the time (quite a relief!). Overall, colours look much more natural - they match how the scene looks to my as well as the SLRs that I have used.
- the new image stabilisation is absolutely UNBELIEVABLE - all but the most major jolts are smoothed out. This has a huge impact on the clarity of my shots when at max zoom or shooting in dim lighting (which let's face it is not the forte of these small-aperture compacts), and the jittery videos you'd expect from such a light camera are now smooth as butter. Really, really impressive.
- speaking of video, the HD video is absolutely STUNNING. You could shoot cable TV on this thing.
- minor but very welcome improvements:
-> in-built lens cap (yay!)
-> support for SDXC memory cards (I used to empty my TZ1's 2GB card every few days; my first 64GB card for the ZS7 isn't even a third full yet!)
-> JPG compression artifacts are noticeably reduced
-> the new program/aperture/shutter modes give me a little bit more control under certain circumstances (though not that much, given the small lens you get on a compact)
-> the new UI is very streamlined (the quick menu is extremely useful and photo browsing is much quicker)
-> GPS works well, and it's nice to have my photos automatically register on the world map once I upload them to Flickr.
Just so I don't give the impression that I'm gushing uncontrollably, I should also mention the things that I don't like:
- I wish the quick menu was customizable (e.g. I'd like to be able to use it to change aspect ratio and set custom white balance)
- I'm disappointed that zoom+scroll in review mode isn't any quicker than before
- I really don't like losing the 'review' button (review 'mode' resets the lens after a couple of seconds, to frequently irritating effect)
- auto-focus isn't noticeably faster (one of the big general down-sides of compacts, unfortunately)
- there is the occasional encoding error when shooting videos, which Panasonic needs to fix in a firmware update
Those are pretty minor complaints, compared to all the great new features I'm enjoying. My old camera, beloved as it was just a couple of weeks ago, is already languishing on a shelf, all but forgotten! Before getting the ZS7, I would have whole-heartedly recommended the TZ1 to anyone that cares about the same things that I do (portability, flexibility and image quality), and the ZS7 stands head and shoulders above it in every regard. What more can I say? Get one!
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The 28mm wide-angle lens lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from short distances.The DMC-FH20 sports a powerful 8x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-224mm). This gives you highly natural expressions from people and animals that you can't get close to. And its slim, compact, pocket-sized body can easily go wherever you do for both everyday snapshots and traveling.When you don't know which mode will give you the best shooting results, or when a sudden photo opportunity pops up and you don't have time to make any settings, simply choose iA (Intelligent Auto) mode by simply pressing the dedicated button and let the camera do it all for you. You just choose iA mode, aim at your subject, and shoot. 4 detection and correction functions are simultaneously activated to optimize the settings, so you get stunning photos every time.
The DMC-FH20 can record motion images in high-definition (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in motion JPEG format). The pixel mixed readout method enables bright motion-image recording even in low-light settings. The DMC-FH20 can also record full-size motion images in WVGA (848 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) or standard motion images in VGA (640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) and QVGA (320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps).The energy-saving Venus Engine IV image-processing engine and the efficient, rechargeable lithium-ion battery which has been slimmed down to fit into thinner camera bodies work together to extend the shooting time of the DMC-FH20. This lets users take approx. 300 shots on a single battery charge.
FEATURES:
28mm Wide-angle Lens - The 28mm wide-angle lens lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from short distances.
14 Megapixel - Still Resolution up to 4320x3240 / Movie Resolution up to 1280x720 HD for 720p
Optical Zoom 8x Focal Length f=5-40mm (28-224mm in 35mm equiv.) Lumix DC Vario Lens / Digital Zoom 4x
Optical Image Stabilizer MEGA O.I.S. (Off / Auto / Mode1 / Mode2) applicable for Photo & Movie
AF Metering Face / 9 pt/ 1pt
Focus Normal / Macro, Zoom Macro, Quick AF (Always On) / AF Assist Lamp
I bought this camera for my wife to replace an older Canon she has been using for years. This is my first digital camera that is not a Canon and I have to say Panasonic has done a great job. Very good feature set. Shutter lag is nearly non existent which my wife loves. She can now get pictures of our kids with them in the frame! This camera is a really small, tight and high quality package. The zoom is awesome and the 720p video, while you are unable to use the zoom while filming, is a really nice that you have to pay another hundred dollars for with other brands. The ability to focus correctly and quickly in all situations, the detail and the color reproduction is nothing short of flawless so far. We still need to do some experimenting with low light pictures but I think those come out pretty good too. The flash does not extend too far but is effective at short range and takes some good night pictures as long as you stay within that range. I would definately reccomend this camera to anyone looking for a compact point and shoot.
Worth Its Cost
Reviewed by: K. Trier, Review Date: 2010-05-28
Its size makes it perfect to take along on my motorcycle.
14 M setting is great for printing and a print I did is
the only way I could prove its quality since I'd need a
very high resolution monitor and graphics card to prove
it on a computer.
It's a really decent little camera. Very worth its cost.
It has a 10.5 M 16 x 9 setting I really like 'cause
pictures taken can be displayed on my HD monitor
from the get go without altering them.
Since I have a 1920 x 1080 HD camcorder I'm not concerned
with the camera movie mode but to anyone reading this I
would say it takes decent movies but no zooming once you
start. So preset zoom before you begin.
Also, small cameras like this have crappy audio.
Camera records to .mov format so you may need
program to edit your stuff.
The still pictures are what is good about this camera
and I'm quite happy with it
Great 2nd camera...
Reviewed by: Shae Ali, Springfield Gardens, New York, US Review Date: 2010-07-05
This camera is awesome! I own a Canon Rebel, but decided to buy a 2nd camera to use on vacations and for quick snapshots of my son around the house. It is, by far, the coolest camera I've used...and I've used a lot (and returned a lot). The clarity on the pictures - when developed - is amazing. The 8x optical zoom on this and the 14.1 MP is what makes it a great camera. The options are endless with this camera. I would definitely suggest this camera over any other if you're looking for a light, compact, and stylish camera that can get the job done whether you're at home or on vacation.
Just one word of advice:
DON'T LOSE IT! *lol*
A lot of camera for a point and click!
Reviewed by: S. Banyai, ND Review Date: 2010-06-06
So far I am amazed at what this camera can do. It's just a little point and click...a PURPLE point and click I might add...but it has a lot of amazing qualities. I love all the settings, the large LCD (larger than my last camera) I adore the Burst and high-speed Burst options. That's actually why I bought the camera, it works amazing for kids and animals! I haven't had the camera more than a few weeks, and I probably still don't know half of what it can do, but what I have figured out and done with it so far, I love it.
It's easy, lots of features, burst option, macro...really takes some great pictures, and did I say it's PURPLE!
I'm not a camera guru, so having this be easy to use and take great pictures was a must, and it is!
amazing little camera
Reviewed by: C. Mei Fung, Review Date: 2010-06-04
this little camera worked great. Its stabilizing feature was amazing, I could even walk and take pictures with it without flash, and the photos still came out focused and clear.
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Panasonic DMC-FH20 Digital Camera Features
The DMC-FH20 sports a powerful 8x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-224mm). This gives you highly natural expressions from people and animals that you can't get close to. And its slim, compact, pocket-sized body can easily go wherever you do for both everyday snapshots and traveling.
28mm Wide-angle Lens The 28mm wide-angle lens* lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from short distances. * Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.
Powerful 8x Optical Zoom The DMC-FH20 sports a powerful 8x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-224mm). This gives you highly natural expressions from people and animals that you can't get close to. And its slim, compact, pocket-sized body can easily go wherever you do for both everyday snapshots and traveling.
iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode When you don't know which mode will give you the best shooting results, or when a sudden photo opportunity pops up and you don't have time to make any settings, simply choose iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode by simply pressing the dedicated button and let the camera do it all for you. You just choose iA Mode, aim at your subject, and shoot. 4 detection and correction functions are simultaneously activated to optimize the settings, so you get stunning photos every time.
HD Movie Recording (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG Format) The DMC-FH20) can record motion images in high-definition (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format). The pixel mixed readout method enables bright motion-image recording even in low-light settings. The DMC-FH20 can also record full-size motion images in WVGA (848 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) or standard motion images in VGA (640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) and QVGA (320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps)
14.1-megapixel effective recording
8X optical zoom (4X digital zoom/32X total zoom)
2-11/16" LCD screen
Optical image stabilization
Sonic Speed AF for quick focusing on moving subjects
I bought this camera because I wanted a compact camera with more than 4x zoom and 8+ MP. I was going to buy the Panasonic DMC-Z1 (I think that's the model); But that camera has been discontinued in favor of the DMC-FH20. I was not happy at first; but I sure am happy now. DMC-FH20 is a great don't need to think camera. It's everything I needed and it takes great pictures too. It's small and light; comes in array of colors (I got cool blue). I would recommend this to everyone looking for a compact camera. I was also considering Canon cameras too; but you can't get the 8x and up zoom for less than $250. Plus, the reviews on Canon's haven't been so great lately. I have a lot of friends who have Canons from a couple of years ago and they are happy. But the new Canons are the ones with the less than stellar reviews. This is a great camera and I have no regrets about this purchase. Oh yeah, the price is great too; I've seen it for as little as $160.
Great Camera!!
Reviewed by: Kimberly, Review Date: 2010-05-29
4 years ago when I purchased my very first camera, It was a Canon and it cost me above $400 bucks for everything and the camera was great for me at the time. When I was looking at the canon's, they were still pretty pricey but the quality from before is lacking in the newer ones. A friend of mine has a Panasonic Lumix and I absolutely loved the quality of the camera and the pictures it took which led me to do some research on the Panasonic digital cameras and what I found was pleasantly surprising. All of their cameras have very good reviews (4 stars or higher) and they have a pretty decent selection of them as well. I decided on this Panasonic Lumix FH-20 blue(blue is my favorite color) and I am very glad that I decided to purchase this camera because this camera is amazing!! The quality of the pictures and videos is great! I have taken several pictures (I will upload a few) and I am beyond happy with the purchase. I'm still a little new when it comes to using all the features but when I get the hang of it and become a pro, I will upload some more pictures. Oh, and the HD video is great!! I saved the videos to my desktop which I have plugged into my HDTV and it was as if I was watching something that had been professionally video taped in 720p:-)
Fantastic camera!
Reviewed by: Maggie A, Central Ohio Review Date: 2010-07-25
I did a lot of research on line before deciding on a new digital camera. We have pets and small children, and the auto-focus feature and quick response have been fantastic. I am impressed with the picture quality in all lighting situations - low, bright background, inside and outside... The price is right and the quality that I have experienced so far has been outstanding. I highly recommend this camera.
Awesome Pics by Maggie Alvarado
Reviewed by: C. M. Deosdade, USA Review Date: 2010-07-11
This review comes from the end-user my granddaughter Maggie Alvarado...she says this is an excellent camera. She's used it with her friends and cousins and it takes great pictures. She used it on her vacation to Corpus Christi on the Texas coast just weeks ago and she gives it a A-Max rating! She says it's the "AWESOMEST" camera she's used and she has had two other digital cameras. I bought this camera as an early birthday and I too am very happy with it. It delivers sharp pictures and is easy to use (she let me take a few shots at the coast). We both recommend this camera, but get at least a 2 GB storage card to go with it. You'll go crazy taking some great pictures and a little storage helps!
Great little camera
Reviewed by: BBL, Review Date: 2010-06-06
A great little camera for the price! Some features take a little getting use to, but overall, the clearity, simplicity, features and price make it a great camera.
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Panasonic DMC-FH20K Digital Camera Features
28mm Wide-angle Lens The 28mm wide-angle lens* lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from short distances. * Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.
Powerful 8x Optical Zoom The DMC-FH20 sports a powerful 8x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-224mm). This gives you highly natural expressions from people and animals that you can't get close to. And its slim, compact, pocket-sized body can easily go wherever you do for both everyday snapshots and traveling.
iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode When you don't know which mode will give you the best shooting results, or when a sudden photo opportunity pops up and you don't have time to make any settings, simply choose iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode by simply pressing the dedicated button and let the camera do it all for you. You just choose iA Mode, aim at your subject, and shoot. 4 detection and correction functions are simultaneously activated to optimize the settings, so you get stunning photos every time.
HD Movie Recording (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG Format) The DMC-FH20) can record motion images in high-definition (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format). The pixel mixed readout method enables bright motion-image recording even in low-light settings. The DMC-FH20 can also record full-size motion images in WVGA (848 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) or standard motion images in VGA (640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) and QVGA (320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps).
Extended Battery Life The energy-saving Venus Engine IV image-processing engine and the efficient, rechargeable lithium-ion battery which has been slimmed down to fit into thinner camera bodies work together to extend the shooting time of the DMC-FH20. This lets users take approx. 300 shots on a sin
14.1-megapixel effective recording
8X optical zoom (4X digital zoom/32X total zoom)
2-11/16" LCD screen
Optical image stabilization
Sonic Speed AF for quick focusing on moving subjects
Reviewed by: Peter Quinlan, Review Date: 2010-05-27
I bought this camera to backup my Lumix DMC FZ28. To use in situations where I don't want to
carry the larger camera and for my wife to use. The FH20 is easy to use (settings, functions,
descriptions very similar to the FZ28. So the learning curve is simple). The stabilization in
this camera is terrific. The lens is sharp and the Intellegent Exposure mode is excellent in all the situations I have tested so far! Bottom line is that the DMC-FH20 is everything I
wanted for a backup. Great camera, Great buy!
I have had this camera for a month and could not be happier. It is very easy to use and takes quality photos. The video's come out great. Sure it has a few minor shortcomings but, what camera does not ? For a under $200 camera you can not go wrong with the DMC-FH20.
Awesome inexpensive digital.
Reviewed by: Avg Guy, Review Date: 2010-06-08
Fairly fast lens. Good low light and stabilization with no flash. Proprietary usb cable. I would rather have a mini or micro usb. I would recommend this to all friends shopping in this price range. It replaced my trusty canon sd550 only b/c my lcd broke while snowboarding.
Good value
Reviewed by: Larry, Review Date: 2010-07-23
I've had other similar Panasonic cameras and been pleased with all of them. I'm looking for snapshots, not high art and this does what it does very well. I particularly like the wide angle, which, until recently, has only been available on much more expensive cameras. Panasonic has more competition now from cameras with similar features, but it is still a very good value for the money.
Good camera
Reviewed by: ron, Review Date: 2010-08-05
I read the reviews of the camera and it was chosen as the digital camera of the year. So far I agree with the reviews.
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