Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50Panasonic FZ50 Specifications
10.1 megapixels
12x optical zoom / 2-4x digital zoom
Auto and manual focus
Auto and manual exposure
JPEG and RAW file formats
ISO 80-3200
Secure Digital storage (32MB SD card included)
Movie mode, with sound
Self-Timer of 2-10sec
Lithium-ion battery

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 is said to be a great extended zoom camera. Its fantastic zoom capabilities allow you to finally dispose of that big bag of lenses you used to carry around. This camera takes great pictures with true to life colors.  Every user who has bought it seems to have nothing to regret about it. However, it is recommended to purchase a 1GB memory card to add storage space to its 32MB internal memory, since it takes high quality pictures. Having more storage capacity won’t limit you from taking best-quality photos.

February 3rd, 2007 Posted by Glenn in Panasonic at 6:46 am Comment Now! »

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50Digital Photography Review has their review up on the Lumix DMC-FZ50, from Panasonic.

Announced bang on schedule exactly a year after the camera it replaces, the FZ50 is the new flagship in Panasonic’s big-zoom Lumix range, upping the image size to a class-leading 10.2 megapixels and adding a couple of welcome new features. Unlike the FZ30, which represented a leap forward in design and features over the FZ20 (and closed the gap between fixed lens and SLR cameras further than ever before), the new camera is a fairly minor upgrade. Then again, the FZ30 was hardly crying out for a massive overhaul; despite a wealth of ’super zoom’ competitors it really does sit in a class of its own, offering true SLR-like handling and operation and an amazingly versatile 35-420mm equivalent 12x optical zoom (with fluid-damped mechanical zoom mechanism).

In the end they gave the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50, a recommended rating, but make sure that we all know that it just made the cutoff for that rating, as its value was only a 7.5 out of 10 on their rating scale.

September 11th, 2006 Posted by David in Review, Panasonic at 11:56 am 1 Comment »

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3Imaging Resource has a review up on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3, where they start by saying that if you have read their review on the LZ5, this camera is pretty similar, and you can almost skip this review if you have read the previous one. Pretty sad state of affairs when cameras are so similar that a range of models really only need one review.

The Panasonic LZ3 is in most ways a typical compact snapshot camera, providing a good selection of automatic features and not much in the way of manual control. But it stands out from the crowd by providing a 6x optical zoom… and by implementing the optical image stabilization that has become standard in newer Lumix cameras. There are two stabilization modes, and while the first produces only a minor difference while stabilizing the LCD preview somewhat, the second mode captures a much more noticeably sharp image than what you’ll get without the OIS at slower shutter speeds. Image stabilization is really a very worthwhile feature on a camera, it makes it a lot easier to get sharp photos when shooting under limited lighting.

In the end they say that the DMC-LZ3 is a good value, and its optical stabilization is great. They mention the lack of sound for movie mode, making movie mode, pretty useless. But overall, I think they give it a thumbs up. I personally love the optical zoom, as it is well above standard.

You can check out and buy the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 from here.

August 18th, 2006 Posted by David in Review, Panasonic at 9:31 am Comment Now! »

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1Digital Camera Resource Page recently reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1, which is a reasonably compact digital camera with a super nice optical zoom, being able to go as high as 10x just using the “folded” optical lens system.

Camera performance was excellent. The TZ1 starts up in a second, focuses very quickly (especially if you’re using the high speed AF modes), and there’s no shutter lag to speak of. Low light focusing was very good, thanks to the camera’s AF-assist lamp. If you’ve got a high speed SD card then you’ll be able to take full advantage of the TZ1’s great continuous shooting mode, which lets you shoot indefinitely at 2 frames/second. The one downer in the performance department is battery life: the expensive CGA-S007 battery lasts for 250 shots, which is below average these days.

Despite its minor flaws, the reviewer really liked the Lumix TZ1, and I can see why. Other than its battery life, and some minor let downs, the machine is a powerhouse. Its optical zoom, 6 megapixel sensor among other things put it on a short list for someone that wants a compact high zoom camera.

June 14th, 2006 Posted by David in Review, Panasonic at 3:06 pm Comment Now! »

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2 Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2A budget camera with image stabilization is reviewed at Imaging Resource. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2 includes MEGA O.I.S., which they describe in the review.

Budget digital cameras have come a long way from the days when they were basically a computer with a lens encased in a hard plastic shell. Along with boasting better sensors (with the Panasonic LS2 it’s a 5MP CCD) they now come packed with great features that can actually help you take better pictures. Most notable on the LS2 is Panasonic’s pioneering MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), a generally well-reviewed technology that cuts down on blur in images due to movement.

While most users might associate Optical Image Stabilization as something used to steady long zooms, it can be extremely beneficial to shooting close-ups, especially in low-light when you don’t want to blow out your subject with a flash. On the LS2, MEGA O.I.S. comes in two flavors: Mode 1, which is a continuous mode that helps with framing pictures; and Mode 2, which is only engaged when the shutter button is pressed. While Panasonic says the stabilizing effect is greater in Mode 2, I couldn’t really tell much of a difference in the results. The one benefit I could see to Mode 2 is that since it is only engaged when you press the shutter, the battery seemed to take less of a hit. Once you start using MEGA O.I.S., you’ll never want to turn it off, so Mode 2 is probably the more efficient setting.

In the end they say that the camera just missed out on being a Dave’s pick, but if you are looking for a unique camera at a great price that offers 5 megapixels, optical image stabilization, and easy battery compatibility you will want to check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2.

May 8th, 2006 Posted by David in Review, Panasonic at 10:01 am Comment Now! »

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01PhotographyBLOG reviewed the DMC-FX01 from Panasonic, and were curious to find out if it was the compact camera to have.

The Panasonic DMC-FX01 is the smallest digital camera in the world with a 28mm wide-angle digital zoom lens. The FX01 offers a 28-102mm, 3.6x zoom lens in a stylish and ultra-compact body. The Panasonic FX01 also features a 6 megapixel sensor, 2.5 inch LCD screen, and as with all Panasonic cameras, the company’s MEGA O.I.S optical image stabilisation system for shake-free photos. The Panasonic FX01 has a new High Sensitivity mode with a fastest ISO speed of ISO 1600, High Angle mode that brightens the LCD when held overhead, faster 1-point auto-focus system, enhanced scene modes, wide-aspect VGA (840×480) movies at 30fps and more advanced Venus Engine Plus LSI processing.

In the end they gave the ultra-compact FX01 a four out of five as it suffers from a bit of noise in the images, but otherwise is really decent.

May 5th, 2006 Posted by David in Review, Panasonic at 10:10 am Comment Now! »

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01Another Panasonic review, this time it is the LUMIX FX01 and it is being reviewed by the folks at ePHOTOzine.

The Panasonic Lumix FX-01 has a lot going for it. The wide angle zoom is unique in a camera of this size, the LCD screen is fantastic quality,as is the general fit and finish of the camera. The noise levels are the most disappointing aspect of this camera, at ISO80 there is already a noticeable level of noise present and by ISO 400 the image quality has deteriorated further.

Although the noise levels could be a major problem for some, it wasn’t enough to put me off this camera, the solid build and image quality in good light are enough to warrant overlooking this flaw.

A few problems, but not enough to give a thumbs down to the camera. That is still a little uninspiring, so it may be beneficial to check out others rather than picking up the FX01.

May 4th, 2006 Posted by David in Review, Panasonic at 11:45 am Comment Now! »

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX9 Review

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX9ThinkCamera has reviewed the LUMIX DMC-FX9 from Panasonic.

This Panasonic FX9 is a very natty little number, with a good mixture of technical features and features that make it easier for you to take better photos. It is also a quite expensive camera. The Leica lens does tend to mark it out as a “luxury” product. Beware of sales people trying to sell it to you simply because of the lens.

This camera comes in a very smart black colour. It is slim and very pocketable. It does not have an optical viewfinder, which can cause difficulties in sunlight. On first impressions the camera feels well built, with a light weight metal case. The buttons on the back are quite small, so this camera is not for those who have big digits or are a little clumsy.

In the end they give the camera a four out of five.They loved the functions and features, but found the camera pretty expensive in comparison to others in its class.

May 4th, 2006 Posted by David in Review, Panasonic at 11:42 am Comment Now! »

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1Imaging Resource reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 in one of their quick reviews that scroll on forever.

While the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 is an undeniably competent–even exciting–point-and-shoot digicam, we quickly came to appreciate it as something more like a rangefinder. It’s as playful and friendly as any point-and-shoot, but it can also be as serious as any high-end digicam.

That covers quite a bit of territory and it took us a while to believe it, but the more we used the LX1, the more respect we had for it.

We were delighted to see, first of all, those magic letters, “PASM” on the Panasonic LX1’s mode dial. (PASM are three separate exposure modes that most photographers know as “Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, and Manual.”) There are a lot of point-and-shoots that pretend some kind of manual control, but the Panasonic LX1 delivers the real thing.

In the end they give the Lumix DMC-LX1 a Dave’s Pick rating, thanks to its Leica lens, solid build, and strong value. They ended the review saying that there is nothing else like it.

May 1st, 2006 Posted by David in Review, Panasonic at 8:37 am Comment Now! »

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ7 Review

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ7Imaging Resource also gives a quick review to the Lumix DMC-FZ7 from Panasonic.

Overall, shooting with the Panasonic FZ7 is a slightly odd but not entirely unpleasant experience. The camera suffers from what I would call “in-between-ness.” With the old chunky cameras, the size and heft of the models obviously limited you from sliding it in your pocket. But they were small and light enough to bring with you just about everywhere, with serious features to make you feel like a pro. With the FZ7, it’s hard to tell exactly how to hold or carry it. There’s a nice rubberized handgrip on the right side, but for an average-sized male hand like mine, I felt like I was smothering it. Also, since it’s hard to keep a light camera like this steady, even with the O.I.S. engaged, I was continually switching between using the LCD on the back and the tiny electronic viewfinder in an effort to stabilize the camera.

Another quick review, and another Dave’s pick as the Lumix DMC-FZ7 performs well for the type of digital camera it is.

April 25th, 2006 Posted by David in Review, Panasonic at 9:14 am Comment Now! »

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