Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20S 5MP Digital Camera with 12x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom (Silver) | List Price: $599.99
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Brand: Panasonic
Binding: Electronics
Features: - 5-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 13-by-17-inch enlargements
- Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 12x zoom lens combines with 4x digital zoom for 48x total zoom
- MEGA optical image stabilizer; 2-inch TFT LCD screen; PictBridge Compatible
- Store images on Secure Digital (SD) memory card (16 MB SD card included)
- Powered by lithium-ion battery pack (included with charger)
AWSOME [Posted on 2007-07-11]
This camera is Awsome, the ZOOM is insaine on it, it gets crisp cristel clear shots, just make sure you have some experience using a more pro camera like this one.
It's all about the pictures [Posted on 2007-11-13]
I got the FZ20 when it first came out. It was an addition to several other digital and film cameras that I own.
Having been a semi-pro photographer for years, we have to realize that different people look for different things in a camera. That's one reason why I have a lot of cameras.
However, if size is not a factor but I still can't carry a complete camera bag with interchangeable lenses, then my go-to camera is the FZ20. Why? Well, if I am shooting in low light, the results with either a Sunpak 422D or Metz 60CT is great. Also, in normal situations where the onboard flash will work or in available light situations within the range of the camera, the lens on this hummer will catch shots that I would otherwise not get. The incredible zoom range, quality within the range and 2.8 aperture are an incredible combination. Think about it. And while it is 5 MP, because of the broad zoom range, there is far less need to crop a photo later on, losing resolution. With the FZ20 one has far greater flexibility in framing and cropping the photo in the camera, using the lens. The results are pretty stunning
The camera has been very reliable over the years, taken lots of bumps and bruises, and just doesn't quit. No problems whatsoever. Destined to become a classic, I think.
The internal battery is pretty good, and I always carry a spare, but I use external batteries with this to help keep me going during a shoot.
CONS, well there are a few. Not the best for video display of shots taken at extremely low light, but print results look good.
Some people have complained about the viewfinder and screen, I find that they work perfectly well for me, and would not have wanted to buy the camera at a higher cost for something better than it has.
This is another common complaint that I read about... and that is image quality of cameras. Too often the image quality will vary depending on whether the photo is being displayed on a computer screen or printed. And if it's printed, the printer and paper used. When printing either at a lab or on my dye sub printer, I have never had a bad photo with this camera, except for, say, user error.
OTOH, photos taken with my non-Lumix cameras tend to look flat and uninspiring by comparison. There is something about the Leica lenses that makes people really flip out over the Lumix shots.
Also, the location of the SD card is in the BOTTOM of the camera, which is a drag when using a tripod. You have to unscrew the camera from the tripod base to get to the card. Max card capacity is 2GB. Which is generally enough. Why they didn't mount the card in the side of the camera is a mystery.
No long exposure capability [Posted on 2007-12-29]
I've had this camera for a few years now and love it, BUT I have discovered that I cannot do long exposures needed for most night photography.
The maximum built-in exposure time is 8 seconds, far too little for most night photography. It's a great camera if you don't want to do time exposures but a big disappointment if you do.
Oldie but goodie [Posted on 2008-01-27]
At 5 megapixels this camera is somewhat outdated, yet with owning newer and supposedly better cameras I still grab this one most often. The lens is stunning, fast and clear with an amazing zoom ratio. I got this camera when I was fascinated with photographing ducks. The 430mm equivalent zoom is perfect for bird photography. Compared to an SLR with equivalent length of zoom it's so light and easy to handle. And with a 36mm equivalent wide angle it replaces an entire kit of lenses. And with a 2.8 aperture it's remarkably fast for such a zoom.
My biggest complaint is that the with a minimum aperture of F8 I can't get quite the depth of field that I'd sometimes like. Some other features are a bit dated, too. Maximum movie size is 320 x 240 pixels. The USB connector is only the slower version 1. But since I don't like hauling multiple lenses around (or changing them in bad weather) and don't really use this as a movie camera, it's still the camera that goes on hikes with me. If you can find a used one at a good price don't worry about the 5 MP limit. The few photos that I've needed to print at a large size, I've taken to a print shop that does giclee printing. I have a stunning 16" x 20" shot of a red tailed hawk that's as fine as any of my 35mm prints. The printing was pricey but considering the framing and mounting costs the $15 printing cost was trivial.
superb camera [Posted on 2008-09-04]
I bought this camera used for $99. What a bargain!! It takes fabulous pictures! I downloaded pictures I took at Niagra Falls and use them as my screen saver and I can't believe I took those pictures. They look like they were taken by a professional! I still have a lot to learn on this camera but so far the pictures are stunning. I can't imagine what kind of pictures I'll be able to take when I learn more about the camera.
The only one tiny problem I have is where they put the digital view finder. When I look through it my nose touches the LCD screen. But other than that I love this camera. What a great find!!!
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