Manage updates with the Download AppIncipio SILICRYLIC DualPro
Manufacturer: Panasonic Part number: DMC-FZ50
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you can get past its large size, Panasonic's DMC-FZ50 is a decent choice for a superzoom.
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CNET editors' review
Incipio SILICRYLIC DualPro price range: $999.95
- Reviewed by: Phil Ryan
- Reviewed on: 10/20/2006
The good: Fast, 12X optical, image-stabilized zoom lens; raw capture; sensitivity to as high as ISO 1,600.
The bad: Big camera body; auto white balance is bad with tungsten lighting; relatively expensive.
The bottom line: If you can get past its large size, Panasonic's DMC-FZ50 is a decent choice for a superzoom.
User reviews
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$500 for 420mm image stabilization lens
by eteune on November 4, 2006
Pros: $500 for 420mm image stabilization lens
Cons: not as good as $2500+ equivalents
Summary: This camera only costs $500. And for that amount of money to get a 420mm equivalent Leica lens WITH image stabilization is outstanding. Did the CNET review say 'tungsten lighting'??? ...
Summary: This camera only costs $500. And for that amount of money to get a 420mm equivalent Leica lens WITH image stabilization is outstanding. Did the CNET review say 'tungsten lighting'??? This is a $500 prosumer camera, not a professional studio DSLR! Yes, the body is big, but for a reason: the lens. Yes, the image quality is not on par with more expensive cameras, but that is why they are more expensive. If you want the great zoom with a great lens and tons of other options to tweak just about everything, but don't want the weight or much greater expense of buying a separate image stabilization zoom lens to add to your already expensive DSLR, then this camera is great! I think it is an outstanding compliment that people compare this camera to DSLRs even though it costs much less.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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One of the noisiest cameras ever
by kholland15 on December 12, 2006
Pros: The camera and functions are beautiful
Cons: Anything other than flash photos or very bright light yeilds unacceptable picture quality
Summary: I read so many mixed reviews about the noise of this camera. I read a few professional reviews that lead me to believe the noise was worse than the S3IS, ...
Summary: I read so many mixed reviews about the noise of this camera. I read a few professional reviews that lead me to believe the noise was worse than the S3IS, but that it was compensated for by the quality Leica lense. The fact of the matter is that this camera is only good for flash photos or very bright sunlight because the noise for anything above 200 ISO is unbelievable. You can forget about taking pictures of your childrens indoor band concerts. It makes me sick to my stomach to have to send such a beautiful camera back because it just isn't any good for taking pictures.
Updated
After going to great lengths to fully test all the modes and quirkes of this camera, I have found that it CAN produce excellent quality photos even at ISO settings as high as 800. The camera's shortcoming, in my opinion, is that the fully automatic settings yeild underexposure in moderate to low light without flash. By using manual settings this problem is easily overcome. If I could change my rating, I would agree with the editors rating of between 7 and 8.7 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Better than Canon S3
by elstonhill on October 23, 2006
Pros: filters screw on lens, manual focus easy to use, optional wide screen photos
Cons: Noise, small screen
Summary: Feels like a SLR. Love the ability to screw on filters without a stupid tube. The Manual focus is so easy to use. Manual shutter speed and aperature also easy ...
Summary: Feels like a SLR. Love the ability to screw on filters without a stupid tube. The Manual focus is so easy to use. Manual shutter speed and aperature also easy to use. A lot more megapixels than the Canon S3. Optional wide screen photos including movies.
Advantages of Canon S3 is small size and use of AA batteries.4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Sorely disappointed!
by gplourde on May 3, 2007
Pros: Numerous features, rotating screen
Cons: Picture quality, noise, focus problems
Summary: We purchased this camera prior to its release and had high hopes that we'd get razor sharp pics once the camera arrived. Well, no matter the mode, our shots ...
Summary: We purchased this camera prior to its release and had high hopes that we'd get razor sharp pics once the camera arrived. Well, no matter the mode, our shots are grainy, out of focus - just plain frustrating. We've taken 2500+ pics in the last several months (new baby) and really only have 30 or so that we would call 'ok'. Don't let the features dazzle you.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Beautifully Desgned but Deeply Flawed Camera
by archangelmr on May 7, 2007
Pros: Excellent build quality, superb lens, ergonomics, balance, wonderful articulating LCD, 16 x 9 movie mode
Cons: inconsistent image quality, inadaquate sensor, chroma noise, limited dynamic range, short warranty
Summary: As an experienced (25+ years) photographer, I can only say that this camera is a paradox.
On paper, the FZ-50 is without quesstion the best camera of its type. In ...Summary: As an experienced (25+ years) photographer, I can only say that this camera is a paradox.
On paper, the FZ-50 is without quesstion the best camera of its type. In the day-to-day use, the reality is quite different, however.
Although I absolutely love the handling and build quality of the FZ-50, its tiny, over-crowded 10MP sensor and image processing algorithms simply don't do the excellent Leica optics justice. As a result, the camera is a beautifully-desgned, but flawed tool that will ultimately disappoint most enthusiasts or serious amateurs.
Noise and graininess (at ALL ISO settings above 100) is one problem, but I've seen surprisingly little discussion of the camera's other issues such as its limited dynamic range (dark shadows, blown highlights, anyone?), and its often wildly inconsistent metering and autofocus capability.
I love the feel, feature set and optics of the Lumix FZ-50 more than any other camera I've owned, but also get FAR more throwaway images from it with it than any other, as well. The FZ-50 is an especially poor choice for any sort of indoor or low-light photojournalism-type work. (Don't even think about using the FZ50 for indoor sports, unless you're prepared for cell-phone quality images at its "high sensitivity" ISO 3200 setting.)
I have an ancient Nikon Coolpix 2100 (an entry-level 2megapixel point-and-shoot) that consistently produces higher quality images than the LUMIX FZ-50 in ALL modes under almost all conditions -- except ISO 100 -- Go figure.
So, consider the wonderfully built FZ-50 by all means, but also weigh its limitations, relative to other superzooms and bridge cameras, as well. Some may wish to onsider the Fuji FinePix 6500FD (with its superior sensor and face detection) as an alternative.
Had Panasonic focused on image quality instead of senseless, marketing department-driven pixel stuffing, the FZ50 would be the fineset bridge/superzoom camera available. But they didn't...So it isn't, alas.2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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a great camera!
by sikkrevenge on November 15, 2007
Pros: great zoom, nice pictures, easy to use.
Cons: hard to control noise, hard to adjust the white balance.
Summary: This is the camera I started out using as a learning photographer. It does really good in most cases, but I've seen better. I love my camera, and I'...
Summary: This is the camera I started out using as a learning photographer. It does really good in most cases, but I've seen better. I love my camera, and I'm not planning on getting rid of it. I just wish it was a little better. I would recommend it for someone that has a little experience with messing with the settings and someone who is okay with dealing with noise.
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VERY NICE!!!
by chrisman34 on May 12, 2007
Pros: awsome detail, as easy or complex as you want it to be
Cons: none yet. have had it 2 weeks and am amazed at quality
Summary: I am a novice that wanted good pics. I have baught higher end point and shoots and have been unhappy. I love this thing....colors are very close to true. ...
Summary: I am a novice that wanted good pics. I have baught higher end point and shoots and have been unhappy. I love this thing....colors are very close to true. Some very minor tweeks on free photo editing software brings them in perfect. This this has performed great, and I havent taken it off auto mode yet!!! Imagine what I will be saying when I learn all the controls and take it off auto!!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Panasonic
- Part number: DMC-FZ50
- Description: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ50 is a 10.1-megapixel camera with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and powerful 12x optical zoom f/2.8 LEICA DC lens. The DMC-FZ50 boasts a 10.1-megapixel high resolution CCD for its image sensor and Venus Engine III for the image processing LSI, making it possible to record an image at max. ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution. Furthermore, by dramatically reducing the noise levels, the DMC-FZ50 is able to capture 10.1-megapixel full resolution images even in high sensitivity recording. To fight against the major cause of blurred images, Panasonic invented the MEGA O.I.S. system taking advantage of its superior lens technology to compensate for handshake - a feature, which has long been incorporated into the LUMIX range of cameras. In addition, to also compensate for the other major cause of blurred images - movement of the subject - the FZ50 is also equipped with the Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) and max. ISO 1600 high sensitivity recording capabilities within the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III. When set to the I.I.C., the Venus Engine III detects the subject's movement and adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit the subject movement and the light condition automatically. Panasonic's excellent image stabilizing system allows users to take clear, crisp images in any situation automatically, leaving everything to the camera. From a point of view of usability the DMC-FZ50 is equipped with a new Function Button which serves as a shortcut to quickly set frequently-used settings such as recording image size, light metering, AF area, white balance, and ISO sensitivity. Also, thanks to the newly incorporated custom setting function, your frequent setting patterns can be memorized and it can be instantly applied by simply selecting this function with the mode dial. The 2-inch LCD flips out to 180 degrees, making it easier to view even when shooting from high or low angles. The DMC-FZ50 is bound to spark the imagination of high-end users and join the Panasonic LUMIX high-end model lineup.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Enclosure Color Silver
- Resolution 10.1 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 10,400,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 10,100,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/1.8"
- Optical Zoom 12 x
- Digital Zoom 4 x
- Image Stabilizer Optical
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) Qty 9
- Digital Video Format QuickTime
- Image Recording Format JPEG,
RAW - AV Interfaces Composite video
Exposure & White Balance
- Light Sensitivity ISO 3200,
ISO 1600,
ISO 800,
ISO 100,
ISO 200,
ISO 400,
ISO auto - Exposure Metering Multi-segment,
Center-weighted,
Spot - Exposure Modes Program,
Automatic,
Shutter-priority,
Manual,
Aperture-priority - Shooting Programs Candle,
Snow,
Sports mode,
Night portrait,
Party/indoor,
baby2,
High sensitivity,
baby1,
Night scene,
Soft skin,
Starry sky,
Panning,
Fireworks,
Food,
Scenery,
Portrait mode - Special Effects Cool,
Warm,
Black & White,
Sepia - White Balance Automatic,
Presets,
Custom - White Balance Presets Daylight,
Shade,
Cloudy,
Flash,
Halogen - Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 60 sec
- Exposure Compensation ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps in 1/3 EV step
Lens System
- Type Leica 12 x x Zoom lens - 7.4 mm - 88.8 mm - F/2.8-3.7
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 35 - 420 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual,
Automatic - Min Focus Range 11.8 in
- Macro Focus Range 2 in
- Zoom Adjustment Manual
- Lens Construction 10 groups / 14 elements
- Features Aspherical lens,
ED glass Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Pop-up flash
- Flash Modes Fill-in mode,
Slow synchro,
Auto mode,
Flash OFF mode,
Red-eye reduction - Features Flash +/- compensation,
AF illuminator - Effective Flash Range 1 ft - 23 ft
Additional Features
- Continuous Shooting Speed 2 frames per second,
1 frame per second - Self Timer Delay 2 sec,
10 sec - Flash Terminal Hot shoe
- Additional Features Digital image rotation,
Audio recording,
Resizing an image,
Cropping an image,
Saturation control,
16:9 widescreen mode,
DPOF support,
Built-in speaker,
Digital noise reduction,
Histogram display,
PictBridge support,
Sharpness control,
Contrast control Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Electronic
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
- Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.44 in
- Viewfinder Resolution 235,000 pixels
- Field Coverage 100%
Display
- Type 2 in LCD display
- Resolution 207,000 pixels
- Display Features Rotating
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB,
1 x Composite video/audio output,
1 x DC power input
Software
- Software Adobe Acrobat Reader,
ArcSoft Camera Suite,
LUMIX Simple Viewer,
Apple QuickTime,
Drivers & Utilities Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Battery charger,
Lens adapter,
USB cable,
Lens cap,
Strap,
Lens hood,
Audio / video cable Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 710 mAh ( Included )
Memory / Storage
- Memory Card Slot SD card
- Supported Memory Cards SDHC Memory Card,
MultiMediaCard,
SD Memory Card - Included Memory Card 32 MB SD Memory Card
- Image Storage Fine,
Standard RAW 3648 x 2736,
JPEG 3648 x 2736,
JPEG 3264 x 2448,
JPEG 2560 x 1920,
JPEG 2048 x 1536,
JPEG 1600 x 1200,
JPEG 3600 x 2400,
JPEG 3248 x 2160,
JPEG 2560 x 1712,
JPEG 2048 x 1360,
JPEG 3584 x 2016,
JPEG 3072 x 1728,
JPEG 1920 x 1080 - Video Capture QuickTime - 848 x 480,
QuickTime - 848 x 480,
QuickTime - 640 x 480,
QuickTime - 640 x 480,
QuickTime - 320 x 240,
QuickTime - 320 x 240 Dimensions & Weight
- Width 5.6 in
- Depth 5.6 in
- Height 3.4 in
- Weight 1.5 lbs
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Main Features
- Image stabilizer feature Optical stabilization helps prevent blurry pictures, especially for handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds or when using high optical zoom.
CNET Labs' Benchmarks
- CNET Labs Flash shot to shot time 1.3
- CNET Labs Raw shot to shot time 4.5
- CNET Labs Shot to shot time typical 1.2
- CNET Labs Shutter lag bright 0.5
- CNET Labs Shutter lag dim 1.0
- CNET Labs Typical burst speed 1.9
- CNET Labs Wake up time 1.1
Product series
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Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Full body,
10.1 megapixels,
12 x,
1/1.8",
CCD,
Optical -
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50K (black)
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Full body,
10 megapixels,
12 x,
1/1.8",
CCD,
Optical
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Panasonic products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Panasonic
- Address:
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094 - Phone: 800/662-3537
