Product Description

The 10.1 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 features a powerful f2.8 Leica DC lens with 12x optical zoom. The lens focal length is equivalent to 35-420mm on a 35mm film camera and is enhanced by Mega Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) system. The DMC-FZ50's 10.1-megapixel high resolution CCD for its image sensor and Venus Engine III for the image processing LSI makes it possible to record a image at maximum ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution. Furthermore, by dramatically reducing the noise levels that challenged its predecessor, the DMC-FZ50 is able to capture 10.1-megapixel full resolution images even in high sensitivity recording. 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. The 2-inch LCD flips out to 180 degrees, making it easier to view even when shooting from high or low angles. Finally, the battery life is greatly extended by approximately 29% compared with its predecessor allowing the FZ50 to shoot approximately 360 images on one charge. In addition to standard VGA 640 x 480 at 30 frames per second (fps) motion image recording, the DMC-FZ50 also records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA 848 x 480 at 30 fps. Self Timer - 10 seconds / 2 seconds Recording Format Still Image - JPEG, DPOF corresponding Still Image with Audio - JPEG + QuickTime Burst Shooting Mode - Standard Full-resolution image Mode Up to 5 images at 2 or 1 frames per seconds, Up to 3 images in Fine Mode LCD Monitor - Free-angle 2.0 inch Diagonal Polycrystalline TFT LCD Display (207k pixels) Direct Print PictBridge Power Supply - Lithium-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 710 mAh) Battery Life - Up to 360 pictures Dimensions - Height 3.37 x Width 5.54 x Depth 5.59 inch Weight - 1.47 pounds

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6118 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Black
• Brand: Panasonic
• Model: DMC-FZ50K
• Released on: 2006-08-09
• Dimensions: 3.37" h x 5.54" w x 5.59" l, 1.54 pounds
• Display size: 2

Features

• 10.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
• 12x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.0-inch free-angle LCD display
• Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
• Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
• Stores images on SD memory cards (32MB card included); powered by li-ion battery pack (battery and charger included)

From the Manufacturer
The new 10.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50, successor to the popular DMC-FZ30, features a powerful f2.8 Leica DC lens with 12x optical zoom. The lens focal length is equivalent to 35-420mm on a 35mm film camera and is enhanced by Mega O.I.S., Panasonic's exclusive Optical Image Stabilizer system.

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 a image at maximum ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution. Furthermore, by dramatically reducing the noise levels that challenged its predecessor, 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 world's first Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) and maximum 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 further improving the usability of its predessor, 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. As for optional accessories, the DMC-FZ50 is now compatible with TTL external flashes. Finally, the battery life is greatly extended by approximately 29% compared with its predecessor allowing the FZ50 to shoot approximately 360 images on one charge (CIPA).

The Lumix DMC-FZ50 faithfully inherits the well received basic specifications from its predecessor FZ30 such as the manual focus ring and manual zoom ring, yet enhances the image sensor up to 10.1-megapixel. Noise is drastically reduced with this new FZ50 achieving a rendition of even higher quality images.

10.1-Megapixel CCD and f2.8 12x Optical Zoom Leica DC Lens
The DMC-FZ50 includes a 10.1-megapixel high resolution CCD and the f2.8 Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 35mm to 420 mm with a 35mm film camera) lens. The lens unit is comprised of fourteen elements in ten groups including three aspherical lenses and an ED lens, All these are incorporated to generate low distortion and high optical performance while preserving the compactness of the unit. The Extended Optical Zoom, made possible by using the center part of the 10.1-megapixel high resolution CCD, further extends the powerful 12x optical zoom to up to 21x for 3-megapixel image recording (17.1x for 5-megapixel and13.4x for 8-megapixel recording). High resolution images with richer gradation are always assured with these Leica DC 12x optical zoom lens and the 10.1-Megapixel CCD.

Lumix's Image Stabilizing System Evolves
Taking advantage of its superior lens technology, Panasonic invented the Mega O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) system to fight against the major cause of blurred images. It compensates for handshake and is now featured on the entire Lumix range, and has been highly evaluated and appreciated by the users across the world. Every slight hand-shake movement is detected accurately with the sampling frequency at 4,000 times per second and will be compensated to render clear, sharp images. In addition, movement of the subject, the other major cause of blurred images, is suppressed by the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III with the Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) and maximum ISO 1600 high sensitivity recording capabilities. The world's first incorporation of this I.I.C. allows the automatic adjustment of the suitable ISO setting and shutter speed that best suits the situation by analyzing the speed of subject movement. If the subject is moving, the ISO setting would automatically rise to allow high shutter speed. On the other hand, if the subject is still and no movement is detected, you can take beautiful natural images with a low ISO setting.

Accordingly the new Lumix automatically takes the best countermeasures against any causes of blurred images with Mega O.I.S. compensating for hand-shake and the I.I.C. compensating for movement of the subject. Image stabilizing system is further evolving with Lumix.

Dramatically Reduced Noise with Venus Engine III
The DMC-FZ50 adopts the Venus Engine III to realize high sensitivity recording at maximum ISO 1600 at full resolution. The noise reduction system is greatly improved by removing noise at the processing stages in series. First, critical noise is roughly undraped and the chromatic noise and the luminance noise are separated to respectively go through the supplemental noise reduction process so that the remaining noise is appropriately minimized. In addition, chromatic aberration is also reduced so beautiful images are assured even in telephoto shooting.

Despite the significantly increased performance of the camera, the Venus Engine III consumes only 80% of the power utilized by the Venus Engine II and is able to achieve a longer battery life of approximately 360 pictures (CIPA) on a single charge. With its multi-task image processing capability, the Venus Engine III also boasts outstanding response time with an industry-leading level of shutter release time lag of as short as 0.009 seconds. minimum and the shutter interval of 0.8 seconds. Together with the fast startup time of approximately 0.7 seconds, the quick response of DMC-FZ50 enables easy capture of those spur-of-the-moment shots. The DMC-FZ50 also allows unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD/SDHC memory card.

In Pursuit of Full Manual Control
The DMC-FZ50 succeeds the high operational ease and the good design that have been highly acclaimed with its predecessor DMC-FZ30. Two exclusive rings on the lens barrel provide manual control of zooming and focusing, allowing quick and fine control that cannot be achieved with button or lever operation. This feature will be highly valued by high-end users not only for its precise controllability but also for the feeling of manual operation. With the two dials located under the index finger and the thumb, you can compensate the exposure directly in addition to the shutter speed and the aperture smoothly and naturally. The newly added Function Button serves as a shortcut exclusively for the commonly used settings such as recording image size, light metering, AF area, white balance, and ISO sensitivity, allowing them to be set easily.

For further improvement, your frequent setting patterns can be memorized and can be instantly applied by just selecting the newly incorporated custom setting function. White balance now can be finely adjusted with a reference to the horizontal axis for amber to blue and vertical axis for green to magenta. Furthermore two composition guideline patterns can be overlaid on the normal shooting screen.

Free-Angle LCD and High-Resolution EVF to Extend Shooting Potential
The 2.0-inch flip-out 207K high-resolution LCD is adjustable to 180 degrees both vertically and horizontally. This assists smooth shooting even in high- and low-angle shooting positions. The pixel-mixed readout method performed at the CCD achieves high sensitivity to offer sufficient brightness for easy shooting even in low-light situations. The Power LCD function boosts the brightness level by 40% to secure clear view even in sunny outdoors. The DMC-FZ50 is also equipped with a 235K-pixel high resolution EVF to encourage active shooting. EVF can provide the benefit of being able to check white balance, real-time histogram, and the DOF (depth of field) before shooting.

Faster Autofocus
The AF mode can be selected according to the shooting situation: 9-point, 3-point high speed, 1-point high speed, 1-point normal speed, and spot. In the 1-point and 1-point high speed AF mode, the AF area is selectable from the nine focusing areas with the joystick to best fit the composition of the subjects. Also, the AF assist lamp facilitates quick, accurate focusing in situations where focusing is difficult due to the lack of light.

Clear, Bright, Wide VGA Motion-Image Recording for Viewing on a Wide-Screen TV
In addition to standard VGA (640 x 480) at 30 frames per second (fps) motion image recording, the DMC-FZ50 also records stunning full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 fps. Shooting is one thing but viewing is another, and you will be suitably impressed by the 16:9 moving image when it is displayed on a wide screen TV. The brightness level of these motion images is also enhanced as a result of the pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD. Zooming in while recording motion images is also possible with the manual zoom ring, while image clarity is secured by the Optical Image Stabilizer.

Included Software and Optional Accessories
To edit and develop RAW files, the Silkypix Developer Studio 2.0SE software application is bundled with the DMC-FZ50. Using this software, you can freely adjust various setting such as exposure, white balance, and so on afterward with the RAW files.

The DMC-FZ50 is compatible with all the same accessories as the FZ30. In addition to those, the DMC-FZ50 is also compatible with the TTL external flash GN50 or GN36 (not included--must be purchased separately). This expandability enhances the potential of shooting to make DMC-FZ50 a true high-end camera.

Customer Reviews

Close to Perfect
I bought this camera used. I had a few 12X cameras, I will be happy with this camera for a long time. It is a work of art to hold and use. I got use to the manual zoom pretty fast. The image quality is excellent. I hear about noise and noise reduction. I can see it, but only at full size on a large lcd monitor. Pixel peepers may see flaws, but in the real world, images from this camera make excellent 11X14 prints, maybe even larger. Colors are accurate, and images are sharp, and performance is pretty fast. It is a beast to carry around, like a family size can of beans around your neck. Still lighter than a SLR with equiv zoom.
The bottom line, this is the best you can get (in my opinion) in a 12X zoom or more, digital camera.

NICE UPGRADE FROM MY DMC-FZ7
This is the 3rd Panasonic Lumix that I have owned (previous 2 were the FZ5 and the FZ7). Again as with the previous 2, the FZ50 was an upgrade. I mainly upgrade to better enhance my photographic capabilities. I am far from being a pro but a notch higher than a novice. This camera provides flexibility and freedom to take your skills to the next level. First off, I like the 12x optical zoom (which can be extended up to 21x if yo taper down the resolution). There are no gimmicks to this feature, what you see distance-wise in the EVF or LCD is exactly what the lens projects. The 10MP resolution is quite of an overkill considering that you can make oustanding prints in the 5-6MP range. Nevertheless, having the ability to increase/decrease the resolution is very handy and re-assuring. The swivel-screen LCD is also a dynamic feature. Very incrimental if you need to compose an angled shot. The function button (as with the joystick with the smaller FZ models) is a nice feature to have if you want to jump in directly to some features without a longer scroll time on the menu button. The ability to handle SDHC is great considering a lot of the memory cards out there now are high-capacity. The camera itself is light enough to carry for extended periods of time. The flash is strong enough for normal conditions although I would advise you to buy an external flash if you need to compose shots in extra-ordinary conditions. The ergonomics of this camera is simply amazing! I do not have huge hands but it seems to fit my hand at just the right place. Shutter buttons and all the other buttons are easily accessible. There's not a lot of unnecessary movement required. Everything is within handy reach. The ability to shoot at ISO values up to 1600 goes hand in hand with the new OIS abilities although I seldom require shooting at those high ISO figures. The Venus III engine is superb although in my experience, you have to fine tune the NR down to its lowest level (or turned off in some cases) to get an outstanding shot. The MEGA OIS works just right and works all the time. You can actually do a test yourself composing a shot, with the OIS turned ON/OFF to see the difference. And the good thing is, YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE! You also have the ability to do RAW with this camera but it is slow. JPEG is still the best. Unless you have a good photo editing software, JPEG will suit you fine in normal operating conditions. The Leica Lens is just superb, sharp and outstanding. No other camera (in my humble opinion) in this price-range and resolution can out-do the things you can be capable of doing. I'm very happy I bought this camera!

I just love my DMC FZ50
This is just a great product. The best "bridge" camera on the market. It might be a little noisy at high ISO levels, just like any compact camera. Great cuality price ratio, just everything that you could expect from a compact. Besides, It allows you to be creative and to take decisions about your picture (Manual exposure).