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Looking for a powerful, superzoom digital camera that won't break your bank? Well, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 could well be the answer. This is an excellent mid-range for serious enthusiasts, offering excellent camera optics, performance and a mind boggling array of manual controls. In this review, we'll take a look at the key features of this amazing camera.
Design and Construction
In terms of construction, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 measures 5' x 3.4' x 4.18' (WHD). It weighs a hefty 1.14 pounds and has a very substantial feel to it (almost like a digital SLR, in my opinion). There is a large and clear LCD screen to allow access to all sorts of user controls. The look and feel of the camera is very solid, and the body is in a nice, gleaming black color. All in all, the FZ20 is clearly designed to contain all the touches of a professional grade camera.
Optics and Resolution
The Lumix DMC-FZ20 is a 5 megapixel resolution camera, with a powerful 36 to 432 mm Leica lens. The Leica lens is amazing - you can get an optical zoom of 12x. You can easily select fast shutter speeds to capture sporting action, plus there is an image stabilizer built-in to reduce camera shake.
The camera allows aperture priority and shutter priority modes, plus a full range of manual options to allow you to get the best creative shots in the most challenging of photographic situations.
User Controls
The user controls on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 are very intuitive and allows you access to the full range of manual options on the camera. The manual focus system on the FZ20 is very well done - pressing the manual focus button on the side of the camera allows the camera to make a best guess at the required settings. You can then override the exposure settings and fine tune the focusing yourself.
The controls, I find, are also almost like those found in a professional digital SLR. You’ll find no kiddy options like animated icons or sounds (e.g. like those in some ultracompacts). I like that though, maybe because you feel like a professional while shooting photos.
There are many scene modes that you can select for the DMC-FZ20 (just like in digital SLRs). The camera allows you to specify two favorite scene modes which you can quickly recall and use if required.
Storage and Transfer
For storing photos, the DMC-FZ20 supports SD memory cards and MultiMedia cards. The camera comes with a 16MB SD memory card which you'll need to upgrade to sotre more photos.
There's a standard USB 1.1 port on the camera to enable you to transfer images quickly and easily. I managed to transmit hundreds of photos from the camera to the PC (using the supplied USB cable) in less than ten minutes.
Battery Life
The advertised battery life of the camera as follows. It will take up to 240 pictures using the LCD to compose pictures. On the other hand, using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) will allow you to take up to 270 picture. The battery itself is a lithium ion which I found to be of great quality and provided me with hours of power to the camera.
Shortcomings
Tow shortcomings about this camera should be mentioned. For one thing, I found it irritating that if the EVF is used to shoot a picture, the review of that photo must take place within the EVF and not the LCD.
There is a two-piece lens hood that comes with the camera. Sometimes, when shooting outdoors, the lens hood tends to cast a shadow on some of my pictures - so I had to remove it. This can be cumbersome.
Conclusion
On the whole, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 is a great quality camera suitable for serious amateurs or even advanced level photographers. It's price is very reasonable and the 12x Leica zoom lens is a big plus. It has a very comfortable, digital SLR-like feel and is one of the best selling cameras in the market too. Do consider it when you're shopping for a powerful, mid-range digital camera.
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