Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Review

Review Date: September 20th 2006

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Conclusion

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4.5
Features	4.5
Ease-of-Use	4.5
Image Quality	3.5
Value for Money	3.5

If you want a DSLR-like camera, without it actually being a true DSLR, then the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 is for you. It's one of a handful of compact digital cameras with a 12x zoom lens, offering a versatile focal range of 35-420mm that will more than satisfy most photographers. The ability to zoom from 35mm up to 420mm and still get sharp results thanks to Panasonic's Mega O.I.S system is a revelation if you're used to a camera with a smaller zoom. Everything from mild wide-angle scenics to distant close-ups is possible, all from a camera that you can fit into a small camera bag, and there isn't too much distortion at either end of the zoom range. The mechanical zoom and focus rings are great features that set this camera apart from its competitors, and there's also the option of fitting an external flashgun via the hotshoe. The DMC-FZ50 is a stylish, very well made camera that will feel instantly familiar to anyone who has used an SLR before, with a full range of automatic and manual exposure controls available.

Unfortunately the DMC-FZ50 carries on an unwanted Panasonic tradition, namely noise. Previous Lumix models have suffered from noisy images at relatively slow ISO speeds, and I'm afraid the DMC-FZ50 with its 10 megapixel sensor is no exception. As Panasonic have attempted to keep up with their competitors by increasing the megapixel count, they have also had to try and hide the increased noise levels. The slowest ISO speed of 100 on the DMC-FZ50 is perfectly fine, but ISO 200, which isn't exactly a fast speed, displays some noise, with ISO 400 being both noisy and blurred as the camera attempts to mask the noise. Panasonic claim that they have "dramatically reduced the noise levels that challenged its predecessor", the DMC-FZ30, but only by introducing a water-like quality to images shot at ISO 400 and faster. The optical image stabilisation system partially makes up for the noise problems, in that you can take a photo at a slower ISO speed and therefore a slower shutter speed, and still get sharp results, without adversely affecting the battery life too much. But it isn't a complete solution. Panasonic's attempt to alleviate the noise issue, the new High Sensitivity mode which provides a fastest ISO speed of 3200, is not successful because the image resolution is automatically reduced, resulting in smaller print sizes.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 is simply a joy to use, offering a DSLR-like experience whilst avoiding some of the problems that DSLRs have (principally dust on the sensor and the lack of live view via the LCD screen). It's a stylish, straight-forward, advanced camera with that 12x Leica zoom lens as its main attraction. On the other hand, the move to a 10 megapixel sensor hasn't done this camera any favours, stopping me from recommending the DMC-FZ50 more strongly. If you're really interested in the massive focal range on offer and you don't want a "proper" DSLR, then the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 should still find a place on your shopping list, despite that persistent issue of noise.

PhotographyBLOG is a member of the DIWA organisation. Our test results for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 have been submitted to DIWA for comparison with test results for different samples of the same camera model supplied by other DIWA member sites.

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