The Bottom Line: I spent ages researching this and I am really picky. This review is to help you put your mind at rest that you are buying the right camera.
tobybasil's Full Review: Panasonic Lumix® DMC-FZ20 Digital Camera
Panasonic FZ20
I have owned digital cameras now for several years and the Panasonic FZ20 will be my sixth camera.
I researched for over 2 months before buying the FZ20, but in the mean time tried all the big zoom competitors from Olympus, Cannon etc.
I only use the camera for home stuff and holidays, yet like most ordinary users, I expect a every picture I ever take to come out as if its been taken by David Bailey. Well I can’t get David Bailey to take my pictures for me, but with the Panasonic FZ20, frankly I don’t need him. This camera exudes quality in everything it does, from the way it feels in your hand right through to the pictures it takes, it’s just amazing. I have never used one of these £1000 plus cameras and I just can’t imagine how they can be better than the FZ20 for around £400.
The way the camera operates is flawless and the controls and menu’s are just so easy and so logical, I guess it’s what Nokia is to mobile phones, just easy to use and easy to understand. Even if you have never picked up a digital camera before, you will be taking amazing pictures from the very first push of the shutter button. The point and shoot modes just cut the mustard without you even having to mess with the stacks of user options that are available to you. The low light ability is superb, allowing you to take great indoor shots, without even using the flash. The massive zoom lens is crystal clear right through the range from the 12x optical up to the 48x zoom when added to the digital zoom. The image stabiliser has to be tried to be believed, it’s got a couple of options and option 2 is stunning. Hand held on 48x Zoom, the Panasonic will give you rock solid images just as if the camera was bolted onto a tripod. The FZ20 also has a movie mode and again this is such a bonus, because it is video camera quality, so much so that I have invested in a 1GB SD card so I can now take better advantage of it. I have found the battery life to be excellent.
Finally, I just love this camera to bits and can not imagine how it can be improved. For sure if you are loaded, get yourself a £1000+ camera, but if you do, all the Panasonic owners will be laughing at you…….
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 600 This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Fool-Proof for Absolute Beginners
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