Panasonic DMC-FZ50 Review

The Panasonic DMC-FZ50 is the successor to the very popular Panasonic DMC-FZ30. There is nothing really new with the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 physical speaking except for some very minor detail tweaking. It still has the optically stabilized zoom at 12x and the flip out screen that can now be turned around and folded down with the Panasonic DMC-FZ50. There were also some minor changes with the control.

As have been mentioned, the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 has the same 12x zoom lenses with MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer as its predecessors in the FZ series. It also has a function called Extended Optical Zoom that can increase the camera’s zooming power to 21.4x but at 3-megapixel resolution.

The Panasonic DMC-FZ50 also features an Intelligent Image Stabilizer. The MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer reduces the blurring effect from camera shake that is usually caused by hand shakes. The camera also boasts of an Intelligent ISO Control that reduces blur when taking pictures of moving subjects. Because of these features, it is now possible to shoot and take pictures at any given situation with any given condition.

It is also possible for the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 to shoot with full resolution at ISO 1600 because of its Venus III Engine. The Venus III Engine is an image processing LSI patterned after the Venus III Engine that gives out high quality image results, quick response but still with reduced noise levels.

While the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 is capable of manual control through the conventional use of the focus ring and zoom ring, it has been added with a new function that works as a shortcut button to immediately set the user's frequently used settings. This function can also save and memorize the setting patterns for later use.

The LCD screen of the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 is a 2.0” flip out screen with 207,000 resolution. It is adjustable vertically and horizontally at 180 degrees. The LCD screen also has a feature that makes it easier to look at it during sunny days or bright light conditions. On darker or dimly lit conditions, the LCD automatically adjusts itself to let the user see what it is shooting. Aside from those, it is also packed with an EVF of 235,000 pixels that enables the user to check for the depth of field, white balance and real time histogram even before shooting.

The Panasonic DMC-FZ50 is built with a mode dial that lets the user choose from 19 different modes that would fit almost any condition. These modes include Soft Skin Mode, Portrait Mode, Sports Mode, Scenery Mode, Night Scenery Mode, Night Portrait Mode, Panning Mode, Self Portrait Mode, Party Mode, Food Mode, Fireworks Mode, Candle Light Mode, Snow Mode, Starry Sky Mode, High Sensitivity Mode, Baby Mode ½, Aerial Mode, Beach Mode, and Underwater Mode. Using just one mode dial, the user can choose any of these modes.

This camera is also capable of recording full-length videos. It uses 30 frames per second and uses the QuickTime format at 640 x 480 pixels. While recording, it is also possible to zoom in and out with the help of the zoom ring. Image clarity is preserved and blur reduced with the help of its Optical Image Stabilizer.

When shooting still pictures, the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 has a feature called MEGA BURST. With this feature, the user can take consecutive shots at 2 frames per second. There is also a feature with the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 wherein the user can choose different aspect ratios for the images. Aspect ratios that they can choose from are the 4:3 standard format, 3:2 format for film camera, and 16:9 wide screen format.

Other features included with the camera are the World Time Setting and the Travel Date Setting. When going to another place with a different time zone, all the user has to do is to indicate the place of destination and it automatically calculates the time there.

Pros: Fast startup and fast focus, excellent image stabilization system, easy to use and well built, usable EVF, easy to control and custom modes make the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 a very effective camera.

Cons: When using ISO 400 and above, image quality can become smeary and very soft because of too much noise reduction. There are also some exposure problems that can be encountered with the Panasonic DMC-FZ50.

Overall: Image quality is mostly the concern with the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 because it has fantastic specifications. But overall, this gadget is an excellent partner for those serious users. This piece of equipment needs the right skills to make it give out the best output it can possibly give.

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