Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black)

by Panasonic

• 12.1-megapixel effective recording
• 5X optical zoom
• 2-11/16" LCD screen
• Optical image stabilization
• Wide-angle lens for shooting landscapes and large groups

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 3.9 x 0.9 inches ; 5.1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00395Y9J6
• Item model number: DMC-FH1K
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,318 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 20, 2010

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The DMC-FH1 features a developed 28mm wide-angle 5x optical zoom f/2.8-6.9 LUMIX DC VARIO lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-140mm) into a compact body. Comprising 6 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses with 5 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly slim and compact body yet achieving exceptional optical performance.The MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) in the DMC-FH1 compensates for the blurring caused by hand-shake. Even slight hand-shake movement is accurately detected by a sampling frequency of 4,000 times per second, and compensated to produce sharp, clear images. The Venus Engine IV controls the shifting of the blur-stopping lens with even greater precision to further increase the detection accuracy and correction effect of MEGA O.I.S. It works for zoom shots and macro shots, which are especially susceptible to hand-shake, and lets you shoot in dimly lit rooms or evening illumination to preserve the mood. In short, it lets anybody take beautiful, blur-free shots with ease.The sonic speed AF system in the DMC-FH1 (has a maximum speed of approx. 0.35 second for auto focusing. It includes numerous re-engineering enhancements, including a higher-speed actuator, optimized algorithms and parallel software processing. The result is fast and accurate AF performance. You can quickly get moving subjects in focus, such as when you're shooting sports scenes.The energy-saving Venus Engine IV image-processing engine and the efficient, rechargeable lithium-ion battery which has been slimmed down to fit into thinner camera bodies work together to extend the shooting time of the DMC-FH1. This lets users take approx. 310 shots on a single battery charge.

28mm Wide-angle 5x Optical Zoom Lens with f/2.8 Brightness

The DMC-FH1 features a newly developed 28mm wide-angle* 5x optical zoom f/2.8-6.9 LUMIX DC VARIO lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-140mm) into a compact body. Comprising 6 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses with 5 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly slim and compact body yet achieving exceptional optical performance.

* Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.

The 28mm wide-angle lens* lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from short distances.

* Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.

The DMC-FH1 has a 5x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 28-140mm) and 9.8x Extra Optical Zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 274mm)*1. Adding the Extra Optical Zoom to the 4x digital zoom*2 extends the total zooming power to a maximum of 39.2x. *1 At a resolution of 3-megapixel or less. In the DMC-FH1, image resolution is kept at its maximum size to the optical tele-end even if the Extra Optical Zoom is ON.

*2 As digital magnification increases, resolution significantly decreases.

MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) Shake Detection
The MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)* in the DMC-FH1 compensates for the blurring caused by hand-shake. Even slight hand-shake movement is accurately detected by a sampling frequency of 4,000 times per second, and compensated to produce sharp, clear images. The Venus Engine IV controls the shifting of the blur-stopping lens with even greater precision to further increase the detection accuracy and correction effect of MEGA O.I.S. It works for zoom shots and macro shots, which are especially susceptible to hand-shake, and lets you shoot in dimly lit rooms or evening illumination to preserve the mood. In short, it lets anybody take beautiful, blur-free shots with ease.

* MEGA O.I.S. is automatically turned on in iA Mode and can be turned on or off in Normal Picture Mode or some Scene Modes.

Sonic Speed AF
The Sonic Speed AF system in the DMC-FH1 (has a maximum speed of approx. 0.35 second for auto focusing*. It includes numerous re-engineering enhancements, including a higher-speed actuator, optimized algorithms and parallel software processing. The result is fast and accurate AF performance. You can quickly get moving subjects in focus, such as when you're shooting sports scenes.

Extended Battery Life
The energy-saving Venus Engine IV image-processing engine and the efficient, rechargeable lithium-ion battery which has been slimmed down to fit into thinner camera bodies work together to extend the shooting time of the DMC-FH1. This lets users take approx. 310 shots on a single battery charge*.

* Based on the CIPA standard.

Product Description

***Refurbished*** Condition: This product was discovered to be Initially defective and has been refurbished by the manufacturer. This REFURBISHED product you are browsing has been inspected by our certified technicians to ensure that it meets factory specifications; it is guaranteed to be in perfect working order.The Equipment is sold in AS IS condition and returns will not be accepted so please contact us with any questions BEFORE placing an order at 1-800-572-3224 Ext: 243. We accept PayPal and all major credit cards. We do our best to describe each item we are selling to the best of our ability. Bear in mind that the Item is sold as-is with no warranty. Use the contact us page to request additional info or images on this product. 28mm Wide-angle 5x Optical Zoom Lens with f/2.8 Brightness The DMC-FH1 features a newly developed 28mm wide-angle* 5x optical zoom f/2.8-6.9 LUMIX DC VARIO lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-140mm) into a compact body. Comprising 6 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses with 5 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly slim and compact body yet achieving exceptional optical performance The 28mm wide-angle lens* lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from short distances. * Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position. The DMC-FH1 has a 5x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 28-140mm) and 9.8x Extra Optical Zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 274mm)*1. Adding the Extra Optical Zoom to the 4x digital zoom*2 extends the total zooming power to a maximum of 39.2x.*1 At a resolution of 3-megapixel or less. In the DMC-FH1, image resolution is kept at its maximum size to the optical tele-end even if the Extra Optical Zoom is ON.*2 As digital magnification increases, resolution significantly decreases. MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) S...

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

99 of 101 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner from Panasonic! May 28, 2010

By Dennis Hawley VINE™ VOICE

Amazon Verified Purchase

I don't profess to be an expert on digital cameras; my many years of photography involved mostly 35mm film cameras (primarily SLRs and boat loads of accessories). I purchased my first digital camera about 7 years ago (an Olympus Camedia C-4000Z, followed by a Lumix DMC-Z20, both of which still perform like new). However, these cameras are somewhat bulky and don't lend themselves to carrying around to catch spur-of-the-moment shots. Wanting something small and easily carried in a shirt or pant pocket, I began my research.

I was somewhat disappointed to find that many small, ultra-compact digital cameras from some of the best known brands (Nikon, Canon, Olympus and others) really didn't have great reviews from users, at least those in the sub-$200 dollar range (which I was targeting). Having been impressed with my first Lumix, and seeing many high marks bestowed upon a number of Lumix compacts and sub-compacts, I narrowed my search to that brand.

When I noticed that Amazon was running a special price on this particular Lumix that had the features I was seeking, it was easy to make the choice. Receiving the camera after only a few days from order, I immediately bought a 2gig SD memory card (although the camera itself will hold 40mg of images, which is not much), read the manual a couple of times and began shooting. I was impressed by the quality feel of the camera, and liked the fact that the lens (that great Leica quality is a big plus) has a retracting cover. As I expected, the quality of the photos (from fully automatic functioning) was top-notch. I took various indoor shots in different lighting conditions, and then I took it outdoors and clicked off dozens of photos, all the while trying various adjustments available.... One can change the sensitivity (ISO) from 80 all the way to 1600 if desired. Color selections include normal, natural, vivid, black & white, sepia, `cool' (a bluish tinge) and `warm' (a reddish tinge).

One can set the picture size from 4000x3000 (suitable for up to 16" X 20" enlargements) down to 640x480 (for email attachments or web photos), as well as 4000 X 2248 for 16:9 display on a high-def television or computer monitor. As with most other digital cameras, other settings can be adjusted as well (i.e. white balance, red eye removal, , etc.).

Although it came with software (imaging and a PDF version of a more advanced manual than the paper one supplied), I was unable to load it in my PC (apparently my `service pack' needs to be upgraded). Undaunted, I simply took the card out, inserted into the computer's card reader and presto, pulled the pictures up, and saved to a file (the camera came with a USB cable to allow direct connection to a PC or hi-def monitor too).

After fiddling with photo transfers a while, I then took numerous shots using the 5X optical zoom (most digital cameras in this price range only have a 3X optical zoom). The zoom action was smooth and quick, and images showed no distortion. I was able to photograph a pileated woodpecker from about 50 feet with the zoom maxed out, and the resulting picture was worthy of framing. Lumix's `Mega Stabilization' feature works great; I took a pic of a cat jumping and caught it in mid-air without a hint of blur.

The camera also records video with sound; one can select from hi-def (720p) down to QVGA (four setting options available). I recorded a few video segments in hi-def of a few minutes each (it will record up to 2 gigs of hi-def video). Playing them back on the camera yielded fantastic quality; when I showed the videos to people, their jaws dropped over the image quality. However, it is worth noting that while one can play back smooth video on the camera, playback on a PC or hi-def monitor will result in a jerking, fragmented playback (sort of like a video downloaded from a dial-up modem) UNLESS a `class 6' memory card is used (most SD cards are class 2, fine for photos but not for big-screen playback). While I intend to get a class 6 memory card, I didn't buy this camera to use as a camcorder, so this is not a big issue for me. It should also be noted that it is not possible to use the zoom feature when recording; while it would be nice if it did, I was aware of this prior to buying it, so obviously it was no show-stopper.

A few more points; the rechargeable battery comes without a charge, and it takes about 100 minutes to fully charge (a charger is included). I've had the camera two weeks now, have taken about 300 shots and 4 short HD videos, and the battery still has some charge left. The time from one shot to ready for another is about 2 seconds. The camera's small size (3.9" by 2.2" by .9") makes it easy to slip in a shirt or pant pocket. I keep mine in my suit coat pocket during working time, but use a small padded case attached to my belt at other times. I can whip it out and have it snapshot ready in less than 4 seconds now!

I really can't identify anything negative about this camera, with the single exception of the inability to zoom while video recording. Unless that is important to you, then there is no reason not to seriously consider this excellent little camera. Read more ›

74 of 79 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great little snapper! April 9, 2010

By Adam

I purchased this camera on a recent trip to Thailand. I have a Lumix FZ28 that I LOVE but it is somewhat cumbersome to carry around so I wanted a little "snapper" I could whip out easily on the spur of the moment when something funny happened in a bar or nightclub or I wanted a quick snapshot of something happening on the street or whatever. It was important to me that the camera be small and not a pain to carry around. I did NOT want to spend a lot of money since I already own a great camera so this little Panny seemed, at first glance, to fit the bill nicely.

First off, for these perpetually whining types who only seem to write reviews to complain about what a camera DOESN'T do and how it pales in comparison to their SLR's etc, lets clarify what this camera actually IS first of all.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 is a camera designed with simplicity in mind. There are NOT a lot of advanced functions. You have normal shooting mode, Panasonic's acclaimed, amazing Intelligent Auto mode, (makes it hard to take a bad photo- seriously!) a bunch of pre-set scene selections and video mode. In normal shooting mode, white balance, ISO and focus modes are pretty much all that can be adjusted. In Intelligent Auto mode, it's even less. This is a camera designed NOT for advanced photographers that demand maximum control over their photos, but for normal people that want to take great photos with a minimum of fuss- the kind of people that wouldn't know (or care) what aperture priority mode means and are not interested in spending days or weeks pouring over their cameras instructional manual to learn all the advanced features it has. The kind of people that want to unpack their new camera and start snapping straight away!... On this level, keeping in mind it's target audience, the camera succeeds.

What you DO get for your modest amount of money is a compact, well built little camera from a TOP manufacturer featuring a 12 megapixel sensor, a 28mm wide angle lens, 5 x optical zoom, Panasonic's tried and proven "Mega optical image stabilization", lightning fast auto-focus, focus assist lamp, the ability to shoot high definition video with sound and outstanding picture quality for a VERY reasonable price. A few years ago, a camera with these features would have cost a small fortune, now it can be had for peanuts and you will be thrilled with the quality of pictures it takes as long as you are not expecting something that will give your SLR a run for it's money!

Anyone in the market for a cheap snapper, who does not demand a great deal of control over camera settings but still insists on excellent performance and image quality should give this little gem some serious consideration. Panasonic has created yet another winner! Five stars. Read more ›

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Affordable compact P&S with bright wide angle lens. November 20, 2010

By Tekon

I've purchased this compact point and shoot based on the description of descent specifications & low price($100.) Although I like Canons, I've had 2 that malfunctioned in less than a year, so I decided to go with Panasonic this time. It has a bright wide angle lens, which I figured would handle low light well. And the 12megapixel hopefully would catch less noise unlike the 14mega pixel ones(the more pixel crammed in the same amount of space, the more prone the pixels are to heating up, hence creating noise... bunch little red/gray spots that shows up)

I've had this camera for about a year. It has it's limitations, but it's still a fun one for the price.

Pros:
- Great deal for the price(unless you wanna spend 400 on a Canon S90)
- Great lens, it's wide, and bright.
- It's compact. fits in my pocket without too much bulge :)
- Takes widely available and cheap SD cards that fit into most laptop's card readers... instead of obscure unpopular formats(expensive Fuji's xD, or Sony's memory sticks, which aren't used by other manufacturer, so when you switch brands, they become useless, there goes the investment...)
- It's customizable depending on shooting needs/environments.
- Good macro shots, provided you can stabilize the camera well enough(Either with small Gorilla pod, or by resting it on the ground/or something immobile.)
- It records movies surprisingly well even in dimly lit places(provided you can keep your camera steady)
- Good battery life.

Cons:
- The slide power switch, moves easily when I slide it into tight pouch(I got the MountainSmith's Cubik S, and that problem is solved.... Before that I used to leave the camera on "playback" mode in case it turn on by accident, so that the lens doesn't accidentally protrude)
- The setting on the camera sometimes needs to be adjusted quite a bit to get the right kind of exposure. In the film days, it was much easier... But this goes for any camera nowadays, even advanced DSLR needs to be set properly.
- It's not that great in low light, it seems to come out grainy if I try to shoot without flash by bumping up the ISO. I think going beyond ISO 400~800 turns the image too grainy and then the details are lost. So if forces you to get close so that minimal details are lost.

So aside from all the nit picky complaints, when it nails it, it does it well. I found that playing with EV+ & - exposure compensation can do a lot to set the moods. And the manually set white balance is quite accurate.

It doesn't compare to a D-SLR, because that's not what it is. It's a point and shoot at a fraction of the cost. 5% of the cost to be precise! A bargain it is! If you take the time and get know you camera well, you'll get plenty of use out it.

If you're more serious: You wanna enlarge photos 4ft wide or more to show in a gallery get a film camera with the best film and lens you can afford and take fewer shots. 2nd hand SLRs can be purchased for even $25~100, good lens are still expensive, but they really do make the difference. Read more ›