Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20S 5MP Digital Camera with 12x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom (Silver)

by Panasonic

Product Details

Product Manual [8.94mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.5 x 6.2 inches ; 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 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: B0002R282O
• Item model number: DMC-FZ20PP-S
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (124 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,352 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 26, 2004

Product Description

Color: DMC-FZ20 Silver

Amazon.com Product Description

Optics and Resolution
Featuring a 5-megapixel CCD sensor, the DMC-FZ20S delivers a wide range of detail and color with images up to 2560 x 1920 pixels--enough information to make photo-quality prints up to 13 by 17 inches. Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 12x zoom lens, with 3 aspheric elements, combines comfortably small size with superb image rendering. By combining with a 4x digital zoom, users will have an equivalence of a 48x zoom lens in a very compact body, though users should note that digital zoom degrades picture quality.

Movie Mode and Audio
The DMC-FZ20S lets you shoot QuickTime Motion JPEG video at resolutions up to 320 x 240 pixels with sound. The amount of video you can capture is limited by space on the memory card; you'll fit more at low quality (10 frames-per-second) than at high quality (30 frames-per-second). The movies aren't camcorder quality, but they're fun and convenient, and they're perfect as e-mail attachments. You can also record audio comments, up to five seconds in length, for your still pictures.

More Features

• Flip Animation: Allows you to create your own frame-by-frame animations.
• Unlimited Consecutive Shooting: Allows consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD memory card.
• Two-inch diagonal polycrystalline TFT LCD display (130k pixels)
• Hot shoe for external flash attachment
• Mega Burst Shooting Mode: Shoot up to seven images at three or two frames-per-second in standard resolution, or up to four images in fine resolution. This option is designed to provide you with the best selection of photos during action, such as a sporting event.

Storage and Transfer
Images and video are stored on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. A 16 MB SD card is included. Files can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Printing
This camera supports the PictBridge standard. PictBridge is a technology that lets you transfer pictures from a digital camera to a compatible printer, without a PC or image-editing software. Because PictBridge is an industry standard, users can connect PictBridge-compatible devices made by many different manufacturers. Learn more about PictBridge.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by lithium-ion battery pack (included with charger). It measures 3.43 by 5.02 by 4.18 inches and weighs 1.14 pounds.

What's in the Box
DMC-FZ20S digital camera, battery charger, battery pack, 16MB SD memory card, lens cap, lens hood with adaptor, A/V and USB cables, strap, and CD-ROM

Product Description

Interesting. It looks like an SLR but it really isn't. Instead of changing lenses, it's got a 12-times zoom lens that goes from wide-angle to large telephoto focal lengths, equivalent to 36mm to 432mm in a 35mm film camera. Not an ordinary lens either, Leica Vario Elmarit. It's a Lumix Digital-camera and it stores still and movie images on SD or MMC memory cards. Here's a rare feature: Jitter from shaky hands is one of the main reasons why cameras produce blurry images. We don't expect everyone to have hands of stone when taking pictures--that's why Lumix cameras help solve the problem of unsteady hands with advanced MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer technology. The DMC-FZ20 has a built-in gyrosensor that detects any hand movement and relays a signal to a tiny microcomputer inside the camera, which instantly calculates the compensation needed. A linear motor then shifts the Optical Image Stabilizer lens as necessary to guide incoming light from the image straight to the CCD. You won't even notice it working--all you'll see are the outstanding results! It's time to get a Lumix and smile. Up to 2560 x 1920 still image resolution / Up to 320x240 QVGA digital video resolution at 10 or 30 fps with audio / A still image may have up to 5 seconds audio 2 LCD Screen SD Memory Card Slot USB and AV Cables and ports for image transfer to PC - Macintosh - TV Includes 16MB SD memory card but we suggest buying an optional 256MB memory card (or larger) for practical use with this high-res camera Includes Rechargeable Li-Ion battery and Charger Includes Lens Cap, Hood Adapter, Wrist Strap Includes Image Transfer and Editing software suite Built-in multimode electronic-flash / Hot Soe for adding an optional external electronic-flash PictBridge Unit Dimensions HWD - 3.43'' x 5.02'' x 4.18'' / Weighs 1.14 lbs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

316 of 323 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lumix is the camera of the year!, September 30, 2004

By 

Michael Stouffer (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20K 5MP Digital Camera with 12x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom (Black) (Electronics)

For $599, this is an unbelievable camera for an aspiring amateur or blooming professional. I was looking for something better than the average point and shoot but not as complicated as the digital SLR's. I wanted a nice optical zoom, not just some 3x optical with 4x digital.

I researched camera after camera for over a month. I looked at basically every camera out there including the newest and higher end cameras such as the Canon Powershot G6, Canon Powershot Pro1, Canon Digital Rebel SLR, Kodak DX7590, Nikon 8700, Olympus C-8080 and the Sony F828 among others. After much debate, it came down to the Canon Powershot Pro1 and the Panasonic Lumix FZ20. I didn't mind paying more for the Canon if it was really worth it, but I could not turn my attention away from the Lumix.

It had a much better optical zoom -- an unbelievable 12x!!! The higher end cameras only went to 8X (Canon Pro1) or 10x. Although I wanted a 6 - 8 megapixel, and the Canon had 8, I figured that I'd rarely blow up my images greater than 8 x 10, so when would I really need such high pixel resolution. See, in my research I found out that pixels aren't everything, believe it or not. It depends on what you're going to do with the images. If you just want to send e-mails, you only need a 3 megapixel. If you want to print out quality pics, you might go for a 4 or 5. You only need a high megapixel camera if you're going to do some really big layout stuff. For me, that wasn't the case and the only other thing I liked more about the Canon was the swivel screen. So I went with the Lumix.

After you hold this thing and take pics, you'll think this is an 8 megapixel!! The images are so sharp and clear it is unbelievable. I was told in reviews that I'd see some redeye in the pics, so just to be safe I purchased an external flash (yes, the camera has a hot shoe). The best part is, I took off the external flash and tried it with the standard pop-up flash and still -- NO RED EYE. I was amazed.

The menu is easy yet there are tons of options. The unit feels and shoots like a professional camera, yet with the ease of use for an aspiring amateur. I am SO VERY HAPPY that I purchased this camera. Do not pass it up. I'm telling you, if you want something affordable and better than the average compact point and shoot -- this is the way to go. If you're looking for small size, then go with something else. This is a big boy, but not extremely heavy or bulky by any means (like the F828). It just won't fit in your pocket.

Before you buy, I suggest you go to Circuit City and play with it. See how it feels. Don't just go in blind. In purchasing your next camera, really see which models out there have what you need. Every camera has its pros and cons. I have yet to see the flaws in this baby, but it may not be for you. Do your research. A great site to compare and see the newest reviews on the best cameras is www.dcresource.com. It really has some great info.

Good luck on finding your new camera. My vote goes to the Lumix FZ20 -- ALL THE WAY!

91 of 91 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE this camera..., November 6, 2004

By 

Zeolite (IL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20K 5MP Digital Camera with 12x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom (Black) (Electronics)

One complaint that I have about this camera is that the LCD screen cannot be moved for taking pictures at odd angles, or to protect the screen when you are done. Overall, it's a great camera. One of the lesser-known but very unique features of this camera is that it can maintain an F-stop of 2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. Most zoom lenses must reduce the aperture size, letting in less light, at full zoom. The top-notch Leica lens on this camera allows you to maintain the maximum aperture setting at full zoom, allowing you to use the zoom effectively in low light settings.

Here's my list of accessories that you may want to purchase in addition to this camera:

1. Bigger memory card (comes w/ 16MB SD card). If you want to take a series of photos in rapid succession (using the "burst" mode), a high speed (Ultra II) SD card works better. Otherwise, a regular SD card is fine. Also, several smaller memory cards may be safer, and cheaper, than one large memory card, in case a card goes bad.

2. Camera case. I just bought the Tamrac 5683. The fit inside is snug, but with a little room for a lens-extension. It's not quite the smallest bag for this camera, but it's very sturdy, waterproof and has a good deal of padding. It also has just enough room in the side pocket for extra cards and cables.

3. NC (no coating) or MC (multi-coated) clear filter. This is a filter that you can attach and leave on at all times to protect the lens. In order to use a filter, you must attach a lens hood. The camera comes with a hood that requires 72mm filters. You can also purchase a hood (e.g., made by Photosolve, Pemaraal, or Raynox) that fits 62mm filters. Why would you purchase a 62mm hood? Several reasons. First, 72mm filters are more expensive. Second, the 62mm hood is shorter and smaller than the Panasonic 72mm hood. Lastly, I don't think the Panasonic 72mm filter lets you cover it with a lens cap, though I'm not sure.

4. 62mm lens cap (for the filter in #3).

5. AC adaptor to power the camera directly. The camera does not come with this, but you might find it convenient to have.

6. Extra battery. The battery charge lasts for quite a while, but it never hurts to have a backup. CGA-S002 is the part number.

7. USB card reader for SD cards. The camera comes with a USB cable to transfer your pictures from the memory card to a computer. However, a USB card reader can be useful if you want to download pictures without turning on your camera.

8. LCD screen protectors (look for PDA screen protectors at an office supply store, and cut to size).

Finally, if you buy accessories online, just make sure you find a good price, because the online stores that sell really cheap cameras tend to overcharge for the accessories.

After owning this camera for a year and a half, I have more reservations about it. If I could, I would change the rating to three stars. I have found it difficult to get a sharp focus, and also difficult to get a clear image indoors. Granted, indoor shots have less lighting, so require a longer shutter speed with greater risk of blurring, but it is still frustrating to see only one picture in ten come out clearly, even with the motion stabilization. Turning up the ISO to 400 helps, but results in noisiness that I find unacceptable, so I rarely go beyond ISO 100. Also, this isn't the greatest camera for taking quick shots. The focusing speed, and picture-taking speed are frustratingly slow. If you want to get that perfect facial expression on your toddler at just the moment you see it, another camera will probably serve better. Granted, these are some of the prices you pay for a more complex camera with a higher-end lens (as opposed to a point-and-shoot). Also, don't mistake this for a full DSLR. My friend's Minolta DSLR focuses in a split second with a satisfying click of the lens body. The Lumix sometimes focuses over more than a second, going in and out of focus until it tries, and sometimes fails, to find the focus (again, in lower light conditions).

My wife now wants me to buy a Canon powershot. She gets frustrated with the Lumix because she can't figure out how to adjust all the right settings, and it looks like I'll have to give in on this one.

62 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Camera Ever Made, October 11, 2004

By 

Alan D. Hewitt "Don't Call Me Al" (PHILADELPHIA, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20K 5MP Digital Camera with 12x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom (Black) (Electronics)

The Lumix DMC FZ20 is, arguably, the best camera ever designed and produced. It is, most definitely, the very best camera I have ever used and I have been taking and making pictures professionally and for fun for 50 years, starting with a Yashica-Mat (2 1/4 sq. TLR), light meter and flashbulbs and lately, with three other digital cameras. I was skeptical of the hype produced about the camera but its appearance, alone, is sexy. It's the Darth Vader of cameras. So I took a chance and made the purchase, thinking that something had to be wrong or missing for a camera with those specs for only [$...]. Wow, was I wrong. As soon as I opened the box and got it in my hands, I knew what love at first sight really meant. Every control falls under the right fingers. The Lumix must have been designed by a working photographer and not an engineer. Every feature is superior quality, such as the LCD monitor, the viewfinder, the unbelievable 12x optical zoom, all of the manual overrides that are available, the plethora of shooting modes, and, most especially, that hunk of glass called a lens. That lens proves that it takes more than a lot of pixels to take a good digital picture. That lens lets all of the juicy colors get through to the pixels. That lens lets razor sharp images through to the pixels. That lens alone is worth the price of the whole camera. Everything came together when I made my first prints from the Lumix: up to 13x19 enlargements that were so crisp you could hear the snap, crackle and pop; Colors that were perfectly faithful to the original scenes; and cropping that represented half of the 'negative' before I could discern a single pixel. I could go on and on but life is too short and I have a lot of pictures to make. Rush to buy the Lumix before Panasonic realizes the serious error they have made and doubles the price of this masterpiece.

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