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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 Review
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Review Summary
Reader Score: 9.42 (out of 10)
The Panasonic DMC-FZ20 offers a 5 megapixel resolution and a 12X stabilized Leica zoom. Without a doubt, it would appear that this combination of elements is the primary motivation for many of the review requests we have had for this camera. Like the DMC-FZ10, the FZ20's predecessor, the camera is available in two finishes, one silver, one black. The FZ20 is a camera with a tough polycarbonate body, while the lens barrel itself and the removable trim are made of metal. While clearly a redesign of the DMC-FZ10, the FZ20 softens the more angular original design. The grip is now more rounded and comfortable, and offers a greater area that is rubber coated. Also, the sharp edges found on the FZ10's body are rounded on the FZ20, giving the camera a more modern appearance.
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Other Reviews For This Model
| Review Site |
Review Score |
Date |
Link |
| DPReview |
8.33 |
11-04-04 |
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| Announced at the end of July 2004, the DMC-FZ20 is the flagship model of the third generation of 'super zoom' cameras from electronics giant Panasonic, and is a direct replacement for the FZ10. Like its predecessors (and the simultaneously announced DMC-FZ3) the FZ20 sports a Leica-branded DC Vario-Elmarit zoom with a whopping 12x optical range (35-420mm equiv) and a constant F2.8 aperture. It also boasts a newly-improved optical image stabilisation system and the Venus II engine, which, according to Panasonic's documentation, is now equivalent to shooting at 3 or 4 shutter speed steps faster. |
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| Review Site |
Review Score |
Date |
Link |
| Imaging-Resource |
8.17 |
12-17-04 |
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| Panasonic's been a player in the digicam market for the last couple of years, but until now, we've not managed to get hands on any of their cameras to test. Our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 review has been in much demand, with enthusiastic readers writing in requesting a review quite frequently. After repeated requests for an evaluation unit with no response from the Panasonic PR folks (other editors were apparently not letting go of their test samples once they got hands on them, perhaps a testimony to the appeal of the camera), we finally took the unprecedented step of going out and purchasing a Panasonic FZ20 to test. The Panasonic DMC-FZ20 combines a 12x optically stabilized zoom lens with a 5 megapixel sensor and a host of features designed to entice novice and enthusiast alike. (The Panasonic DMC-FZ20 is very similar to the FZ15 model, the biggest difference being its 5-megapixel CCD vs the 4-megapixel chip on the FZ15.) True to its Leica heritage, the Panasonic FZ20 's long zoom shows very good optical
quality, and the rest of the camera happily measures up as well. Read on for all the details, but if you're in the market for a long-zoom digicam with optical image stabilization, the Panasonic FZ20 looks like a good bet.
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| Review Site |
Review Score |
Date |
Link |
| CNET Reviews |
8.08 |
11-19-04 |
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| We suspect that Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ20--clad in either cool black (FZ20K) or shiny silver (FZ20S)--will soon replace the DMC-FZ10 as a bit of a cult favorite among megazoom aficionados. The new model offers a stunning, optically-stabilized 12X Leica zoom lens that reaches out to 432mm (35mm equivalent), 5-megapixel resolution, and some worthwhile performance improvements. If you love supertelephoto photography, this Panasonic looks like the camera to beat. |
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| Review Site |
Review Score |
Date |
Link |
| DPReview |
7.96 |
07-22-04 |
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| Hands-on Preview: Announced yesterday Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-FZ20 is a step-change upgrade to the popular DMC-FZ10. On paper the FZ20 looks very good, a five megapixel CCD, twelve times optically stabilized zoom lens with an F2.8 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range, a range of manual controls wrapped up in a relatively compact body (compared to a digital SLR).......... |
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| Review Site |
Review Score |
Date |
Link |
| PC Magazine |
7.58 |
02-12-05 |
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| Larger than most superzooms, Panasonic's top-of-the-line Lumix DMC-FZ20 is similar in size and look to a digital SLR. It combines very good image quality with top-notch specs and features. It isn't perfect, but if we could take only one camera with us on vacation, it would be high on our list. With its impressive zoom lens and other capabilities, there are few scenes this camera couldn't handle with aplomb. |
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| Review Site |
Review Score |
Date |
Link |
| DCResource |
6.33 |
10-01-04 |
Read Full Review
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| While not perfect, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 is one of, if not the best, ultra zoom camera on the market. It takes very good, though slightly noisy photos, with accurate colors and exposure. Unlike most ultra zoom cameras, the FZ20 does not have a problem with purple fringing. Two image quality-related issues (in addition to noise) that you will encounter are above average redeye and barrel distortion. But let's not beat around the bush here, the big thing about the FZ20 is its awesome lens. This F2.8, 12X Leica lens isn't just impressive for its zoom power . . . |
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