This Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 Review is based on a production model. All sample images are unretouched except where specified.
Harbourfront
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 is a new entry-level series that retains the beautiful
design and attention to detail that has now become characteristic of every Panasonic digital camera. It is ultra compact and easily slips into
a jeans pocket, shirt pocket or small fashion
purse.
It has fast performance with approx. 1 sec. startup
and no practical shutter lag in good lighting and with contrasty subjects. Auto focus is fast
and precise. It is equipped with a 4x 30-120mm
wide-angle optical zoom that is perfect for wide
landscapes and group shots. The 120mm tele coverage
is ideal for portraits.
An extra large 3.0-in. LCD monitor with a high 230,000
pixels resolution makes viewing
very comfortable. You can display a guide of horizontal and vertical
lines to aid composition. Construction and build is very good.
Image quality is good at ISO 100, with low
noise and good image detail. As is often the case for models in this category, images tend to suffer from noise and loss of detail at the higher ISOs.
The Intelligent Auto (iA) mode really works well, selecting the appropriate scene mode, ISO and shutter speed to minimize blur and optimize correct exposure.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 will appeal to point-and-shoot photographers
desiring an easy-to-use ultra slim and stylish
digital camera with a wide-angle lens and image
stabilization.
What I like about the Panasonic FS20:
Wide-angle 30mm is great for wide landscapes
and group shots.
Good image quality at ISO 100.
Effective Image Stabilization, plus Intelligent
Auto tackles almost any photographic situation.
Fast performance, no practical shutter lag,
fast and precise AF.
Availability of Manual WB.
CA negligible.
Availability of Guide Lines (2 patterns).
Stylish, ultra slim, flush design.
A finger grip that is not slippery.
Very good build and construction; a beautiful
camera.
22 Zoom steps for precise focal length positioning.
Accepts large capacity SDHC card.
Very good Menu Structure and intuitive Controls.
Availability of 15, 30 and 60 sec. in Starry
Sky scene mode.
Hinged door for easy access to terminals.
Improvement wishlist:
Less aggressive noise reduction. High ISOs
pictures limited to small prints and for Web
display (due to high noise and loss of image
detail).
Dedicated REView button with instant return to RECord mode.
With its effective image stabilization, wide-angle
zoom and fast performance, the
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 will please point-and-shoot
beginner photographers desiring an easy-to-use and beautifully designed ultra compact.
See if you fit the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20
User Profile below:
Panasonic
FS20
User Profile
•
Desire a quality 10.1 MP
resolution ultra compact digital camera (at
ISO 100).
•
Want a wide-angle lens
coverage with effective optical image
stabilization.
•
Want fast response times
with no practical shutter lag.
•
Want an ultra compact,
JeansPocket™ Certified digital
camera (small fashion purse, jeans pocket).
•
Have no problem with small
buttons and dial as long as they are
precise and responsive.
•
Able to hold a small camera
steady and gentle with shutter release.
