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Panasonic DMC-FZ50S 10.1MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

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Product Description The 10.1 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 features a powerful f2.8 Leica DC lens with 12x optical zoom. The lens focal length is equivalent to 35-420mm on a 35mm film camera and is enhanced by Mega Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) system. The DMC-FZ50's 10.1-megapixel high resolution CCD for its image sensor and Venus Engine III for the image processing LSI makes it possible to record a image at maximum ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution. Furthermore, by dramatically reducing the noise levels that challenged its predecessor, the DMC-FZ50 is able to capture 10.1-megapixel full resolution images even in high sensitivity recording. The DMC-FZ50 is equipped with a new Function Button which serves as a shortcut to quickly set frequently-used settings such as recording image size, light metering, AF area, white balance, and ISO sensitivity. The 2-inch LCD flips out to 180 degrees, making it easier to view even when shooting from high or low angles. Finally, the battery life is greatly extended by approximately 29% compared with its predecessor allowing the FZ50 to shoot approximately 360 images on one charge. In addition to standard VGA 640 x 480 at 30 frames per second (fps) motion image recording, the DMC-FZ50 also records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA 848 x 480 at 30 fps. Self Timer - 10 seconds / 2 seconds Recording Format Still Image - JPEG, DPOF corresponding Still Image with Audio - JPEG + QuickTime Burst Shooting Mode - Standard Full-resolution image Mode Up to 5 images at 2 or 1 frames per seconds, Up to 3 images in Fine Mode LCD Monitor - Free-angle 2.0 inch Diagonal Polycrystalline TFT LCD Display (207k pixels) Direct Print PictBridge Power Supply - Lithium-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 710 mAh) Battery Life - Up to 360 pictures Dimensions - Height 3.37 x Width 5.54 x Depth 5.59 inch Weight - 1.47 pounds Reviews This is a very nice camera. I've owned the fZ7, fz8, fz30, and now the fz50 and I'm not disappointed. I would have given it five stars but for the fact I haven't been able to get macro photographs with it like I could with the other models mentioned. I suppose with such a big lens you're better off using it for things far away anyhow. I was also unable to take a picture of a house from across the street. I couldn't get the whole house in the frame. This was a bit disappointing but I'm still recommending the camera especially for those who want to bring far away objects closer like wildlife for instance. It's also quite big, bulky, and heavy so be prepared to lug around a lot of weigh if you're going to carry it far. It seems to be well made, has good battery life, has a nice heft, and feels good in the hand if you're right handed. The hinged LCD is nice though I prefer one that hinges on the side so you can let the camera rest against your body while looking down at the LCD. The viewfinder isn't quite as clear as the fz30 but it's adequate. Four stars, good camera, shop for a good price. I prefer used that way I know they work and shouldn't have any issues. Quick Review. This is for the intro photographer to RAW and Manual Settings. Why? Cause you dont have to give up the big zoom of other panasonic cameras (this is 12x-21x depending on resolution). Also, this one has RAW capabilities, and a free RAW editor (wiki it if you dont know what it is, its amazing). Also, the Video with zoom and sound, make this a HD widescreen camcorder (800x450 pixels). Canon Rebel, yeah, its $700, and yeah, its another $200-300 for lenses, which already puts it double the price of this. You think these pics arent as amazing, check out my customer images. I purchased an FZ-50 several years ago and have used the heck out of it ever since. It's withstood the beating of being used in a corrosive environment without any problems and continues to turn out quality photos. With it's top-notch Leica optics, it's undoubtedly a better camera than I am a photographer. If there are any shortcomings, they are minor--the lack of a flash sync socket or a "bulb" option on the shutter release being the only two things I've found bothersome. An inexpensive (around $20) hot shoe adapter will take care of the flash sync issue but there's no easy work-around for the shutter release limitation so if you're considering this camera for low-light, tricky flash or astronomical photography, you should look elsewhere. And, of course, the auto-focus and auto-exposure modes can occasionally be flakey, just as with any other automatic camera. Bracketing is always a good idea, especially since the camera makes it so easy to do. But good points of the FZ-50 far outweigh these minor shortcomings. As I mentioned, the optics are as good as you'll find anywhere and the ability to focus, zoom and and adjust exposure settings with honest-to-god, old-fashioned rings on the lens barrel if you choose are almost worth the price of admission all by themselves. No switch-controlled zoom motors in this camera--a huge plus in my book. All that said, I'm not sure the camera is worth the current price, which is nearly double what I paid for mine. You could buy a DSLR for that price. A great camera. It takes just about any kind of picture you want it to take - from landscapes to portraits. The light and the colors come through much better than most digitals. Almost everything people that rated this camera five stars say is true. Nonetheless, there is one point to be considered: a camera at this price does not have any kind of sealing against moisture, sand or dust. After two years of use it began to freeze. I sent to Panasonic Service Center near Chicago and after six months they sent it back telling me it was better trash it than fix it because the circuits were rusty with moisture. I opened the set to take a look and for my surprise I found out the chassis(board) where the circuits are mounted is the same chassis(board) that hold the straps we use around the neck. Everything else around is just a thin skin, as I told, without any kind of sealing. Just for you understand what I say is that right now this camera is for sale at 996US$ at Amazon. For 769US$ I bought a Pentax K20D with one lens. The pentax K20D is completed sealed against anything. So, a trashable camera like Lumix DMC FZ50 should cost no more than, let's say 150US$, despite Leica's lenses. So, if you care for the bucks you have in your pocket run from Panasonic