Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24938 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Panasonic
• Model: DMC-FX50S
• Released on: 2006-09-30
• Dimensions: 2.25" h x 3.85" w x .99" l, 3.00 pounds
• Display size: 3

Features

• 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
• 3.6x image-stabilized optical zoom; 3.0-inch LCD display
• Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
• Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
• Stores images on SD memory cards (16MB card included); powered by li-ion battery pack (battery and charger included)

From the Manufacturer
The new Lumix DMC-FX50 7.2-megapixel digital camera features a wide-angle f2.8 Leica DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 102mm on a 35mm film camera), an Intelligent Image Stabilizer by Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), and Intelligent ISO control. The DMC-FX50 also newly incorporates a 3-inch large LCD whereas the DMC-FX07 pursues further compactness with a 2.5-inch LCD.

Inheriting the superior 28mm Leica DC lens in a compact body from its predecessor, the DMC-FX50 camera allows users to enjoy the benefits of a wide-angle lens when shooting indoor group portraits, expansive landscapes, or architectural scenes.

To fight against the major cause of blurred images, Panasonic invented the Mega O.I.S. system, taking advantage of its superior lens technology to compensate for handshake. In addition, to also compensate for the other major cause of blurred images--movement of the subject--the FX50 camera is also equipped with the world's first Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) and a maximum ISO of 1250, for high-sensitivity recording at full resolution within the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III. When set to the I.I.C., the Venus Engine III detects the subject's movement and adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit the movement and light condition automatically. Panasonic's excellent image stabilization system allows users to take clear, crisp images in any situation, leaving everything to the camera.

Taking advantage of the newly incorporated 3-inch large LCD, the DMC-FX50 allows dual image playback to see and compare any two images at a time. It is also possible to select 9 sequential frames from a captured motion image file and display them as thumbnails which can then even be saved as still images. Furthermore, a print mode has been added to the mode dial to allow users to connect the camera to a Pictbridge-corresponding printer via an included USB cable.

When shooting indoor group portraits, sometimes the room is not large enough to allow the photographer to get everyone in the frame, or the light is insufficient, forcing the photographer to use a flash. However the winning combination of 28mm Leica DC lens and the Intelligent Image stabilizer enable every type of user to take ideal beautiful images with everyone in the frame and without having to use the flash which would spoil the ambience of the picture.

The DMC-FX50 is available in silver and black, with a specially textured finish. The new Lumix DMC-FX50 is a beautifully designed and feature-packed digital camera, ideal for recording and preserving all those precious moments that life gives.

28mm Wide-Angle 3.6x Optical Zoom f2.8 Leica DC Lens in a Compact Body
The 7.2-megapixel Lumix DMC-FX50 camera has a 28mm (35mm equivalent) wide-angle 3.6x optical zoom f2.8 Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens housed in a compact and slim body, achieved thanks to the incorporation of an EA (Extra High Refractive Index Aspherical) lens. This wide-angle lens enables easy capture of groups of people, architectural structures, and scenery with dynamic width and a rich perspective. The lens unit, comprised of a Leica DC lens of seven elements in six groups, incorporates four aspherical lenses to generate high optical performance while preserving the compactness of the unit. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 5.5x in 3-megapixel resolution mode thanks to the Extended Optical Zoom function, which gives extra magnification (and minimal image deterioration) by intentionally using the center part of the CCD.

More than Mega O.I.S., Lumix's Image Stabilizing System Evolves Further
Taking advantage of its superior lens technology, Panasonic invented the Mega O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) system to fight against the major cause of blurred images. It compensates for handshake and is now featured on the entire Lumix range. Every slight hand-shake movement is detected accurately with the sampling frequency of 4,000 times per second and is compensated for, rendering clear, sharp images. In addition, movement of the subject, the other major cause of blurred images, is suppressed by the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III with the Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) and high-sensitivity recording capabilities with a maximum ISO of 1250. The world's first incorporation of this I.I.C. allows the automatic adjustment of the suitable ISO setting and shutter speed that best suits the situation by analyzing the speed of subject movement. If the subject is moving, the ISO setting automatically rises to allow a higher shutter speed. On the other hand, if the subject is still and no movement is detected, you can take beautiful natural images with a low ISO setting.

High Picture Quality, Rapid Image Processing with the Venus Engine III
The DMC-FX50/FX07 camera uses the Venus Engine III to realize high sensitivity recording at a maximum ISO of 1250 at full resolution. The noise-reduction system is greatly improved by removing noise at the processing stages in series. With its multi-task image processing capability, the Venus Engine III boasts outstanding response time with a shutter release time lag of as few as 0.005 seconds and a shutter interval of 0.5 seconds. Together with the fast startup time of approximately 1.3 seconds, the quick response of DMC-FX50/FX07 enable easy capture of those spur-of-the-moment shots. In the burst shooting mode, it is possible to shoot at three frames per second in full resolution for a maximum of eight images in standard mode or six images in fine mode. The DMC-FX50/FX07 cameras also allow unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD/SDHC memory card. (The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card.)

Despite the large, bright LCD, the DMC-FX50/FX07 camera achieves long battery life to shoot approximately 300 pictures (CIPA) on a single charge thanks to the energy-efficient Venus Engine III.

Advanced 3.0-Inch LCD for Easy Shooting and Playback
The FX50 newly incorporates an easy-to-see 3.0-inch 230K high-resolution LCD. The large LCD enables dual-image playback to display any two images vertically in the LCD and compare them, as well as the nine-frame cutouts from a motion image. Also, the pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD automatically increases the brightness level of the live image on the LCD, which greatly facilitates shooting in low-light situations. With the help of the Power LCD function, which boosts the backlighting of the LCD by 40%, even shooting in bright outdoor situations is no longer a problem. The High Angle mode makes the display extremely easy to view from low angles, for example, when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd. It can be accessed easily and quickly by using the dedicated button.

Clear, Bright, Wide VGA Motion-Image Recording for Viewing on Wide-Screen TV
In addition to standard VGA (640 x 480) motion image recording at 30 frames per second (fps), the DMC-FX50 cameras can also record stunning full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 fps. Shooting is one thing but viewing is another, and users will be suitably impressed by the 16:9 moving image when it is displayed on a wide-screen TV. The brightness level of these motion images is also enhanced as a result of the pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD.

Users may also select and display nine sequential frames from a motion image in thumbnail format, enabling you to see individual frames of a golf swing, for example.

Unimpeded High-Speed Autofocus
The various autofocus (AF) mode can be selected according to the shooting environment and the position of the subject: 9-point, 3-point high speed, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed, and spot. In the 1-point normal speed AF, the AF time is reduced by one third of the time compared to the predecessor, to provide a quick and smooth AF without screen-freeze. The inclusion of an AF assist lamp provides further assistance in low-light situations when focusing is difficult. The result is stress-free photography with never a moment missed.

A Variety of Scene Modes and Other Features to Enrich Your Photography
An even greater variety of scene modes are included--17 in total, to assist you in a wide range of photographic situations. The newly incorporated Beach mode is perfect for shooting in strong sunlight and the Aerial mode enhances shots taken through the windows of an airplane. High Sensitivity mode, made possible by the pixel-mixed readout method by the CCD, is ideal for shooting moving subjects clearly without blurring at a sensitivity as high as ISO 3200. (Resolution significantly decreases in high sensitivity mode.)

On the other hand, in the Simple mode, almost all adjustments can be automatically set--even the backlight compensation--allowing even entry-level users to take beautiful images easily.

An additional improvement is the addition of a print mode onto the mode dial for the FX50 so that users can make prints by just connecting the camera to a Pictbridge-compatible printer via an included USB cable.

The FX50 is compatible with an optional marine case (not included--must be purchased separately) with which users can shoot underwater while scuba diving, etc. The camera also includes a World Time Setting, which allows users to set the time and date of 74 locations across the world.

Customer Reviews

A Great Photographic Companion
I bought this camera as my first digital camera. I researched all of the usual suspects and then found this camera in a store. It instantly became my choice. Although I find this camera to be an excellent piece of equipment, it isn't perfect, but more on that in a moment.

First, the camera is very easy to use and comfortable to hold. Many compacts, especially those with large LCDs like this one, cram your fingers into confined spaces making them uncomfortable for prolonged use. The LUMIX, while not the thinnest compact on the market, is a nice size that is portable, but comfortable in use. The screen is easy to read, even outdoors, and features both a power mode to boost brightness when outdoors and a high angle mode for when you're shooting over your head.

The lens on this camera is NICE with a useful 28mm wide angle to a respectable telephoto end for a compact and the lens has excellent distortion control. I love the zoom on this camera as it is very precise. Most compacts lurch when zoomed in or out, but the LUMIX zooms smoothly with a multitude of stops allowing fine adjustment. The best part is the Mega O.I.S. which works perfectly. Never again will I by a camera without it.

Overall, the features and function of this camera is great. Solid build quality and quick performance. The photos taken are beautiful. Good color without over saturating and decent noise control at lower ISOs. But, the camera does have its drawbacks. Noise can become an issue at higher sensitivities and can even creep in at lower setting during long exposures. While I don't find it terrible, it is noticeable at times especially when shooting in dark conditions. The functionality of the camera is also limited when trying to force a long exposure, but to be fair this is not a SLR, but a little more timer settings could be useful for night photography.

Again, overall I have enjoyed this camera and taken some wonderful pictures. If I had to do it over again I would likely buy this camera again. I would appreciate a little better noise performance, but the LUMIX is not really that bad once you learn how to work around it. I would recommend this camera, in fact I have, and I don't think anyone who buys one will be disappointed.

Small Package with Everything
I ordered this camera after reading a review in Popular Photography about shirt pocket cameras. This is one of he best purchases I've made. The camera delivered everything promised and is simple enough my wife, who is a Luddite in her best moments, enjoys taking shots with it. I use it for taking a lot of pictures of mechanical equipment (macro and regular shots) in the field in some difficult lighting scenarios. The camera has performed wonderfully in every situation and the large CD makes framing shots second nature. The nicest non-SLR camera I've ever owned.

good review for me
I bought this camera to replace an archaic Toshiba, and have a good digital camera for a honeymoon in Costa Rica. I also bought two half gig high speed SD cards (already had a 1 gig MMC), an extra battery and the case from Panasonic.

The battery amazed me the most, coming from the Toshiba which would eat four double A's in 10 pictures with the flash. The battery would last nearly as long as the SD card (200+ photos at 5M), without the flash, and could easily do more than half of the card with the flash. It was nice though to have a small charger and the spare battery.

The high speed SD is a huge benefit. The writing was nearly instant, as opposed to the MMC card, which had a noticeable write time following a photo.

The pictures ranged from very crisp and clean to not so great. A lot of it was me figuring out the best settings. The pre-fixed scenery feature for specific conditions was nice too, took some of the guess work out of the manual settings for me. The camera did very well from a foot to about 20 feet. Beyond that, I ran into trouble taking detail shots at a distance. And I didn't care at all for the digital zoom. Those shots almost always were blurry. The 16:9 setting did a great job doing the scenery shots.

Overall, I am very pleased with the ease of use and quality of the camera. I am sure you can find cameras that take better pictures, but not in such a nice, small and easy to use package.