This camera got a bad rap... - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

11/06/2004 10:49:55 PM · #1

The Panasonic DMC-FZ20 that is. It got a bad rap here at dpc because one of our members had a bad experience early on and wound up returning it; and, more recently, a forum poster put up the one negative remark in an otherwise positive review. I talked this model up a bit here based on press releases and early sample images, but had to shut my mouth when there was a lot of confusion around it's finally going on sale. Well, I put my money where my mouth had been and bought one. After almost two months use, I think it's a great camera.

The review that spawned the negative, out-of-context quote ("It's almost like using a real camera!") is here:
FZ20 reviewed by DPReview.com

I'll just qoute the review's Overall Conclusion for those who don't want to take the time to read the whole thing.
"Sitting at the top of Panasonic's deservedly popular super zoom range, the FZ20 gets as close to the handling, versatility and quality of a digital SLR as any compact yet; offering superb, responsive handling, masses of control, a stunning 12x F2.8 lens and very high resolution results that produce beautiful prints. The image stabilization system allows you to hand-hold at the 12x end of the zoom range at speeds as low as 1/30th second (if you've got a steady hand), which transforms the experience of using a big zoom absolutely; and the short end (36mm equiv.) is wider than many 3x zoom cameras, which is an additional bonus. Throw in the ability to use add-on converter lenses, external flash compatibility, an excellent screen and good battery life and you've got a very capable system camera that offers excellent value for money.

Of course it's not all a bed of roses. I'd love to see this camera with a larger CCD, as noise at higher ISO's basically restricts its serious use to ISO 80-200, and even at ISO 200 the noise is visible in darker areas on larger prints. You also need to play around with exposure a little to eke the maximum dynamic range out of a scene, but this is common to all 5MP cameras.

However, given the high resolution, sharp results produced, the excellent overall performance, lack of optical problems in 99.9% of shooting situations and keen pricing, it's impossible not to recommend the FZ20 - take a look at the samples gallery and decide for yourself if the level of noise is acceptable; we certainly think it's a small price to pay for such an impressive camera."

The FZ20 was awarded DPReview's highest rating- Highly Recommended.

The FZ20 has replaced the Monolta A2 as my choice for the best non-SLR digicam currently available. My one complaint is that it seems extremely lightweight and therefore more susceptable to shake, especially noticeable at the far end of the zoom range.

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

11/06/2004 11:15:14 PM · #2

I have to agree with you the Panasonic DMC-FZ20 is a great camera. I went to wolf camera and they let me try one out and I was amazed. When funds come available for a better camera I will probably go with the FZ20 until I grow into a DSLR.
I currently have a FZ1 with a FZ2 firmware [donâ��t ask me how that happened] and the glass is good and the ISS is great with the 12X zoom.

Message edited by author 2004-11-06 23:15:36.

11/07/2004 12:45:30 AM · #3

I believe I was the person you referred to that bought one and returned it. Thank you so much for not bringing up my name to make your point - that was true courtesy. I am a bit shocked to see that you felt my one experience gave it a bad reputation here, though. I have posted that I felt that I may have gotten a defective one and that I may simply be too inexperienced to really take advantage of the FZ20. If you read the forums on DPReview under both the Panasonic and the Kodak (many people consider either the FZ20 or the Kodak 7590 as I did), you will find that the general conclusion is that the FZ20 is indeed a wonderful camera in the right hands, but a poor choice for some who aren't as experienced. In auto mode and simple adjustments, the results given by the Kodak are better. Under experienced use, the Panasonic can absoulutely render wonderful images. Again, my sincere thanks and appreciation for not slamming me as one you felt had done wrong; and I hope that what I am saying about the inexperienced photographer (cut off)

11/07/2004 01:01:21 AM · #4

I certainly don't feel you did anything wrong. And I am glad to see you doing well with your 7590.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

11/07/2004 01:07:45 AM · #5

Originally posted by coolhar:

I certainly don't feel you did anything wrong. And I am glad to see you doing well with your 7590.

Oh, good - at first I thought you felt I had inappropriately maligned the Panasonic. I truly feel it is not the camera for a newbie, but from everything I read, fantastic for some folks!! Thank you, Coolhar, for being so considerate. I truly do love my Kodak 7590, too.

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

11/07/2004 01:24:14 AM · #6

Kyle and coolhar may I just say it is uplifting to see such respect given and received by two users. I think coolhar started a good post and done the right thing like you said. And Kyle I think highly of you the way you responded. A thank you goes out to the both of you on your mutual respect.
Kyle I have to agree with you that the Panasonic FZ20 is a hard camera for a beginner [I tried one out]. I have the FZ1 and mine is hard for a beginner since it came with a FZ2 upgrade. But I think Iâ��m making progress, At least I hope so.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

11/07/2004 03:17:40 AM · #7

Originally posted by SDW65:

Thanks for your post. I love this community, and especially when the best is brought out. I just read your bio on your profile page and it really made me smile and think twice. Thank you for being part of this community.

BobsterLobster

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

11/07/2004 08:19:50 AM · #8

I do love my FZ10... but I did a shoot recently with someone's Canon 20D, and I've been bitten by the DSLR bug. I'm trying to find some money at the moment for the new Minolta DSLR (always rooting for the underdog!).
How sweet to have a DSLR with Image Stabilisation (the FZ10 has spoilt me with this feature!) built into the body so every lens is stabilised!

Message edited by author 2004-11-07 08:21:58.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

11/07/2004 10:21:29 AM · #9

Originally posted by SDW65:

Co-winners of this week's Model Citizen award, indeed!

I think that the only thing which steered me to the Canon S1 instead of the Panasonic was my long-standng bias against the use of proprietary parts -- in this case the battery and newer/more expensive cards -- and maybe overall hand-feel. I actually benefit from having the 3MP vs. 5MP image size too, due to currently-limited storage capacity, and no need for big prints from it. I also shoot a lot in Auto modes, which someone mentioned is perhaps a bit better-handled by the Canon.

I kind of wish now I'd had more time to actually take some test shots, as it sounds like you're getting some fine results with the Panasonic.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/07/2004 10:37:31 AM · #10

Thanks for the kudos Scott and Paul.

I've got a shot in now that, if it's score holds up, will knock one off my profile page... so, yes, I'm pleased with it, LOL. But Kylie's scores in the past couple of challenges show she can do far better than me using her new 7590. So she's the Man.

dipaulk

Canon EOS-5D

11/07/2004 10:46:13 AM · #11

I have been planning on buying a Panasonic just for the zoom lens after seeing some of colda'sphotos -- not to mention BobsterLobster. However, a friend offered me his Canon 10D this week for $600. Now I'm seriously thinking about buying it and a telephoto zoom lens instead. It would seem to give me more options. Any thoughts?

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

11/07/2004 10:59:52 AM · #12

I'd say go for the 10D, assuming that it is in good shape. But understand that you are going to be spending a lot on lenses. If your budget can take it, you'll probaly get better images that way, certainly larger ones.

colda

Nikon D800

11/07/2004 12:58:14 PM · #13

Originally posted by dipaulk:

oh oh oh

I've been mentioned!

I'm sooooooo honoured, thank you!

I've just got some of my work into a couple of Swiss magazines, also last week I started my daily pic site - it's a good time for photography and me (just wish my October Free Study pic was doing better) :)

The zoom on the Panasonic is amazing and it's value for money with a Oly TCON17 is fantastic, BUT I'm saying this because I got the FZ2 very cheap, here is Switzerland it's still just about possible to get a FZ2 for 249 CHF and a TCON17 for 130 CHF (total cost approx. $250), if you have the funds then it would be very hard to justify not getting the 10D (714mm of my combination will be hard to cover with the Canon - but remember that my solution is only 2mp).

My next camera will be a Minolta A2, I was in love with the FZ20 and if I did not have the zoom capabilites covered by the FZ2 (which I certainly will not sell) then I'd probably choose the FZ20. For most uses the 28mm of the A2 suits me better, also I love the very manual feel of the Minoltas (I'm currently borrowing a 7i) and the very short shutter lag (0.2s-MF 0.3s-AF) is very desired.

Keep smiling - let us know what you choose :)

Darren (colda)

kyebosh

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

11/07/2004 01:05:20 PM · #14

My quoting the it's almost like using a real camera thing was only because I found that humorous. I didn't really mean it to take away from the camera. Obviously it's a real camera, and I felt the reviewer had just made one of those rediculous remarks that really doesn't make sense. The quote was only refering to the Manual Focus mode the camera has, for those of you who didn't read it.

Sammie

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

11/07/2004 02:48:07 PM · #15

It's good to hear you like your new FZ20, Harvey. Last week, I placed an order for one last week and should receive it this coming week. I've been very happy with my FZ10 and can't wait to see how the FZ20 compares.

Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

11/07/2004 03:00:32 PM · #16

Originally posted by Sammie:

WooHoo - congrats Sammie!!!!! There will be NO stopping you now!!!

Sammie

Olympus OM-D E-M5

11/07/2004 03:30:46 PM · #17

Originally posted by Kylie:

WooHoo - congrats Sammie!!!!! There will be NO stopping you now!!!

Kylie, you are such a nice gal! You are doing so well with your new camera, I hope I can even come close to the nice high scores you've been getting!

It won't be long befoe you are getting a ribbon. You've come SOOO close.