Panasonic Lumix DMC FH20 Digital Camera Review

Red Panasonic Lumix DMC FH20 Digital 14.1MP Camera

Updated 01/03/2011.

I have to say I was somewhat astonished with the build of such an low priced ultra compact camera. I wasn't expecting the excellence of this digital camera to be quite so comparable to the Leica FX series lenses. I was pleasantly amazed with the fresh new aspect and the sheer quality of this FH20 digital camera. Any attraction to this camera over an FX would be the lower price and double the zoom range (which is waay better than most of the digital ultra compact cameras), which could enough reasons get the FH20 over the FX. And wow this could be a really excellent choice.

Black Panasonic Lumix DMC FH20 Digital 14.1MP Camera

The FH20 camera looks much nicer than some of the older cameras with its extremely polished brushed aluminum exterior and just by holding it in my hand, I can feel the build quality of this camera, it is indeed very small and sturdy. The picture detail in the images blew me away, but didn't expect DSLR quality. You'll love the sweet macro zoom function, and the digital zoom range doesn't reduce image quality in any way. And when it comes to HD video is more than adequate, even on my big screen TV. It's not as if you had a professional video rig, but hey, you're still getting pretty much what you paid for.

Blue Panasonic Lumix DMC FH20 Digital 14.1MP Camera

The sharpness of the images are respectable, and the intelligent auto function is very helpful. For a compact digital, I saw no big issues with this camera and would be just great in the hands of any photographer, amateur or otherwise.

Silver Panasonic Lumix DMC FH20 Digital 14.1MP Camera

There are two features of This Panasonic that stand out head and shoulders - lightning fast shutter speed and 8x optical zoom There is Nothing worse than waiting for an image to be saved to the memory card. Hear a click, then count to 2 Mississippi before your picture is finally saved. NOT SO WITH THIS PANASONIC FH20! When using auto focus, the snap practically immediate. I am not hesitant about overstating how wonderfully this camera responds. The camera's zoom is great also.

Violet Panasonic Lumix DMC FH20 Digital 14.1MP Camera

Not a too many cameras in this price range offer anything greater than a 4x optical zoom. So in addition to to the great shutter speed, you can get great pictures of wee little ones from clear across the room prior to them being ruined by some unforeseen distraction.

Red Panasonic Lumix DMC FH20 Digital 14.1MP Camera Top

If you are searching for an simple to use pocket size camera that requires hardly any brain power to use and still comes up with excellent pictures in practically any scene than this could be the right camera. Otherwise if you are trying to find a camera that you can seize full manual control of then perhaps you should up your sights just a little more before making a final decision. The Bottom Line: One of Best cameras you can get for the buck, and for such a small package it packs allot of punch. 

Red Panasonic Lumix DMC FH20 Digital 14.1MP Camera LCD Back

14.1-Megapixel High-Resolution CCD -

The DMC-FH20 features a 1/2.33" CCD with effective 14.1-megapixel high-resolution.

2.7" 230,000-Dot High-Resolution LCD

The DMC- FH20 features a 2.7" 230,000-dot high-resolution Intelligent LCD and High-angle Mode.

28mm Wide-Angle 8x Optical Zoom Lens in a Compact Body

The DMC-FH20 features a newly developed 28mm wide-angle high-quality LUMIX DC VARIO lens

Up to 16.9x Extra Optical Zoom

The Extra Optical Zoom uses the center of the CCD to further extend the powerful 8x optical zoom

Sonic Speed AF

The Sonic Speed AF system in the DMC-FH20 has a maximum speed of approx. 0.35 second for auto focusing.

Quick AF

The DMC-FH20 features Quick AF. Ordinary AF is activated when the shutter button is pressed half-way

Fast Start-Up Time

The previous linear processing program has been replaced with parallel processing to save 0.23 second

Release Time Lag

The shutter release time lag is as short as approx. 0.006 second, making it easy to capture photo opportunities.

Venus Engine IV

The image-processing engine, Venus Engine IV, uses advanced signal processing to give you beautiful images

Extended Battery Life

The energy-saving Venus Engine IV image-processing engine and the efficient, rechargeable lithium-ion battery -

Unlimited Consecutive Shooting

The Unlimited Consecutive Shooting function lets you snap off consecutive shots at approx. 1.5 frames per second

iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode

When you don't know which mode will give you the best shooting results, or when a sudden photo opportunity pops

Intelligent Scene Selector - Scene Detection

When the camera's in iA Mode, the Intelligent Scene Selector automatically sets the Scene Mode 

MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) - Shake Detection

The MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) in the DMC-FH20 compensates for the blurring caused by hand-shake.

Intelligent ISO Control - Motion Detection

The Intelligent ISO Control function in the DMC-FH20 made possible by the Venus Engine IV, detects movement

Face Detection AF/AE - Face Detection

The Face Detection AF/AE function detects faces and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure settings.

Auto Backlight Compensation

When there is strong backlighting, the background appears nice and bright, but the subject is dark.

HD Movie Recording

The FH20 can record motion images in high-definition (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format). T

Scene Mode

The Scene Mode lets the camera make the optimal settings for you automatically

Macro Zoom

You can pull subjects even closer than the closest point possible with the wide-angle setting

Selectable Focus Icon

When using 9-area AF, the camera automatically determines the most appropriate AF area from the nine points.

Slideshows

The DMC-FH20 can play a slideshow with music. Choose from 4 types of music: Natural, Slow, Swing and Urban.

Text Stamp

The Baby Mode and Pet Mode let you enter the date of birth and name of your subject in advance.

Quick Menu

Frequently used functions can be quickly retrieved and easily switched by using the Q.MENU button.

View Photos on a Large-Screen HDTV

The DMC-FH20 can take 16:9 HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen HDTV.

PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 Software

The latest version of exciting PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 software  comes bundled with DMC-FH20.

• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FH20 Digital Camera
• Battery Charger
• Battery Pack
• Battery Case
• AV Cable
• USB Connection Cable
• Hand Strap
• CD-ROM
• 1-Year Panasonic USA Warranty

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