Panasonic Lumix FZ50
Announced July 19, 2006
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Panasonic Lumix FZ50 serves as a robust bridge camera featuring a versatile 12x optical zoom lens and effective image stabilization that rivals DSLR-like handling. While it offers a comprehensive suite of manual controls and solid build quality, the camera struggles with image noise at higher sensitivities and lacks the outright performance of a true digital SLR.
Weighted from 10 reviewer scores
Pros
- Versatile 12x optical zoom lens with effective stabilization
- Extensive manual controls and SLR-like handling
- High-quality lens performance and resolution at low ISO
- Responsive operation and well-designed menu system
- Capable movie mode with silent manual zooming
Cons
- High image noise and loss of detail at elevated ISO settings
- Large and bulky physical size
- Slow image playback and limited burst mode performance
- Ergonomic issues including small buttons and confusing lens rings
- Inconsistent auto white balance and exposure problems
- Launch price $649.95 (USD)
- Sensor 10.1MP Smaller than 1-inch CCD
- Burst 2 fps mechanical
Expert Reviews
Share a link to a review we should add, or tell us what to correct on this page.
-
[T]he best equipped, best specified and best handling ‘bridge camera’ on the market today, and under the right conditions it produces superb output.
-
Despite being such a serious looking customer, the Panasonic FZ50 is comfortable to hold and handles nicely.
- Cameralabs 84%
Sporting a great quality 12x optical zoom lens with effective stabilisation along with SLR-styling and a decent level of manual control, there really wasn’t much to complain about.
-
If you want a DSLR-like camera, without it actually being a true DSLR, then the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 is for you.
-
[A]s a powerful all-in-one compact with a great lens and superb movie mode, the FZ50 does something perhaps even more impressive: it raises the question of whether you really need a digital SLR at all.
-
Reviewers were quick to praise the high-end feature set, and felt that it outpaced the competition in terms of amenities, but did point out that image quality suffered due to the small sensor used to compensate for all those megapixels.
-
Despite negative comparisons to a digital SLR, the FZ50 still manages to offer high-value advantages over rival models, chiefly in its high resolution, image-stabilisation system and lens quality.
- CNET 7.4/10
Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ50 offers serious competition to our current superzoom favorite, the Canon Power Shot S3 IS.
- Photo Review 8/10
On test the FZ50 delivered excellent pictures with a slightly wider than average dynamic range in JPEG images at the highest resolution setting – and marginally better Raw files.
-
Used at low ISOs, the FZ50 is still a great camera.
User Reviews
No member reviews yet. Kept separate from the expert score.
Be the first to review
Have real-world experience with the Panasonic Lumix FZ50? Share your feedback to help others.
Write a Review
Already a member? Sign in to review
At least 20 words. No links or promotion — some reviews are held for an editor.
0 / 3,000