Audio & Visual

Digital Still Cameras

Lumix DMC-FZ20, 5 MP Digital Camera, 12x Optical Zoom [Model No: DMC-FZ20]

RRP: $989 [GST Inc.]

  • 5.0 Megapixel
  • 12x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital
  • Leica DC Vario- Elmarit Lens
  • MEGA Optical Image Stabiliser (O.I.S.)
  • Manual Focus Ring
 

Superseded model


 

Award winning Digital Camera

Best D-Superzoom Camera - TIPA Awards:2005

TIPA Award DSC superzoom camera FZ20.psd
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) from the category of 'Best Photo Products in Europe' awarded the Panasonic DMC-FZ20, the comment from TIPA is:

"The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 incorporates an impressive 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 36-432mm on a 35mm film camera) with a fast, f/2.8 aperture right through the range. The combination of three aspherical lenses and one ED lens generates high optical performance while preserving the compact size. Thanks to the effective optical image stabilizer, the full zoom range can be used even for hand-held shots, making this camera a great photographic tool."

To visit the TIPA website click here 

PC User 'TopBuy' Award
The Lumix DMC-FZ20 digital still camera was awarded by 'Australian PC User' Magazine -

 'BEST-VALUE 5 Mega Pixel + Camera'

Winners of the Top Buy award are those recognised by the magazine as the finest in their class, incorporating excellence in product design, technology, performance, functionality and Value.

The full review is available in the November 2004 issue of PC User.

pcworld_rec_logo.psd
The DMC-FZ20 was recommended by PC World in its December issue as its pick for best value intermediate camera. The reviewers said: "If you want to get as close as possible to the action at the highest resolution, take a look at the Panasonic FZ20 - a 12x optical zoom digital still camera with 5MP resolution and enough exposure controls and performance to satisfy 35mm film photography die-hards."

The full review is available in the December 2004 issue of Australian PC World.

Features & Benefits

Ultra-large-diameter ED lens

12x optical zoom and F2.8 brightness across the entire zoom range

The DMC-FZ20 offers the superb image rendering of the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, heir to Leica Camera AG leading optical technology. The 12x optical zoom lens system (equivalent to 36 mm to 432 mm in a 35 mm film camera) comprises 13 lenses in 8 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses, and boasts F2.8 brightness across the entire zoom range. The FZ20 also provides 4x digital zooming i. Combined with the 12x optical zoom, this gives you up to 48x zoom power for ultra-long-distance telephoto shots.

i With digital zooming, there's a significant decrease in resolution.

ED lens minimizes chromatic aberration

The FZ20 goes a step further by using ED (extra-low dispersion) glass in its lens system to minimize chromatic aberration and reduce the refraction differences among light of different wavelengths. This helps to suppress the color bleeding that may occur in telephoto shots, giving you crisp, vivid images.

Super-Fast Shutter Response with the Venus Engine II

Improved multi-task image processing in the Venus Engine II LSI has further accelerated response speed, giving you more comfortable shooting with a shutter release time lag of about 0.008 second minimum and a shutter interval of around 0.4 second minimum ii.

ii Not including the time for AF.

MEGA BURST Consecutive Shooting

You can snap off consecutive shots at 3 frames per second with full resolution iii. In addition, the new Unlimited iv Consecutive Shooting function lets you continue shooting until the memory card is full.

iii Max. 7 images in Standard mode/4 images in Fine mode.

iv Depending on memory card size, battery power, picture size, and compression. The consecutive shooting speed varies depending on the memory card.A single dial for a variety of shooting situations.

Mode Dial

Program AE Mode

This mode determines the optimal aperture and shutter speed settings for you.

Aperture Priority AE Mode

You can set the aperture between F2.8 and F8.0 to create a softer focus.

Shutter Priority AE Mode

You can set the shutter speed between 8 and 1/2,000 sec to freeze or express movement.

Aperture Priority AE (A)

  • F2.8
  • F8.0

Shutter Priority AE (S)

  • 1/10 sec
  • 1/160 sec

Manual Exposure Mode

Manual Exposure Mode gives you full control over the aperture and shutter speed.

Manual Exposure Assist

This function shows how much your setting differs from the setting the camera considers optimal.

Macro Mode

You can focus on subjects as close as about 5 cm from the lens v.

v When shooting with the lens at the wide-angle position.

Moving-Image Mode

Playback Mode

Ring-Operated Manual Focus

Manual Focus Assist

Outstanding Flash Shots

Functions for More Shooting Fun

  • Continuous AF: Clear, sharp focus even for moving subjects.
  • Highlight Display: A flashing indicator on the LCD shows any parts of the images that have been overexposed.
  • White Balance Adjustment: ±10 steps of 150 Kelvin each (except Auto mode)
  • Real-Time Histograms: Check the exposure level in graph form.
  • Composition Guide Lines: Help to balance photo compositions.

Picture Adjustment:

Color Effect Mode: 

ISO Sensitivity Settings:  

TIFF Format Compatible:

PictBridge Compatible:

SCN1/SCN2

You can select two scene modes from the menu screen and assign them to these dial positions.

From the LCD, select the setting that matches the scene.

Scene Mode

Sports Mode

Panning Mode

Portrait Mode

Night Portrait Mode

Scenery Mode

Night Scenery Mode

Fireworks Mode

Party Mode

Snow Mode

Soft Skin Detail Function

In Portrait or Night Portrait mode, this function adjusts the skin colors to make complexions more attractive.

AF Distance Metering

AF Assist Lamp

Provides extra lighting as a focusing aid for slightly dark situations where AF focusing would ordinarily be difficult.

3 Light Metering Modes

In Intelligent Multiple Metering mode, the FZ20 measures the light at points across the entire image to achieve a balanced exposure setting. You can also choose Center Weighted mode or Spot mode

Options to Broaden Your Creative Possibilities

Wide Conversion Lens: DMW-LWZ10 (Optional)

Allows shooting at 0.8x with F2.8 brightness across the entire 29 mm to 58 mm range (35 mm lens equivalent). Lets you take photos with the desired perspective.

Tele Conversion Lens: DMW-LTZ10 (Optional)

Allows shooting at 1.5x with F2.8 brightness across the entire 324 mm to 648 mm range (35 mm lens equivalent). Lets you take powerful telephoto shots.

Remote Shutter: DMW-RS1 (Optional)

Lets you shoot by remote control, so you don't have to press the camera's shutter button. Convenient for special situations, like using a tripod.

Standard Accessories

  • BatteryCharger
  • BatteryPack
  • SD Memory Card (16 MB)
  • Lens Cap
  • Lens Hood
  • Hood Adaptor
  • A/V Cable
  • USB Connection Cable
  • AC Cable
  • Strap
  • CD-ROM

*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. The Leica DC lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality standards

Other Features

PC User 'Top Buy'.gif
 

Documentation & Downloads

Brochures: (2.92mb) PDF   Digital Still Camera Range 04 - 05   
Brochures: (1.37mb) PDF   Lumix Digital Still Camera Brochure 2005   
Brochures: (4.46mb) PDF   Lumix Digital Still Camera Brochure 2005-06   
Brochures: (1.92mb) PDF   OURPLACE Brochure   

   More Downloads

 

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