Comments on: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black)

By: C. P. Sie

C. P. Sie — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:42:18 +0000

Review by C. P. Sie for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) Rating: We bought this camera because of its 8x optical zoom and it hasn't disappointed. The stabilization feature really makes it possible to zoom that much and yet obtain a crystal-clear picture. The optical image stabilization has also allowed us to shoot pictures from moving ships and cars with great results. While the pictures taken outdoors really convince with natural colors and crispness, the images taken indoors at low light show quite a bit of graininess, the only complaint really that we have. So far we haven't made too many movies, but we bought a class 6 SDHC card after realizing that otherwise it takes a long time for movies to download to the computer. The battery life has also been satisfactory, however, if you intend to use the camera to take HD movies, battery life will very likely be much less. So far we have been able to take >200 pictures with one battery. If you buy the optional battery, which has more power, it'll last even longer. Oh, and to be able to take movies you have to browse through the menu, there is no designated button just for that. But it's not too bad and the menu is easy to handle.

By: Maria Villafane

Maria Villafane — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:36:09 +0000

Review by Maria Villafane for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) Rating: I bought this camera because i wanted a small camera that was easy to carry around for a 4 day trip to Disney World. As the owner of a panasonic lumix fz50, I was very excited to see this small and compact camera, since my other lumix is bulky (10MP, 12X), When i saw the price for this camera, a 14mp, 8X I knew i had to have it. I took it to my trip to disney with a full charged battery and the battery sustained up to 14 hours of continuous photo sessions in different places around the park, it never died on us, but we charged it every night to make sure the next day it would last the same. The pictures are great, they do have some noise in dark places but that is to be expected. The image stabilization does an amazing job at getting pics without flash that are taken in the dark, i was surprised with that. We took some really awesome pictures with this camera. It weights close to nothing and it fits right in my pocket, it was the best purchase i ever made for the trip. I do have to say i am not particularly impressed with the video quality, except for the HD. the HD is pretty cool, but you need an sd card with massive storage to get a good recording time because it takes a lot, a lot of space. I bought an 8gb sd card which held about 1200 pictures at 14mpx, but i took my pics at 10 mp since i don't think i will be printing this pics at a large size. Overall i think this camera is amazing, it also has a pretty awesome lcd which is big enough for you to know what you're doing, and there's no viewfinder, which i like to use every now and then, but i can live without. I love this camera!!!!!!!!

By: Beth L.

Beth L. — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:18:51 +0000

Review by Beth L. for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) Rating: I have an older Lumix that I have been using for 5 years. I was very happy with MOST of the improvements found in the FH20. It was easy to use, much smaller and there was a much shorter lag time between photos and pre-photo than in my old model. BUT, I ended up returning it because you cannot adjust the zoom in video mode! I was very surprised that a feature in my 5 yeard old camera didn't exist in this new 'improved' model. You can zoom in before starting recording if you want, but you cannot adjust zoom while you're videoing.

Just wanted to warn anyone who plans to use their new camera for videos. I'm probably going to buy an older model like one of the ZR's because I like to take quick videos with my camera.

By: Don in ATL

Don in ATL — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:49:14 +0000

Review by Don in ATL for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) Rating: I purchased this camera specifically for a vacation to Rio de Janeiro. I also have a Nikon DSLR that I adore, but didn't want to risk carrying it around Rio. I wanted something I can easily put in my pocket and pull out to quickly take pics.

I investigated several different point-and-shoot cameras, and they all suffer that is pretty much standard issues with Point and Shoots - not dealing well with low light, blurry when compensating for low light, lag time, etc. These things are pretty much a fact with point and shoots.

After playing with a few different camera's, I opted for the Lumix DMC-FH20. The main reasons where the zoom - 8x optical, and then up to 32X digital with the right settings.

On my trip, this camera did not disappoint. Sure I had to play with the settings a little bit to get the desired effect, but I pretty much only used the Auto, Landscape, Nighttime landscape and Macro settings. All of these worked perfectly.

In low light, I had to stabilize the camera on a bench or fence, but that's expected, and not a downfall of the camera.

Overall, I love this camera and considered it well worth the price I paid (about $180us). I feel it far exceeds any other camera I have played with (around the same price point).

I would buy this same camera again - without question.

By: Sherri P.

Sherri P. — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:44:14 +0000

Review by Sherri P. for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) Rating: Having used only 35 mm cameras and definately not being a photo-pro by any means, I decided to get a digital camera. I was overwhelmed and confused by the information on so many makes and models and became frustrated by contradicting reviews of same-type features from both Consumer Review Reports by professional photographers, as well as customer reviews.

About to give up, I came across a review from a professional photographer (a dedictated Canon user) who tested the Panasonic and gave it's performance an excellent review from all aspects.

I purchased this and haven't looked back. It's excellent. It feels substantial when you hold it; it's easy to use and priced right. The pictures are extremely clear and sharp regardless light conditions or movement. The video is also excellent. Friends who have other makes and models admitted they were highly impressed.

What more can you ask for in a camera. I highly recommend this camera and couldn't be happier with my purchase.