1. 4.0 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality prints up to 11 x 14
2. 12x optical zoom and 3x digital zoom (36x total); optical image stabilization helps keep images sharp when using extended zoom
3. Black body, full manual controls, movie mode with sound limited by memory card size
4. Compatible with Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards; 16 MB SD card included
5. Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery (CGA-S002A); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1

Editorial Review :

The DMC-FZ10K is the industry's first 4-megapixel consumer digital camera with a 12x optical zoom (the equivalent of a 420mm zoom on a 35mm camera) that lets you capture the details of a distant subject up close and personal. Plus, its F2.8 brightness across the entire 12x zoom range provides extraordinary image-rendering performance and puts you in control over a wide variety of shooting techniques. You can capture broad, sweeping landscapes with wide-angle shots, or portraits that fix the subject in a sharp focus while a softer-focused background provides the perfect contrast.

Customer Review :

I love this camera!

I bought this camera in August of this year so I've had time to play with it for a while. I'm very pleased with it's performance. It is very easy to use, at least for basic usage--I'm still learning all of it's bells and whistles. The pictures look great, so far I have only enlarged to 8x10 but they are beautiful. The only drawbacks are, as with all of my digital cameras it is not a great performer in low light conditions. In fact, sometimes you are shooting blind. Also, if I don't have the flash up my pictures have a blue tint to them. I'm sure that I just need to read the manual because I know you can adjust the color some.

Rating :

Awesome

There was no other camera that could compete with this when it came out, and now only its sucessors from Panasonic can do so (well them and a $900 Nikon, but I'd rather save my money). This camera is that good. Is it perfect? No, not at all. I could write a lengthy listing of gripes, but they pale in comparisons to the positives:

A high performance Leica designed (Panasonic manufactured) lens
Opitical image stabilizer
Fast burst mode
12x zoom
Solid Japanese built body

All in all, you will have fun taking great shots at birthday parties, zoos, fireworks, parks, concerts, and many other places--I did. Why? The lens, it allows for blur free images thanks to its wide aperture and image stabilizer, and it also allows you to get close to the action with a tremendous zoom. Other camers may offer 10x zooms, but the lack the image stabilizer so everything is big AND BLURRY. Buy this or the newer FZ-15 or FZ-20 from Panasonic--you won't regret it.

Rating :

great lens and camera with some slight flaws

I bought this camera in June '04 and haven't had a single problem with it. If the rating system had half stars, I would give it a 4.5 out of 5. It's that good, really.

I have an extra battery; it comes in very handy because recharging takes some serious time. I bought a 512 MB smart media - a wise investment when yhou're on trips.

Of all the things it does well, the lens is the best feature. 12x zoom brings the subject in close with sharp edges and great color and contrast. The image stabilizer works very well, as several other reviewers have noted. However, it can give you a false sense of security at long focal ranges; for really sharp images at the upper reaches of the lens, you need a tripod or a really steady grip on the camera. The manual focus works well and macro mode brings you stunning close-ups. The flash is OK for small groups but has limited range; I prefer to set the ASA fairly high and skip the flash to avoid the inevitable differences in exposure based on distance from the camera.

The camera is surprisingly large, due in large part to the lens; it's too large to slip into your pocket. But it's durable. Over the past 10 months it has knocked into chairs, tables, doors and whatever, and even survived a drop on a hardwood floor, with no apparent damage.

The LCD is big and bright but washes out in strong sunlight as do most others. Switching to the viewfinder takes care of this problem. The diopter adjustment on the viewfinder helps people like me (with glasses) see the screen easily.

This is the first camera I have had with PictBridge, the ability to print straight from the camera. I hook up the USB cable to my printer and set the printer for 4x6 and have a print in less than a minute. I chose the Canon i960 printer, which has worked well with this camera - easy to set up, easy to print and really sharp prints with great color and contrast. It would be nice if Panasonic would allow you to pick several pictures to print at one time, instead of one at a time, but this is a minor inconvenience.

Overall, I am very pleased with this camera and have taken a lot of great pictures with it.

Rating :

In A Word - SUPERB

I have a web site in which I compared identical pictures of Minolta A1, Nikon 5200, Canon S60 and Sony W1. Althought the latter two (Canon and Sony) were also excellent, the Panasonic FZ10 was the best of the cameras in terms of picture quality and flexibility. The S60 is certainly a close contender in quality. But the Leica Zoom 35-420mm on such a light camera, re-defines the meaning of travel camera.

In the old days a travel SLR camera was at best a 28 to 90mm SLR. The thought of taking along a 300 or 400mm zoom was absurd because those lenses weighed too much or were too big. But the Panasonic FZ10 changes all that. While it is technically not an SLR, it certainly serves the same function about 98% of the time. I took the camera on a recent cruise to Scandinavia, and got great pictures from 35mm to 420mm.

The anti-shake feature is very handy for those long focal length pictures, and works very well.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Rating :

Great camera when it works but 13 months later it does'nt

My wife got this camera for me when they were relased in 12/03 for my Christmas presant. I was very sick at the time with a Galbladder infection and lose of patassium. It was March before I felt like useing the camera. It worked great and was everything I was wanting in a camera. The first big usage of this was on vacation. All otoaled I have taken 1300 pixs with this unit. I got up on the 21st of this Feb to us it to post a knife on eBay I turned on the camera and hear a strange grinding sound, as I tried to focus I could not get it to in manual or auto and it has nt worrked since. My wife paid almost $600 for this unit. When I call the Panasonic help line they tell me that unfortuinately it will have to be sent in for repair and is no longer covered under warrnety. spend a little extra and buy a cannon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rating :

More reviews...

1. Digital camera with 5-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 13-by-17-inch enlargements
2. Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 12x zoom lens combines with 4x digital zoom to create 48x total zoom
3. MEGA optical image stabilizer; 2-inch TFT LCD screen; PictBridge compatible for printing
4. Includes 16 MB Secure Digital memory card; measures 5.02 x 3.43 x 4.18 inches (W x H x D)
5. Remanufactured to like-new condition; 90-day warranty

Editorial Review :

Equipped with a 5-megapixel CCD sensor, the remanufactured Panasonic DMC-FZ20lK delivers a wide range of detail and color with images as precise as 2,560 x 1,920 pixels--enough information to make photo-quality prints up to 13 by 17 inches. The digital camera is also outfitted with a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 12x zoom lens, which combines comfortably small size with superb image rendering, and is further enhanced by a 4x digital zoom, which gives users the equivalent of a 48x zoom lens in a compact body. Images taken with the 12x zoom lens are crisp and impressive, but users should note that the digital zoom degrades picture quality.

The DMC-FZ20K also lets you shoot QuickTime Motion JPEG video at resolutions of up to 320 x 240 pixels with sound. The total video you can capture is limited only by the space on your memory card; you'll fit more at low-quality settings (10 frames per second) than at high quality (30 frames per second). The movies aren't camcorder quality, but they're fun and convenient, and are perfect as e-mail attachments. You can also record audio comments up to five seconds in length for your still pictures.

Additional features include flip animation, which lets you create your own frame-by-frame animations; unlimited consecutive shooting, which lets you shoot as many consecutive shots as you can up to the SD memory card's capacity; a 2-inch diagonal polycrystalline TFT LCD display (130,000 pixels); a hot shoe external flash attachment; and Mega Burst shooting mode, which shoots up to seven images at three- or two-frames-per-second in standard resolution or up to four images in fine resolution. The latter option is designed to provide you with the best selection of photos during action, such as a sporting event.

Images and video are stored on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (the bundle includes a 16 MB SD card). Photographers can download picture files to either a Mac or PC via a USB connection, meaning you can connect the camera to any USB-based PC running Windows 98, Me, 2000, or XP or a Mac running OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Printing-wise, the camera supports the PictBridge standard. PictBridge is a technology that lets you transfer pictures from a digital camera to a compatible printer without a PC or image-editing software. Because PictBridge is an industry standard, users can connect PictBridge-compatible devices made by many different manufacturers.

The camera is powered by lithium-ion battery pack (included with charger). It measures 5.02 by 3.43 by 4.18 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 1.14 pounds. It's also backed by a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
DMC-FZ20K digital camera, battery charger, battery pack, 16 MB SD memory card, lens cap, lens hood with adaptor, A/V and USB cables, strap, CD-ROM, user's manual.

Customer Review :

No review yet

1. 8.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
2. 3.6x wide-angle image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. Intelligent Auto Mode with Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector
4. High-Sensitivity mode shoots at an ISO equivalent of 6400; Continuous Autofocus minimizes autofocus time
5. Stores images on SD memory cards (includes 27MB of internal memory; powered by lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included)

Editorial Review :

Despite its remarkably compact body and slim profile, the stylish DMC-FX33 boasts a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens that lets you fit more people in a photo when space is tight or capture beautiful portraits of people with sweeping scenery or large structures in the background.With the newly incorporated Intelligent LCD, the camera detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and boosts signals with pixel-mixed readout method when shooting under low-lit situation to secure a clear image in any circumstances.

Customer Review :

great point and shoot

I had the 5 megapixel version of this camera and it was great. When I lost that camera I knew that there was no other point and shoot that I would want to own. The image stabilizer is phenomenal for an amature photographer and it's 100 times better than the kodak cameras that I've owned. I won't buy any other camera for everyday use.

Rating :

Likeable, but ultimately flawed

I gave it three stars because it falls short in one critical area - photo quality.

But first, the good stuff. Like an earlier review noted, the black rubberized finish feels good in hand. The "Intelligent Auto" mode works reasonably well - it was able to distinguish between macro, landscape, portrait and night modes most of the time. The wide angle lens really came in handy for group photos, landscape and architecture shots. Normal operation is fairly snappy, and the menu are easy to figure out. Lastly, the LCD screen's resolution is fairly high, and the gain can be adjusted with one button to aid viewing in bright environments.

However, the photo quality was underwhelming. I've owned a Canon Powershot S410 and Fuji Finepix F20 (both pocket-sized Point & Shoot cameras) and the photo quality in those cameras were superior to the Panasonic. Panasonic cameras have had the reputation of great lenses with mediocre noise reduction, and that's what I expected with this camera. However, the photos are very soft and the colors lack saturation. The noise reduction is noticeable at ISO 200, and is very apparent at ISO 400. This level of noise reduction is not unusual for this class of camera, though I prefer the Canon approach of more detail but more noise.

The camera also has an "Intelligent ISO" mode, which boosts the ISO if shaking or motion is detected in the frame. It sounds good, but it's very aggressive, and the resulting photos are usually shot at fairly high ISO where the detail is lost. There is a option to limit the highest ISO, though the option is not available in "Intelligent Auto" mode.

I haven't printed any photos from this camera, though I would suspect that regular sized prints would be fine. You can usually tell the difference in quality by zooming into a photo, but in this case, I was able to tell the difference even when shrinking the photos to fit in a web album.

It's not a bad camera. I actually enjoyed using it, but at the end of the day, when you sit down and look over the photos you took, that's where the camera underwhelms.

Rating :

Found a 10 Mega pixels at same price

I bought this camera for my daughter and she found it a week later in Best Buy for the same price but 10 megapixels. What a deal!! But the camera itself is great.

Rating :

Little Love

I'm not one who needs to review things, but this camera is special. I have used many digital cameras over many years, each improved over the last model as technology improves and becomes more afordable. Having purchased the FZ18 I noticed the FX30 very is similar in menu and features which I have grown to like on the FZ. There are trade offs with the tiny cameras of optical quality(CCD size)and zoom. Looking at most all others they have similar limitations needing enough light to keep the noise down. Some have much worse quality issues, like so called "digital image stabilization" that automatically lower quality with increased noise to useless levels. The thing I wanted to share is this camera grows on you. I cannot leave it home or often worry it might loose it down the couch or worse! It is cute and needs TLC and just happens to take great pictures too!

Rating :

Great camera, small and good quality

I bought this camera when it first came out last year. It's been great - photos are good. Photos with flash (i.e. in the dark) could be of better quality - certainly not the daylight quality, but I'm happy nonetheless.

The camera is not incredibly light, but it is small and is reasonably good-looking. Easy to use and takes great photos in sunlight.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 6-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14-by-19-inch enlargements
2. 3x optical zoom with Mega Optical Image Stabilization; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. 14 scene modes with easy-to-access help screens
4. Moving-Image Mode captures VGA-size movies at 30 frames per second
5. Powered by Lithium-ion battery pack (included); stores images on SD memory cards (16 MB card included)

Editorial Review :

This Panasonic Lumix Digital-camera offers a host of distinct features that sets it above most cameras in this price range. A prestigious Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens with 3x Optical Zoom optical zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 35 to 105mm) offers (critically acclaimed) superior imaging performance. It is further extended with up to 4x digital zoom. Jitter from shaky hands is one of the main reasons why cameras produce blurry images. The DMC-FX9 has a built-in gyrosensor that detects any hand movement and relays a signal to a tiny microcomputer inside the camera, which instantly calculates the compensation needed. A linear motor then shifts the Optical Image Stabilizer lens as necessary to guide incoming light from the image straight to the CCD. You won't even notice it working--all you'll see are the outstanding results. Add a bright, beautiful 2.5" TFT LCD screen plus multiple scene modes (still and movie) and you've got a camera that's incomparably easy to use without blocking your creative potentials. At this price range, when you sum it up, this ranks among the top of its class. Built-in Electronic-Flash Mode - Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced On/Off Up to 2816 x 2112 still image resolution at 4 - 3 aspect ratio. 3 - 2 and 16 - 9 ratios also selectable Motion (movie) images at up to 640x480 Sound recording capable for movie and still (up to 5 seconds per still) / Up to 10 seconds audio dubbing Recording Formats - Still Image - JPEG (design rule for camera file system), DPOF corresponding / Still Image with Audio - JPEG (design rule for camera file system) / Motion - QuickTime and JPEG Ultracompact - Unit Size - 1.99'' x 3.70'' x 0.95'' / Weighs about 4 ounces

Customer Review :

Excellent buy

Excellent digital camera for the cost. Just about 2 years now and the only problem I've found is that the dial slighly slips between playback and picture taking mode but apart from that the images are excellent. Easy to use menu and the image stabilization works great ... did a firework shot witout a tripod and it came out perfect.
I've paid about the same price as it is now about 2 years ago so obviously Panasonic is doing wonders with staying power.

Rating :

Great little camera

I have had this camera for sometime and I have always had good daytime shots, nights shots are inconsistent and with adjustments in many case it is fine. It was one of the first image stablizers and it works the camera is nice and small has a good look and feel and the screen is fine. As for a protector, all of them should come with one period, however, I am always conscious of the screen and thus have virtually no scrathes even with all the use and travel the camera has had. The 6.0mp is more than enough. Unless you are printing huge photos the 6.0 for online, web, email or 4x6 prints is just fine.

Rating :

great camera i cant believe it

cant believe this little camera does such a great job.
i have lots and lots of cameras i this is the winner.
i got this really cheap on ebay for my kids and im going to buy it for the whole family !
its fast ! its very colorful pics and sharp! what else you want !
i do recommend this camera.


Rating :

date stamp

I'm enjoying my first digital experience with this sleek little bug. It has the larger screen, quick start up and shutter response, as well as good battery life. Does anyone know how to get it to stamp the date on the picture? I prefer not to use military time and would like the format 5/8/2006.

Rating :

White balance on this camera sucks

I bought this camera, the anti shake is good but the auto white balance sucks, i never realized the value of the feature until i got this camera. if you take flash pictures they came out fine but then if you switch to no flash they come out very yellow, and if non flash where good then the flashed photos came out very blue...

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 6.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
2. 3x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
4. Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
5. Stores images on SD/SDHC/MMC memory cards; 27MB internal memory

Editorial Review :

3x Optical Zoom / 2.5" LCD / Mega Optical Image Stabilization / SD Memory Card Storage / USB / PictBridge / Unit Size 3.70'' x 2.02'' x 0.95''

Customer Review :

great pocket camera

i have an fz50 and a leica d-lux 2 made along with panasonic. my wife wanted a pocket replacement for her ancient casio with a postage stamp size screen. she picked this one in spite of a lack of viewfinder. it is truly pocket size and quick reacting. beautiful results. don't expect miracles shooting in low light without a flash. turn the flash on and live with it, or practioce alot with the flash off. panasonic makes solid electronics, and leica lenses are the best.

Rating :

Have not received product!

I ordered this product in early October and received a notice about ten days later that it was delayed but have heard nothing since and it is now late November.

Rating :

I just love it!

Perfect size. Great stabilizer, great photos. It takes the picture very fast and not having to wait to take the next photo. It's just great, I love it!

Rating :

Nice little camera

I bought this camera for my wife because she wanted something small and simple as an alternative to my camera. It is definitely small easily fitting in a purse or shirt pocket. The quality feels good and the option for a pink color was a nice touch. The necessary functions of the camera are easy to find and use. I know that, because if they weren't my wife would be more frustrated and lets me know when she can't figure something out. It takes decent snapshots. Not being one to work with lots of features, she manages just fine.

This is the third digital camera I bought, all Panasonic. I have done detailed pre-purchase comparisons I find that Panasonic has high quality and features for a better price than the more well-known brands such as Canon or Sony. I do select for media type and rule out anything that doesn't use SD cards because I have lots of them from several devices. It doesn't have a viewfinder, but the LCD screen is big and bright covering most of the back of the camera. Image stabilization is a good feature for someone who takes snapshots without thinking about the camera settings.

I haven't evaluated the fine points of picture quality... that's not what I bought the camera for. Her first use was to take new-born pictures of our grandson. We were all satisfied with the results.

Rating :

Great, cute, stealable.

This camera was so awesome, it was stolen from me. I'm not rich, so I'll wait to write another review until I know more, but for the week or so we were together, it took perfect pictures, had some cool settings, took a decent video(even in the dark ;)

Rating :

More reviews...