5-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 13-by-17-inch enlargements
Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 12x zoom lens combines with 4x digital zoom for 48x total zoom
MEGA optical image stabilizer; 2-inch TFT LCD screen; PictBridge Compatible
Store images on Secure Digital (SD) memory card (16 MB SD card included)
Editorial Review:
Interesting. It looks like an SLR but it really isn't. Instead of changing lenses, it's got a 12-times zoom lens that goes from wide-angle to large telephoto focal lengths, equivalent to 36mm to 432mm in a 35mm film camera. Not an ordinary lens either, Leica Vario Elmarit. It's a Lumix Digital-camera and it stores still and movie images on SD or MMC memory cards. Here's a rare feature: Jitter from shaky hands is one of the main reasons why cameras produce blurry images. We don't expect everyone to have hands of stone when taking pictures--that's why Lumix cameras help solve the problem of unsteady hands with advanced MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer technology. The DMC-FZ20 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! It's time to get a Lumix and smile. Up to 2560 x 1920 still image resolution / Up to 320x240 QVGA digital video resolution at 10 or 30 fps with audio / A still image may have up to 5 seconds audio 2 LCD Screen SD Memory Card Slot USB and AV Cables and ports for image transfer to PC - Macintosh - TV Includes 16MB SD memory card but we suggest buying an optional 256MB memory card (or larger) for practical use with this high-res camera Includes Rechargeable Li-Ion battery and Charger Includes Lens Cap, Hood Adapter, Wrist Strap Includes Image Transfer and Editing software suite Built-in multimode electronic-flash / Hot Soe for adding an optional external electronic-flash PictBridge Unit Dimensions HWD - 3.43'' x 5.02'' x 4.18'' / Weighs 1.14 lbs
Optics and Resolution Featuring a 5-megapixel CCD sensor, the DMC-FZ20S delivers a wide range of detail and color with images up to 2560 x 1920 pixels--enough information to make photo-quality prints up to 13 by 17 inches. Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 12x zoom lens, with 3 aspheric elements, combines comfortably small size with superb image rendering. By combining with a 4x digital zoom, users will have an equivalence of a 48x zoom lens in a very compact body, though users should note that digital zoom degrades picture quality.
Movie Mode and Audio The DMC-FZ20S lets you shoot QuickTime Motion JPEG video at resolutions up to 320 x 240 pixels with sound. The amount of video you can capture is limited by space on the memory card; you'll fit more at low quality (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 they're perfect as e-mail attachments. You can also record audio comments, up to five seconds in length, for your still pictures.
More Features
Flip Animation: Allows you to create your own frame-by-frame animations.
Unlimited Consecutive Shooting: Allows consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD memory card.
Mega Burst Shooting Mode: Shoot up to seven images at three or two frames-per-second in standard resolution, or up to four images in fine resolution. This option is designed to provide you with the best selection of photos during action, such as a sporting event.
Storage and Transfer Images and video are stored on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. A 16 MB SD card is included. Files can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.
Printing This 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. Learn more about PictBridge.
Power and Size The camera is powered by lithium-ion battery pack (included with charger). It measures 3.43 by 5.02 by 4.18 inches and weighs 1.14 pounds.
What's in the Box DMC-FZ20S digital camera, battery charger, battery pack, 16MB SD memory card, lens cap, lens hood with adaptor, A/V and USB cables, strap, and CD-ROM
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Oldie but goodie At 5 megapixels this camera is somewhat outdated, yet with owning newer and supposedly better cameras I still grab this one most often. The lens is stunning, fast and clear with an amazing zoom ratio. I got this camera when I was fascinated with photographing ducks. The 430mm equivalent zoom is perfect for bird photography. Compared to an SLR with equivalent length of zoom it's so light and easy to handle. And with a 36mm equivalent wide angle it replaces an entire kit of lenses. And with a 2.8 aperture... more info
No long exposure capability I've had this camera for a few years now and love it, BUT I have discovered that I cannot do long exposures needed for most night photography. The maximum built-in exposure time is 8 seconds, far too little for most night photography. It's a great camera if you don't want to do time exposures but a big disappointment if you do.
It's all about the pictures I got the FZ20 when it first came out. It was an addition to several other digital and film cameras that I own. Having been a semi-pro photographer for years, we have to realize that different people look for different things in a camera. That's one reason why I have a lot of cameras. However, if size is not a factor but I still can't carry a complete camera bag with interchangeable lenses, then my go-to camera is the FZ20. Why? Well, if I am shooting in low light, the results with either a Sunpak... more info
AWSOME This camera is Awsome, the ZOOM is insaine on it, it gets crisp cristel clear shots, just make sure you have some experience using a more pro camera like this one.