Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20

Updated - Friday, 11th July 2008

Latest - Review and Sample Photos by StevesDigicams (added 11 July’08)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 features:

10.1 megapixel
4x optical zoom
30mm wide angle
3 inch LCD
High ISO of 1600

Overall Rating: 3 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5

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Read More Reviews - (updated 11 July’08)

StevesDigicams has reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and they write -
“The Panasonic Lumix FS20 is an incredibly easy to use and stylish 10-megapixel model. The wide 4x optical zoom and iA shooting mode, gives anyone the ability to take great pictures. The only drawback to this camera is the noise that seems to be present in the dark areas of all the photographs. With a MSRP of US$300, this is a nice camera with excellent features.”

Rating: Not Rated

Cameras.co.uk has reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and they write -
“This camera is well worth taking a close look at if you are looking for a pocket camera that is a step up from the more basic models. It is easy to use, takes a good picture and has a large 3 inch LCD screen.”

Rating:

CNET Australia has reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and they write -
“Our novice user utterly adored the FS20, simply because it worked in the same fashion as an old box brownie; you point and shoot it, and for the most part it works. Being digital, of course you can trash shots quickly and without fuss.

For those moving onto bigger and better cameras, the FS20 might feel like it’s holding your hand a little too much to be worth considering, but for anyone making their tentative first steps into digital photography, the FS20 comes highly recommended.”

Rating:

RegHardware has reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and they write -
“Overall, we liked the DMC-FS20 very much. It lacks some of the glitz of other models in a similar price range and it doesn’t offer a great deal when it comes to manual control. But then again, this is exactly what many digital camera owners are looking for. The next time you’re in the market for a digital camera, may we respectively suggest that, in addition to considering the usual suspects, you check out this Panasonic offering as well.”

Rating:

Photoxels has reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and they write -
“Image quality at ISO 100 is good with good image detail. ISO goes as high as 1600 (plus a special High Sensitivity scene mode of ISO 6400) and, if you limit yourself to 4×6 in. prints and for Web display uses, you’ll be able to use the FS20 as a low-light camera without the issue of noise and image detail loss being too apparent. Of course, better high ISO noise performance would be welcomed.”

PCMag has reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and they write -
“With a wealth of features and above-average image quality, the FS20 represents an advance for Panasonic. Still, I can’t recommend it over the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS, which offers a wider-angle lens and slightly better image quality. Nonetheless, snapshooters in the market for a capable, compact camera should be pleased with the FS20.”

TrustedReviews has reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and they write -
“The Lumix FS20 is a companion model the the FS5, offering a larger LCD screen and slightly better handling. Build quality is excellent, and the overall design is functional but attractive. It is a point-and-shoot camera with a limited but sensible range of features, and performs well in most situations, with good low light capabilities. Image quality is also good, but the price tag is a little high for a rather average specification.”

DigitalCameraReview - 25 March’08 - reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and indicates it has a very impressive lens its wide angle is even more than on most subcompacts. Here is a summary of their review -
“One nice feature is Panasonic’s Intelligent ISO setting which when you set the maximum ISO and the camera picks a suitable ISO within your chosen range for a given scene or subject. Nice. Images were colorful and edge-to-edge sharpness was outstanding. About the only negative aspect of the camera was the flash photos which were not up to par with competing cameras.”

GoodGearGuide - 28 February’08 - reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and notes it had occasional slow shutter lag. Here is a summary of their review -
“It’s a little on the plain Jane side when comes to features and functionality but that being said it does have a beautiful 3in LCD that does a great job of displaying images with the automatic ‘backlight booster’ helping clarity in sunny conditions. Nice touch! Image quality was excellent and the camera has well laid out controls and menu system enabling even beginner photographers to be up and shooting great looking images quickly”

PhotographyBlog - 27 February’08 - reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and says in focuses fast even in low light. Here is a summary of their review -
“Panasonic jacked up the megapixels but sad to say it still does not help the ISO performance. However, because of Panasonic’s very capable optical image stabilization you can still carry the camera into low light and use slower shutter speeds and still get really sharp pictures. Bottom line - the FS20 is a great point and shoot at a fantastic price. Just about anyone can pick it up a make super looking images. You get a lot of bang for the buck with this one.”

Sample Photos

[Sample Photos at StevesDigicams]
[Sample Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample Photos at RegHardware]
[Sample Photos at Photoxels]
[Sample Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Test Photos at PhotographyBlog]

Specifications

[Official Panasonic Specifications]

Press Release

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 29, 2008) – Panasonic today announced the launch a new LUMIX FS-Series of digital camera the 10.1-megapixel model DMC-FS20 which features 30mm wide-angle Leica DC lens with 4x optical zoom. The FS models, a stylish sister-line of the highly-acclaimed LUMIX FX-Series, combines easy operation with a slim and sleek look, enabling both beginner and advanced users to take beautiful digital photos with a model they can slip in their pocket. Both cameras also have Intelligent Auto Mode, an advanced intuitive system of technologies that help users take better photos more easily.

“Panasonic added the FS-Series to our LUMIX line of digital cameras to address the needs of consumers who want a point-and-shoot camera that is not only affordable, intuitive and easy-to-use, but also stylish and small enough that they slip it in their pocket or into a small purse,” said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The FS-line packages Leica lenses, Intelligent Auto Mode, powerful image processing and superior memory power in a small, sleek design. We want our LUMIX digital cameras to have features that enable great digital photos regardless of the level of the photographer.”

The FS20 features Intelligent Auto Mode, comprised of five functions: Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Quick AF (auto focus).

MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image.
Intelligent ISO – With Intelligent ISO, the FS20 and FS5 can determine if the photo subject is moving and change the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.
Intelligent Scene Selector – Intelligent Scene Selector senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode. This intuitive technology, helps the consumer use the most common scene modes that are built into the camera, but often go unused, without making any manual adjustments.
Face Detection – Panasonic’s Face Detection detects faces anywhere in the frame and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear and crisp. Detecting up to 15 faces, Panasonic’s Face Detection can even track a face if the subject is moving.
Quick AF – The Quick AF (auto focus) system starts focus on the subject by just pointing the camera to the subject, thus minimizing the AF time.

In addition to powerful the Intelligent Auto Mode, the fourth generation high-performance image-processing Venus Engine IV LSI helps produce higher-quality pictures with an advanced signal processing system. It adds a new high-performance noise reduction system that helps reproduce even the most delicate parts of images naturally and without color bleeding. The Venus Engine IV reduces shutter release time lag while still enabling high-resolution picture taking, making it easier to capture spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities.

Other features of the DMC-FS20 include approximately 50 MB of internal memory and a 3.0-inch LCD – perfect for easy-to-see viewing of images. Furthermore, these models feature Intelligent LCD, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD to offer optimal clarity in any situation, whether dark or light; indoors or outdoors.

The LUMIX DMC-FS20, with a manufacturer’s retail price (MSRP) of: $299.95 will be available in pink, black and silver models. Available in February 2008.