Panasonic DMC-FZ47 12.1 Megapixel Extended Zoom Reviews Roundup
On July 21 2011, Panasonic announced the LUMIX DMC-FZ47 (aka DMC-FZ48) digital camera, the newest addition to the company's super-zoom FZ-Series. The FZ47 features a 24x optical zoom in a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, a 12.1 Megapixels Hi-Speed CCD sensor, Sonic Speed AF, full HD 1080i 1920 x 1080 video recording, 3D Photo mode and new Creative Controls with Miniature Effect mode while shooting both still and video. Differentiating itself from most digital cameras that record video, the FZ47 features a Creative Video mode, which lets the user set the shutter speed and aperture manually. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to videos, which is especially suitable for shooting a fast-moving subject.
The high-quality Leica lens features Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating technology to help minimize light reflection that causes ghosting and flare. It can take high-resolution consecutive shots at 3.7 fps in full-resolution and maximum 10 fps at reduced resolution at 3 Megapixel. The Panasonic LUMIX FZ47 is available in black for a suggested retail price of $399.99.
Panasonic DMC-FZ47 Camera Reviews Roundup
| Imaging Resource: "Image quality in our lab shots was impressive. There was little distortion or chromatic aberration (likely corrected in the image processor) and high resolution for a 12 megapixel sensor. The Resolution Target shows low chromatic aberration in the corners while resolving a full 1,700 lines of resolution. I suspect some software correction of the chromatic aberration, considering the range of the lens. The ISO 100 St..." - Mar 23 2012 More » | |
| Pocket-lint: "What may come as a surprise are the final results at full resolution - we were expecting big improvements but the results aren't too different from the previous FZ45 model. Look for the finer details and the amount of processing causes edge distortion and a dwindling of detail. Softness increases as the ISO setting goes up, but from ISO 400 and above there's a notable drop off in sharpness that becomes very sof..." - Dec 21 2011 More » | |
| CNET US: "Photo quality has improved from this camera's predecessor, the FZ40. If you're a pixel peeper you probably won't be thrilled with the noise and artifacts you can see when photos are viewed onscreen at 100 percent. But unless you're planning to do a lot of enlarging and cropping and regularly make prints above 8x10, you'll likely be very happy with the results. Like most point-and-shoots the FZ47 does well up to ISO..." - Dec 20 2011 More » | |
| CNET AU: "Unlike the FZ150, the FZ47 cannot shoot in RAW. It's JPEG only, but most of the other picture settings remain intact. Naturally, with such a wide lens, there are distortions, but these can be corrected in post-processing, and for most users it won't present too much of an issue. Colours from the FZ47 are good, though not as punchy and well rendered as those on similar JPEG images from the FZ150. Also, the downgrade..." - Dec 13 2011 More » | |
| NeoCamera: "To pack a whopping 24X optical zoom lens in a camera this size, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 uses a tiny sensor so that its 4.5-108mm lens equates to 25-600mm in 35mm terms. This is the case for all current ultra-zooms and perfectly represents the compromise offered by this type of camera. This huge zoom range means flexibility while the small sensor sets expectations of limited image quality, particularly at the de..." - Nov 29 2011 More » | |
| ePhotoZine: "Lens test images show good detail at both wide angle and when using full optical zoom. Macro performance is excellent allowing you to focus on subjects right in front of the lens. Purple fringing is low considering the amount of zoom on offer, but can be noticed in areas of extreme contrast. ISO test images show some noise at ISO100, this increases at ISO200, ISO400 sees an increase in chroma noise (coloured splotch..." - Oct 29 2011 More » | |
| CNET UK: "We tested it by shooting various flora, including a teasel and rose hips, and in each case we were bowled over by the results. The macro performance of the FZ48 was exemplary, with a short, sharp sweet spot where the focus was perfectly fixed, and a rapid fall off to the front and rear. We can put this down to the FZ48's maximum aperture of f/2.8 at wide angle, and f/5.2 at full telephoto. This would be impressive i..." - Oct 28 2011 More » | |
| Trusted Reviews: "We found overall image quality to be good but not outstanding, and while the 24x optical zoom is certainly useful there is a price to pay for this flexibility in terms of sharpness of images. The FZ48 produces its best results in bright but evenly lit conditions. Its dynamic range is rather limited though, and this leads to exactly the same kind of metering dilemmas so common among compacts. We found that when..." - Sep 27 2011 More » | |
| Camera Labs: "Panasonic's Lumix FZ47 / FZ48 represents a small upgrade over its predecessor: the all-important lens range remains the same, as does the body, so the only major changes are a higher resolution screen, a boost in video resolution from 720p to 1080i, support for 3D image capture, a selection of special effects filters, an increase in continuous shooting speed and a small drop in sensor resolution. Of these, the..." - Sep 19 2011 More » | |
| Digital Camera Resource Page: "The FZ47 is so loaded with features that they ran out of room on the mode dial. Beginners will find plenty to like, including an Intelligent Auto mode that literally does everything for you (scene selection, face detection, shadow brightness, sharpening, and more), tons of scene modes, fun Creative Controls (read: Art Filters), and easy movie recording courtesy of a dedicated "red button". Manual control l..." - Sep 05 2011 More » | |
| TechRadar: "The FZ48 isn't one of the best performers with noise levels at high sensitivities. Even at low sensitivities, images seem to contain artefacts and smudging around fine details, which is a little disappointing - but it is a bridge camera not an SLR. These artefacts are only visible on very close inspection, and images at taken at sensitivities up to ISO 400 should be suitable for producing respectable 10 x 8-inc..." - Aug 23 2011 More » | |
| Digital Camera Info: "The FZ47's color accuracy is straight up amazing. We ran the test three times to be sure. In that test, where lower scores are better, the FZ47 produced a color error average of only 1.96. This is the best score of any fixed lens camera since as far back as any of us can remember. Looking over the raw data, we find the camera's weaknesses, small as they are, tend to be centered around the brightest yellows and..." - Aug 11 2011 More » | |
| Photography BLOG: "At first glance the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48 looks like a carbon copy of last year's FZ45 model, but underneath the hood there are some significant changes, most notably full 1080p movies, much faster burst shooting, higher-resolution screen and even snappier auto-focusing. The even more expensive FZ100 model still looks the better option, with its 11fps burst mode and free-angle screen, but the FZ48 has certainly n..." - Aug 04 2011 More » |
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User Review of the camera - Panasonic DMC-FZ47
Great Camera and Great Price, Holly J. Blake "hingham9"
After checking out various cameras in the class, I went with this Panasonic.
My reasons: 1. I loved my old Panasonic.
2. LEICA lenses on a camera in this price range is fantastic.
3. On/Off SWITCH, not a button that can be accidentally hit on or off at the wrong time (like Canon!)
4. The pictures are phenomenal without having to carry a camera case full of interchangeable lenses.
5. Settings are on a dial, you don't have to go through digital menus to switch between often-used settings.
6. Simple battery charger (unlike my children's Nikon that had too many pieces that ultimately got lost)
7. 24x Optical zoom.
I haven't used video yet, so there is no comment on it for that reason, not because it is an issue. Though I heard Walgreens would be able to burn DVDs from SD cards soon, so I am going to have to play with the video option soon, my old camera did not have video and I didn't want to use up space on my computer's memory to upload video onto it.
Cons: I haven't come across any. I've taken a couple hundred photos on this camera already, in the few weeks that I have had it and I am very happy with the camera.
Perfect camera to grow into, Shaiha
Before I start I want to make it clear that I am not an expert or even an experienced photographer. In fact my only previous camera is a little point and shoot which really wasn't meeting my needs. That is the reason that I decided to take a step up into a bridge camera. I did a lot of research and discovered that this camera is the highest rated for its class and cost range.
The two things that really drove me nuts about my older camera was the fact that it only had 3x zoom which didn't really didn't work unless I was right on top of the subject. Also I couldn't adjust any of the settings to be able to photograph my jewelry. Both of these issues were addressed in the camera along with so much more. The 24x zoom is great especially when I am trying get some good animal pics and I have found that the burst mode really helps out there also. I haven't taken any jewelry pic yet but just knowing that I can do any adjustments needed to really make them shine is a weight off my mind.
There is just one thing that I have discovered that I would change about this camera and that is the owner's manual. It comes as a pdf on the cd enclosed with the camera. I would really have preferred it to be a printed manual. Oh and it would be great if you were told just what comes with the camera itself for those of us taking our first steps into real photography.
Best Little Camera Ever (Panasonic Lumix), Ms. Ed.
I have been taking 35mm photos since the early 80's and have two other "fancy" digital SRL cameras (a Nikon and a Canon) that are wonderful for special projects, but too expensive and HEAVY to throw in my bag and risk damaging on our travels documenting our children's busy lives, our vacation memories, and the many concerts we find ourselves enjoying these days. After buying an earlier generation model of this camera (FZ35 with 18xOptical Zoom) for my artistic daughter who hadn't used SRL units before, I fell in love with it. I bought myself a twin of hers, my dad (who, fun fact, introduced me to photography in the 70's) bought one, our school yearbook asked for my recommendation and bought this camera (FZ47 with 24xOptical Zoom for same price we bought earlier model), and I just bought another for my 15 year-old son for Christmas. Now I have friends asking me what camera we use when we share our photos with them.
The default settings and the many pre-programmed modes, the stabilization technology, the quick recovery from a shot, the long-battery charge, its ability to take action shots in florescent lights, and the low price made it an easy choice to recommend to our school yearbook staff who wants professional photography results without having professional photographers. It's difficult to train students and get them up to speed in one year; then they are gone and unfortunately, sometimes, so are the cameras. True, we've "lost" more expensive cameras, so the price was definitely a way to get a camera in their hands again without the administration having to worry as much about the investment.
If you are a professional photographer, you'll notice its manual settings are not as robust or even as easy to find. But when my eighteen year-old son asked me to take his senior pictures one weekend when school was almost over, I found myself picking up this camera instead of my others because the default settings are so quick and effective to get to while we were jumping from site to site looking for iconic backgrounds (both indoor and outdoor). The results were fantastic with people asking which photo studio took his portraits. He has fun saying, "My mom's," but I know I had a lot of help from this little camera.
As an added bonus, I've gotten pretty decent results in various concert venues where I would have never been allowed to take one of my SRL cameras because when security looks at it, it looks like any other point and shoot "since the lens doesn't come off" I was told by one security guard. I also get better results under florescent lights where most of our children's special high school events like homecoming, tournaments, and graduations occur (in the gym) than I ever did with my SRL cameras. I'm sure there are some settings and manual adjustments that would have helped on the SRLs, but as a multi-tasking (non-photography) professional trying to fit in time with our family/friends as well, I enjoy just throwing this camera in my book bag and going.
Highly recommend. I tell people I originally found the Panasonic Lumix FZ35 due to a ridiculously high rating at a professional photographer site where they NEVER liked the point and shoots...until this little gem. For the price, you will not believe the quality of your photos!
[SIDE NOTE: I also recommend using Amazon for technology purchases because of the benefit of hearing real user reviews and FREE SHIPPING! I've only had to return a few items at Amazon due to products not meeting my expectations, and I've never had any difficulty.]
I'm very happy so far, Aintnorock
I had another cheaper brand model (Kodak ZD710 which now retails more than this Panasonic) that I started having problems with battery life. I was looking for a mid-range camera with these must haves: burst mode, view finder, panoramic assist, super-zoom. I thoroughly searched the reviews on Amazon and a couple other places including Consumers Reports. This camera has all the features I wanted and more. I saw many models I liked but they all had more than a few negative reviews. This camera only had a couple, and I think the reviews were pros who wanted something more, but cheap. For the price, I find this camera to be the best in its class.
I've only had it a couple days, but I love it. I took it to an indoor football game and expiremented with it. Super zoom image stabilization worked great. Took a zoom video of a band that turned out great. Only downside that I saw was that burst shots of action plays seemed kind of slow. I tried different methods and found that the Intelligaent point and shoot mode actually worked better than the sports mode. It was probably me not knowing enough, and I'll eventually figure it out, but I have to give the camera 5 stars.
As for battery life, which was the problem with my Kodak, so far, so good. It's got a lithium ion rechargeable battery. I had the camera on for 3 hours last night - it went into sleep mode a couple times, and I took over 300 pictures plus some video and the 3 bars on battery life only went down to 2 near the very end.
I'll revisit this review after I learn more and use this camera more. Taking it on a mission trip with 15 7th and 8th graders who are constantly on the move. Should be intersting.
Great Camera, Wine Teacher
This is an excellent camera. The image stabilizer is great as is the super zoom capability. The optics are good as are the features overall. The color balance is excellent. The feel is also excellent. A Leica lense doesn't hurt either.
Great Camera, Samuel Wai
This is an excellent camera. The image stabilizer is great as is the super zoom capability. The optics are good as are the features overall. The color balance is excellent. The feel is also excellent. A Leica lense doesn't hurt either.
Fabulous!, Amber Tro
I purchased this after reading the reviews on CNET. (strongly recommend this site before buying ANY electronics) I love this camera! It takes fast, clear, pictures. It is simple to use. I am not an expert photographer, by any means, but this camera makes me look like I could be. Worth the money if you want a megazoom camera with some, but not too many, bells and whisles.
A one-size-fits-all camera that pulls it off, R. Foster
Usually when something is one-size-fits-all, it's usually average at everything, and doesn't excel at anything. This camera may be the exception. Still pictures are great, videos are great, sound (for the video) is very very good (not great, but very very good)(at least as good as any other consumer video camera).
Battery life is great for taking photos. It will last days if taking nothing but still pictures all day. Video time is short, however. If you plan to take lots of videos with this, get a spare battery or two, and/or an A/C adapter.
For this price point, I doubt you'll find anything better.
Great Camera!!! Great Price!!, Detroit4ever
After reading SEVERAL reviews it came down to the FZ47, FZ150 and Canon t3. I went with this one because of the price.
It simply fit my budget and the reviews were great. I have a Canon HD Camcorder so I didn't need the FZ150's video options.
I felt the FZ47 was a better deal than the Canon. Out of the box, in auto mode, the camera is pretty good. Noise is pronounced at higher ISO and telephoto at least in Auto. Can't wait to mess with the settings to get better results. For $300, it's worth it! Color is awesome, the focus is fast and lag time is nearly DSLR fast. One of the best point and shoots I have ever used.
UPDATE: as I have experimented more, this really is a good camera!!!!!!!! It's fast and the quality is great. Images can get a little noisy, but with all the setting options you can work on that...I highly recommend this camera!
UPDATE: buy this camera, only use iA sparingly. Though iA gives nice results, the true magnificent of this cameramen can be found in PASM settings. Experiment and explore. Learn about ISO and f/stop...aperture and shutter speed. Images can explode with the right settings.
Pretty Decent, Detroit4ever
After reading SEVERAL reviews it came down to the FZ47, FZ150 and Canon t3. I went with this one because of the price.
It simply fit my budget and the reviews were great. I have a Canon HD Camcorder so I didn't need the FZ150's video options.
I felt the FZ47 was a better deal than the Canon. Out of the box, in auto mode, the camera is pretty good. Noise is pronounced at higher ISO and telephoto at least in Auto. Can't wait to mess with the settings to get better results. For $300, it's worth it! Color is awesome, the focus is fast and lag time is nearly DSLR fast. One of the best point and shoots I have ever used.
Excellent camera, James J. Bjaloncik
This is the slightly less expensive model of this particular camera. My son-in-law bought the more expensive one (has a flip-out screen and several other features which I didn't really need) and I was very impressed with the photos he had taken. This camera arrived promptly and has functioned perfectly. I am much more pleased with the photo quality from this camera as opposed to an older Sony digital which I have become rather unhappy with. The newer style data card in the Lumix holds many times more photos than the Sony to boot. This was a superb purchase and I highly recommend both this camera and the higher priced model. The Lumix line is top notch as far as I'm concerned.
very delighted, treasure_tramp
I'm having fun with my new camera and video. I'm still learning how to use all the features, but the photos are great and the video is easy to use and looks great too.
Excellent, worth the price, 24X zoom (more possible) & takes terrific photos., Gary in Sun City, AZ
I am extremely happy with this camera so far, though I've only owned it 2 weeks. It was rated the #1 bridge camera at CReports and had other excellent reviews at sites like dpreview.com. I recommend you download the users manual from the included CD. The camera packs a lot of features. You can use it fully auto or use some more of the adjustable options. Not only that, it takes excellent photos. I shopped for awhile before buying this one. Originally I bought a Fuji 4500 from Costco for a lower price. But this is a better & more sopisticated camera with Leica lens. Give this one at least your consideration.
The only thing I don't care for is the tulip lens shade it comes with. Using it with the on-board flash may even cause some of the lower light being blocked. And camera may not fit into a smaller camera case with it on, an inconvenience. I choose not to use it, and instead have a Hoya Pro 1 52mm UV filter, which protects the Leica lens.
I also own a Canon Xsi (dSLR) and Panasonic DMC-FH25. With this camera I have the best features of each.
Expectations Exceeded, cbreitigan
This is my first DSLR Camera, so I'm a little new to the market, but this was affordable for my budget and I have come to love it more with every picture. I've captured some really great images and have been discovering a true love for photography. Highly recommended.
How to download the motion picture file from panasonic DMC FZ 47K from sundisk to pc?, knowledge
I got a panasonic dmc fz47k Dec last year from amazon. I took motion pictures (videos) and they are very good. The problem I have is I only can play back those motion pictures from the LCD monitor of the camera, but I cannot download those motion pictures through a sundisk reader into my pc,even cannot find the files on the pc. My pc is HP Pavilion dv6 with windows 7. Thanks for giving me some help.
INFROMACION DE MI PRODUCTO, mari
Buenas noches, quisiera que me dieran información de la cámara que compramos, dicen que ya la entregaron el día de ayer, y al lugar donde se envió no han recibido ningún producto, quisiera que me dieran información sobre mi compra, Gracias
Good Camera, Marilyn Mercer
Overall we are very happy with our purchase. We still haven't delved deeply into the instructions to find out all it can do, but for the regular settings we've used the shots are really good. The pictures are clear and the shutter speed is also fast compared to our old camera.
For Fun and Some Serious Art!, Ivana
We are so happy with this camera!Bought it before our little girl was born..and we kept all special moments so far!Can also be use with it's manual settings if you have time for some serious art work!
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47K 12.1 MP Digital Camera, Bud
I am very pleased with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47K 12.1 MP Digital Camera that I purchased about two months on sale for $190.00. I took about 200 pictures so far shooting both indoors and outside. I also shot some video inside without any additional lighting and the video looked great. I am very satisfied with it, and would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a high end point and shoot camera.
Finally a camera that does what it says it will, Just Me
Because my daughter spilled coffee on my old camera I was searching for a new one and wanted to upgrade a little not a DSLR but better than point and shoot. I purchased and returned 3 other cameras before trying the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX47, I am in love with this camera I know next to nothing about photograhy and I have been taking amazing photos with the FX47 I am now in search of a good photography book because this camera has inspired me to want to learn more and really find out all this camera can do. I am a very thrifty consumer and I like feeling like I got a good deal, The price on the FX-47 was great and am very pleased with the quality, very satisfying purchase.