Review based on a production Panasonic DMC-FZ20
Updated 9th Nov: High ISO samples added to gallery
Announced at the end of July 2004, the DMC-FZ20 is the flagship model of the third generation of 'super zoom' cameras from electronics giant Panasonic, and is a direct replacement for the FZ10. Like its predecessors (and the simultaneously announced DMC-FZ3) the FZ20 sports a Leica-branded DC Vario-Elmarit zoom with a whopping 12x optical range (36-432mm equiv) and a constant F2.8 aperture. It also boasts a newly-improved optical image stabilisation system and the Venus II engine, which, according to Panasonic's documentation, is now equivalent to shooting at 3 or 4 shutter speed steps faster.
The FZ20 offers several enhancements over the FZ10 it replaces, including a higher resolution sensor (5MP as opposed to 4MP), improved hand grip and - thanks to the Venus II image processing engine - it's faster, offers better resolution and lower noise. And that's not all; it is packed with new technologies and upgrades; enhanced metering and focus systems, new shooting modes and a new mode dial, TIFF mode, a better electronic viewfinder, a new menu system and a new two mode image stabiliser.
36 - 432mm (equiv.) F2.8, 12x Leica Zoom Lens with one ED lens
Mega O.I.S (optical image stabilisation)
Venus II image processing engine
9 scene modes and full photographic control
New mode dial for easy access to exposure modes
TIFF mode
New on-screen display
Ultra fast startup, focus, shutter lag and shot-to-shot time
Available in Black FZ20K and Silver FZ20S
