Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50

LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens with ED Lens and Super-Powerful 12x Optical Zoom.


The FZ50's LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens features 14 elements in 10 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses and an ED (extra-low dispersion) lens which helps suppress the colour bleeding that can occur in telephoto shots, plus a 12x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 35 to 420mm). The FZ50 also features Extra Optical Zoom, which gives you up to 21.4x power* by magnifying (with minimal deterioration) the image using the center area of the high-resolution CCD.

*Actual zoom power varies with the image size and aspect ratio

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MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) - Taking Hand-Shake Out of the Picture

Jitter from shaky hands is far and away the biggest single cause of blurry shots.LUMIX cameras help solve this problem with an advanced optical image stabilising system that we call MEGA O.I.S. This system uses built-in gyrosensors to detect even tiny camera movement and then shifts a lens in the opposite direction compensate. The system is completely optical - it does not affect the CCD or image processing - so you get sharp, clear images without deterioration. It lets you reduce the shutter speed more than 3 steps below* the conventionally accepted hand-shake limit, which is calculated as 1/focal length (1 divided by the focal length). It helps achieve high-quality images in a wide range of shooting conditions such as telephoto, macro or low illumination; for situations from spur-of-the-moment shots, to self-portraits, or capturing images outdoors at night.

*Varies with the shooting conditions.

Intelligent ISO Control Function
In addition to low-noise shooting at up to ISO 1600 with full resolution, the FZ50 features the world's first* "Intelligent ISO Control" in ISO setting, which helps you get blur-free shots by automatically adjusting the ISO sensitivity (up to ISO 800) and shutter speed according to how much the subject is moving. The Scene mode features a High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200)** for shooting at even higher shutter speeds.

As of July 19th, 2006. **Note that resolution is significantly lower in this mode

Venus Engine III - Lightning Speed, Superb Performance

The Venus Engine III analyses images, and makes it possible to shoot at higher ISO settings with less noise.

Accurate, Flexible Focusing Both Auto and Manual

The switch on the lens barrel makes it easy to select from one of many settings: auto-focus, AF macro and manual focus. The FZ50 also has Manual Focus Assist, which makes it easier to focus by enlarging a part of the image that you see in the viewfinder or LCD monitor

Two Command Dials for Quick Settings

Two dials on the camera top make it easy to adjust the exposure setting while holding the camera to your eye. In Manual mode, one dial adjusts the aperture, the other adjusts the shutter speed. In Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes, one sets the aperture or shutter speed, the other sets the exposure compensation (-2 to +2 in 1/3 EV steps). The large right hand grip makes the camera easy to hold, and these dials are exactly where you need them.