Description

Panasonic DMC-FH20 Digital Camera Features

The DMC-FH20 sports a powerful 8x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-224mm). This gives you highly natural expressions from people and animals that you can't get close to. And its slim, compact, pocket-sized body can easily go wherever you do for both everyday snapshots and traveling.

28mm Wide-angle Lens
The 28mm wide-angle lens* lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from short distances.
* Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.

Powerful 8x Optical Zoom
The DMC-FH20 sports a powerful 8x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 28-224mm). This gives you highly natural expressions from people and animals that you can't get close to. And its slim, compact, pocket-sized body can easily go wherever you do for both everyday snapshots and traveling.

iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode
When you don't know which mode will give you the best shooting results, or when a sudden photo opportunity pops up and you don't have time to make any settings, simply choose iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode by simply pressing the dedicated button and let the camera do it all for you. You just choose iA Mode, aim at your subject, and shoot. 4 detection and correction functions are simultaneously activated to optimize the settings, so you get stunning photos every time.

HD Movie Recording (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG Format)
The DMC-FH20) can record motion images in high-definition (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format). The pixel mixed readout method enables bright motion-image recording even in low-light settings. The DMC-FH20 can also record full-size motion images in WVGA (848 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) or standard motion images in VGA (640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) and QVGA (320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps)

Customer Reviews

 Moderately Satisfied - Sep 02, 2010

There are a lot of good things about this litte camera.
1. It's little. I purchased this for a hiking trip to California, so I needed it to be easily stowable. It is.
2. Ease of use. My previous camera was a Cannon, and I did not find there was any learning curve in adapting to a different menu set-up. I love the quick menu- it is incredibly convenient.
3. Ability to switch between file sizes easily. All on the quick menu.
4. Very good picture quality. I've been spoiled by Cannon, but Panasonic did OK.

My biggest complaint: the zoom. I wanted to upgrade my zoom from the 4x I had on my Cannon to something with a little more...Ooomph. I figured the 8x would be great. Except for the fact that this camera can't seem to be able to focus between 3x and 6x. If I'm set to one extreme or the other (either zoomed all the way back or all the way in), it's fine. But as I zoom in the camera can't seem to find a spot to focus on. I've tried pushing down the button slightly, getting the zoom box and trying to show the camera where I wanted it to focus on, but that doesn't work either. I've tried other cameras with high zoom and have not run into the same issue. As the camera zooms, the focus stays true. The FH20 starts off focused, gets blurry, and then focuses again. Pretty disappointing performance when you're trying to shoot landscapes, and everything seems to be in that middle range.

All in all this camera was an OK purchase. I like the burst shooting and the video recording, although I think it would have been better to add the video feature to the quick menu.

 I love it! - Sep 02, 2010

I love this camera, and I will give it a 5 star.

For those people who are looking for a reason not to buy this camera, Here are some negative points that I have came up about this camera. Other points that didn't mention are to be considered good to me, So this review is about how bad this good camera is about.

photo side of the story:
(I can't compare this camera to a DSLR, but I am going to do that, so there is bias here, but still a DSLR is an ideal camera to compare to!)
1, no control over exposure: no shutter speed, aperture control, so there is only auto mode.
2, no control over quality: No sharpness, saturation, compression, and etc menus.
3, no model changing dial: To change modes between photo, video, etc, a mode button is to be pressed.
4, Picture quality is average
5, Overall noisy pixel even with ISO 80

Video side of the story:
1, Dim light video is dark black, ie, Indoor in daylight without lighting turn off.
2, Low light video is very noisy, ie, indoor with lighting turn on.
3, middle light is also noisy, ie, overcast outdoor scene.
4, Sound quality is mono and bad.
5, No zooming in when recording.
6, video compress is about 4-6 mbps in HD, so a 1 GB SD card can hold about 1000mb/5mbps=200s/60=3.25 and so about 3 minutes for a 1GB card and about 24minutes for a 8GB card. In comparison, With xvid compression for 720 HD video, 1-2mbps is all that needed for a decent quality video.

Overall:
1, USB is so slow (get a card reader is not an option)
2, Battery charging is slower than my DSLR's battery.
3, Full manual is in the CD
4, Camera is Made in China

 Right camera at the right price - Aug 31, 2010

I have always been a Canon fan when it comes to digital photography, having owned two digicams and one Canon camcorder. I still think Canons are great, but when it came to buying an everyday point-and-shoot I took another look. I wanted to get the most camera I could, including memory, for $200. I was looking for 12+ megapixels, more than 4x optical zoom, HD video, and a quality lens.

The Panasonic was the only product that came in well under $200. It handles well, shoots quickly, and is so easy to use my 9-year old son had it figured out in about an hour.

One thing that amazed me about the optics is the macro capability. My son took a photo of a Lego Clone Trooper with the lens less than one inch from the subject, and it came out perfectly in focus. So add macro along with the zoom and wide angle capabilities of this excellent product. I could not be more satisfied with it!

 Great little camera! - Aug 31, 2010

I bought this camera as I wanted a small, easy to use digital camera to carry in my purse. This camera is a perfect size - small, but does not feel cheap. The first time I used it was at my daughter's candlelit wedding. Considering the lack of natural lighting, it did a very good job. I have been able to see pictures taken by other cameras at the same event, and mine did just as well or better. It is simple to use and I look forward to using it as my travel camera. A lot of camera for the price.

 Great Job Panasonic!! - Aug 31, 2010

I have been looking for a new digital camera that was small, took great pictures and was very simple to use (for those of us who are digital camera challanged). I had another brand but after a couple years of trying to figure out how it worked, just got disgusted because it was not as user friendly as they had said it was. Another thing I hated about other makes was the fact that they all used the AA batteries. This was a big part of the decision making because those AA batteries only lasted for about 10-20 minutes when put into the camera so was constantly changing them. So I started researching and reading hundred of reviews. After all was said and done, I went for the Panasonic Lumix FH-20. I got it out of the box and was pleasantly surprised at how compact and small it was and how very definitely these are VERY user friendly. I am so happy I don't have to carry a case of AA batteries with me anymore. The battery in this camera is awesome and lasts forever (well, you do have to charge it). The picutres I've taken so far are crip, sharp and the colors are true. Love the zoom feature too. This little camera really packs a punch..it has many other features that a simple to figure out and use. I'm just a simple person who just wants to aim, snap and go (and get great pics) and this camera has done that for me. You sure hit the nail on the head Panasonic for any digital camera challanged people out there..like me. I love my new little Lumix FH-20. Would recommed this camera to everyone. Oh, and believe me, you won't miss the viewfinder..I always found them annoying anyway. Happy picture taking everyone!

 Love the features - Aug 30, 2010

When researching cameras I read hundreds of reviews and criticisms of the major brands. I had been using one of the first Panasonic digital cameras out on the market. It took many hours of reviewing to come up with a camera which I felt would meet my needs. I have not been disappointed in the DMC-FH20. I feel as if I can control the shots with the variety of settings without all the fuss of a DSLR since I take hundreds of shots at a time. The macro setting is fabulous as is the setting for night scenery. The battery life is less than my previous Panasonic but I realize the upgrades require more "juice" so I will be purchasing another battery or two to accommodate my needs.

 Doesn't justify the top sellers list - Aug 29, 2010

I got this camera as it is on Amazon's top seller list and reviews were great, to start with i already have Canon 4 year old SD550, thought it is time to upgrade for higher resolution, IS and HD video. what a dissappointment

1. Pictures in auto mode in same lighting conditions are not as good as my 4 year ond canon.
2. HD Video: I have i phone 4, and video is not any better than my IPhone4 video or some cases it is worse.

I am not a proffessional, most of the time take pictures with Auto mode or use predefined scenary modes for different cnditions, not happy with fh20, this is not for ametures, dont know about professionals.

 Worst Customer Support Experience Ever -- Do Not Buy! - Aug 27, 2010

I suggested this camera to my daughter based upon online reviews. She was extremely excited about the camera and the pictures looked really good. She used it twice within the first 6 weeks she had it. The second time using it, a piece of flimsy plastic that sits in front of the lens fell off. Panasonic / Lumix had me send it it (on my dime) and I clearly specified that it was not dropped. I sent it in and received no acknowledgement that they'd received it and / or where it may now be in their process. After waiting 2 weeks and calling them, they informed me that it was the user's fault and I could receive a broken camera back (I assume they'd return the broken camera on their nickel) or pay $128 to fix a 6 week old, never dropped $160 camera. I informed them that this is the single worst customer support experience I have ever encountered. Panasonic / Lumix, as promised....here is your review. I will never buy another product from you and hopefully I may influence a few others out there. You had a chance...

 Ultimate Real Estate Professional's Camera - Aug 26, 2010

The FH20 needs a little tinkering to set up, but, once set up, it is the ultimate ease of use, high quality photo camera for real estate professionals in my experience. I increased the brightness to just over 1, set the photos at 5MP, installed a 2GB high speed SD card, and then set the iA button for Night Portrait. I am a real estate appraiser. My mission is to get through a house as thoroughly and efficiently as possible as well as to snap photos at 30+ mph of homes set back 100' off the road way without holding up traffic and be able to take photos of paint peeling at five stories up... This does it all and does it well.

By having the "alternate photo" button on the top of the camera, you can quickly go from point and shoot mode to one style that you set up. In my case, I found the point and shoot great for everything, including 50mph drivebys, but the quick switch over to the alternate photo as Night Portrait and I am taking crystal clear photos of basements, bathrooms, hallways, and, especially, attics WITH NO LIGHTS ON and NO BLUR! The quick click photo review lever allows for a quick look back if the review time on the photo runs out too quickly. I got 400 photos on it after charging the first time and there was room to spare before heading out again. The battery added about 100 photos worth of charge in 20 minutes. The batteries are expensive so I opted for a second camera and I alternate the battery out of the charger with one camera, while I keep the spare camera in the car without a battery (after smashing my camera from slipping on a moss-covered rock). The battery door seemed unfamiliar at first, but the logic behind being able to quickly access the SD card without disrupting the battery is great. My last camera powered off when you accessed the SD card, which was sometimes a pain. The build quality is better IMHO than both four-letter major camera brands that start with S and F. This thing is hot at 14MP and the ability to read SDXC cards in the future.

 An OK Camera - Aug 25, 2010

It is not a good camera, or a bad camera. If you want a camera with a high megapixel count and no other good features, this is your buy. It will do exactly what you want it to do, take pictures. The 8X zoom is ok but not good and the UI takes some getting used to. I do not really recommend because for $10-$20 more you can get a much better camera. I ended up returning and getting http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035JD0DW/ref=oss_product for $168 but if you want a smaller camera there are better ones of those for this price range.

 Lives up to the reviews - Aug 12, 2010

We got this camera and took it to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando. My daughter took hundreds of photos in the castle, which was nothing but low light situations. She also took hundreds of the village in the evening. Again, low light. I can count on one hand the pictures that didn't work out, and those happened solely with attempts to photograph 3D holograms. Everything else came out perfectly.

I bought an extra battery to be safe and it wasn't necessary - one battery took us easily through a full day of picture taking.

The camera is idiot proof: put it on intelligent auto, point and shoot, and you will get gorgeous photos. At this price, this camera is outstanding!

 Can't ask for more - Aug 11, 2010

I needed to get a camera for someone who had a Kodak camera whose display had gone bad. I knew it'd be small, but I couldn't believe how much smaller it is than the Kodak. The display is extremely sharp, and the camera is very easy to use. Just a few buttons control everything. I'd recommend it to anyone, but remember to buy a memory card because the camera itself can only hold about 15 pictures. Pretty much any card will work, so it comes down to how much you're willing to pay.

 What a bargain - Aug 09, 2010

Extremely pleased with this camera. Really good photos, quick response time on the flash.
It's lightweight, fits in my pocket, and it's a pretty red, too. I highly recommend this camera for the tourist or casual photographer.
Great to have handy when out with your grandchildren.

 excellent - Aug 06, 2010

I love the camera but I will buy an additional battery. I recently went to a rock music concert and I did take quite a few pictures using the zoom setting. The battery symbol was flashing at the end of the night. I did take over 200 pictures though so I am not sure how long the batrery would last with or without the zoom setting or if that would make a difference.

 Had problem with shipping - Aug 05, 2010

The product itself is alright, but the shipping is not. The carrier didn't even ring my doorbell when delivering the package. I called the customer service dept. as I didn't get my package yet the online tracking info appeared that my package was delivered. With the customer serv. rep. helping to deal w/ the issue, my package was delivered the next morning after the call. (However, again, no doorbell rang. I've never had such issues with UPS/Fed Ex and others but this carrier.)
On a side note, the customer service was excellent.

 Great point and shoot - Aug 02, 2010

I bought this camera for my Wife's birthday. Her two major complaints with her previous compact point and shoot digital camera were; the delay time between pushing the button and the camera actually taking the picture, and the delay time between shots. This camera does not have those issues. It is all we hoped for and more.

 Good camera, Great HD Video - Aug 02, 2010

Haven't bought a camera in a few years but everything seems to work as described. The HD video is great! It looks better than my current Mini-DV video camera. I thought it allowed me to just hold down the button and take multiple pictures but it doesn't appear that is the case. Overall, takes good pictures and the HD video is awesome, especially for the price.

 great camera - Aug 01, 2010

This is a great litttle camera for the price.Battery life is very long, pics have turned out great and night shots are not as bad as some people reported. The ai does a very good job by itself. great camera for the price, and great for everyday use.

 Point-and-shoot camera - Jul 30, 2010

I ordered the Panasonic DMC-FH20 camera recently after reading many positive reviews. I needed a small digital camera for an upcoming European vacation and wanted something simple to learn to operate. The only misgiving I had upon receiving the camera was that the software enclosed with the camera was not supported by my computer operating program. (I have XP SP1 and the software requires XP SP2 or SP3.) I am not too concerned by this however, as I use Adobe Photoshop and just bring my photos into Photoshop from Explorer or My Computer. The camera does seem to be as advertised and seems simple to operate. The Intelligent (Ia) setting does its job and I have already taken some sharp, clear pictures with the camera. I like it!

 I love this camera! - Jul 29, 2010

After a couple of months of reading reviews and researching different cameras I ordered the Lumix from Amazon after looking at it in a retail store. This camera is just what I was looking for. I liked the controls on this one best and it's very easy to use and small enough to fit in my purse. I have a lot of grandchildren and like the point and shoot feature and can take one picture after another quickly. The pictures are very clear. I love the red color and it was a great price. Nothing I dislike about this camera. I highly recommend it.