Overview
The Panasonic DMC FX50 is a stylish seven megapixel digital camera. There are a number of features that catch the eye. These include image stabilisation (especially useful in lowlight), a wide angle lens (handy for landscape shots and groups of people) and an extra large 3" LCD screen.
In terms of more standard features the DMC FX50 is similar to many other point and shoot models. It is also easy to use. When it comes to size the camera is just a little on the large size to fit into a small pocket, but you should have no problems slipping it into a jacket pocket or small handbag.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
7
3.6x
3 inches
97.7 x 57.1 x 25.1mm
151g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/MMC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Looking through my test shots from the DMC FX50 I have very few complaints. On the whole picture quality is very good and there are some specific plus points to be found as well.
As ever with Panasonic digital cameras colours are strong. This is especially true for blue skies. In the past I have reviewed one or two Panasonic models where the strength of colour has been a bit overdone. In the case of the DMC FX50 the depth of colour is kept within reasonable bounds and is likely to attract people who like to see plenty of punch in a picture.
One of the most important aspects of any photo is how sharp it is. Sharpness levels are above average with this camera. It is only in the second test photo where the zoom lens is not being used where there is any noticeable slippage. This is a common problem with this type of digital camera. Otherwise focusing levels are to a high standard and there is not a significant drop off in focusing as you move towards the edges of the photos.
At this time of the year the glare produced by the sun as it gets lower in the sky has proved to be a problem to many of the cameras I have tested. This is an area where the DMC FX50 has done very well and there is very little loss of detail. This is an area where the camera outperforms almost all its rivals.
Another shot I like is the outdoor portrait. It has a natural look to it. In this picture the colours are just about right and the camera handles any light falling on the face well. This avoids any areas of the face being too light and blown out.
Indoor photos in lowlight are also impressive. Both the portrait shot and test for extreme lowlight conditions produced more than acceptable results. As with any typical digital camera you need to accept its limitations in these conditions the DMC FX50 appears to be as good as any camera of this size in lowlight. The two photos are both as sharp as you can expect and are also well lit. The portrait shot shows only minimal amounts of red eye.
The macro shot is about average. In fact I am struggling to find much to say about it. It is bright and clear and you should be able to take decent close up shots.
One area where I feel this camera has an edge over other Panasonic cameras is when it comes to shooting at higher ISO ratings. At ISO 400 the picture produced is better than I am used to seeing. You can adjust this setting all the way to 1250. By the time you get there picture quality has really fallen away as I would expect it to.
Style
When it comes to looks the DMC FX50 falls short of having its own distinctive style. Apart from a curve at one end the DMC FX50 is roughly similar to a number of other cameras. That is not to say it is unattractive in any way. It just does not have enough different about itself to stand out from the crowd. You can choose between silver and black versions.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
0.42 seconds
5.58 seconds
Ease of Use
Panasonic digital camera score highly when it comes to ease of use. The DMC FX50 upholds this reputation. The menu system is straightforward and follows a logical sequence. The bright, clear screen also helps to make the menu easy to read.
Points I Like
Wide angle lens - Image stabilisation - Aspect ratios - Widescreen movies - Clear LCD screen in the sun - Vivid colours - Build quality - Ease of use
Where it Could Improve
Small capacity memory card supplied
Verdict
As you can see the plus points far outweigh any negatives when it comes to the Panasonic DMC FX50. The camera also has a few features that are not always easy to find on digital cameras of this type. I would be more than happy to own this camera. Recommended.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Panasonic DMC FX50 Review Panasonic DMC FX50 Specification Panasonic DMC FX50 Sample Images
Review Date
December 2006
