Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50

For SLR-like results but without removable lenses, this is well worth a look. It has a full range of manual control, if you want it as well as program and auto modes, with a particularly well thought-out user interface that means you do not have to go through menus to get to the commonly used functions. It's as heavy and bulky as an SLR, but as the 12x zoom lens is fixed it is impossible to get dust on the CCD sensor. It has an electronic viewfinder, so you see what the sensor sees and you can use it in bright sunlight. It is not as bright and clear as the viewfinder on a genuine SLR, but I find it totally acceptable. The image quality is superb, easily ...  Read the complete review

Thkis review is my own personal experience of this camera, which I bought a year ago. It replaced my Minolta A1 (which I dropped) and overall I've been very happy with it. Mostly I use the high-res jpeg setting and ASA 100, to get the best out of the rather dodgy built-in noise reduction. So, low lighting can be a problem but the optical steady-shot really does help. I could get much better results with RAW - the lens seems to be pretty perfect - but then can't review in-camera of course. Since I'm still experimenting with the digital process (printing via Photobox works for me) I like to see the results ASAP after I take the ...  Read the complete review

I purchased this camera in 2007 and I wasn't disappointed. I wanted a camera that allowed me to point and shoot but also learn the basics of manual photography. The FZ50 allows this. The camera has a Leica lens that is truly superb with a 55mm threading for add on lenses etc. I keep a clear Hama lens attached at all times as the Leica lens built in to the camera is not removable, so one tiny scratch and it's dead. The functions for manual, auto and macro focus are great, with the manual allowing you to alter the focus to suit yourself. The best feature by far is the viewer at the back as this flips out and rotates, meaning you can ...  Read the complete review

I have owned this camera for almost two years now, and mainly use it for nature shots and the occasional portrait. It contains most of the features found in an SLR but for a fraction of the price. The lens range means you can go from shooting landscape to macro in seconds, to get the same range of shots with an SLR would cost thousands. I particularly like the manual focusing and zoom ring found on the lens itself, I find this a lot easier to use than those cameras with buttons. The only downside that I have come across is its performance in low light levels, anything higher than an ISO of 200 has some visible noise, and I never go higher than 400. Therefore if you are ...  Read the complete review