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Panasonic Lumix ZS50 Review

Panasonic was the company that started the trend of making compact cameras that are specifically designed for travelers and those who are heading out on

Joseph

Panasonic was the company that started the trend of making compact cameras that are specifically designed for travelers and those who are heading out on holiday. The ZS series (known as the TZ series outside of the US), is still one of the most highly regarded of the various models available in this category.

$319.99
in stock
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as of March 18, 2024 5:59 am
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Last updated on March 18, 2024 5:59 am

Even if it is no longer the most up-to-date model in the ZS/TZ series (that distinction now belongs to the Lumix ZS70 / TZ90), the Panasonic Lumix ZS50 / TZ70 must not be disregarded.

In a departure from the general trend of ever-increasing pixel counts, Panasonic decided to reduce the number of pixels in the Lumix ZS50 / TZ70 to 12MP, compared to 18MP in the Lumix ZS40 / TZ60, and the result is that the camera is much improved as a result.

Because fewer pixels are packed onto the sensor, noise levels are decreased, and the image quality is improved. We believe that it is superior to the Lumix ZS70 and TZ90.

Panasonic Lumix ZS50 Autofocus

Even when shooting at a distance with its clear telephoto lens, the Lumix ZS50 / TZ70 could lock onto the subject we wanted to photograph quickly. This was made possible by the inclusion of Panasonic’s Light Speed AF technology, which can be found in both of these cameras.

In conditions with less available light, the autofocus mechanism will search for the subject for a little more extended period. Still, a false confirmation of focus is unlikely to be presented.

The expansive zoom range of the Lumix ZS50 and TZ70 cameras is one of its most appealing features; yet, while working with focal lengths of this sort, there is a significant possibility that even the slightest movement of the camera might create image blur.

To this end, Panasonic has again included the advanced Hybrid OIS+ (Optical Image Stabilizer Plus) five-axis anti-shake system. The good news is that it does a great job at keeping things steady – in fact, it is possible to get handheld shots even at the total reach of the lens because it does such an excellent job of keeping things stable.

Panasonic Lumix ZS50 Design

Despite having a heavy zoom lens, the Panasonic Lumix SZ50/TZ70 is nonetheless quite portable. It is somewhat surprising that manufacturers have been able to pack a lens that is capable of such a high zoom range into a body that is so compact. To carry the Lumix SZ50 or TZ70, you will need a pocket in your trousers that are either moderately large or relatively loose.

It has a raised thumb rest on the back of the camera, which works in conjunction with the increased grip on the front of the camera, which enables your forefingers to sit securely. The grip on the front of the camera is a good size.

In point of fact, Panasonic created the Lumix SZ50 / TZ70 with the single-handed operation of the camera in mind. All of the buttons on the back of the camera are within easy reach of the thumb, and those on the top plate are within easy reach of the forefinger.

Remember, though, that the camera’s tiny built-in flash is located right above the front grip, making it quite simple to cover up, especially if you have reasonably big fingers.

Those who wish to be able to focus just on the process of shooting the photograph rather than fiddling with the camera’s settings can make use of the fully automated mode, which also includes scene and creative choices.

There are choices for shooting with aperture priority and shutter priority, in addition to a full manual mode, for those who wish to get a bit more creative and take a bit more control over their photographs.

Panasonic Lumix ZS50 Image Quality

The Lumix ZS50 and TZ70 produce stunning results for a camera with a sensor of this size; the pictures seem natural while retaining their vividness and brightness.

Regarding the information captured in photographs, the Lumix ZS50 and TZ70 provide excellent, especially at regular printing sizes such as A4 or smaller. However, if you zoom in at 100% and inspect attentively, you will notice some cases of image blurring and loss of information, even at sensitivity settings as low as ISO160. This is the case even if you choose a lower sensitivity setting.

Images captured at higher ISOs, such as ISO3200, exhibit a detectable level of picture smoothing even when viewed at tiny sizes. This is the case regardless of the size of the image being considered. Although getting the photo is preferable to not getting it at all, you should make every effort to keep the ISO speeds below 1600 if at all feasible.

The fact that there is some degree of image smoothing over the whole sensitivity range does, however, imply that image noise is often kept to a minimum due to this.

Panasonic Lumix ZS50 Specs

Body typeCompact
Max resolution4000 x 3000
Other resolutions4:3 (3264 x 2448, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 640 x 480), 3:2 (4000 x 2672, 3264 x 2176, 2560 x 1712, 2048 x 1360, 640 x 424), 16:9 (4000 x 2248, 3840 x 2160, 2560 x 1440, 1920 x 1080, 640 x 360), 1:1 (2992 x 2992, 2448 x 2448, 1920 x 1920, 1536 x 1536, 480 x 480)
Image ratio w:h1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels12 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors13 megapixels
Sensor size1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ISOAuto, 80-6400
White balance presets4
Custom white balanceYes
Image stabilizationOptical
Image stabilization notes5-axis hybrid OIS
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsFine, standard
Focal length (equiv.)24–720 mm
Optical zoom30×
Maximum apertureF3.3–6.4
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View
Digital zoomYes (2X-4X)
Manual focusYes
Normal focus range50 cm (19.69″)
Macro focus range3 cm (1.18″)
Number of focus points23
Articulated LCDFixed
Screen size3″
Screen dots1,040,000
Touch screenNo
Screen typeTFT LCD with AR coating
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeElectronic
Viewfinder coverage100%
Viewfinder magnification0.46×
Viewfinder resolution1,166,000
Minimum shutter speed4 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/2000 sec
Aperture priorityYes
Shutter priorityYes
Manual exposure modeYes
Subject / scene modesYes
Built-in flashYes
Flash range6.40 m
External flashNo
Flash modesAuto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Continuous drive10.0 fps
Self-timerYes (2 or 10 sec)
Metering modesMultiCenter-weightedSpot
Exposure compensation±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing±1 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB BracketingNo
Resolutions1920 x 1080 (60p/60i/30p), 1280 x 720 (60p/30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
FormatMPEG-4, AVCHD
MicrophoneStereo
SpeakerMono
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage included86MB
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone portNo
Headphone portNo
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless notes802.11 b/g/n with NFC
Remote controlYes (via smartphone)
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionLithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)300
Weight (inc. batteries)243 g (0.54 lb / 8.57 oz)
Dimensions111 x 65 x 34 mm (4.37 x 2.56 x 1.34″)
Orientation sensorYes
GPSNone

Panasonic Lumix ZS50 Verdict

A tiny travel zoom camera with a 30X, 24-720mm Equiv. Lens (with ‘hybrid’ image stabilization) and a 12MP megapixel ‘high sensitivity MOS sensor that promises a one-stop improvement in noise compared to its predecessor is known as the Lumix DMC-ZS50 (TZ70 outside of North America) (the ZS40).

LCD with 1.04 million dots measures 3 inches on the ZS50, which also has a brand-new and enhanced electronic viewfinder with 1.2 million dots. The camera supports a Raw format, features focus peaking, and a control ring in addition to having complete manual controls. Recording resolutions for movies may go as high as 1080/60 frames per second. Because it has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, exchanging photographs is a breeze.

Panasonic Lumix ZS50 Price

$319.99
in stock
8 used from $319.99
as of March 18, 2024 5:59 am
Amazon.com
Last updated on March 18, 2024 5:59 am

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