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Note: this camera was first sold in Jul 2006. There may be newer versions available.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50

HQ Grade: B-

A	is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B	means they are good, with some standout features.
C	means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
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This camera is ranked

37th of 63 in Extended Zoom
76th of 102 in 9 and 10 Megapixels
24th of 54 in Panasonic

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Raymond Wtulich (Hockey32) 0 pts

February 17, 2009 11:24 AM

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Does the FZ 50 run f2.8 throughout the entire zoom?

The FZ 20 has been a great solution for me shooting indoor hockey, I have been able to get great indoor arena shots with the f2.8. I am evaluating the fz 50 and am wondering if I can expect the same, the FZ 20 was marketed with f2.8 throughout the entire zoom but can't seem to verfiy if the 50 is the same.

I use ISO 200 with 1/160 ss at f2.8. With some mild photoshop assistance I can get reasonable results without degrading jpeg resolution too much (depending on the type of halogen lighting). ISO 400 is out of the question, too much noise.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58446 pts

February 17, 2009 11:47 PM

No, it won't. Only a dedicated (and very expensive) lens could maintain the same speed as it zooms though the extreme ends of the focal length. Not even DSLR lenses can do that. As it zooms out, the speed will drop.

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Aditya D (Adhere) 7462 pts

February 25, 2009 12:08 PM

I think if you throw the camera in manual mode, you'll be able to set it to always do f/2.8, it may not be a wise decision at longer zooms, but I'm pretty sure you can do it. If you throw it in auto, the little computer will try and adjust the shutter speed and fstop accordingly to give you what it thinks is the optimal picture. Honestly, its really hard avoiding noise with a camera at ISO200 and above, unless you invest in a bit pricier of a camera. You could always try Nik software, they have programs that can remove a lot of noise from photographs.

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Josh Vine (photo-guy4god) 797 pts

May 21, 2009 9:39 PM

I own the FZ30 and I believe the lens in the FZ50 is essentially the same. With the FZ30 It can only have f/2.8 when it is set to its widest mode at 35mm. It gets progressively higher as I zoom in. At full 420mm the lowest it can go it an f/3.7. I have quite enjoyed this camera, especially for outdoor shots it is great, but for indoor shots it has been a challenge do do the high "noise" levels in the image. If I can I leave the camera set to ISO 80 at all times. This of course is impractical in an indoor situation.

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Josh Vine (photo-guy4god) 797 pts

May 21, 2009 9:40 PM

And James is right. you most likely won't find a zoom lens that will stay at a constant f stop in any consumer camera.

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Does the FZ 50 run f2.8 throughout the entire zoom?

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