Panasonic Lumix FS20
Panasonic Lumix FS20
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Panasonic Lumix FS20
Editor's Review
A capable midrange point and shoot performer, the Panasonic Lumix FS20 includes a 10.1-megapixel sensor and a 4x optically-stabilized zoom. Panasonic's Intelligent Automatic mode makes for easy one-touch shooting in all conditions, but more experienced photographers might miss the option to use manual controls, which are entirely absent. The camera also features a 3-inch LCD screen that self-adjusts to changing lighting conditions to produce easily visible images at all times. This is a solid, middle of the road performer aimed squarely at the casual photographer.
Specifications
- 10.1 megapixels
- 4x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom, 30mm wide-angle lens
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 30fps movie mode with sound
- Auto exposure
- Auto focus
- 3.0-inch self-adjusting LCD screen
- Secure Digital storage (with 27mb internal memory)
- Lithium-ion battery
- Part Number: DMC-FS20S
- UPC: 37988987177
- Release Date: Jan 30, 2008
Shop for FS20 Accessories
Panasonic Lumix FS20 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
How do I decrease shutter lag? (debincali — 05/29/2008)
Are there settings I can change in order to decrease shutter lag? It feels like forever between when I push the button and when the camera takes the picture! Thanks so much.
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (06/04/2008)
Shutter delay is a way of life in digital cameras. It's a common problem with point and shoot cameras. But the good news is that the delay is lessening as the technology matures and there are ways to combat it:
1. Prefocus. Hold down the shutter half way to get a prefocus of the image you're shooting. When it changes, prefocus again. This will speed up your camera's performance during picture taking since it won't have to autofocus before it shoots the shot.
2. Use faster SD cards. Yes, there are faster cards and it does make a difference in writing the image file to the card. This is especially key if you're taking multiple or burst images.
3. Fresher batteries. Use alkalines at least. But I recommend using high energy batteries designed for digital photography. Varta is a good brand. They are usually sold in camera shops, are long lasting (because they are sold in small quantities) put out alot of energy.
4. Pan with the action. You can create some pretty cool shots by panning with your shot, focusing on your subject. This will create the effect of your subject in sharp contrast to the blurry background.
6. Stick with 100-400 ISO. Going higher will cause more noise/grain in your shots, particularly in darker settings.
Doing these, particularly prefocusing and panning with the action will cut your shutter lag by as much as 80%.
reply to this comment
1. Prefocus. Hold down the shutter half way to get a prefocus of the image you're shooting. When it changes, prefocus again. This will speed up your camera's performance during picture taking since it won't have to autofocus before it shoots the shot.
2. Use faster SD cards. Yes, there are faster cards and it does make a difference in writing the image file to the card. This is especially key if you're taking multiple or burst images.
3. Fresher batteries. Use alkalines at least. But I recommend using high energy batteries designed for digital photography. Varta is a good brand. They are usually sold in camera shops, are long lasting (because they are sold in small quantities) put out alot of energy.
4. Pan with the action. You can create some pretty cool shots by panning with your shot, focusing on your subject. This will create the effect of your subject in sharp contrast to the blurry background.
6. Stick with 100-400 ISO. Going higher will cause more noise/grain in your shots, particularly in darker settings.
Doing these, particularly prefocusing and panning with the action will cut your shutter lag by as much as 80%.
debincali (06/05/2008)
Thanks so much for your advice! I will try what you suggested.
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (06/05/2008)
Please let us know how it improves your picture taking. I've reached the point where it's second nature to prefocus now and it truly helps. Another suggestion that's purely unrelated but will help in the quality of pictures you take is to practice the "rule of thirds" when framing your subjects. Imaging a tic tac toe grid on the screen you're looking at. If you place your subject where a horizontal and vertical line intersect, essentially in one third of the screen, your pictures will turn out more natural. What I would do is prefocus on your subject, and while you have the shutter half way down to hold focus, re-compose your picture according to this rule. I think you'll see a dramatic difference in the pictures you take.
Good luck. Oh, and btw - If you're happy with the answer you received, you can simply click on "Mark for best answer" bubble and it will place the question in the "Answered" category for all to see. Or, you can leave the question open for a little while longer and see what else gets posted.
Thanks for posting it and Good luck!
reply to this comment
Good luck. Oh, and btw - If you're happy with the answer you received, you can simply click on "Mark for best answer" bubble and it will place the question in the "Answered" category for all to see. Or, you can leave the question open for a little while longer and see what else gets posted.
Thanks for posting it and Good luck!
debincali (06/05/2008)
Thanks again! I appreciate your help. I have a challenging situation because I have a little girl and by the time I even think about prefocusing or anything else, I've lost the shot. But I will give it a try. Thank you!
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (06/09/2008)
We're happy to help. It'll take awhile for your to make these changes a part of your shooting style, but they will indeed help. And your photography will improve as it becomes more second nature.
BTW - If you're happy with the answer you received, you can simply click on "Mark for best answer" bubble and it will place the question in the "Answered" category for all to see. Or, you can leave the question open for a little while longer and see what else gets posted.
Thanks for posting it and Good luck!
reply to this comment
BTW - If you're happy with the answer you received, you can simply click on "Mark for best answer" bubble and it will place the question in the "Answered" category for all to see. Or, you can leave the question open for a little while longer and see what else gets posted.
Thanks for posting it and Good luck!
