Hey! You should know that Panasonic has released a newer version of this product: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ60.
Product Summary
Specifications
- 12.1 megapixels
- CCD sensor
- 24x optical zoom
- 25mm wide-angle
- more…
Prerelease Grade
B+
Highlights
- 24x optical zoom
- Manual exposure control, even in video mode
- Hi-Speed CCD sensor enables 3.7fps burst, 1080i HD video
Replaces:
Panasonic Lumix FZ47:
Editor's Preview
A look at Panasonic's updated second-tier superzoom, the Lumix FZ47.
By Liam McCabe
- FZ47 Big Picture
- User comments
Last updated on 01/18/2013
Even so, the specs are pretty impressive for a camera with a CCD sensor. Most manufacturers have moved on to CMOS-type chips in their cameras (including Panasonic, in the FZ100) due faster performance and often better high-ISO image quality. Most CCD-based cameras can crank out about one shot per second, and top out at 720p video resolution. But Panasonic's Hi-Speed CCD (their words, not ours) is pushing the limits of the technology, it seems. What's more, we're hopeful that FZ47's JPEG quality will be a bit sharper than the FZ100's (though the FZ47 will not shoot RAW images). PANASONIC EXPANDS POPULAR FZ-SERIES SUPER-ZOOM LINE, WITH 24X OPTICAL ZOOM AND FULL HD-CAPABLE MODEL
New Panasonic LUMIX FZ47 Digital Camera Packs a Powerful 24x Optical Zoom in High-Quality Leica Lens and Adds Creative Manual Control Options
SECAUCUS, NJ (July 21, 2011) - Panasonic today introduces the LUMIX DMC-FZ47 digital camera, the newest addition to the company's super-zoom FZ-Series. The LUMIX FZ47 packs a powerful 24x optical zoom in a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, full-High Definition 1080i video-recording capabilities and new creative controls while shooting both still and video images. The high-quality Leica lens features Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating technology to help minimize light reflection that causes ghosting and flare.
"The LUMIX FZ-Series is an extremely popular line for Panasonic and we expect this model to be another winner for users who not only want an impressive 24x optical zoom, but those that seek exceptional image quality, and thanks to the Leica lens and full HD video capabilities – the FZ47 delivers," said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "New to the FZ-Series are the improved AF speeds, 3D photo shooting and full 1080 HD video capabilities."
Powered by a 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor, the LUMIX FZ47 can produce the high-speed, large-capacity signal processing required for 1920 x 1080 full-HD video recording in the AVCHD format, and high-speed continuous shooting. The Venus Engine FHD processor helps create superb image quality in both photo and video recording, while also powering the Intelligent Resolution technology to perform the optimum signal processing. With Intelligent Resolution, the LUMIX FZ47's zoom can be extended 1.3x times to a 32x zoom length. The LUMIX FZ47 can take high-resolution consecutive shots at 3.7 fps in 12.1-megapixel full-resolution and maximum 10 fps at 3-megapixel recording. With Panasonic's Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus), the LUMIX FZ47 has a quick start-up time, approximately 35% faster than the Panasonic LUMIZ FZ40, and also has an incredibly fast response time, helping to catch any fast-action photo opportunity. Additionally, the LUMIX FZ47 has fast and accurate AF Tracking.
The LUMIX FZ47's 24x optical zoom optimized for video recording with a mechanism designed to minimize the noise of AF and zooming. The full-HD video capability is complemented with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, to offer extremely realistic audio. And with a Wind Cut function, the LUMIX FZ47 reduces noise from background wind automatically. While shooting video, users can simultaneously take a 3.5-megapixel still photo.
Differentiating itself from most digital cameras that record video, the LUMIX FZ47 is unique in that it features a Creative Video mode, which lets the user set the shutter speed and aperture manually. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to videos, which is especially suitable for shooting a fast-moving subject. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances and it is desired to have each of them stand out.
The creative mode is also available for still photos. For users seeking more creative freedom, the LUMIX FZ47 adds the new Creative Control and Photo Style that comes with a variety of options for artistic effect modes, including: Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Miniature Effect, Film Grain and Pin Hole. Users can also adjust exposure compensation in the Creative Control mode. In addition, Photo Style is newly added to the LUMIX FZ47 to allow finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction in these settings: Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery and Portrait.
On the other hand, for those users who would prefer not to change any settings, the LUMIX FZ47 also features Panasonic's iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. When in iA mode, the LUMIX FZ47 automatically chooses the best setting based on the shooting environment and features include: POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Motion Deblur*, Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control and Intelligent Scene Selector. Additionally, iA is available during video mode, and the following features engage automatically: POWER O.I.S., Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure.
Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX FZ47 include:
- 3D Photo Mode: Take 3D still photos** that can be played back on MPO-compatible 3D equipment, such as a Panasonic VIERA 3D HDTV
- 3.0" Intelligent LCD: Features a 460,000-dot high resolution
- Social Media Connection: The LUMIX FZ47 makes it extremely easy to share photos via Facebook and videos via YouTube. As soon as the camera is connected to the computer it will prompt the user with an easy-to-follow menu asking if they want to share the images – no software needed
The Panasonic LUMIX FZ47 will be available in black for a suggested retail price of $399.99, starting in August 2011. For more information on Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
Panasonic Lumix FZ47 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
My theory is that they recognized the failure of the ZS10 in the travel-zoom market due to changing away from the CCD sensor in that previously-successful line. Also lower-than-expected IQ in the FZ100 for the same reason. So Image Quality was affected. They wouldn't want to make the same mistake here.
I expect the FZ100 replacement will use a more-refined sensor such as the Fuji-Sony style backlit-CMOS. Or something new.
And rumor has it that Panasonic designed a re-jiggered 14mp MOS sensor for some upcoming cameras. They have to realize that the image quality with the last version was iffy by a lot of standards, so here's to hoping that they fixed it up. I don't believe that it's the same kind of backlit sensor that Nikon, Fuji, or Sony are using, but we shall see. Probably won't be any announcement til CES/PMA in January.
2nd - Without going into too much detail, I am truly an amateur in photography. I have always loved the outdoors and with recent retirement, have decided that I wanted to take up a new hobby. I really love the concept of a superzoom point & shoot style camera. My primary "targets" will be outdoor scenery/wildlife, although I'd like to be able to take good quality photos of a group of fishing buddies with the "days catch", as well.
It sounds like either the FZ100 or the FZ47 would do just fine for me. Would one be better than the other?
What is it that makes the FZ100 the "flagship" and the FZ47 "second best"?
Is there a significant price difference between the two?/
Thanks in advance for the help..
I can't imagine how good the FZ100 replacement will be (if & when it comes out). If I send you three pictures of the same subject, one taken with the FZ100, one taken with the HS20, and one with the FZ40, do you think you will be able to tell which is which? You may want to hold out for the newest, but you will be waiting and waiting, because there's always going to be a newer, better model coming out. As far as the pictures go, it would be much easier to tell Coke from Pepsi. If you go to PANASONIC.COM, follow it into compact Zoom cameras and check the "compare" box at the bottom of the FZ100 & THE FZ47, they will be lined up side by side (only do 2 at a time) you can go down the list and see what's more important to you. Someone wrote in that he didn't want to buy the Panasonic because you have to buy their battery. He wants one that takes AA's due to cost. After the life of the Panasonic battery, it will be about the same, or less than buying AA's- even rechargeables have their cost and hassle. We never even thought about batteries when we bought IPODS! I will send Liam McCabe an email and ask him to give his response to you as well. I don't know if he has the FZ47 yet, but he's a lot closer to it than us. You know this business is changing fast and it's not just Canon & Nikon anymore. I could see, Panasonic, Sony & Samsung gaining ground very fast. Take a Leica or a Zeiss Lens and you're off to a good start. Don't forget Kodak (Schneider-Kruzinach), Fuji, Sigma, Olympus & Ricoh and dozens more! Maybe the FZ47 is going to have a long run, it probably will. What's important is to get one that's still in production because when production ends, the clock starts for how long they have to offer repairs or make parts to fix them. The longer a unit has been in production, the more parts they will be making for that
(S/B 7 years) required period. I honestly don't think you will be dissatisfied with any of the cameras in this group. If someone has a Canon, they're going to tell you to get a Canon. Good or bad, they'll always want someone else in the same boat as them. Check out the Panasonic site, watch the video, print the specs. I think you've done your best to make an informed choice. Some people just buy what's on sale or has a rebate. If you go to a camera shop, they're going to push their stock, or what has a higher profit. ....Joe Prete
I did want to explain that many people write in with replies, but if they only give a first name or a psuedo name or initials, we don't know who they are and if their information is correct. A person like me, with many years experience, who is just trying to support the site and keep things flowing when they are too busy, although I'm not on staff, they have my contact information and when they proof read the replies, they can hold up my response or more likely, correct me if I'm wrong. In that case, I would also make the mistake known and make the correction. I don't mean "typo's" or misspelled words" but where the information is actual advice, I freely admit my mistake, so it is there for you to see. Someone who "knows everything (except their name), has absolutely nothing to lose, and if they're wrong, they'll just go to another site and change their handle before they come back. You should beware of people that Know everything ("Jack of all trades, master of none") or ("The MASTER -BA_ER") Sorry Ladies, but you need to beware too! I try to help out on a few sites, but none are more honest than this one. They have advertisers, they do have to pay bills, but they are never swayed one way or the other, by a promoter. I hope I've helped you to decide, but just in case, check to see if your choice is available at a SEARS OR WALMART Type of store, so you don't get hammered on re-stocking fees. BTW, if they hit you w/20% restocking fee, the law states, they have to sell that item at 20% discount! Sears always gives the warranty also, if you know what you want, that may be a way to save a few bucks. I would like to hear back from you guys to see what you decided. (you too Debbie L.) Don't forget to: HAVE SOME FUN! .... Joe Prete
