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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 First Impressions Review

by Karen M. Cheung
Published on February 02, 2008

Navigation
Intro	Physical Tour
Components	Design / Layout
Modes	Control Options
Image Parameters	Connectivity / Extras
Overall Impressions	Conclusion

Front
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 has an attractive front side that borrows features from the other entry-level pocket cameras in the LX and FX series. Constructed of a sleek exterior, a significant portion of the front is taken up by the extending Leica barrel lens. The lens expands into multiple tiers with the text “MEGA O.I.S. / 30 mm WIDE” on its rim and other specs included: "LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR 1:3.3 – 5.8 / 5.2 – 20.8 ASPH." To the right of the lens is the circular auto assist lamp, flush almost to the edge of the body. The location of the assist beam might be frequently blocked by the left hand for users who don’t keep that ill-conceived location in mind.

To the left of the lens is the embossed LUMIX logo at the horizon. Toward the top is the off-center, rectangular flash. Below the logo is the 10 megapixel count in dark text. Almost to edge of the camera is the thin sliver of a platform that supposedly acts as a hand grip. Although ineffective, the grip adds to the general aesthetics of the camera.

Back
It’s hard to miss the large 3-inch LCD that takes up the space on the back of the Panasonic Lumix FS20. The LCD is flush to the edge of the camera’s left and top edge, leaving little room for additional hand support. The right side contains the control panel. To accommodate the size of the monitor, the buttons were shrunk in favor of the screen, which takes up most of the real estate. The right corner includes a Playback and Record/iA switch. Underneath the switch are six Braille-like dots to act as a tiny thumb grip. Below the thumb grip is the small mode button that replaces the traditional mode dial other Panasonic cameras include.

Halfway down is the square display button, again in a miniature size that makes it difficult to control. Below that is a lamp indicator and a menu joystick control, laid on top of a square plateau with four icons for exposure, self-timer, flash, and macro focus. At the bottom is the q. menu and trash button.

Right Side
The FS20 contains the port system. Underneath a hinged door is the compartment for the AV Out/Digital and DC In ports. On top of the jack compartment is the embedded eyelet for the wrist strap.

Left Side
The Lumix FS20 has a bare left side. With the controls and the ports concentrated on the right side of the camera, the left side only contains two tiny screws and a seam that vertically runs down the camera, indicating the two plates of the camera’s construction.

Top
Like the rest of the camera design, the camera is control-heavy on the right side of the top’s surface. The right side contains the tiny off/on switch, followed by the shutter release with surrounding zoom toggle for wide and telephoto shooting. To the edge of the camera is the extra zoom button for expanded digital zoom. On the left side of the top surface are the Panasonic DMC-FS20 model name, four microphone ports, and a speaker hole.

Bottom
The bottom of the Lumix point-and-shoot is modeled like other Panasonic pocket cameras. The left side houses the memory card and battery under a hinged door. To the right is an off-center tripod socket. Lining the edge of the camera is the Panasonic model number and serial information.

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