Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50

Value (6.5)
The Panasonic FX50 retails for $399, which seems slightly overpriced for what it is. What is it? The FX50 is mainly an automatically controlled point-and-shoot digital camera. It does have some pricey features like optical image stabilization, 7.2 megapixels of resolution, and widescreen movies. However, many of its competitors are offering lucrative features in one form or another. The overall value of the FX50 is below average, but for users who want widescreen movies and optical image stabilization above all else may think this is a bargain.

Comparisons
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX07 – This model has many of the same features such as the 7.2-megapixel image sensor and 3.6x optical zoom lens. As a Panasonic digital camera, it is also equipped with the image stabilization system. The Leica lenses on these cameras have the same focal lengths and apertures. The FX07 and FX50 have the same exposure modes and settings. Besides a slightly longer battery life on the FX07 (320 shots), there are only stylistic changes. The FX07 has a smaller 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels on a body that measures 3.7 x 2 x 0.95 inches. It also weighs slightly less. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX07 retails for $349 and comes in four trendy colors, including red and blue.

Canon PowerShot A710 IS – Canon’s popular A-series was recently infused with optical image stabilization on its flagship digital camera. The 7.1-megapixel camera has a longer 6x optical zoom lens but a smaller 2.5-inch LCD screen. The display screen is totally different though. Rather than having a High Angle mode like the Panasonic, the Canon A710’s LCD screen folds out from the camera body and rotates. The Canon’s camera body is larger than the FX50’s. The A710 has 20 shooting modes ranging from the fully manual to priority and preset modes. The Canon PowerShot A710 IS retails for $399 and would be a good option for photographers who want a little more manual control.


Casio Exilim EX-S770 – Similar specs are available on the Casio S770, which has 7.2 megapixels. Its lens is shorter with the standard 3x zoom and its display screen a bit smaller at 2.8 inches. The screen has the same 230,000 pixels of resolution as the Panasonic FX50’s. The Casio S770 is able to record widescreen movies and has a vast amount of Best Shot scene modes(34 of them to be exact). There is even a branded eBay scene mode that shoots and stores images at the recommended size to upload directly into the online auction site. The Casio Exilim EX-S770 is thin and trendy and comes in three colors. It retails for $379.

Kodak EasyShare V705 – The FX50 has a wide angle lens, but the V705 beats it out with "the world’s smallest ultra wide angle lens of 23 mm," according to Kodak. The EasyShare actually functions with two lenses that work together. The Kodak Retina technology posts a total of 5x optical zoom to complement the 7.1 megapixels. The Kodak camera comes with digital image stabilization that isn’t known to be as effective as the optical system included on the Panasonic model. The camera is almost a perfect rectangle and has a 2.5-inch LCD screen on the back with 230,000 pixels of resolution. The V705 has 22 scene modes along with its standard movie mode. This camera is also equipped with Kodak’s Perfect Touch technology that can edit pictures in the playback mode to reduce red-eye, blur, and exposure issues. The Kodak EasyShare V705 retails for $349.

Nikon Coolpix L5 – The 7.2-megapixel Nikon L5 offers a cheaper option to consumers who want a point-and-shoot but don’t want to starve for three weeks to buy it. The L5 has a similar boring design to the FX50, but has a smaller 2.5-inch LCD screen and a longer 5x optical zoom lens. This Coolpix has a vibration reduction system and a one-touch portrait button that activates a host of Nikon technologies. Digital red-eye reduction and face-priority auto focus are activated with the button in recording modes; the button fixes exposure problems in the playback mode. The Nikon Coolpix L5 retails for much less than the Panasonic model at $299.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – With its 18 scene modes and even a Simple mode that automates just about everything, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50 is designed with point-and-shooters in mind.

Budget Consumers – The FX50 certainly isn’t cheap. It retails for $399, which isn’t exactly a bargain. Still, it has pricey features like optical image stabilization and a 3-inch LCD screen.

Gadget Freaks – There aren’t many gadgets on this digital camera. These consumers would be totally bored.

Manual Control Freaks – The FX50 has some manual features attractive to this crowd, such as its custom white balance and Kelvin temperature adjustments. But in the end, the true manual control freak will still not be satisfied.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – Professionals won’t even look at this model. It just doesn’t have the crystal clear and clean image quality that they’re looking for.