Panasonic Lumix FZ47 Digital Camera Review

Color

The FZ47's color accuracy is straight up amazing. We ran the test three times to be sure. In that test, where lower scores are better, the FZ47 produced a color error average of only 1.96. This is the best score of any fixed lens camera since as far back as any of us can remember.

Looking over the raw data, we find the camera's weaknesses, small as they are, tend to be centered around the brightest yellows and blues. Most areas of the gamut tend to be slightly darker than they should be, but yellows are off by a relatively wide margin. Still, if faithful, flattering shots are important to you, know that the Lumix FZ47 is one of the best performers ever. More on how we test color.

We'll be comparing the FZ47 to a few similar models, Canon's PowerShot SX30 IS, Fujifilm's FinePix HS10, and an older model from the Lumix line, Panasonic's FZ35. In this test however, the comparison is moot. No competitive model comes close to the dead-on accuracy of the FZ47. For that matter, the FZ47 is more accurate than the Nikon D7000, more accurate than the new Nikon D5100, and even more accurate than the Canon EOS 60D, our top rated DSLR!

Color Modes

Five color modes are available. Natural is the most accurate and we do recommend shooting with this setting at all times. The Standard setting was close, but oversaturated by about 5%. Other options are designed to highlight subjects in various situations and conditions, but they sacrifice accuracy for style, and this should really be left for post production, not the camera itself. In accordance with our standards, all subsequent tests were performed in the Natural color mode.