Panasonic Lumix FZ47 Digital Camera Review

Shooting Modes

The FZ47 is equipped with a full mode dial featuring aperture priority, shutter priority, full manual, program auto, full auto, custom mode, and a host of others. Program is what we did most of our shooting in, and you'll likely do the same.

Scene Modes

Scene modes are contained within their own mode on the dial, and range from the useful to the mundane. High Sensitivity mode unlocks ISO levels up to 6400 at the cost of resolution, while Hi-Speed Burst enables shooting at 10 frames per second again at the cost of resolution. There's even a 3D Photo mode for assistance lining up images that will eventually be converted into a stereoscopic still.

The rest are old favorites: Fireworks, Candle Light, Party, Sunset, Snow, etc.

Picture Effects

The only true picture effects come in the form of the Photo Frame scene mode. Only three overlays are available, and none of them are very exciting. The FZ47's color modes and the related interface are useful however. Seven are available in total: Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait, and a Custom mode. Each of these may be tweaked individually, with sliders for contrast, sharpness, saturation, and noise reduction.

Manual Controls

Drive/Burst Mode

Self-timer options are available in 2 seconds, 10 seconds, and 10 seconds followed by three shots. The self-timer may also be combined with continuous shooting, for a 2 or 10 second countdown followed by three shots in rapid succession.

Shot to Shot ()

The FZ47's full resolution continuous shooting mode should really be called a "burst" mode, since only seven shots in a row are possible. The camera achieves 3.74 frames per second during this burst, and that's consistent with the competition. The seven shot limit isn't a big deal either, and should allow even beginners to capture the decisive moment.