Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Digital Camera (Silver):

I did a LOT of research before buying this camera.
I bought my fz50 from B&H in February, and have been shooting with it for 4 months now.
I could not be more pleased with the results.

I consider myself an advanced amateur; I had been considering purchasing an SLR, but for several reasons went this route:

-the amazing reviews from respected review sites, as well as customers over the web
-the cost. For now, this has so much potential and capability. I can do nearly everything I could with an SLR, but for a fraction of the price
-my level of talent. This is the main reason I stayed away from SLR for the moment; before justifying that kind of purchase, I needed something that would allow me the room to grow and learn. Once I feel I've acquired more skill, then I will move on.

This thing does some amazing work at the macro level. I am also very pleased with its faster shutter speeds at sporting events. It also does very well with portraits.
As with most anything below an SLR, noise can be a factor at a higher ISO. I just shot a wedding last week, however, and was extremely pleased with my results between 200 and 400 in a dimly lit church.

The FZ50 is also compatible with 55mm filters, as well as wide or tele conversion lenses.
I have played around with several filters for fun, with nice effects. I have yet to pick up a flash or tele lens, but those are coming soon.

The battery is very impressive. I just recently picked up a spare second battery, but I can easily get over 1000 shots out of each. I'm not sure how long they are supposed to last, but this to me is wonderful.

The movie mode is great too. You can zoom while filming, and the quality is crisper and clearer than my $500 camcorder.

The flip around LCD, that rotates to several angles, is also very useful.

The zoom ring is smooth as well.

The grip is very comfortable, and the controls are very easy to maneuver.
In general, this is a great camera for so many uses, and so many different levels of skill. It has great capacity, with much room to grow and learn new skills.
I am sold on the Panasonic Lumix brand of camera.
When the time comes to move on from this dear new friend of mine to an SLR, Panasonic will definitely be one of the first I look into.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Digital Camera (Silver):

I use the FZ50 to shoot landscapes picures and this camera is great for this. Controls are easy and understandable for everyday use.
Colors, contrast, and sharpness are perfect without changing any settings. Images are very sharp throughout the zoom range.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Digital Camera (Silver):

It was like losing my best friend when I lost my FZ30 on a trip but I had been planning to upgrade to an SLR as I felt I was ready. I did a lot of investigating and decided I really wanted to just upgrade to the FZ50 and I was not disappointed. Most of the noise with the telephoto (my only complaint with the FZ30)is history. With the 10mb, I can do more and more detailed pictures and switch from closeups to telephoto without fumbling with lenses. I use it every day and hopefully it will give me the years of pleasure that my FZ30 did!!

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Digital Camera (Silver):

I needed an all around camera for nature photogrpahy. I have a Canon AE1-P with lenses that range from 20mm-500mm. This is just too heavy to carry on some hikes. My foray into digital had to be priced modestly and be able to repeat the above range as much as possible. This camera seems to fit the bill. For a point and shoot is has alot of the options that much more expensive cameras have. The controls are in very easy to use positions when using the LCD and just take a little getting used to when using the view finder. So far I've shot mostly at 100 ISO. With a tripod and setting shutter speeds to compensate for exposure, dusk and evening shots come out ok with no noise seen at higher ISO settings (Haven't experienced that, I read about it). I can't really comment about the vibration reduction since this is the first time I've used that, however it does suck up battery power when used in mode 1.
I went macro crazy at the California State Capitol gardens this past weekend and am very pleased with the results. With the very configurable LCD there was no lying on the ground moments catching that shot! Haven't worked with the raw elements yet so more to come there.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Digital Camera (Silver):

This camera is perfect for beginners or professionals.Stunning features allow you to take perfect pictures even onAuto mode. Manual zoom won't run down your battery likemost cameras. Optional manual focus gives you the option tochoose your own point of focus. 12x zoom is great and theLumix allows you to upgrade your zoom lens or attached awide angle and so on... Bottom line- if you don't want topay 1000 dollars on an SLR, this is the next best thing.

Items I Recommend: DMW-LT55 Tele Conversion Lens

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Digital Camera (Silver):

I am an avid scrapbooker and was looking for a camera with plenty of features, but without some of the complexity of the DSLR's. This camera is it! I love it, I've had it for about 6 months and my pics are beautiful. This camera is a great value for the money.

Expertise: Intermediate

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Digital Camera (Silver):

How can you go wrong I just spent 2 months shooting in the caribbean and the shots I got are fantastic. Read the manual and then go shoot. The colors are amazing and the quality for a semi-pro camera exceeded my expectations. Yes you can spend $4000 for a Nikon with lenses etc but you know for grip and grin shooting... I recommend this camera 110% Hey you even get a Leica lens! What more could you ask for at this price?

Problems Encountered: No problems at all

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Too many to list Leica Lenses are #1 in the world

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Digital Camera (Silver):

Considering whats on the market for prosumers, this meets the bill in terms of functionality, price, camera quality and picture quality.