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8.1-Megapixel Lumix Digital Camera

With 8.1 megapixels, a 28mm f/2.8 lens (35mm equivalent) for spectacular wide-angle shooting, and 3.6x optical zoom, you're ready to explore the world with the DMCFX33S at your side. MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) and high sensitivity mode help you get great pictures even in low-light situations, and 20 scene modes set parameters to help you capture what you see.

Panasonic DMC-FX33S

Reviewed By: Roger Soles - San Francisco, CA

I use my Canon digital SLR and Nikon SLR when Im serious about taking photos but theres many times when serious photography isnt the objective, just having a camera handy that takes good quality pictures is what you want -- so I purchased a Panasonic DMC-FX33S point-and-shoot.

The only parameters I originally set for my search was that it have rechargeable batteries that it use SD memory cards and that it be reasonably priced actually low priced since it was going to get thrown around.

This is way more camera than I expected to get for my money. While Im not going to try and say it takes the same quality pictures as my Canon, it does a quite impressive job. Its easy to use, small maybe even too small, and packed with more features than anyone needs.

The onoff switch is a slide rather than a button so you know when its on and when its off. The display is large and clear. The controls are well positioned. The batter lasts a very long time and since this is a very common batter, generic and even Panasonic cells are quite reasonably priced.

Im sure I could fault it on trivial points but at this price Im just not convinced you can do better -- nor do I really think for a fully-automatic point-and-shoot camera you really need better.

After a little over a month of having and using this camera Im actually considering buying a second one to keep in my truck!

The Best Ultra-Compact You Will Find!

Reviewed By: Jeffrey Ornstein - Brooklyn, New York

I was looking for an ultra-compact to take when I dont want to bring my larger digital cameras.

Given the fact that many diminutive compacts suffer in the image quality department, I was a little apprehensive about buying one.

Given the great value of this camera right now, I decided to give it a try. And what a fabulous little camera it is!

The first thing you notice is the superb craftsmanship of the build quality. Much better than some other brand name compacts. You can easily tell this camera will last quite a long time.

It was now time to take my first shots inside my apartment. After viewing them on the computer, I was not at all disappointed. Theyre clear, crisp and have good color rendition. And to top it off, theres little, if any optical distortion.

I then took the FX33 on a tour of Manhattan, taking pictures wherever I went. When I loaded them up on the computer, I was even more impressed with the handling of the dynamic range and the detail of the architectural subjects.

Even low-light shots turned out to be very nice - pictures of the waiting room at Grand Central turned out much better than expected.

I have a Panasonic TZ3, and I think this smaller camera takes even better pictures even though they have the same imaging engine, the Venus III.
Its also comfortable to hold in your hand, again, better than the TZ3.

I was already familiar with the Lumix menu system so using it was a breeze.

Heres another camera with a large fun-factor from Panasonic.

I give it a full five stars for packing great image quality in such a small package.

The New Standard

Reviewed By: Joseph Nelson - Salt Lake City, UT

I have had the FX33 for only a short time, but so far have been very pleased with the picture quality and the ease of use. I purchased this camera to replace my 6.0 megapixel Casio which I have had for 3 years, and this Lumix outshines it 10 times.

First, I love the wide angle Leica lens. Forget about having to back up into the other room just to get a picture of your whole family during a gathering. I can capture everyone all at once. I also dont have to tell people to hold a pose while I move around trying to fit them all in the frame. Spontaneous pictures always turn out better than those that are posed. As well, you cant go wrong with a Leica lens either, they have made a name for themselves.

Second, it is very easy to use. I am not a professional, so I dont have the training or know how to change the shutter speed or the aperture value to enhance a photo. The FX-33 does a great job of doing this automatically. The Intelligent Auto Mode iA of the camera quickly selects the best setting whether in the sunny outdoors at a baseball game, inside a shopping area, or in a dim parlor with a lot of backlight. The photos turn out without the grainy, ISO noisey pictures I have seen in the past.

Finally, the camera is compact, being about the same size as a deck of playing cards. Even though it is small, the 2.5 LCD screen is still big, filling almost the entire back side of the camera. And although my hands are large, the camera controls are still easy to use.

The only improvement I could see is that the microphone of the camera used during movies could be a little stronger. It is great compared to my Casio which did not even have a microphone but my brothers Canon Power Shot Elph seemed to pick up voices a little better than the FX33. But then again, he paid almost twice what I paid for mine.

To sum up, it takes great pictures in all different environments, it has a high quality wide angle lens, compact size while still offering user friendly controls and it is almost half the price of its competitors. The only suggestion I have for Panasonic is to use a stronger microphone.

This camera is a great bang for the buck, and is now my new standard.

PANASONIC FX33S

Reviewed By: argin - GLENDALE, CA

Great product regardless of price. I have a Nikon D80 DSLR with 18-200 lens yet can not beleive how sharp the pictures of this small panasonic camera could be. Can not go wrong if you are in the market for a sub-compact camera and if you choose Vaans you are a true winner. Nobody can offer such a great camera at such price and hassle free customer service like vanns does.
thanks

Not perfect but a very good camera

Reviewed By: James McBride - Dallas, TX

I’ve been using a 4mp Canon S400 for about five years. I’m not a professional so I like cameras that are as automatic as possible. Lately, I noticed that the quality of pictures I had been taking on my S400 had begun to decline, so I decided to look at new cameras - ones with image stabilization, more megapixels, higher ISO capability, etc. After a significant amount of research, I decided on the 8 megapixel FX33S. I’ve had the camera for about three weeks now and have taken several hundred test shots.

Pros

Intelligent Auto mode on this camera is super cool. Letting the camera detect what is being shot and how best to shoot it is super cool, and it works correctly nearly every time. It provides image stabilization, face detection auto focus, and selects the exposure and the scene mode all in one package. For the person who doesn’t want to have to be an expert to get good shots, this is an excellent choice.

I had a wide angle lens on my old 35mm film camera. When I switched to using the smaller and lighter automatic cameras about fifteen years ago got tired of carrying around so much equipment, I didn’t realize how much I would miss having a wide angle lens. It’s best for shooting landscapes, groups, or anything indoors.

This camera is ultra compact, very well built and easy to use. You can put the FX33 in your pocket and take it anywhere great for travel. Panasonic has the best overall reliability according to Consumers Report. Ergonomics of this camera are excellent and the menus are intuitive.

Cons

To me the pictures aren’t quite as sharp as I’ve made and have seen from several Canon Powershot cameras however, I have to study the photos to tell a difference. There also seems to be more redness in the skin tones but that can be edited out without much problem.

Other reviewers often make reference to noise at higher ISO settings. On my other point and shoot cameras, if I could even get a picture at a higher ISO, the noise was much worse.

Overall

It you want good pictures without effort, I recommend the FX33. Its ultra compact, easy to use almost totally automatic with good ergonomics, takes very good pictures, and you can find it cheaper that many cameras that offer a lot less capability and picture quality.

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