A Magical Looking Glass

The Leica DC lens on this Lumix digital camera has an incredible 12x optical zoom (the equivalent of a 420mm zoom on a 35mm camera) that lets you capture the details of a distant subject up close and personal. Plus, its F2.8 brightness across the entire 12x zoom range provides extraordinary image-rendering performance and puts you in control over a wide variety of shooting techniques. You can capture broad, sweeping landscapes with wide-angle shots, or portraits that fix the subject in a sharp focus while a softer-focused background provides the perfect contrast. This Leica DC lens will give you the ultimate in digital photography.

In The Cards

SD Memory Cards combine high storage capacity, rapid data transfer, and flexibility, all in a card about the size of a postage stamp. This Lumix camera features a built-in SD card slot, which lets you record digital images onto an SD memory card (included) or a MultiMediaCard (optional), and then transfer them to a PC, SD printer, or SD media storage device. The SD memory card allows you to take advantage of the motion image recording with audio, too. Using the movie format, this camera can record moving images with audio at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The maximum time for each recorded segment varies depending on the SD card capacity. There are also a variety of SD-compatible accessories available, allowing you store and even print images without the need for a computer.

Image Enhancers

The MEGA optical image stabilizer offsets unintentional hand movement while you're taking pictures to give you clear, sharp images even when taking handheld telephoto shots or shooting at night. This optical technology provides precise compensation for movement with no image quality degradation. Of course, keeping a steady hand is only part of getting great images. The DMCFZ10K is also equipped with scene modes that make taking great photos under certain conditions automatic. Choose from Macro, Portrait, Sports, Panning, Night Portrait, and Moving Image. Of course, sometimes you may want to take control, and the DMCFZ10K gives you many options, as you'll see below.

Manual and Advanced Functions

In addition to the variety of convenient automatic controls, the DMCFZ10K has full manual controls for exposure, focusing, and white balance. Manual exposure capability gives you complete freedom for capturing images according to your preferences, including intentional overexposure or underexposure. The manual focus ring provided on the lens barrel, like traditional camera lenses, allows you to focus on the particular part of your subject according to your preference. Advanced histogram functions on the DMCFZ10K, like a digital light meter, provide a graphic representation of the luminance level of the pixels composing an image for more precise exposure control for quality photos.

Even More Great Features

Using the QuickTime Motion JPEG format, this Lumix digital camera can record moving images with audio at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The maximum time for each recorded segment varies depending on SD card capacity. Your DMCFZ10K comes with photo editing software that lets you turn your home computer into a virtual photo studio. A built-in speaker allows you to listen to the audio recorded on your motion and still image recording segments as you play them back on the LCD screen. And, a built-in microphone allows you to record audio when using the motion and still image recording features.

Included With Purchase

Battery charger/AC adapter, battery pack, 16MB SD memory card, lens cap, lens hood, A/V cable, USB cable, strap, CD-ROM.

Comparison Specifications

• 4.0 Effective Megapixel Still Picture Recording
• Built-In SD Card Slot (16MB SD Card Included), Also Compatible with MultiMediaCard
• 12x Optical Zoom, 3x Digital Zoom
• P Mode (Program), AperturePriority, Shutter Priority, Manual Shooting Modes
• Built-In Flash
• Motion Image Recording with Audio (Approx. 10 Frames/Second @ 320 x 240 Pixels)
• 2.0" Polycrystalline TFT LCD Monitor
• DC Input, A/V Output

Additional Specifications

• Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens with 13 Elements in 8 Groups
• Focus: Auto Focus, Manual Focus, Normal/Macro (Dial), Spot AF On/Off, Continuous AF
• ISO Sensitivity: Auto/50/100/200/400
• White Balance: Auto/Daylight/Cloudy/Halogen/White Set
• Scene Modes: Macro, Portrait, Sports, Panning, Night Portrait, Moving Image
• MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer
• Auto (AE) Bracketing: 1/3 EV-1 EV Step, 3 Frames
• Shutter Speed: 8-1/2000 Sec. (Shutter Priority Mode, Manual Mode)
• Self Timer: 10 Seconds/2 Seconds
• Color Effect Mode: Cool, Warm, Black & White

Manufacturer Specifications

• Image Modes: Fine/Standard
• Still Image Recording With Audio: 5 Seconds
• Audio Dubbing: Maximum of 10 Seconds
• Built-In Microphone and Speaker
• Power Supply: Li-Ion Battery and AC Adaptor Included
• SD Viewer for DSC
• ArcSoft PhotoBase, ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft Panorama Maker Included
• Picture Adjustment: Contrast, Sharpness and Saturation (W/Low, Standard & High Modes)

Dimensional Specifications

• 1.21 lbs.
• 3.43" x 5.45" x 4.16"

Panasonic DMC-FZ10K Warranty Details

1 Year Parts, 90 Days Labor

Panasonic FZ10 Digital Camera

Reviewed By: Patricia Owsley - Cody, WY

We purchased the FZ10 in July 04. We are enjoying this camera very much, even though we have a lot to learn. The pictures we have taken are very clear and good color. We took a few night pictures with the flash and the pictures were very good. We were hoping for better quality distance pictures, but feel we have not learned all the settings to give this a fair review. The more we use this camera, the more excited we get about it.

Panasonic DMC-FZ10 rocks

Reviewed By: Chris Kahle - Los Angeles, CA

I had read a few reviews of the FZ10 on-line, and was impressed that many of them included 'fun.' After having this camera for a week, I must agree. I use cameras for a few snapshots as well as for documenting landscapes for my work as a cultural geographer. I wanted to get a 'real' digital camera that would be easy to use but also provide prints large enough and of good quality to mount for interpretive exhibits. The FZ10 has met all requirements so far with flying colors. I especially appreciated the ease of use - I was able to figure out all the basic features in about 30 minutes of playing. After experimenting on the 4th of July at a party, and up in the mountains with a friend - I give the FZ10 high marks for outdoor and portrait photography. This week, I'll be testing it in the field to get some landscape shots urban alleys in my case, and I expect it to perform as well. I particularly like the anti-shake feature - it has been fantastic, as my other digital camera a Minolta Dimage X often caught jittery images because I don't have the most stable hands. I would highly recommend the FZ10 to any amateur for work or play - I really like how it has a 'real camera' feel but still offers advanced features of many digital cameras like the awesome 12x zoom. And at Vann's anyway you can't beat the price!

FZ-10 A lot of camera for the money

Reviewed By: Harald Paetow - Hutchinson, MN

I am very pleased with the FZ-10, I have used it quite a bit already. I am very impressed with the macro function, I have taken some extremely close up shots for some Ebay auctions and the detail is great. I have only used the camera in automatic exposure mode so far, and have gotten terrific results. I The Leica lens is in a class by itself when compared to other camers in this price range. The manual focus works great, and that is a feature not available on other cameras in this price range.

Criticism

I wish they would come with a bigger card, the 16mb card isn't very useful at all. Buy a bigger card right away.

Panasonic DMC-FZ10 - Great camera - Great dealer

Reviewed By: David Schurman - Bremerton, Wa

I received my new FZ10 Digital Camera a week ago and am extremely impressed with the camera and with the service I received from Vanns Electronics.

The camera is everything that the reviews say it is and more. It takes pictures that can be printed at 8 X 10 and look like they were taken by a Pro. With the 12X Optical zoom and image stabilization the pictures taken at max telephoto come out clear.

Overall I am very satisfied with the FZ10 and would recommend it to anyone. I also would highly recommend Vann's as the seller with the best prices and the best service.

great camera only two defects

Reviewed By: Phillip M. Feldman - Santa Barbara, CA

I'm extremely pleased with most aspects of this camera. What I like best

1. The 12X image-stabilized zoom lens is tremendous.

2. The camera is highly responsive very low shutter delay, and the burst mode rate of 4 shots per second is also excellent.

3. Given the size of the lens, the weight is a relatively low 1.2 pounds.



I have only two complaints about the camera

1. The video quality is rather poor. With a file size of 30 MBytes per minute, I would expect somewhat higher quality, i.e., better resolution and fewer compression artifacts.

2. The EVF is fairly useless in low light conditions.

I love this camera!

Reviewed By: Deb Milford - houston, tx

I bought the 2MP version of this camera, the DMC-FZ1K, and I think it's great. I've had it a little over a week and have used it almost every day. This is my first digital camera and I'm not up on all the technical lingo but I'll share my observations as your average everyday 40-something woman.

First, appearance--I bought the black version and this is one sharp looking camera! I've had many compliments on it already. It is not one of the really compact cameras because of the lens, but I can stil hold and operate with one hand if I want to, so it is by no means big or bulky.

Next, ease of use I was a little disappointed initially because I had eagerly awaited its arrival right on time, by the way and wanted to use it right away, but I had to charge the battery first. That only takes an hour and a half, but I was impatient! So, I changed gears and read the manual while the battery charged. Keep in mind that this is my first digital camera, so I was a little worried that I might not be able to stumble along on my own, but my worries were for nothing. The instructions so far have been quite clear and the camera is easy to use. I have not yet tried everything it does a lot!but I have been really pleased with my results so far.

Quality I have taken pictures indoors and out, day and night, with and without flash, and at various sensitivities. To my untrained eye the quality is fantastic. Since I doubt my untrained eye, I made some prints and showed them to an 'amateur' photographer that I know who does great work people want to buy her stuff and she was impressed 'These are awesome!' I had thought they were good, but it was nice to have validation from someone more experienced. The 12xzoom with image stabilizer is the main reason I chose this camera over the others I was researching, and I am happy with that choice. I love taking close-ups and these are clear and crisp. I am a nature lover and was able to get some great shots of a bird landing in a tree and then eating an insect he caught. I did this using the sports and high speed burst modes. I took pictures of a variety of bird species that day and was able to clearly identify them in my bird book when I looked them up at home.

Miscellaneous stuff The software that comes with the camera is also easy to use. I haven't checked it out throughly but I have used it to make some prints. Along those lines, uploading pictures to the computer is also easy. The battery life seems to be good but I really don't have anything to compare it to. I know on day one I left it on and used it pretty continuously for 6-8 hours and it was starting to get low at the end of that time. Since then I have turned it off and removed the battery between periods of use and it has lasted longer. Also, I live in Houston and the book says that high heat and humidity can affect battery life, and lord knows we have both of those things here! The memory card that comes with the camera is pretty useless. I bought a 256mb to replace it right away, and that one will hold about 300 pictures. My nose bumps the LCD monitor when I take pictures, this isn't uncomfortable, but it means I have to wipe off the monitor every so often because it gets noseprints on it. The camera feels solid, not cheap. I do wish the MC lens protector came with the camera, I'm going to have to track one down or order it, and I would like to get a spare battery as well. Can't think of anything else right now other than to say I think this is a great camera, it works well for me as a first time user, and it does a lot that I will find useful as I become more experienced!

FZ10K

Reviewed By: Phillip Ervin - Tallahassee, Florida

Reviewing the Panasonic FZ10K -

Great Camera, everything I was hoping for. Slightly larger than I was expecting but that doesn't really bother me at all. Basically this camera has everything but Time Lapse photos and night shots tend to come out a bit darker than what's previewed on the lcd screen. Used dpreview and dcresource for my research of this camera. It came down to this one and the Minolta Dimage Z2. Happy with my purchase.

Great camera

Reviewed By: Mark Tompkins - Berkshire, NY

This camera was better than I expected. It has a lot of features, and at first I thought it was gonna be too complicated to use all of the features. I was wrong. It is simple to use and easy to learn. After having it a week I have managed to use all of the features except the motion picture feature. The pictures are the best digital pictures I have seen. If you want a camera with a lot of zoom, buy this one.

Panasonic DMC-FZ10

Reviewed By: Warren Willis - Las Vegas, NV

I held off for over a month to ensure I had done enough research on this camera. I had whittled my choices down to the Minolta Dimage Z2, Kodak 6490, Olympus 750 and this camera. I'm now very happy that I did all the research. For the buck, this has to be the best digital camera on the market. The camera is simply awesome! This is my third digital camera purchase in 3-yrs and you simply can't beat this camera for what you get for the dollar - plus great pictures! This is my first purchase from Vanns and I will definitely purchase from them again - they even told me the exact day I would receive the order no online merchant has done that before. Great camera! Excellent merchant!

Lumix DMC-FZ10

Reviewed By: Paul J. Romano - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

About 2 weeks ago I purchased a Lumix DMC-FZ10 from Vanns of Montana. I am no where near a pro but have owned and dabbled with 35mm SLR cameras for more than 30 years so I do know a little bit about cameras. I do also own a 1.3 MP Olympus digital and about a month ago decided to go for something better. At that time I had never heard of the LUMIX brand name nor Vanns of Montana.

In the short time I have owned this camera I have not yet taken it through all of it paces but I am very impressed with it. I bought this camera mainly for its 12X optical lens but my secondary consideration was its manual mode capabilities. The camera itself is quite large for a digital but fits in my hand just like the big 35mm cameras I have except it is much lighter in weight. The owners manual does a good job of getting you started and the function buttons on the camera become intuitive in no time. For the average photo shooter the auto system works very well but you will get a bad shot now and then and it is almost always your fault not the cameras. I am now into the learning of the manual modes of this camera. Lots of GOOD shots and lots of BAD shots. On purpose to learn. Manual digital photography is much different than manual 35mm photography.

The camera is quite big but I like that, 4MP is a bit low for the latest digital cameras but still makes great 8by10's. The 12X lens and optical image stabilization are its finest attributes. It really works! Buy a bigger SD card though.

If I was going somewhere and could only bring one camera with me the LUMIX DMC-FZ10 would be the one.

And what about Vanns? Instant order, instant email confirmation, online tracking, and I hope I can say in this review a great price too!

A great transaction with a fine consumer product LUMIX and a fantastic seller in every way VANNS.

Lumix DMC FZ10

Reviewed By: RichardFlory - Wooster, Ohio

I have only had this camera for about a week and I love it already! The spring flowers are out naow and I have taken many pictures of tulips, a flowering crab tree and mothers day arrangements. I used the macro and caught a bee taking polin for a weeping cherry! The color is fantastic!

I love the ZOOM! So far I have found the camera to be very easy to use. The controls are logical and well placed. The build quality of the camera is excellent. I am very happy with my choice. I am looking to vacations later this summer with this camera!

The purchase at Vann's was excellent also. I would highly reccomend the FZ10 and Vann's!

Simply Outstanding

Reviewed By: Shaun de Witt - Hilo, Hawaii

This is simply an outstanding package. I bought this camera after trying out a number of compact digitals as a replacement for my two now sadly departed Pentax SLR's which put in too many years work. I did quite a bit of research since I had quite demanding requirements. I do quite a lot of sports photography, so I need a combination of good telephoto and wide aperture. I also do a fair amount of landscape photography, for which I prefer a wide angle and small aperture. Well, guess what, the FZ-10 can handle both. This means instead of carting around a whole bag containing two SLR's, a variety of lenses between 35 and 400mm, a tripod and a flash, I now just carry the one camera. The image stabilisation has pretty much eleminated the need for the tripod except for long exposures around dusk with a small aperture.

Initially I was a little daunted by all the options available, but after a couple of days I got used to it, and now find everything really easy to get at. The images I am getting are really superb - very crisp with excellent color rendition. I last saw images of this quality about 5 years ago is it just me or is the quality of either standard film or processing going downhill?. The images stay sharp right through the zoom range, with only slight 'barrel' distortion in macro, but not really noticeable unless imaging something with strong verticalhorizontal lines. I have seen no vignettingchromatic aberrationedge feathering at all. The image quality seems better than a number of other similar camera's I have tested.

Of course I have a few niggles. Personally I find the Manual Focus Assist does not really help me, but heck, I have just turned it off. And I would have preferred to have the option of writing RAW data, not just jpeg.

In my opinion, this camera is superb for either a top end amateur of bottom end professional. I suspect the only thing that could make the camera any better would be a coupe of additional megapixels - I am sure the Leica lens can stand it!

In short, PanasonicLeica have come up with a winner. The marriage of top quality Leica lens and Panasoic electronics is heaven. And it seems to be selling very very quickly, so get one while you can!

Lumix DMC-FZ10K

Reviewed By: Earl J. Kangas - Santa Clarita, California

This is the first time I have purchased something over the web, and Vann's made it easy and secure.

I looked at many different digital cameras, and my research boiled it down to five - including the Lumix. Given the comparitive features, software, the camera's capabilities, price, and other reviews, I bought the Lumix. I will use this camera along with another digital camera that I have.

I've taken nearly 100 photos so far, and they are razor sharp. Features I particularly like are the 12x zoom and especially image stabilization which allows me to take long shots without a tripod. The manual is very detailed and easy to understand, and all the controls are easy to use.

I have had no problems taking pictures in low light. The large LCD and well marked controls are nice too. I also like the fact that I can take photos at different quality levels so I can use them for high quality prints, slide shows on TV or my PC, sending photos via e-mail, and for photos on my web page.

I've used the camera all day, and still had juice left in the battery, but I still would prefer that this camera used AA batteries. Fortunately, the battery for this camera charges very fast.

There is only one thing I do not like about this camera, but it is the same thing for all the other digital cameras too - that puny, useless, 16mb memory card that all the manufacturers stick in their cameras. C'mon, Panasonic, put in at least a 128MB SD, and everyone will be singing your praises for doing so. After one day, I bought a 256MB SD card, and this works very well for me.

This is a very, very, good camera for the price, and, based on my experience so far, I know I made the right choice. Knowing what I have learned about this camera since I got it, I would definitely buy this camera again. I would not hesitate to recommend this camera to friends.

Simply a wonderful camera

Reviewed By: Ted Siuta - Phoenixville, PA

I've now had my Lumix FZ10 for a few weeks, and I can certainly say it was money well spent! This camera is replacing my Nikon Coolpix 995. I find this camera very easy to use, and HIGHLY versatile! From taking tranquil scenery shots, to close-ups of flowers, to action shots at my son's ice hockey games...this puppy can do it all!

The images straight out the camera in full auto mode look superb. In addition, there are a host of manual settings you can change to get the most of the camera. The best part is, since the images look great in auto mode...there's no need for you to stay up nights memorizing the manual! you can experiment at your own pace.

The optics are fantastic...one look at the Leica name, I knew it would be good, and hasn't let me down! The 12x zoom is also superb, fast and QUIET! Add into this mix the image stabilization, and you can now take pictures in full zoom or lower light without the need for a tripod.

You're really going to struggle to find problems with this camera. The lens cap is not permanently attached via a string or something. I'm sure a few will be lost, but that's an easy solution. The 16MB SD card that comes with the camera is undersized, and suggest getting a larger one. Get a Panasonic 256MB card, as it's a VERY FAST card at 10MBsecond data transfer! I am also aware of an issue where the LCD screen will darken when using full auto AND an external flash. The on-board flash is pretty powerful, so if you're not planning to get an external flash, this is not an issue. There is no focus assist lamp, although I've never had a camera with one. There is manual focus ring that works great when you need it!

I'm sure there's a lot more good stuff I'm missing. If you're thinking of getting the FZ10, and just not sure...I can safely say you will not be disappointed!

Panasonic DMC -FZ10K

Reviewed By: Dale Willi - Hudson, Wisconsin

I recieved my camera about 10 days ago and am very satified with its performance. I have taken various pictures of people, scenes, plants inside and outside, and of rain drops on a clothes line after a shower. I selected my subjects to check the sharpness, color reproduction and clarity of the pictures. All of the pictures met or exceeded my expections and compared very favorable with film pictures. When I printed my pictures, I did not need to make any adjustments to the original shots, except to adjust the picture size.

Great Camera!

Reviewed By: Charles Miller - Lawrenceburg, Ky

After extensive research, I finally decided to purchase the FZ10K from Vanns. I was looking for a good long-range zoom to be able to take close-ups of my children in their activities with image stabilization, and in good resolution size to be able to crop photos for digital scrapbooking. The FZ10 excels in BOTH areas! To say I am pleased with the camera is a definite understatement!

The image stabilization works great, even at full 12x optical zoom. Very few of my pictures taken so far, even of soccer games in action, have had any blur to them whatsoever. The only exceptions to this have been indoor low-light shots which have had problems, but I am improving them by manual settings each time I take some.

The burst mode also works great, and is awesome for making sure the shot I get is the best one. The 256MB Panasonic SD card that I purchased with the camera writes very fast, with only a couple of seconds delay after taking 5 pics in burst mode at highest resolution, lowest compression.

I am an amateur photographer who wants to get more serious. I wanted a camera that would be easy to use up front, but which provides me with enough flexibility in controls to 'mature' into as my skills increase. I am happy to say that the Panasonic FZ10 has been just the right camera for that job!

Panasonic DMCFZ10 Camera

Reviewed By: Jerry S. Abbanat - Monterey, CA

This camera is a terrific replacement to the 2Megapixel SLR camera Panasonic made previously. The camera is easy to operate for a novice and has many other features for the advanced user. I personally use it 90 percent of the time in the automatic exposure mode. I particulary like the Leica lens, 12X Optical Zoom, great battery life and easy to use modes like portrait, night, and macro. You cannot go wrong with this camera and Vann's shipped promptly and has a great price.

Panasonic DMC-FZ10K

Reviewed By: Joseph E. Kushner - Southington, CT

This is a camera that does all that I expected, from ease of use to overall performance. Battery life is very good as is the mega 12X mega zoom. The only down side is that it is not a camera that can be put into your pocket.

Review of Panasonic DMC_FZ10PP-K

Reviewed By: Darys Dean Hutman - Freeland, Wa.

Although I have owned the Lumin FZ10, for a short

period of time, the Camera is as solid and responsive as I had hoped. I have been able to

produce great pix in a short time with this Camera.

Negatives are very minor and the camera controls

make it easy to adjust to challenges of any situation. The Burst mode is simply great. The Camera is solidly built with Panasonic Quality.

I highly recommend this camera for the serious

Photographer. I give it a rating of 5.

a lot of camera for the money

Reviewed By: Ron Houser - Panama City, Fl

After reading a writeup about this camera in a photo magazine, I knew it was the one I wanted. Basically this camera is a big, fast, mega zoom, image stabilized, high quality lens with a good digital camera attached. So far I have been well pleased with the quality of construction and quality of images. Focusing at 12X takes some getting used to and seems to work best with manual focus with focus assist, but it's nowhere as easy as focusing a 400mm lens on a 35mm camera, since the digital viewfinder is small and a bit dark. I am impressed by its' ability to focus down to about 2 inches and like being able to attach a separate flash. I would definitely buy this camera again.

Panasonic DMC-FZ10PPK Digital Camera

Reviewed By: Jack W. Coers - Fort Ann, New York

As Phil Rizzuto, the former voice of the New York Yankee's used to say when ever someone hit a home run... 'Holy Cow!'. That's been my reaction every time I've used this camera. This is some fine piece of equipment. I must admit that when I purchased this camera it was a compromise. Being new to digital photograpy but not to film photography, I was reluctant to spend upwards of $2500 for equipment without at least testing the water first. I researched for a month or so, read all the reviews and made my decision based mostly on spec sheets and opted for the DMC-FZ10K. To say that I'm not disappointed would be an understatement! This camera is terrific! I would reccommend it for newcomers to digital photography like myself because of it's automated features, ease of operation, short learning curve and of course, it's relative low cost. Pros would be wise to pick up one as a back up camera for 95 per-cent of their small format work. It has all the manual controls they normally would use for most of their work, good optics and is very well constructed.

As far as Vann's is concerned...this was pretty cut and dried. I knew what I wanted, their price was the best, they had it in stock, it arrived when they said it would and in good condition...uh, I really don't know what else to say. They did exactly what they said they would do. I have nothing negative to say about them so until something goes wrong I will continue to do business with them.

Jack W. Coers

Excellent Camera

Reviewed By: Peter Salisbury - Townsend, Massachusetts

I received this camera a week ago and have been learning it. It does take a while to learn all the features but thats what makes this camera nice it does have the features. Until you do learn them it works fine as a point and shoot camera. I love the 12x zoom. I love to take nature photography and the zoom is wonderful for that. My only complaint is that the teleconversion lense costs so much. It costs as much as I paid for the camera. I can make do with the standard lense.

Nice camera!

Reviewed By: Gene Strupe - Smyrna, DE

This is my first digital camera, and as I expect others do, I researched it very carefully. Based on the features, especially the 12X optical zoom, and other independent reviews, I decided on this camera. So far, it has performed extremely well, and I am especially impressed by the very short delay between pressing the shutter release and the actual exposure being made. It's almost as fast as my Minolta 35MM. Picture quality is excellent. In my first outing , I was having trouble with the auto-focus, but found I had accidently moved it into the manual-focus mode. This was frustrating until I discovered my error. This is the only problem I've had with the camera. Buy it!

A Camera That Anyone Would Love

Reviewed By: Richard Andrew Dunn - Natchitoches, Louisiana

I am a 14 year old teenager that is obsessed with electronics. Before this camera that my dad gave me, I had a digital camera that is less than a megapixel, no zoom whatsoever, and it does not have an LCD screen. My dad gave me this camera because he bought this model for himself, and he was impressed with it. So I said to myself, I had to get myself a new digital camera. At first, I was going to buy another brand that was advertised on t.v. So I studied it for awhile, and then my dad said 'If you pay for half of the price for the Panasonic digital camera, I will make up the difference.' I thought about it and I said okay. So a couple of days later, I got the digital camera. I charged the battery, and 90 minutes later I was outside taking pictures like I had never taken before. The quality of this camera is outstanding. I think you cannot get a better digital camera than this camera, even at a higher price.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ10

Reviewed By: Paula Jensen - Nye, MT

I've waited along time for a digital camera like this and now it's here! As an avid outdoor photography enthusiast and user of two 35mm SLR cameras, a Canon and Minolta with many lenses, a 35mm Olympus Stylus and an Olympus D-40 4MP digital camera, I couldn't be happier with my new Panasonic.

When I got my Olympus digital two years ago, it was a great pocket-size camera for shooting family and landscape photos and wildflower close-ups in the macro mode. The only thing that it lacked was a long zoom of 300mm or more to capture quality wildlife photos.

I did a tremendous amount of research before buying the Panasonic. When I first read about it last year, I decided to wait for its release and I'm glad that I did. Here are the reasons why

1. For my work, a 4MP camera like the Panasonic is sufficient to produce high quality images and 8x10 prints...no need to spend more money for more pixels if it isn't necessary. I would have preferred a 5 Megapixel for those few times that I'd like to do a blow-up but the vast number of features of the Panasonic more than compensate.

2. The superior Leica f2.8 lens produces sharp, high quality images throughout the entire focal length of the zoom. Indoor and outdoor photos were excellent and actually seemed a bit sharper than my 4MP Olympus digital camera.

3. Speaking of the zoom, WOW!! The 420mm zoom allows me to stay far enough from wildlife without scaring them off...makes for more natural wildlife behavior photos. A conveniently placed lever on the top of the camera also allows you to switch between telephoto and wide angle. That's a great benefit giving you more photo options from a single postion.

4. The incredible Image Stabilization feature really is outstanding! I've already taken photos of deer, eagles, geese and ducks on the move or in flight and the results are great. If you're shooting over 200mm, a tripod is usually a must...not true, though, with Panasonic's built-in Image Stabilization feature that even has 2 different modes.

5. Auto and manual focus are also provided. In addition there is a neat feature called Program Shift that allows you to change the exposure settings..aperture and shutter speed...while in automatic Program AE to make a background more blurred or give more clarity to a subject in motion.

The camera also allows you to take pictures with total aperture or shutter priority if desired. You set the aperture and the camera automatically sets the appropriate shutter speed. Want to take a sharp picture of a fast goose in flight? Just set a higher shutter speed and the camera automatically sets the corresponding aperture setting. All are great features.

6. The Panasonic also has a little button that you can use quickly and easily to switch between the electronic viewfinder and the LCD monitor. I've found that by using the EVF without the flash, you'll get more shooting time on your battery.

7. The camera is very durable, lightweight for a long zoom camera, extremely quiet in operation, easy to hold, and the menus are logical and easy to follow. The manual is far better than any manual I've had so far.



8. Unlike some of the other cameras on the market, the Panasonic includes a lens cap, lense hood, and battery charger and it charges in 90 minutes or less. The 72mm lens allows you to add filters and, believe it or not, there is even an optional teleconverter available for getting even more distance with your zoom.

9. There are 6 scene modes, on a dial on top of the camera, that give you the flexibility to set the camera for just about any given photo situation. There is a built-in flash and a hot shoe if you want to attach a separate flash device. I haven't had an opportunity to test the camera in low light yet so I can't comment on the adequacy of the built-in flash.

10. Although I use editing software to enhance saturation and contrast, the camera does have a color adjustment feature that allows you to adjust these items. I haven't tried it yet, but it's a nice feature for those that don't do their own editing work.

11. More serious photographers will especially enjoy such features as exposure compensation, white balance adjustment, the displayed histogram, color effects, auto bracketing, and burst mode.

I've had my camera for exactly one month now and have been out almost daily putting it to the test and trying all of its features. Needless to say, I couldn't be happier. I looked at other cameras like the Olympus C-750 with 4MP, 380mm zoom but no image stabilization or lens cap, the Minolta Dimage A1 with 5 MP, an anti-shake feature but only 200mm zoom, the Fuji FinePix S7000 with 6MP, no IS, only 210mm zoom, and the Nikon 5700 with 5MP, a 280mm zoom but no image stabilization. Although all of these cameras are excellent cameras, the Panasonic offers ALL of the features I need and wins out easily. If you want to be able to shoot great outdoor photography without lugging around tons of camera gear and lenses, this is the perfect camera.

Vann's now carries a super high speed battery charger that has a 12-volt adapter. I plan on buying this so I can always have a spare battery pack charged and ready to go when I'm on the road. One suggestion You should really pick up a memory card with a minimum of 128MB of memory. This camera is so much fun, and with the 420mm zoom, you'll probably be shooting a ton of pictures. The 16MB memory card included with the camera, although standard with most cameras, is not really sufficient.

Bottom Line This is a great camera! It's easy to operate for the rank beginner yet carries advanced features that appeal to every serious photographer. I looked at a number of cameras and the Panasonic by far is a real bargain for the money.

Panasonic DMCFZ10 Digital Camera

Reviewed By: Gordon Nelson - San Angelo, TX

I have five digital cameras, including a recent one retailing at a much higher cost thn the FZ10 which is also called the Lumix FZ10. The FZ10 simply beats out the competition, primarily because of its fantastic 12 power optical zoom PLUS image stabilizaion. Yes! IMAGE STABILIZATION which means you can shoot at 12X even at 160th handheld. This is not just hype. It is an amazing camera at any price, yet it is priced less that comparable cameras. Actually, there are NO comparable cameras with a 12X lens made by Leica and image stabilization. Panasonic has hit a homerun with this one!

Can't go wrong...

Reviewed By: Richard Dunn - Natchitoches, Louisiana

I recently purchased a Panasonic DMC-FZ10PP-K digital camera with a Leica lens. I have used Leica manal film cameras over the years along with other high-quality professional photographic equipment. I was astounded at the optics clarity and sharpness of the Leica lens that is on this camera. Panasonic has definitely put a class digital camera out on the market that will hold its own, in my opinion, with the best film cameras I have ever used. I never thought that I would find myself ever admitting to that fact. I was so impressed with the camera that I turned around and ordered another one for my 14-year-old son. Five minutes after his battery charged, he was taking flawless pictures with his camera. I feel this camera will hold its own against other digital cameras costing much more. You have a 12X optical zoom with a 36X digital zoom, and that makes for an awesome combination. That eqates roughly to a 35mm-420mm zoom lens ratio. I would highly recommend, especially for the money, this fantastic camera. I found it very easy to use, to understand, and the picture quality is outstanding. I want to commend Vann's for their customer service department in processing and shipping the products in a timely and professional manner. In closing, I will be buying other items from Vann's because of the value, quality, and service department. Richard Dunn

An excellent Camera

Reviewed By: Jean-Claude Gigot - Sunnyvale, California

Nothing bad to say against. This camera is buit to last. What a pleasure!

Top of the LIne Digital Camera

Reviewed By: Edward E. Meltz - Sarasota, Florida

Excellent features and easy to use. The many options give you a wide range of shooting capabilities. The optical stabilizer works wonders with the long zoom range and allows you to get real close and still be as sharp as ever. This camera came highly recommended to me by a friend and I now have encouraged many of my friends to follow suit. I have experimented with the various modes during the first two days of receiving the camera and am amazed by the quality of the results. I would call it the 'camera man's camera'.

Great for starters and those with experince

Reviewed By: Greg Fairbanks - Cedarville, Ohio

I've had the camera for a week and have taken a near 300 pictures. Some of them were junk and were just testing new settings, but some of them were real beauties!

The 12x zoom is so awesome to play with, especially since the aperture is the same all through the range. The stabilizer works wonders, though sometimes I think it doesn't give the human enough credit

My recommendation is buying a 128 or 256 SD card right away, the 16 just won't do it for you. So far, everything i've done with the camera is enjoyable, and getting it from Vanns was close to my easiest shopping experience ever. They know how to take care of the customer.

Great Camera

Reviewed By: Joey Lewis - La Verkin, Utah

Short and sweet! Great BEST camera for the price! Only gripe is proprietary battery.

FZ10 Lot of camera for the money

Reviewed By: Linda Stock - Puyallup, WA

I've had the Panasonic Lumix FZ10 for about 2 and a half weeks now. First, Vanns.com is a great dealer to work with. Friendly, honest and efficient. AAAplus. As for the camera, I can say there is an adjustment period working with the low light focusing issue, but. . . I have gotten some great shots with this camera and it just takes reading the manual and the forums. The lens is great, color great, clarity great when you do things correctly. The menu is bright and easy to understand. The camera although not the smallest fits well in most hands and is very light. There is no comparison camera in the price range. I felt to make another choice would have more than doubled the price and required a SLR with attachable lenses.

Panasonic lumix DMC-FZ10

Reviewed By: Erwin A Babin Jr - Plaquemine, Louisiana

After researching digital cameras for some time, I selected the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ10. In the past, I was a professional photographer using Nikon and Hasselblad cameras. Specifically, I was looking for a digital that could take large high quality photographs. Comparing these digital photos to professional film cameras, I am quite pleased. I was also happy with the many modes and options on this camera. The range and quality of the Leica lens is excellent. The camera is very easy for a beginning amateur to use, yet it has all of the options to satisfy any professional.

Awesome Baby!!!

Reviewed By: Timothy M. Kay - Sewell, NJ

Just received my DMC-FZ10K last week and so far I can only praise it and the outstanding performance of Vann's. Dealing with Vann's was just as they advertise on their website... if you know what you want, you buy it and they ship it... it's as easy as that.

This is my third digital camera, and this is as close as I could find to a true SLR digital in this price range. The manual overides provide true SLR versitality, and that lens is nothing short of outstanding. Give yourself a few days of fiddling with the controls to really appreciate all that this camera has to offer. If you are looking for a point and shoot, dont buy this camera. If you are looking for a serious high end camera, look no further... buy this camera! Another nice thing is that this camera looks and feels like a real camera, not a toy. By hat goes off to Panasonic for creating this gem.

A Giant Leap for Digital

Reviewed By: Michael J. Kutchins - San Antonio, Texas

Panasonic's FZ-10 is a 4 megapixel camera with a surprising 12X Optical Zoom, which along with SD chips as media is an amazing, versatile camera.

Even using the finest resolution at the lowest compression, a 512 MG chip gives hundreds of pictures. With emailable resultion and compression, the same chip can keep thousands of frames

The camera is sophisticated for an entry-level user to fine tune, but using default settings, more than acceptable images can be had right out of the box.

So far the only downside to this wonderful set of optics and technology are the captive battery, rather than standard rechargable ones and the low 16 MG chip which comes with the camera. Both of these can be dealt with at extra cost by getting a second battery and a larger SD chip.

Panasonic dmc-fz10k

Reviewed By: stephenie Kally - ventura, ca

I did very little research before buying this camera. It was my first digital and I am only a novice photographer,so my purchase was based on a review recommendation. As a novice I like not having to change lenses to get close up shots. Also, the 4 shot burst feature makes it really easy to find the best frame. I have experimented with the exposure options and find them very adequate for a good range. Battery holds a significant charge. Bought a 256 memory card..plenty of shots available. Lightweight which should make it advantages taking it on backpacking trips. Very satisfied with detail on printed shorts.

Don't waste your money on anything else!

Reviewed By: John Aronson - Monroe, CT

Panasonic has simply outdone themselves with this piece of artwork. It's also a darn great camera.

Packed full of features that are easy to learn to use. This is the camera to buy! I would like to see a tether for the lens cap.

Great Camera, Fine dealer

Reviewed By: Vernon L Rogers - Springfield, OregonWest Coast

I got my new Panasonic DMC-FZ10K the other day and couldn't be more pleased. It is a wonderful camera, even more than I was expecting. The 12x Leica lens is unmatched in similar cameras and the FZ10 is very SLR like. Controls are very easy to get used to, can operate it without instruction. By the way, I don't agree with those who complained about the operating manual. It is easy to read and follow. Really, the only thing I would prefer about the camera is that it be 5MP. Otherwise, I think it is an underrated camera and more should give it a try.

Those who have complained about performance should learn how to use the camera first. Sharpness and noise can easily be controlled by setting the camera properly, instead of just shooting the way you receive it. Some of the complaint I have read sounded like they come from those who would be better off with a point and shoot that you don't have to set.

My present screen saver is a beautiful sky shot done at dusk. I have a professional digital SLR Nikon D1x and still find the FZ10 to be a great carry along camera in a belt case. It isn't a match for the D1x but is more than a match for any other camera in its class.

The image stabilizer works, the camera is easy to hold and shoot with, lens quality is excellent. I really don't have much to complain about.

Vann's is a great seller. I would recommend them to anyone. You will be pleased with the service.

Vern Rogers

DMC-FZ10K - Looks great from the start

Reviewed By: Brenda Lauer - Sterling, CO

Just received my long awaited DMC-FZ10K digital camera. The 12xzoom, ease of use, and quality pictures have lived up to all the reviews that I read during my research. My compliments to Vann's - all of the individuals I spoke with were very customer service oriented - even during the time they were out of stock.

Like a Leica? Love a Lumix!

Reviewed By: Stephen Messutta - Wilmette, IL

Lumix, what an odd brand name, I first thought. Well, if it was to make the shopper look beyond the label and into the details, it has served its purpose well. I looked at the word 'Lumix' for about 5 seconds, and then my eyes focused on the lens. Leica. Leica? O MI -- Leica!

Leica optics - incredible. Panasonic electronics - wow. What a combo. So I researched a bit more, and toyed with the DMC 43 a very compact 4 mp version but with only 3x optical zoom and available under 3 bills, or the papa bear FZ10 with 12xoptical zoom plus digital.

I had filmmanual Leicas when I was younger, and knew the optics could not be beat. Then I wondered if I really needed the 12x, because I was going to keep my Canon Rebel including a 100-300mm Canon AF zoom anyway, and thought well, if I buy the Panasonic 43, I can have the best optics and then buy a Canon EOS digital when that price comes down currently over a grand MSRP. I then realized that if I bought a digital Canon, I would still not have the zoom that Lumix offered without significant additional cost, or the optics at any price, and bought the FZ10.

I am 99.999999 happy with this decision. What I didn't know is that in AE mode, where you can set Aperture or shutter speed for example, that a if you set the shutter the camera automatically chooses an aperture setting and b in low light in AE mode the AF autofocus feature may not work. So I need to work with the camera more to learn more 'manual' operations as well as manual focus, which I am used to. That being said, everything else seems flawless. The final 'unknown' is how moisture resistant the camera is - I know the batterySD card compartment is not weatherproof.

I don't see another camera on the market, however, with the optics, zoom with continuous optical image stablizer, ease of use, on-board features and options, as the FZ10.

So Nikon, Olympus, Canon, Kodak, Sony, Minolta ... yes you have some wonderful products out there, but I'm old fashioned and optics comes first. And for me there's nothing like a Leica.

Finally, the camera comes with various accessories nominal card capacity 16mb so if you buy this invest in a higher capacity card - I went w a 128mb to start 1 battery and a separate charger cables for direct hookup to computer, printer, etc. and Arcsoft editing...software which I've already used and found to be very good. There are additional accessories available as well including telephoto add-ons final mm I can't imagine, filters and such.

I hope Panasonic decides to keep this line without body modifications and that they or someone will come out with a dedicated case of some kind.

Panasonic FZ10

Reviewed By: Pete Patriquin - Pembroke Pines, Florida

Imagine taking a full-featured digital camera with excellent image quality, then bolting on a 12X optically-stabilized zoom lens! That's the Panasonic FZ10. I've had a bunch of other digital cameras to serve as comparison, and I say without hesitation, this Panasonic is FABULOUS! Don't hesitate.

This LUMIX packs a punch!

Reviewed By: Guillermo Estrada - Oklahoma city, Oklahoma

Ease of use, outstanding value and an outstanding performance will make you want you to take this baby anywhere. From the sports arena to nature, to the controlled space of your studio, from a sunny beach to a candlelight scene!

If you are a point and shot photographer you'll be pleased. For the serious photographer, complete manual control is readily available.

Besides all this good, this camera is built strong like a tank, the lens diameter is about 400 mm. Just try to get something this big for this price, it just doesn't exist. The LCD viewer is 2 inches wide,the controls are logically situated, the 12X optical zoom and antishake technology work together like bread and butter.

Just make sure to buy 256mb card and a bag for it

because you'll be taking this camera everywhere.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ10

Reviewed By: James Bentley - Nokomis, FL

The FZ10 has several features that make it attractive. It is full featured, meaning that one can set it to function fully automatically, but it also has full manual controls, so that the user can select from a full range of options, such as aperature, shutter speed, full manual, etc.

Also, the Leica 12 X optical zoom with manual focus if desired and with image stabilization is unique so far to this camera.

The controls are all pretty much intuitive, but a careful reading of the printed manual is helpful, especially if one's photo experience is limited.

For the individual with photographic experience, one can go to the set up menu and the record menu and really personally the settings to suit one's individual preferences.

The user can select a spot metering mode from the menu if desired. On manual focus something that I would not be without, the center portion is magnified to assist in achieving the optimum focus. The duration of the display of the recorded image can be adjusted. A histogram can be displayed if desired. The list of personal settings goes on and on. Of course, one has the option of setting the camera to the 'program' mode and everything is done automatically.

I for one like the design of the FZ10. Having used 35 mm SLRs for years, I like having a camera that, although smaller than a typical 35 mm SLR, has a familiar feel. It feels solid in my hands, yet lighter than my SLRs.

My one concern is that in spite of the Leica lens, my photos are often not as sharp as I would like them to be. The camera is certainly reasonably priced for all that it offers, but I would have expected more sharpness from the Leica lens.

The buying experience from Vanns couldn't have been better. I ordered on line, and I was promptly notified that my order was being processed, and shortly thereafter I was notified that the camera had been shipped.

I was kept fully informed of all aspects of the transaction including the shipping and shipping numbers. The camera was shipped

via FedEx, and the changes were extremely reasonable. I ordered on a Thursday and had the camera by Monday.

I wouldn't hesitate to order from Vanns again.

Panasonic Digital Camera DMC-FZ10K

Reviewed By: Hazel Roman - San Antonio, Texas

Ordering, Delivery and Customer Service were great.

Like the feel, appearance and features of the DMC-FZ10K. Zoom is fabulous and being able to convert the lens is great. Biggest negative is the quality of the pictures of this 4 megapixels camera is not as good as the pictures of my old 2.1 megapixels Olympus C2100UZ camera. Also, very noisy to operate, loud 'click, click' when focused - very loud 'cla-click' when shutter is released. Since my main subjects are birds and animals, these noises eliminate stealth photography.

Panasonic DMC-FZ10

Reviewed By: Bob Keppel - Oak Ridge, NJ

Really nice camera. The 12X optical zoom with the apeture remaining at f2.8 is a great feature. Using the 3X digital on top of the optical zoom for a total of 36X showed considerable camera shake in the viewfinder, but the image stabilization feature produced a crisp image with no apparent pixelation on an 8 12 x 11 enlargement. The areas which were not as satifying concern the built-in flash, which is much too intense even with the flash output adjusted down to its minimum of -2 stops exposure value. I would like it better if the flash could be angled up so that the light could be bounced off the ceiling. That would solve the problem of of flash intensity and would enable a much more natural subject lighting. The other problem concerning the flash is that there is no provision made for auto focus in low light conditions - exactly when a flash is needed. Other than these two areas, the camera is an excellent value, one which I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone.