Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1K 2MP Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom (Black)
by Panasonic
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Our Price: $98.00
You Save: $301.99 (75%)
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: PanasonicModel: DIMAGE-S414
Color: Black
Product features:
- 2-megapixel sensor creates 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints up to 8 x 10 inches
- 12x super optical zoom enhanced by image stabilizer
- 1.5-inch LCD, electronic viewfinder
- Compatible with Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMedia (MMC) cards
- Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
- Adobe Photoshop CS5 Upgrade [Old Version]
- Adobe Photoshop CS4 Upgrade [OLD VERSION]
- AmazonBasics SDHC Class 4 32GB Secure Digital Card
- Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 (Win/Mac) [OLD VERSION]
- Adobe Photoshop CS5 [Old Version]
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1K 2MP Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom (Black)
Customer Review: EASY QUICK AND PAINLESS DIGITAL PHOTOS
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my first digital camera, having used a Kodak Advantix with some zoom capability for the past several years. The cost of film, development, lost pictures and negatives made the purchase of a digital camera a no brainer. However, the one thing lacking from most digital cameras I had seen was an optical zoom. Digital zoom is almost meaningless, so don't be fooled by ads such as "3x Digital Zoom" which doesn't do much alone. I researched various other models, including the Olympus zoom models, but chose this camera because of the terrific price, quality glass Leica lense, compact size and the unbelieveable 12x optical zoom with picture stabilization, which is necessary to take non-blurry pictures at full zoom. The only concern I had was some negative comments by Amazon reviewers regarding low light photos. The first thing I did when I received the camera was take some photos of people in low light conditions at distances over 10 feet with the flash on. I discovered two things: (1) The pictures came out fine. (2) Hey I can use this thing without even looking at the instructions! It is a very simple camera to use, the screen menus are easy to navigate and activate options. The key theme here being the lack of frustration. There is a dial on the camera with little pictures or icons such as: a camera (when you are in normal photo mode), a car (to photo moving objects), a flower (to photo extreme close-ups), a person with a star above them (night photos). It can't be easier than that. Turn that dial to shoot video, press the shutter and you now are recording home video- as long as your memory card permits. I recommend purchasing a large memory card, 128 Megabytes is sufficient, since the 8 MB card that comes with the camera will only let you take about 30 high quality photos. The instruction manual is the best I have seen for an electronic product. Each page has a large heading at the top for the action you are trying to accomplish, i.e., take photos, record video, play back video, delete pictures. This makes it quick to find the topic. Underneath that heading are the simple steps, with diagrams showing you what to do. A positive of this camera is that once you learn how to accomplish an action, it is so intuitive you will likely never have to refer to the manual again once you have tried it.I was unconcerned about some mild criticisms about the lack of manual adjustability of certain camera-tech related functions, which I admittedly do not understand. I am not a professional photographer so I don't feel as I am missing anything, nor will you if you just take casual family, event and vacation related photos.
The second day I had the camera I took it outside and shot some full zoom photos with the picture stabilization feature on. I was stunned by the detail, clarity and quality of the pictures I could obtain from objects at incredible distances. I cannot imagine ever using a camera without an optical zoom again. It simply opens up a whole new world of possiblilites for your pictures and frees you from the limitations of a regular camera, without the need to carry around a bunch of bulky zoom lenses like you might see a professional photogopher use.
The camera seems very sturdy, comes with a nice strap, fine lense cap with its own micro strap connecting it to the camera if you like, to prevent it from being lost. I was initially dissappointed that Amazon only offered the black model, but it looks nicer in person then on the web page. I am now glad they only sell the black version because it looks sharp. If you want some technical oriented reviews, versus an anecdotal review, there are many fine detailed reviews, with examples of actual photos taken using the camera on the web. I liked the one at Digital Camera Resource.
Description of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1K 2MP Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom (Black)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1 features the industry's first 12x super-optical zoom function, which is enhanced by Panasonic's Mega Optical Image Stabilizer feature. The Lumix line of digital cameras integrates the world-renowned optical technology of Germany's Leica with Panasonic's advanced digital audio-video technology. Optics and Resolution
With its 2-megapixel resolution, you can create 1,600 x 1,200-pixel images for enlargements up to 8 by 10 inches. The Lumix DMC-FZ1 offers a Leica 12x optical zoom lens that's equivalent to a 35-420mm zoom lens on a 35mm film camera (the camera also has a 3x digital zoom). This 12x super zoom function is enhanced by the DMC-FZ1's Mega Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) to prevent vibration, which is often a problem when zooming to a distant subject. It even works to minimize the slight shake caused when the user presses the shutter button, helping ensure clear, sharp images.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on either Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB storage-class connectivity, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.
More Features
The Lumix DMC-FZ1 offers a highly responsive operation, with reduced start-up time, a shorter time lag between shutter activation and when the image is captured, and a reduced shutter interval time. A newly developed digital signal processor enhances image quality and boosts processing speed while improving the diagonal resolution by about 50 percent and producing smoother edges.
Other features include:
- 1.5-inch TFT (transreflective) LCD monitor and an electronic viewfinder
- Burst mode of 4 frames per second
- Self-timer of 2 or 10 seconds
Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). It measures 4.9 by 2.8 by 3.3 inches and weighs 12.5 ounces. This package includes the Lumix DMC-FZ1 digital camera, battery and battery charger, USB and AV cables, hand strap, and CD-ROM with imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.
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