IT-Review

Panasonic Lumix FZ-20 Review

Panasonic Lumix FZ-20, just like it predecessor Lumix FZ-10, comes with the same pros and cons, but it still a fantastic camera.

The five megapixel [Panasonic LUMIX] FZ-20 builds on the legacy of the FZ-10, and it comes with some of the same pros and cons found in that earlier model.

The FZ-20 includes Panasonic's optical image stabilization technology, dubbed Mega OIS. The technology, which originally appeared in the company's digital video cameras, uses gyroscopic sensors to note the movement of unsteady hands, and compensates by realigning the lens elements using small servo motors. (It's worth noting that the system only compensates for erratic motion, not purposeful motion. If you move the camera to focus on something else, you'll have no problem.)

While the use of the Mega OIS causes a bit of a hit on the battery, it's worthwhile for a couple of reasons: First of all, it really does help stabilize your shots, especially at the end of your zoom range. Anyone who's ever used a long zoom knows how common it is to zoom all the way in on something, click the shutter and end up with a blurry smear for a picture. With Mega OIS turned on, that happens far less often.