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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47

*Est. $400
Reviewed
June 2012
by ConsumerSearch
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47

Pros
  • Smooth HD video
  • Excellent color
  • Good handling
  • Numerous shooting modes
Cons
  • No RAW support
  • Noisy at all ISO levels

Reviewers say the 12.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 is worth a look since it offers a lot of features for the price. It has a 24x zoom lens and full HD (1080p) video recording, along with an Intelligent Auto mode that experts say does an excellent job of adapting to various lighting conditions.

Decent photos, but noise is an issue

Image quality is slightly improved over previous models in this series, and photography experts are impressed with the camera's accurate color reproduction and smooth HD (1080p) video. Users have a good amount of control over their photos, as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 includes a manual shooting mode in addition to custom white balance settings. However, reviewers report noise at all ISO levels, especially past ISO 800. Lack of RAW file support is another downside, especially for serious photographers.

The bottom line

Because of the FZ47's noisy photos, it's worth spending a little bit more for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 (*Est. $500), which supports RAW files and has better image quality, especially in low light. 

image
Panasonic DMC-FZ150K 12.1 MP Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor and 24x Optical Zoom (Black)
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Where To Buy
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47K 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 24xOptical Zoom - Black

 (93 reviews)
Buy new: $379.00 $369.00   13 Used & new from $175.00

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Amazon MarketplaceAmazon Marketplace rated 2.74 (235 reviews)235 store reviewsIn Stock. Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com!$369.00
 

Our Sources

1. DCResource.com

Jeff Keller at DCResource.com says the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 "offers a lot of bang for your buck." Photo quality is good (compared to other ultra-zoom cameras), and Keller appreciates the numerous shooting modes, although he has some issues with white balance.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 Review, Jeff Keller, Updated July 2, 2012

2. PhotographyBlog.com

PhotographyBlog.com recommends the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48, although Mark Goldstein thinks it's a little too expensive. However, it is faster than previous models.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48 Review, Mark Goldstein, Aug. 3, 2011

3. DigitalCameraInfo.com

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 earns a very high rating from DigitalCameraInfo.com. Christopher Snow says it "gives even some midrange SLRs a run for their money," thanks to its stable handling, excellent color reproduction and sharp zoom lens.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47, Christopher Snow, Aug. 10, 2011

4. CNET

CNET gives the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 a 3.5-star rating (out of 5). Like many reviewers, Joshua Goldman thinks the DMC-FZ150 is the better buy, but he appreciates the smooth video, numerous shooting modes and relatively speedy performance.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47, Joshua Goldman, Dec. 20, 2011

5. Camera Labs.com

Gordon Laing at CameraLabs.com says the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 has better image quality than its predecessor, but he finds noise even at low ISO settings. "I can still easily recommend it to anyone who's looking for a solid super-zoom camera with decent performance at a good price," he says.

Review: Panasonic Lumix FZ47 / FZ48 review, Gordon Laing, September 2011

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