Panasonic DMC-ZS50K Lumix 4K Digital Camera ZS50K, 12.1 Megapixel Pocket-Size Camera with 24mm Travel Zoom Lecia Lens, Low Light Sensor (Black)

I am on day 3 of using this camera and I love it. I took a 3-hour hike yesterday shooting all the way, and have really gotten to know it. I downloaded all the shots last night and am really happy with them. The amazing thing is how sharp the 30X pictures are when hand held. I’ve attached a pic that I took at 30X and I hope Amazon saves the full resolution, because it shows the crispness of the detail possible in a hand held 30X pic. It’s due to the well-designed image stabilization, and great sensor, (and great optics). Because the image stabilization is so good even through the viewfinder, it is not hard to compose the long-range shots—the viewfinder image is not jerky even at 30X. Some people say they don’t need a 30X zoom, they say that it’s a just a gimmick or only needed for long nature shots. But even if you are simply taking pictures on the street, when you are looking for great shots, it’s amazing the variety of new subjects you can obtain simply because you can reach further from where you are standing. Go for the long zoom, you will use it constantly. Battery life if very long. I took 140 shots yesterday, and the battery was still at 3 full bars afterward. I did buy the BM extra battery kit shown on this amazon page ($19) just in case. The EFV (electronic view finder) is also a main reason to get this camera. I wear reading glasses (reluctantly) and I hate having to put them on every time I want to take a shot. With other cameras, and with my iPhone 7, I’d have to fumble my reading glasses out of my pocket for each shot. With a good EFV like this, you don’t need to do that. Rather, just set the diopter focus once to match your eyes, and you can leave your reading glasses behind. The EFV on this camera is as good as ones on much more expensive cameras. Smaller of course, but very good. Controls: I’ve owned a lot of high-end cameras, and this is my simplest yet. If you stick to Ai mode, this is a simple point-and-shoot camera. But there is a lot of depth below the surface with all the extra settings that are possible. I also own a Lumix DMC-FZ2500, and the power of this smaller camera is comparable in many ways. Of course, this ZS50 camera is more limited than that amazing (but huge) FZ2500 camera; but for on-the-go shots, the ZS50 has all I need. I especially like the manual focus ring, it’s useful for some closeup shots where you want to carefully pick what’s in focus. Also regarding controls, even if you primarily want a point and shoot camera, I do recommend you learn the other settings for this camera (study the manual). That’s because, as many reviewers here have said, the powerful controls are easy to change in your pocket without knowing you did it. So it’s helpful to be able to identify what setting you put it in accidentally, so you can put it back to where you want it. I just take a quick glance at the upper left corner of the screen/viewfinder before each new set of shots; that tells me if I jiggled the controls or not. Size and weight: this camera fits easily in the front pocket of my blue jeans. Very light. I’ve had even smaller cameras, (my 20-year-old Canon PowerShot Elph for example), and if all you want is a tiny and simple point and shoot you might do better with something that size and power. But with the extra power this camera has, I can’t imagine controlling it in a smaller form factor. The camera powers up very quickly, which is good if you are on the go and pulling the camera in and out of your pocket for quick shots. I initially considered getting one of the newer models in this line (ZS60, ZS70), those with a 20M image capacity (and 4K video), but after my research I feel I picked the right model with the ZS50. If you read all the reviews of this camera here on Amazon, you will read from a number of people who tried out the newer models and found the image quality to be worse on the newer ones, and came back to this one. I think that must be due to the sensor. By now you know Panasonic used a lower pixel density sensor on this camera, which means each pixel is larger at the fixed sensor size of this line. I suspect that’s what makes the difference. I have cameras with much higher pixel density, but I don’t miss them. At 12.1M, this camera is perfect for me since I usually only view the image on a screen. The biggest images I display from it are on a 4K image wall-mounted TV. That requires a 9M sized image so the match is great. If I were cropping images in Photoshop and actually printing large photos from them, I’d use a camera with a higher pixel density. By the way, like many Lumix cameras, you can digital zoom beyond the 30X optical limit, but I tried that and the pics I took with that were not sharp. Stick with the optical 30X zoom. So to wrap it up, I needed a good pocket camera that was simple but had lots of hidden power, had an EFV, and a high-quality long zoom, and this is it. And by the way, since it’s a two-year old model, today’s price is great too.

I basically agree with the positive reviews posted here. This is a great compact camera, loaded with features. After six months I am still finding new things to do with it. It has a very good 30x zoom lens and the image stabilization is good enough so that you don't need a tripod to use the full zoom in good light. The viewfinder is essential in the brightest light--and where else can you find one on a compact camera these days? The video works very well. There is even a movable ring around the lens that can be programmed for manual focus, among other things. Unlike some people, I haven't had the ink on the main knob wear off--perhaps because I'm using the silver model. The battery is fine, but the 300-shot capacity listed on Amazon may be a bit optimistic. I recommend getting an external charger and a couple of extra batteries. It would also be nice if Panasonic provided some sort of plastic lens cover, as the metal fan mechanism covering the lens appears a bit fragile. I also think this camera takes very credible photos in low light and, for most purposes, you can bump the ISO up to 800 over even 1600 without too much noise. One reason the camera does well in low light is because Panasonic went against the market's push towards ever-higher pixel counts and lowered the megapixel count in the ZS50 to 12 in 2015. With the small sensors in compact cameras, raising the pixel count means making each pixel smaller, which makes it harder to absorb light when little is present. Twelve megapixels seems to be a good trade-off--pictures are still sharp in good light and low light performance is very respectable. Those wanting a new camera, however, should be aware that for 2016's model, the ZS60S, Panasonic has raised the pixel count up to 18 megapixels. It would be worth looking up some professional reviews of the new camera to see how low-light performance holds up. So what's not to like about the ZS50? Well, if you are a Macintosh user you will quickly find that the Mac isn't supported by Panasonic. True, you can load the pictures themselves easily enough via Photos. They are transferred by date with basic information such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focal length. But most other settings are lost--shooting mode, scenes, creative touches, etc. Given this camera's great flexibility and many options, this is a serious problem for anyone truly interested in photography. To get this information on the computer, I have had to scroll through each picture on the camera (in full display mode) while simultaneously viewing them on Photos, typing in the settings in Photos' Info window one by one from the camera's display screen. Try doing this for, say, 1,000 pictures! Contacting Panasonic tech support was no help--as soon as you tell them you have a Mac, they say they can't help you. There's no excuse for this. Come on Panasonic! The Macintosh is a major computer system, one preferred by many graphics professionals. How hard would it be to take the program you already have for Windows users and adapt it for the Mac? For all that, I don't regret buying this camera. I just wish Panasonic would take into consideration all computer users.

I have owned a half dozen of the TZ and now ZS cameras. All of them have been exceptional performers. Some have complained the ZS50 has a lower resolution than older units and at some focal lengths they are correct. My ZS20 can out resolve the ZS50 by a very slim margin at 24-150mm, but really only noticeable when viewed at 70-100%. With all the extra features, focal length, HD video, RAW availability, awesome EVF, etc. the ZS50 is a clear winner and I can overlook the drop in resolution at some focal lengths. I haven't owned the ZS30 or ZS40 so no comment on them. Honestly the largest reason for upgrading was the awesome live view EVF. I have hated every camera I've ever owned with only a LCD for viewing, but I put up with it for convenience, now no more. I know the ZS40 had a 200K pixel EVF but it was way below my 1M pixel threshold. The only complaint I have is where the flash is located in combination with the larger grip. I now hold the ZS50 like a conventional camera, with sometimes zooming with the control ring. Using this configuration, my finger/s block part of the flash, which results in half the image being darker. I now have to remember to hold differently. I don't normally use the flash too much, other than indoor fun shots of my wife and our pets, so this complaint is not enough to downgrade. Having bought my first digital camera some 13 years ago, it's simply amazing what the engineers have developed in all areas of digital photography. I mean who would have ever thought a tiny camera like this was even possible 13 years ago, let alone with a 24-720m zoom range, optical stabilization, HD video, RAW, etc. I remember when adding RAW capability was such a big deal when finally adopted by the manufacturers. Simply amazing what is happening in the digital photography World today!!! In conclusion, buy one of these ZS50's and start smiling... kd

I'm not a well individual. I buy toys. The good news I use them. So far, under easy conditions, I've shot about 200 pics with this latest of my Lumix cameras. I THINK, and know it could be fooled by the name, that the Leica lens matters. I suspect that problems some might have with this camera may be underestimating it. Just because you have 700 MM in your hands, even with stabilization, does not mean you no longer need a tripod or solid support at 700 mm. I love this camera. Because of my shopping illness, I have a number of options. I've learned that a view finder and not just a rear-screen is essential. Mandatory. I have a crossover Leica. It takes better pictures, and cost double. Well now, triple almost. It is larger. I love it. I keep grabbing this Lumix to be within arms-reach when I'm on "bird alert." I also have rather large hands, and even with this camera being pretty small, I find it comfortable. It has a very handy feature I've had before and love. When you put your eye to the viewfinder, the screen display automagically switches to the viewfinder. I really get annoyed by having to push a button to go from screen-view to viewfinder view. I'm easily annoyed I know. Problems? of course. The knob that rotates (some have said the ink wears off, but I don't know yet) for selecting options on menus and the like rotates too easily. I end up changing things I did not intend to change. Basically, once again, Lumix w/ Leica glass has put out a camera that delivers GREAT bang for the buck. Does my BIG Sony with a dedicated 100 mm macro lens, 24 megapixels, full frame chip get a better image? Sure. Does it fit in my pocket? Not as well. Can I take a real full moon picture with it? Happily, for the first time in my life yes. BUT I love this Lumix. It is a bit larger than the pocket-sized Lumix before it, but that one did not have a viewfinder. The 500 or so mm was fine. The image was fine. The size was astonishing for what it delivered. BUT, shoot in daylight? A viewfinder is a good thing. This camera deserves respect. If the care that one might put into shooting with a large camera with a 700 mm lens is put into this low-key gem, the results will, I think , astonish.

An excellent camera. Has a lot of functionality you wouldn't expect on a point and shoot. Manual mode, aperture priority, shutter priority, etc. Plus, these are controlled by hardware wheels (there are 2 wheels, one around the lens and the other around the navigation buttons) and not by a touch screen. A small downside is that the camera is slightly slow to respond to turning the wheel. One of the very good things about this camera is that in bright light the auto zoom functions quickly. I've had birds fly by and I've just spun around and took some pictures without even looking through the viewfinder or at the display, and they've come out quite sharp. The zoom is great too, in this small package. It slightly suffers from a small sensor, and at high zoom levels white/black transitions might have some blue/red artifacting from the bayer pattern of the sensor. Another small thing is that the geometry of the camera is such that my finger often blocks the flash when it fires and I have to retake the photo. Finally, the wifi connection to the phone is convenient if you want to upload to instagram right away. You need a panasonic app from the app store and it is nothing special, but it is straight-forward and gets the job done. If you want a versatile camera for all lighting conditions with quality that will stomp the snot out of any cellphone camera without lugging a ton of dSLR equipment and 5 lenses around, this is what you want. Easily fits into most pockets and small purses.

A nice camera in that it has excellent zoom capability and is capable of taking lower light photos. ALL of the lettering on the selection knob came off within five months of owning my first camera so I had to rely on the on-screen info to know if I was in Program mode or any other mode. The viewfinder is nice to have as an option, but it is difficult to see out of and is minimally effective. This is my second Lumix camera that had a shattered view screen (from an unknown source) forcing me to buy another camera. Obviously I like the cameras or I wouldn't have purchased three, but neither of the first two held up well and losing the labeling on the selection knob is very annoying. If this camera doesn't last a year I won't purchase the same again!

When we opened the box, the retractable lens cover was only half-way closed. We inserted the already charged battery and the retractable lens cover opened all the way. Upon turning the camera off, the retractable lens cover only closed half-way. To me there is no excuse for this camera getting past quality control and getting boxed up with this issue. We have already received a replacement from Amazon, I'll try to update our thoughts after more time with it, but to be honest I should not be buying another Panasonic ZS* camera. We have an older ZS model and had a bad experience sending it back for repair (it had issues with out of focus pictures). After having our camera for a month or more, Panasonic opted to send us a refurbished camera, one model up from ours which needed repair. And now 3~4 years later that replacement is having focus problems and an issue where the retractable lens cover does not fully retract. That is why it was particularly un-nerving to unbox the new one and see the same issue. However, the ZS50 was on-sale at a great price so we are taking the chance on Panasonic again. If you get a good one and at good sale price, it is a great little camera. The optical zoom is the must-have feature for some in the family. Other alternatives with such a high-zoom seem to cost much more. We have our fingers crossed that this one is not lemon.

For some perspective: I shoot photos professionally, with micro four thirds cameras and pretty high quality lenses. I have a lot of experience shooting in low-light settings. I planned to attend a concert at which no "professional" cameras were allowed. I have smuggled my good camera into similar venues - it's not fun, but i get good shots, and I see nothing ethically wrong with this given that photos are allowed (cell phones all over the place); one venue once thanked me on Facebook for sharing my photos, and I pointed out that they were only possible because I had ignored their ban on "detachable lens cameras." However, my upcoming concert was a bucket-list concert for me; I did not want to risk ejection, and I wanted to be sure to get photos. Various online reviews of point-and-shoot (i.e., non-professional) cameras good for low-light setting (even with stage lighting, concerts are typically not well lighted) suggested that this camera was a good one. Its zoom range is impressive, it has a viewfinder that provides a good image, and it can be used in various modes, including fully manual, which is important to me. I bought it. The low-light performance was disappointing to me. Maximum ISO is 6400. This setting produced very noisy images, with some yellow discoloration in shadows. My MFT cameras can get much higher quality images at an ISO of 10,000, and can shoot even higher if I am willing to accept a lot of noise. I prefer to shoot raw, and eliminate noise in post-processing. With my ISO 6400 shots from the concert the jpeg produced by the camera had better noise reduction than I could achieve by processing the raw file -- the camera's algorithm did a good job of noise reduction. However, this algorithm eliminated detail--it's not unusual to sacrifice detail to reduce noise, but this was a big loss of detail. I present several images, all labeled. All were uploaded as 800x640 jpegs. The jpeg straight from the camera does not look bad, until you examine an enlargement -- the loss of detail is apparent. The raw straight out of the camera (of course processed somewhat as all raw images must be in order to be seen; I use Raw Therapee) shows that more detail was captured, but you can also see the noise. i present two additional images - a raw processed to reduce noise to a tolerable(?) level and yet still retain detail, and the same image converted to black/white, which many people view as more appealing when there is noise. The yellow discoloration is apparent in all of the color images; I find it quite unpleasant. You be the judge. In fairness to the camera, i did not expect its images to match the quality of those produced by my MFT. The Lumix's cost is about 1/8 the cost of the camera and lens combination that i would have selected to shoot this concert. For a point-and-shoot it created passable images in this challenging setting, and in normal daylight settings its images are quite nice. Its zoom worked very well, with the image stabilization doing what it needed to do (this image was shot at ISO 6400, 1/160 sec, f/5.6, with the lens zoomed to 47.5 mm - approximately a 267mm 35mm-equivalent with the ZS50's 5.62 crop factor). As some others have noted, the viewfinder is at the upper left corner of the camera (seen from the rear) which seems like it's the wrong place - I expect it to be centered over the lens - but you'll get used to it. In summary, it's a nice camera - I like the viewfinder, the zoom range, and the image stabilization. Compared to a much more expensive camera its low-light setting was not great, but it did its job.

La cámara es práctica y pequeña, manejable y con múltiples funciones. la función de wifi es un poco complicada de comprender pero es muy útil el contar con ella

3 meses después de que lo compré presenta una falla. La cámara es prácticamente nueva con uso súper cuidado... el único centro de servicio Panasonic me dice que no la puede arreglar porque no la compré en un establecimiento en México... NO la recomiendo.

Has no one else had problems with all their photos turning out with an odd blue tinge to them? Below to the left is a picture taken with this camera's 'intelligent auto' setting, while the picture on the right was made using my old point and shoot, without any color corrections made by the camera. The colors on the right are much truer to life. I'd have been really upset to have bought this camera for a special trip, only to find out that all my pictures wound up ruined by the overzealous 'auto-correct' program. I think the problem only happens in scenes with lots of orange in front of a blue sky. But why get a camera that only works 3 out of 4 seasons. Surely there's others on the market that work 365 days a year.

a very good camera.what i like is i can easily transfer the pictures on my phone and post it on social media.

. Le flash est très mal placé! Lorsque vous tenez l'appareil dans votre main droite, votre index recouvre le flash. Mal pensé pour une compagnie qui fait normalement d'excellents produits . The flash is placed directly in the front of your finger when taking a picture