This review is from: Panasonic Lumix FZ62 Bridge Camera – Black (16.1MP, 24x Optical Zoom) 3 inch LCD (Electronics)
I already own the FZ48 & am impressed with it’s performance but could not resist buying the new FZ62. I was initially concerned about the increase from 12MP to 16MP with such a small processor but my doubts proved to be short-lived. The new CMOS sensor performs brilliantly with increased low light performance, accurate colour reproduction & excellent IQ. The addition of extra pre set buttons means there is less need to search through the cameras menu system resulting in faster settings change. The addition of variable defocus, HDR & a host of new creative settings with ‘in camera’ retouch is excellent, also the ability to set the ISO in 1/3rd increments is a great addition. The FZ62 also has a larger intelligent zoom up to 48x which presents surprisingly good quality images at full digital zoom!
One thing worth noting is that a lens hood is not included with the FZ62 unlike there was with the FZ48, this was a slight disappointment but these are cheaply available online so wasn’t a major problem. I do consider a lens hood to be an essential accessory.
If you have been considering the FZ48 then I would definitely recommend paying a bit more and going for the FZ62 as it has a number of worthwhile improvements over previous models.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Panasonic Lumix FZ62 Bridge Camera – Black (16.1MP, 24x Optical Zoom) 3 inch LCD (Electronics)
This is a good bridge camera which replaces the FZ48 but note that HD video recording is still 1080i/720p not the full 1080p/50fps you get on the FZ150 and there is no option to connect an external microphone for much improved sound recording. It is cheaper and more compact than an equivalent DSLR but note that the sensor is smaller.
There is very little change in the specifications compared with the older and cheaper FZ48 model other than the higher pixel count but note that pixel count alone is no guarantee of higher quality. Compare the specs side by side at Panasonic’s panasonic.net website (click on Select and Compare).
This review is from: Panasonic Lumix FZ62 Bridge Camera – Black (16.1MP, 24x Optical Zoom) 3 inch LCD (Electronics)
UPDATED 2/10/2012 I own this camera & after a nightmare trying to get the printable manual (see below) the jury is still out. I agree with the other reviewer/writer it has excellent features, too many without a manual to hand, also too many menus. Without actually looking at the rear buttons before shooting it is easy to hit the wrong one/button during use, especially the AF/AF closeup/MF button, sometimes I manage to touch one by mistake in use & I don’t have an enormous thumb! The red movie button on the top seems eratic both beginning & stopping a movie, sometimes does not work for me so I prefer to use the main dial for movie mode, also the on/off lever feels as if 1 day it will snap! Since writing the above I have definitely found the buttons on the back a problem, touching them without trying, & the design of the body with a space for your thumb………you need deformed hands to use it, that’s probably why I touch the buttons accidentally, the auto focus does not focus on the object always, sometimes on something in front of it to the side instead, I’ve tried changing the focus modes to no avail. OTHER GRIPES……………NO MOVABLE SCREEN, also the lens cover…………..problems getting off & on! The zoom lens works well in low light, & now have made good movies & shot reasonable photos in Auto mode. The stills are OK but I expected more, especially using the Zoom the camera does not auto-focus well in my opinion. Another big gripe as has been stated in all reviews is the lack of any extended time mode. I used to like shooting the night sky, also movement of speed shots, not possible at all. I have owned 2 Olympus cameras previously & both were better thought out body-wise, also allowed night shots etc. I did think about sending it back but shall continue in my quest for excellence because what else is available? So to sum up………. GOOD Value for money & features compared with competitors, I spent days researching them all. Has a viewfinder. Some/most photos are good. Movies. Battery life. BAD Stills focusing. On one menu option it has various so-called focus points outlined together, who wants that, I just want to focus on the main object? If I could I would post examples but not sure you can with comments? No extended exposure. Instructions. UGLY Body design & button placement. Panasonic website/sites, although they do respond quickly.
THIS WAS MY 1ST COMMENT! Panasonic have changed their website since!? I received the camera OK but there is no manual. I went to Panasonic.eu, downloaded the manual, printed it………….over 200 pages only to find the downloaded FZ62 manual had different functions to the actual camera received. So I went back to Panasonic, registered it as OTHER because there is not a FZ62 showing then looked for another manual. I found a manual with the FZ62 I had but it also has the FZ200 which means spending ages separating the pages because they are not separate but mixed together. I decided to complain to Panasonic…………on the form for contacting Panasonic Customer Services.eu they only have USA States so I had to choose WYOMING to get it sent! The manual problem is scandelous, BE WARNED IN ADVANCE you only receive a very basic paper instruction leaflet included with the camera.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
An updated and much improved FZ48!,
I already own the FZ48 & am impressed with it’s performance but could not resist buying the new FZ62. I was initially concerned about the increase from 12MP to 16MP with such a small processor but my doubts proved to be short-lived. The new CMOS sensor performs brilliantly with increased low light performance, accurate colour reproduction & excellent IQ. The addition of extra pre set buttons means there is less need to search through the cameras menu system resulting in faster settings change. The addition of variable defocus, HDR & a host of new creative settings with ‘in camera’ retouch is excellent, also the ability to set the ISO in 1/3rd increments is a great addition. The FZ62 also has a larger intelligent zoom up to 48x which presents surprisingly good quality images at full digital zoom!
One thing worth noting is that a lens hood is not included with the FZ62 unlike there was with the FZ48, this was a slight disappointment but these are cheaply available online so wasn’t a major problem. I do consider a lens hood to be an essential accessory.
If you have been considering the FZ48 then I would definitely recommend paying a bit more and going for the FZ62 as it has a number of worthwhile improvements over previous models.
Was this review helpful to you?
|New model adds little,
This is a good bridge camera which replaces the FZ48 but note that HD video recording is still 1080i/720p not the full 1080p/50fps you get on the FZ150 and there is no option to connect an external microphone for much improved sound recording. It is cheaper and more compact than an equivalent DSLR but note that the sensor is smaller.
There is very little change in the specifications compared with the older and cheaper FZ48 model other than the higher pixel count but note that pixel count alone is no guarantee of higher quality. Compare the specs side by side at Panasonic’s panasonic.net website (click on Select and Compare).
The FZ48 is here: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48EB-K Hybrid Super Zoom Digital Camera (12.1MP, 24x Optical Zoom) 3.0 inch LCD
Personally I wouldn’t buy the 62 over the 48 without seeing reviews indicating a significant improvement in image quality.
Was this review helpful to you?
|What else can you buy?,
UPDATED 2/10/2012
I own this camera & after a nightmare trying to get the printable manual (see below) the jury is still out.
I agree with the other reviewer/writer it has excellent features, too many without a manual to hand, also too many menus.
Without actually looking at the rear buttons before shooting it is easy to hit the wrong one/button during use, especially the AF/AF closeup/MF button, sometimes I manage to touch one by mistake in use & I don’t have an enormous thumb! The red movie button on the top seems eratic both beginning & stopping a movie, sometimes does not work for me so I prefer to use the main dial for movie mode, also the on/off lever feels as if 1 day it will snap!
Since writing the above I have definitely found the buttons on the back a problem, touching them without trying, & the design of the body with a space for your thumb………you need deformed hands to use it, that’s probably why I touch the buttons accidentally, the auto focus does not focus on the object always, sometimes on something in front of it to the side instead, I’ve tried changing the focus modes to no avail.
OTHER GRIPES……………NO MOVABLE SCREEN, also the lens cover…………..problems getting off & on!
The zoom lens works well in low light, & now have made good movies & shot reasonable photos in Auto mode. The stills are OK but I expected more, especially using the Zoom the camera does not auto-focus well in my opinion. Another big gripe as has been stated in all reviews is the lack of any extended time mode. I used to like shooting the night sky, also movement of speed shots, not possible at all.
I have owned 2 Olympus cameras previously & both were better thought out body-wise, also allowed night shots etc.
I did think about sending it back but shall continue in my quest for excellence because what else is available?
So to sum up……….
GOOD
Value for money & features compared with competitors, I spent days researching them all.
Has a viewfinder.
Some/most photos are good.
Movies.
Battery life.
BAD
Stills focusing. On one menu option it has various so-called focus points outlined together, who wants that, I just want to focus on the main object?
If I could I would post examples but not sure you can with comments?
No extended exposure.
Instructions.
UGLY
Body design & button placement.
Panasonic website/sites, although they do respond quickly.
THIS WAS MY 1ST COMMENT! Panasonic have changed their website since!?
I received the camera OK but there is no manual.
I went to Panasonic.eu, downloaded the manual, printed it………….over 200 pages only to find the downloaded FZ62 manual had different functions to the actual camera received. So I went back to Panasonic, registered it as OTHER because there is not a FZ62 showing then looked for another manual. I found a manual with the FZ62 I had but it also has the FZ200 which means spending ages separating the pages because they are not separate but mixed together.
I decided to complain to Panasonic…………on the form for contacting Panasonic Customer Services.eu they only have USA States so I had to choose WYOMING to get it sent!
The manual problem is scandelous, BE WARNED IN ADVANCE you only receive a very basic paper instruction leaflet included with the camera.
Was this review helpful to you?
|