Capture Moments with Clarity and Detail Using Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12

If you're looking for a compact digital camera that delivers impressive image quality, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 is worth considering. With advanced features such as face detection and image stabilization, capturing high-quality shots is made easy. Learn more about this camera's capabilities and why it's a popular choice for amateur and professional photographers alike.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 article cover photo

Key Features

Apr 17 2009

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPanasonic
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight129g
MSRP$159USD

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Overview of the Lumix DMC-FS12

In this era where photographs are a fundamental aspect of daily life, having a reliable camera is essential. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 is a compact digital camera that packs a punch. It comes with advanced features that make it easy to capture stunning images with clarity and detail. The Lumix DMC-FS12 boasts a 12-megapixel sensor, allowing you to capture images with high-quality resolution with every click. The camera comes with image stabilization technology, which prevents blurry images, even when capturing fast-moving subjects. This feature is especially important when you're taking shots in low light environments. The camera has face detection technology, which ensures that your subject is in focus, regardless of where they are positioned in the frame. Furthermore, it has a 4x optical zoom, which provides the flexibility to bring far-away subjects closer to you. In conclusion, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 is the perfect digital camera for hobbyists and professionals alike. It's small, lightweight, and compact, making it easy to travel with. With advanced features such as face detection and image stabilization, you'll be able to capture breathtaking shots with ease.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-quality images and videos
Easy to use interface
Compact and lightweight design
Image stabilization technology
Fast autofocus
Large LCD screen
Decent zoom range
Good battery life
Multiple shooting modes
Good low light performance

Cons

Limited manual control options
No optical viewfinder
No external mic jack
Limited ISO range
Slow continuous shooting speed
Limited aperture range
No raw capture mode
Average build quality
No built-in GPS
Limited video resolution

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12

Weather sealed
Dimensions97 x 55 x 22mm
Weight129g
Thickness22mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeUltracompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.70" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Lumix DMC-FS12 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 has a 12MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - 6400.

Key Features

Apr 17 2009

Announced

80 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - 6400
Max resolution4000 x 3000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Lumix DMC-FS12 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC card, Internal
Battery Life
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 supports SD/SDHC card, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 uses the undefined model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 features a CCD sensor

Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 weather sealed?

No the Lumix DMC-FS12 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 announced?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 was announced on Apr 17 2009

Does the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Lumix DMC-FS12 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12?

The Lumix DMC-FS12 has a native ISO range of 80-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-6400 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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