Capture Life's Moments in Stunning Clarity: A Review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 Camera

In this blog post, we'll delve into the features and benefits of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 camera, one of the best cameras on the market for enthusiasts and travelers alike. From its compact size and impressive zoom capabilities to its high-quality image and video capture, we'll explore why this camera is a must-have for anyone looking to snap photos and record memories with ease and precision. Whether you're looking to upgrade your current camera or invest in a new one, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 is the perfect choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable tool for photography and videography.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 06 2015

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPanasonic
Sensor Type1/2.3
SensorCMOS
Weight243g
MSRP$399USD

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Overview of the Lumix DMC-ZS50

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. And in today's fast-paced world, where we're constantly bombarded with images and information, having a high-quality camera at your fingertips is more important than ever. Enter the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50, a camera that packs a powerful punch in a compact and portable design. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply someone who enjoys capturing life's moments, the Lumix DMC-ZS50 is the perfect tool for the job. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at why this camera is such a popular choice for enthusiasts and travelers alike, and explore its many impressive features and benefits. So grab your camera bag and let's get started!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 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
30x zoom
Image stabilization
WiFi and NFC connectivity
Lightweight and compact

Cons

Smaller sensor size
Limited manual controls
No 4K video recording
No electronic viewfinder
Limited battery life

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50

Weather sealed
Dimensions111 x 65 x 34mm
Weight243g
Thickness34mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 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 FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution1,040k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,040k dots. This makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 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

Lumix DMC-ZS50 includes a electronic viewfinder with 1,166k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.46x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 has a 12MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 has a native ISO range of 80 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jan 06 2015

Announced

80 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4000 x 3000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

44 / 102

Color Depth

20 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

11.2 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

138 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 camera has average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, 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-ZS50 is poor

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

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Battery Life300 shots
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, 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-ZS50 uses the undefined model of battery pack. This is rated for 300 shots 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-ZS50 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-ZS50 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-ZS50 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 23 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-ZS50?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 weather sealed?

No the Lumix DMC-ZS50 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 announced?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 was announced on Jan 06 2015

Does the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Lumix DMC-ZS50 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-ZS50?

The Lumix DMC-ZS50 has a native ISO range of 80-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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