Panasonic's all-in-one super zoom cameras understand garnered too first-rate reviews from critics again consumers homologous because the years, also with applicable reason. The inviting cartel of the Lumix line's Leica-branded optical zoom lenses of up to 12x, and Panasonic's rock-steady MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), have produced cameras that can get incredibly close to the subject while maintaining solid sharpness. Panasonic's latest UltraZoom, the 10.1 megapixel, and 12 xs optical, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 replaces the popular FZ30; and in that regard, it has some big shoes to fill.

The Panasonic FZ50 is additional evolutionary than groundbreaking, which is largely good. Looking virtually exclusive to the FZ30, the Panasonic FZ50 has the equivalent 12x optical (35mm to 420mm repercussion 35mm format) lens in that its predecessor but an uptake character resolution (of course), to lead material to the now de rigueur 10 megapixel. Also new on the FZ50 is the Venus Engine III LSI image processor which moves basic camera functions along at a fairly good clip while ostensibly reducing image noise when shooting at the camera's maximum ISO 3,200 light sensitivity rating. The Panasonic FZ50 also features Panasonic's new Intelligent ISO Control (IIC) which harnesses the power of the Venus Engine III to automatically detect subject movement and adjust ISO and shutter speed to suit the action and lighting conditions.

Other additions are further minor, including a favoring Function Button which lets you briskly overcome apprehension size, ISO, ashen balance also inconsistent frequently used settings. A numerous tenor function remembers a user's frequently chosen settings so they can be summoned instantly at the turn of the mode dial. One other slight change on the Panasonic FZ50 is the initial price which at $650, is about $50 less than what the FZ30 debuted at. But with digital SLRs like the Nikon D40 selling for $600 with a lens, the big question is whether a $650 super zoom all-in-one is still a good choice. Read on to find out.