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Panasonic LUMIX FZ20 Point & Shoot Camera

The Panasonic DMC-FZ20 is a 5MP 1/2.5 inch compact camera — with 480p video. Used copies start from $59 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Panasonic LUMIX FZ20 Point & Shoot Camera

Panasonic LUMIX FZ20 Point & Shoot Camera

Used Panasonic DMC-FZ20 Listings on GearFocus

Camera OverviewPanasonic DMC-FZ20

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ20 is a 5MP point-and-shoot camera built around a 1/2.5-inch sensor capable of capturing images at a maximum resolution of 2560x1920 pixels. It offers a range of color profile options including Standard, Natural, Vivid, Black & White, and Sepia, giving shooters meaningful control over the look of their JPEGs straight out of the camera. The autofocus system uses contrast detection with selectable focus point configurations — 1, 3, 9, or Spot — offering flexibility depending on the shooting scenario.

Optical image stabilization (OIS) is built in, helping to reduce camera shake without relying on a digital crop. The camera features a 2.0-inch TFT LCD display with 130,000 dots of resolution alongside an electronic viewfinder, giving users two options for composing shots. For flash, the FZ20 includes a built-in pop-up flash as well as a standard hot shoe for attaching an external unit.

Burst shooting is supported at up to 3 frames per second. ISO sensitivity runs from 80 to 400. Video recording tops out at 480p, with frame rate options of 10fps or 30fps.

Storage relies on SD cards, and the camera connects via USB. Battery life is rated at approximately 240 shots per charge under CIPA standard conditions. The body is constructed from plastic and weighs 520g, with dimensions of 135 x 87 x 106 mm.

Key FeaturesPanasonic DMC-FZ20

5MP 1/2.5-Inch Sensor: Captures images at up to 2560x1920 pixels, suitable for standard prints and everyday shooting.

Optical Image Stabilization: Built-in OIS reduces camera shake optically, without the image quality trade-offs of a digital crop.

Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens: Features a 12x optical zoom Leica-branded lens covering a wide focal range for travel and general photography.

Dual Composition Options: Both a 2.0-inch LCD and an electronic viewfinder are available for framing shots in varying lighting conditions.

Hot Shoe + Built-In Flash: Includes a pop-up flash for quick use alongside a standard hot shoe for attaching a more powerful external flash unit.

Flexible Autofocus Modes: Contrast detection AF with selectable 1-point, 3-point, 9-point, and Spot configurations adapts to different subjects and scenes.

Camera SpecificationsPanasonic DMC-FZ20

Panasonic DMC-FZ20 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel, Wildlife, Sports
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/2.5 inch
Resolution5MP
ISO Range80 – 400
AF SystemContrast Detection
AF Points1, 3, 9, Spot
Max Photo Resolution2560x1920
Burst Rate3 fps
Max Video Resolution480p
Max Frame Rate30fps
Image StabilizationOptical (OIS)

DescriptionPanasonic DMC-FZ20

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ20 is a 5MP point-and-shoot camera equipped with a 1/2.5-inch sensor delivering a maximum still image resolution of 2560x1920 pixels. Shooters can choose from five color profiles — Standard, Natural, Vivid, Black & White, and Sepia — for creative JPEG output without post-processing. The contrast-detection autofocus system supports selectable configurations of 1, 3, 9, or Spot focus points, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is on board to help manage camera shake.

Composition is handled via a 2.0-inch TFT LCD at 130,000 dots or the built-in electronic viewfinder. Flash options include a built-in pop-up flash and a standard hot shoe for external units. Burst shooting reaches 3fps, and ISO spans 80 to 400.

Video records at up to 480p at 30fps. The plastic body measures 135 x 87 x 106 mm and weighs 520g, with USB connectivity and SD card storage support.

ProsPanasonic DMC-FZ20

  • Optical image stabilization (OIS) built in, providing genuine optical shake reduction
  • Flexible autofocus with four selectable focus area modes: 1-point, 3-point, 9-point, and Spot
  • Both a built-in pop-up flash and a standard hot shoe for external flash use

ConsPanasonic DMC-FZ20

  • ISO tops out at 400, limiting shooting flexibility in low-light conditions
  • Video maxes out at 480p resolution, well below modern HD standards
  • Display resolution of 130,000 dots is relatively low by current standards

VideosPanasonic DMC-FZ20

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Resources & DownloadsPanasonic DMC-FZ20

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked QuestionsPanasonic DMC-FZ20

What memory cards does the Panasonic LUMIX FZ20 use?+
The FZ20 supports SD cards as its primary storage format, along with other media types. It connects to a computer via USB for image transfer.
Does the FZ20 have image stabilization?+
Yes, the FZ20 features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This is a true optical system, not a digital one — the specs confirm inBodyIS and digitalIS are both absent, with OIS as the stabilization type.
What is the maximum video resolution on the FZ20?+
The FZ20 records video at a maximum of 480p. Frame rate options are 10fps or 30fps.
Can I use an external flash with the FZ20?+
Yes. The FZ20 has both a built-in pop-up flash for everyday use and a standard hot shoe that accepts external flash units.
What is the ISO range of the FZ20?+
The FZ20 offers an ISO range of 80 to 400. This relatively narrow range reflects its design era as a 5MP compact camera.
How many shots can I expect per battery charge?+
Battery life is rated at approximately 240 shots per charge under CIPA standard testing conditions, using the included Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery.

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