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Panasonic FZ47

 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 front
 
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 1600 (Boost to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-600mm (F2.8-5.2) lens
  • 498g - 120 x 80 x 92mm
  • Announced July 2011
  • Additionally Known as Lumix DMC-FZ48
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
68
Imaging
36
Features
45
Overall
39

Panasonic FZ47 overview

Panasonic FZ47 is Panasonic's Small Sensor Superzoom camera originally launched on July of 2011. The camera features a 12MP, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000. It is also known as "Lumix DMC-FZ48" in other markets.

The FZ47 is scored #147 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras & all-around #746 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. Remember to try out our Smart camera search to see camera listings based on your custom criteria.

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Below is a graph of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Panasonic FZ47 family

The Panasonic FZ47 has a history of related cameras. Below, you can identify all previous and more recent models alongside important specifications.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ80 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ80
FZ47 vs FZ80
20-1200mm
F2.8-5.9
18MP1/2.3"2017
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ300 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ300
FZ47 vs FZ300
25-600mm
F2.8
12MP1/2.3"2015
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ70 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ70
FZ47 vs FZ70
20-1200mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ200 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ200
FZ47 vs FZ200
25-600mm
F2.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ60 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ60
FZ47 vs FZ60
25-600mm
F2.8-5.2
16MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ150 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ150
FZ47 vs FZ150
25-600mm
F2.8-5.2
12MP1/2.3"2012
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ47 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ4725-600mm
F2.8-5.2
12MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ40 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ40
FZ47 vs FZ40
25-600mm
F2.8-5.2
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ100 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ100
FZ47 vs FZ100
25-600mm
F2.8-5.2
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ35 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ35
FZ47 vs FZ35
27-486mm
F2.8-4.4
12MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ28 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ28
FZ47 vs FZ28
27-486mm
F2.8-4.4
10MP1/2.3"2009
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Panasonic FZ47 Pros and Cons

Below is a list of pluses and minuses of the Panasonic FZ47 based on factors that are normally viewed as necessary in a camera.

above average min ISO (100)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
comes with face detection focus
comes with tracking autofocus
does have HDMI socket
excellent zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
flash sync speed is above average (1/2,000 seconds)
focusing manually
great battery (400 CIPA)
great reach (600mm)
has built in flash
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
quite wide (25mm)
screen is a good size (3 inch)
can't swap lens (fixed lens mount)
display is not selfie friendly
external flash not possible
heavier than competitors (498g)
lack of phase detect auto focus
lack of RAW support
low MP (12MP)
low resolution screen (460 thousand dots)
max fps very slow (4.0 fps)
max zoom aperture not good (f5.2)
missing external mic socket
missing headphone socket
missing Time Lapse mode
screen does not articulate
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
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Panasonic FZ47 Sensor info

The Panasonic FZ47 is run by the Venus Engine FHD processor chip. The sensor spec on the Panasonic FZ47 is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor can resolve 4000 x 3000 pixels and aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera has Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is better than digital stabilization since the latter might produce cropping.

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The CCD sensor has 12MP and includes a native ISO range of 100 to 1600. This ISO can be extended digitally to a high of 6400. Sadly, RAW files are not supported therefore you have less room to maneuver in post.

The picture below shows the FZ47's sensor dimensions compared to other common sizes. The FZ47 sensor has a crop factor of 5.9 and is shown in green.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 sensor size Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

To get an idea of various aspect ratios, you can refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Panasonic FZ47 dimensions

Panasonic FZ47 weighs around 1.10 lb (498 gr / 17.57 oz) & the measurement of the camera is 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6"). The weight of normal Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 gr and the Panasonic FZ47 is more heavy when compared to its competitors.

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Below is a visual of the Panasonic FZ47 beside a soft drink to help you to get a feel for its scale.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 dimensions scale

The top view directly below will highlight the button arrangement on the FZ47.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 topview buttons dials

Panasonic FZ47 Lens info

The FZ47 has got an inbuilt lens featuring a focal range of 25-600mm making it a 24.0 x zoom which is great and is going to make it easier to zoom right in.

At the widest 25mm, it has an aperture of f2.8 making it quite slow and not good for low light conditions and you might struggle to get a shallow depth of field. You will likely also have to up the ISO setting which results in noisy pictures. For the tele end, 600mm is great zoom and comes with f5.2 making it quite sluggish and you would need to choose slow shutter speeds.

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Panasonic FZ47 Connectivity

The FZ47 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that include NFC and Bluetooth compatibility can be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You are able to copy pictures and at times alter settings with no need to connect straight to the camera.

Several applications even provide a Liveview and click the shutter if you aren't close to the camera. If the camera boasts a HDMI port, it can be connected to an external display. The majority of cameras will allow you to charge the battery with the USB socket.

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Panasonic FZ47 Video info

The maximum video quality on the Panasonic FZ47 is 1920 x 1080 and you can shoot in AVCHD format. 1080p quality gives a great balance between quality vs file sizes but FULL HD won't give you any room to crop. The camera doesn't feature a microphone and headphone jack which means that you have got little control over the sound. It is probably a better idea to look at a different camera if you want better sound for your video clips.

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Panasonic FZ47 Weather Sealing

There is no weather proofing for the Panasonic FZ47 so you need to be cautious in rainy and dusty conditions.

Panasonic FZ47 Display and Viewfinder

The Panasonic FZ47 features a 3 inch fixed display screen supporting a resolution of 460 thousand dots.

Please be aware that the display has no touch support.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 screen and viewfinder Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

The ViewFinder specifications for Panasonic FZ47 are below:

  • ViewFinder Electronic
  • Coverage 100%

For bright outdoor conditions which make the camera screens washed out and challenging to see, viewfinders can be rather useful.

Panasonic FZ47 Shutter info

Panasonic FZ47 continuous shooting speed is 4.0 fps. The maximum shutter speed is 1/2000s.

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Panasonic FZ47 Flash and Hot shoe info

Panasonic FZ47 has only in-built flash lacking external flash ability. The maximum flash sync speed is 1/2000s.

Panasonic FZ47 Autofocusing info

Panasonic FZ47 has just Contrast Based Autofocus & doesn't have Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more faster & exact when compared to Contrast Based autofocusing. The camera features Face detect which can be handy for taking photos of people.

The AF system features 23 focus points to choose from. It also features Tracking Autofocus for subjects that move. Panasonic FZ47 supports manual focusing if required during low light scenarios or you want to have more exact focusing control.

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Panasonic FZ47 Battery life

The battery for the Panasonic FZ47 is fashioned to last for 400 shots according to the CIPA benchmarks making it above average when compared to its category. The general Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR offers the highest possible (600) battery life within this group of cameras.

Below is a listing of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras that have the strongest battery life:

Panasonic FZ47 for varying categories of photography

The following diagram shows a overview of the Panasonic FZ47 for varying categories of photography. To learn more, scroll to the specific paragraph below.

Panasonic FZ47 Portrait photography advice

The Panasonic FZ47 gets a points tally of 38 which is really bad, meaning that it is simply not very good for portraits. Shooting portrait photos leans heavily to sensor dimension, RAW support together with the potential to use external lighting.

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manual focus
flash sync is higher than normal (1/2,000 seconds)
includes face detection autofocus
external flash not possible
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support

Panasonic FZ47 Street photography advice

Coming in at a really bad rating of 43, the Panasonic FZ47 is simply not very good to buy for street photography. A very good street photography camera provides a fine balance of picture quality and portability.

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image stabilization (Optical)
screen is fixed
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format
heavier than competitors in class (498 grams)

Panasonic FZ47 as a Sports photography camera

A really bad sports photography points tally of 43 indicates the Panasonic FZ47 is simply not very good for taking photos of sports. A camera really should have excellent focusing plus continuous shooting for sports photography.

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excellent zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Optical)
includes tracking autofocus
better than average battery pack (400 CIPA)
slow fps (4.0 fps)
resolution not great (12MP)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect AF

Panasonic FZ47 Travel photography info

Size is extremely crucial in selecting a travel camera. Overall, the Panasonic FZ47 gets a reasonable 52 for a travel camera which makes it relatively suitable to take on your trips.

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great battery pack (400 per charge)
has built in flash
pretty wide (25mm)
very long zoom (600mm)
lack of Time Lapse mode
heavier than average (498 grams)
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
does not have a selfie friendly screen
slow maximum aperture (f2.8)

Panasonic FZ47 Landscape photography information

When you are looking to choose a digital camera for landscape photography, the most significant factor will no doubt be image quality. The Panasonic FZ47 and it's really bad grade of 43 for a landscape camera is simply not very good within the current marketplace.

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focusing manually
reasonably wide (25mm)
screen size is decent (3")
has image stabilization (Optical)
good battery life (400 per charge)
can't switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
MP count low (12MP)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
does not have Timelapse mode

Panasonic FZ47 Vlogging information

A camera for vlogging preferably should offer a moving display screen, mic input and ideally image stabilization. Considering all things, the Panasonic FZ47 is simply not very good as a vlog camera as it gets a really bad rating of 27.

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really wide (25mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
has face detection focusing
high res video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
screen isn't selfie friendly
lack of external mic socket
heavier than competitors (498 grams)

Panasonic FZ47 Alternatives

If you are interested in replacements to the FZ47, below is a collection of the top rated cameras which fall in to the family of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The chart here offers you a summary of the FZ47 compared to it's highest ranking rivals shown previously.

These are some more cameras you might regard as alternative options. To review a thorough comparison, simply click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Panasonic
Model type
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47
Also Known as
Lumix DMC-FZ48
Type
Small Sensor Superzoom
Announced
2011-07-21
Physical type
SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Powered by
Venus Engine FHD
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area
27.7mm²
Sensor resolution
12MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution
4000 x 3000
RAW support
Max native ISO
1600
Max boosted ISO
6400
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Total focus points
23
Lens
Lens mount type
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
25-600mm (24.0x)
Maximum aperture
f/2.8-5.2
Macro focusing range
1cm
Focal length multiplier
5.9
Screen
Type of display
Fixed Type
Display sizing
3 inch
Display resolution
460 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Electronic
Viewfinder coverage
100%
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
60s
Maximum shutter speed
1/2000s
Continuous shooting rate
4.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance
9.50 m
Flash settings
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize
1/2000s
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Max video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
AVCHD
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
498 grams (1.10 lb)
Physical dimensions
120 x 80 x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6")
Other
Battery life
400 photos
Battery type
Battery Pack
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 pictures))
Time lapse feature
Storage type
SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots
1
Price at launch
$379