Panasonic's 2012 budget superzoom — 16MP CCD, 21x 25-525mm stabilised zoom, AA-powered bridge body
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 was a budget superzoom announced in July 2012, reviving Panasonic's AA-powered LZ line in a small bridge-style body. It undercut the contemporary FZ models on price by pairing a long CCD-based zoom with simplified controls, aimed at first-time superzoom buyers.
It carries a 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD behind a 21x optical zoom spanning 25-525mm equivalent with optical image stabilisation. Framing is via a 3.0-inch, 460,000-dot LCD — there is no viewfinder — and video records at 1280x720 30fps in Motion JPEG. Native sensitivity runs ISO 100-1600 with a boost to 6400, images save to SD cards, and power comes from AA batteries rated for roughly 380 shots on disposables.
The LZ20 suits beginners and travellers who want a lot of reach with the reassurance of AA power available anywhere. The chunky grip aids stability at the long end, but the CCD limits video quality and low-light performance, and there is no eye-level finder for bright-sun framing, so it is best treated as a fair-weather zoom.
AA power is a genuine advantage second-hand — no proprietary charger to hunt down; NiMH rechargeables work and are worth budgeting for given the camera's appetite. Check the battery-door latch, which carries the load of four cells, run the 21x zoom for smooth extension, and inspect the large LCD for scratches. SD storage keeps it simple to use today.