Panasonic Adds Raw to TZ Cameras

Panasonic’s new TZ60 and TZ55 cameras. (Source: Panasonic.)

Both of the new models support P/A/S/M shooting modes and include two Custom memories, ‘intelligent’ Auto, scene presets, panorama and Creative Control modes. The scene presets include Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Handheld Night Shot, Food, Baby 1/2, Pet, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Through Glass, HDR and Starry Sky. Both cameras have single slots for SD, SDHC and SDXC cards and both include built-in Wi-Fi. The table below shows the main similarities and differences between the two models.

	TZ60	TZ55
Sensor size	6.17 x 4.55 mm	6.08 x 4.56 mm
Effective resolution	18  megapixels	16  megapixels
File formats (stills)	JPEG (DCF Exif 2.3), RAW (RW2), MPO	JPEG (DCF Exif 2.3), MPO
File formats (movie)	AVCHD, MPEG-4	MPEG-4
Movie resolutions	1920 x 1080 (50p/50i/30p), 1280 x 720 (50p/30p), 640 x 480 (30p)	1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Lens focal length/ zoom	24″“720  mm, 30x	24″“480  mm, 20x
Digital zoom	2x
AF system	Contrast Detect (sensor) with Multi-area, Centre, Tracking,                       Single, Continuous, Face Detection and Live View modes
AF   points	23	21
Manual focus	Yes	No
Image stabilisation	Hybrid Optical Image Stabiliser Plus	Optical
Focus range	Normal to 50 cm, macro to 3 cm
Monitor	Fixed 3-inch LCD with 920,000 dots	Tilting (180 degree) LCD   with 460,000 dots
Viewfinder	200,000-dot EVF	None
Shutter speed	4 to 1/2000 second
ISO range	Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 (boost to 6400)
Flash range	To 6.4 metres	To 6 metres
Internal storage	12MB	None
Connectivity	802.11 b/g/n with NFC	802.11 b/g/n
GPS	Built in with place name database	None

The new models are scheduled for general release from March 2014.

The new Leica DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. lens for M4/3 cameras. (Source: Panasonic.)
Panasonic has also made a formal announcement of the availability of the Leica DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. (H-NS043) interchangeable lens for the LUMIX G cameras. Initially announced in August 2013, this lens covers a field of view equivalent to roughly 85mm in 35mm format, making it suitable for portraiture. The fast f/1.2 maximum aperture enables it to be used in dim lighting and provides great scope for selective focusing. A new stepping motor drive ensures smooth and silent   autofocusing, while the POWER O.I.S. stabilisation provides effective compensation for common forms of camera shake. This lens is due for release during the first quarter of 2014 at suggested prices of US$1599, €1499 or £1299.