Panasonic Announces 13 Lumix Digicams

January 28, 2010: Panasonic has released details of 13 new Lumix cameras that are scheduled to go on sale in Australia in March and April 2010.
Leading the line-up are two new additions to the award-winning ‘Travel Zoom’ (TZ) series: the 12.1-megapixel DMC-TZ10 and DMC-TZ8. The DMC-TZ10 (RRP $699) now offers a Built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) and records HD video in AVCHD Lite format and a dedicated button for direct movie recording is located on the camera’s rear panel. The DMC-TZ8 (RRP $599) records dynamic HD video in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). Both models now feature a new manual exposure P/A/S/M modes as well as Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode.

The new DMC-TZ10 (left) and DMC-TZ8 (right) cameras combine a wide range of adjustable controls with easy HD video recording. (Source: Panasonic.)
The new Lumix DMC-FT2 (RRP $599) represents the second generation of Panasonic’s waterproof and shockproof cameras with AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities. Waterproof to a depth of 10m, shockproof from a height of 2m, dustproof, and also freeze-proof to -10 °C, the DMC-FT2 sports a newly-developed Venus Engine HD II processor and high-quality Leica lens. The 4.6x optical zoom (35mm film camera equivalent, 28-128mm) combines with 14.1-megapixel resolution and Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode to make this model a great choice for any active photographer.

The second-generation DMC-FT2 will be offered in four metallic colours – blue, orange, yellow and silver. (Source: Panasonic.)
A stylish addition to the 2010 Lumix range is the ultra-slim 14.1-megapixel DMC-ZR3 (RRP $599), which combines 14.1-megapixel resolution with an ultra-wide 25mm Leica lens with 8x optical zoom. Another second generation model, it features Panasonic’s breakthrough lens design with 0.3mm super-thin aspherical and 0.3 spherical lens. The ZR3 also accepts the next-generation SD format SDXC (SD eXtended Capacity) cards, which are ideal for AVCHD Lite HD video recording. The DMC-ZR3 will be available in black, silver, red and blue.

The new DMC-ZR3 comes with the latest Venus Engine HD II processor and features Sonic Speed AF for fast, responsive performance. (Source: Panasonic.)
Replacing the DMC-FX65, the new DMC-FX68 (RRP $499) is a pocketable 14.1-megapixel digicam with a bright f/2.8, 25mm ultra-wide angle Leica DC lens with 5x optical zoom. A novel feature of this camera is Cosmetic mode, which allows the user to improve the appearance of skin tone and complexion and remove wrinkles or blemishes from portrait shots. It also features Sonic Speed AF for fast autofocusing, along with POWER O.I.S.

The DMC-FX68 comes in black and is compatible with SD/SDHC and SDXC memory cards. (Source: Panasonic.)
Two new models will be added to the FP series, the 14.1-megapixel DMC-FP3 (RRP $329) and 12.1-megapixel DMC-FP1 (RRP $279). Both come with 4x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 35-140mm) lenses made possible through innovative folded optics that maintain a slim body design. The high-quality aluminium bodies are available in a wide choice of colours; the FP3 is offered in grey, black, light pink and red, while the FP1 comes in silver, black, pink, blue and green.

Touch-screen functionality is a feature of the new FP series cameras, represented here by the 14.1-megapixel DMC-FP3. (Source: Panasonic.)
Four models have been introduced in the new FH Series, which offers users the style, form factor and ease of a traditional digicam and includes a newly-developed 28mm wide-angle lens and increased optical zoom. Operational ease is paramount in the design of the FH series. The 12.1-megapixel DMC-FH1 (RRP $249) is the entry model, which is offered in silver, black, blue, pink and orange. A step up is the 14.1-megapixel DMC-FH3 (RRP $299), which comes in silver, black or red. Both sport a 28mm wide-angle lens with 5x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 28mm – 140mm) and 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD.

The DMC-FH 22 comes with a 3-inch touch screen that provides easy, intuitive control thanks to a hybrid operation combined with the four major operation buttons. (Source: Panasonic.)
An 8x optical zoom wide angle lens (35mm equivalent: 28mm-224mm) is the key feature of the 14.1-megapixel DMC-FH20 (RRP $349) and DMC-FH22 (RRP $399) models. The DMC-FH20 features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot intelligent LCD and comes in silver, black, blue and violet. The DMC-FH22 has a new static sensor type 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD and will be available in either silver or black.
At entry level are two new models: the 12.1-megapixel DMC-F3 (RRP $199) and 10.1-megapixel DMC-F2 (RRP $169). Designed for snapshooters, they come with a DC Vario lens with 4x optical zoom. Both cameras feature an Auto Scene Mode which automatically detects the type of scene and activates shoot-assist functions to simplify picture-taking. The DMC-F3, which comes in silver, black and pink, includes HD movie recording and has a wider (28mm equivalent) angle of view. The DMC-F2 is offered in silver, black and light pink.

The new DMC-F3 provides HD movie recording and a wide-angle lens at an entry-level price. (Source: Panasonic.)

The DMC-F3, DMC-F2, DMC-FH20, DMC-FH22, DMC-FH1, DMC-FH3, DMC-FP3 and DMC-FP1 are scheduled to go on sale in March. The DMC-FX68, DMC-ZR3, DMC-FT2, DMC-TZ8 and DMC-TZ10 go on sale in April. For more information phone Panasonic on 132 600 or visit www.panasonic.com.au.