Panasonic Launches Eight New Digicams

January 30, 2008: Panasonic chose the PMA International Trade Show in Las Vegas to announce the addition of eight new models to its Lumix TZ, FX, FS, and LZ series of digital cameras.
The FX, FS, and LZ models will benefit from new wide-angle lenses. In the FX models, the previous 28mm lens has been replaced with a new 25mm, f/2.8 zoom lens that provides a greater wide-angle capability while maintaining the same slim dimensions. New zoom lenses have also been developed for the FS and LZ models, with a 30mm wide-angle setting and slimmer profile. LZ series cameras are now equipped with Leica DC lenses.
The new models also replace the previous 1/2.5-inch CCD with a larger 1/2.33-inch CCD, and in most models resolution has been increased to 10 megapixels. All new models feature Panasonic’s Venus Engine IV imaging engine, which offers improved signal processing and greater noise reduction than its predecessors. The new models are also easier to use, thanks to a new Intelligent Auto (iA) mode. This mode combines Mega O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabiliser), Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and in the new TZ and FX series Intelligent Exposure, all working automatically to set optimal shooting parameters. The graphic user interface (GUI) features a new design that improves viewing ease and takes advantage of the wide LCD screen. Menus have also been redesigned.

The new DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4 models.
The 9.1-megapixel DMC-TZ5 and 8.1-megapixel DMC-TZ4 have a 28mm wide-angle 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens (equivalent to 28-280mm on a 35mm film camera). Ideal for travellers, both include Panasonic’s new Intelligent LCD function, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer a display with most appropriate clarity in any situations with newly developed 460,000-dot high resolution in 3.0-inch (TZ5) and 230,000-dot in 2.5-inch (TZ4). The new DMC-TZ5 newly integrates the capability of recording 720p HD (high-definition) motion pictures and comes with HDTV output via an optional component cable.

The 10.1-megapixel DMC-FX35.

The 10.1-megapixel DMC-FX35 sports an ultra-wide-angle Leica DC lens with 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 25-100 mm in 35mm format) plus Mega O.I.S and Intelligent ISO Control to reduce the risk of blurred shots. Venus Engine IV image processing adds facilities like Face Detection AF and an Intelligent Scene Selector sets the appropriate scene mode by automatically selecting it from the most frequently used scene modes, which include Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Portrait and Night Scenery. The DMC-FX35 will be available in silver, black, blue, pink, white and gold, each with a distinctive finish or texture.

The DMC-FS5 and DMC-FS20 models.

The new 10.1-megapixel DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 cameras come with a Leica DC lens with 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 30-120 mm in 35mm format). The DMC-FS20 has a 3-inch LCD while the DMC-FS5 has a 2.5-inch LCD. Both have 230,000-dot high resolution and Intelligent LCD function, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps. Both models come with 50 MB of internal memory. The Easy Zoom feature shifts the lens instantly to full zoom at the touch of a dedicated button. Slideshows of captured images now offer a music effect that matches the mood of the pictures. The DMC-FS20 will be available in silver, black and pink, and the DMC-FS5 in silver, black and red.

The DMC-FS3.

Equipped with an 8.1-megapixel image sensor, the DMC-FS3 has a f2.8 Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 33-100mm in 35mm format). Key features include a 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD with Intelligent LCD function and iA (Intelligent Auto). Mega O.I.S. suppresses hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control prevents motion blur. Ideal for snapshooters, the DMC-FS3 will be available in silver, black blue, pink and green.

The DMC-LZ8 and LZ10 models.

The new DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 models have a Leica DC lens with 5x optical zoom. Equivalent focal lengths in 35mm format are 32-160mm (for the 10.1-megapixel LZ10) and 30-150mm (for the 8.1-megapixel LZ8). Manual control over aperture and shutter speed are provided and both models feature the same iA (Intelligent Auto) mode and 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD as the FS3. Both models are available in silver and black with sophisticated metal-finished front panel.

Local release dates and prices have yet to be determined. For more information, visit www.panasonic.com.au.