Panasonic has released details at the International CES Show in Las Vegas of 10 new digicams that will go on sale in the first half of this year.
The new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ40 and TZ35 cameras. (Source: Panasonic.)
Leading the Travel Zoom category is the new 18.1-megapixel TZ40, which boasts a 20x optical zoom Leica DC Lens (35mm equivalent: 24-480mm) in a pocketable body that is the slimmest in its class. Its Venus Engine processor enables high speed, high sensitivity image recording to record full-HD video at 60p (NTSC) or 50p (PAL) in AVCHD Progressive format and support high speed burst shooting at 10 fps with high picture quality. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology enables users to connect the camera to their smart-phone/tablet without needing cables or searching for a Wi-Fi hotspot and the connected device can serve as an additional monitor for setting focus, zooming or releasing the shutter at a short distance from the camera. A new Instant Transfer function automatically transmits images from the camera to a smart-phone/tablet right after shooting.
In-camera special effects include new Creative Panorama, Creative Control and Creative Retouch functions. The 3.0-inch large 920,000-dot Multi-Touch Screen enables Touch AF, Touch Zoom or Touch Shutter during recording and various playback functions, along with pinch zoom in and out. The TZ40 comes with built-in GPS (Global Positioning System), which complies with GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) for higher accuracy.
The TZ35 is a sister model to the TZ40 with a 16.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and 3.0-inch large 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD monitor. Touch controls are not included but other functions are the same as in the TZ40.
Panasonic’s new waterproof cameras, the FT5 and FT25. (Source: Panasonic.)
Two new 16.1-megapixel models have been added to the ‘tough camera’ line-up, the FT5 and the FT25. The FT5 is waterproof to 13 metres and shockproof to 2 metres, while the FT25 is waterproof to 7 metres and shockproof to 1.5 metres. The monitor on the FT5 is larger, with a 3-inch diagonal and 460,000-dot resolution, compared with the 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot screen on the FT25. The FT5 also supports full HD movie recording, whereas the FT25 is limited to 720p.
The DMC-LZ30 features a sophisticated 35x optical zoom lens and SLR-like user interface. (Source: Panasonic.)
The new LUMIX DMC-LZ30 combines a 16.1-megapixel high resolution CCD sensor and high performance image processing LSI with a 35x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-875mm) lens with Optical Image Stabiliser. This JPEG-only camera features an Intelligent Auto mode that integrates the camera’s stabilisation, face detection, scene detection and exposure functions. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene modes ““ Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset ““ that best suit the shooting situation. P and M shooting modes are also available and the LZ30 can record HD video in 1280 x 720p in Motion JPEG format.
The new 16.1-megapixel DMC-XS1 (shown above) features a stylish flat body profile with an eye-catching two-coloured design. Equipped with a 24 mm wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens and movie button that instantly accesses 720p HD video recording, this model offers a variety of special effects, along with Auto Retouch and compatibility with AC / USB power charging.
The remaining models are point-and-shoot digicams with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
They include two 16.1-megapixel models, notably the DMC-SZ9, which sports a 10x zoom lens and offers Full HD movie recording, the slim FS50 with 5x optical zoom and 720p video support, and the 14.1-megapixel DMC-F5 that incorporates 28mm wide angle 5x optical zoom lens and is designed for beginners.
Details of all models can be found at http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/pressrelease/first_half_new_production2013/.
