Panasonic Unveils 2010 Second Half Digicams

July 22, 2010: Panasonic has released details of new digicams that will be released during the second half of 2010, among them an update for the popular Lumix DMC-LX3 camera and two ‘hybrid’ digicams with 24x zoom lenses.
The long-awaited DMC-LX5 comes more than two years after the LX3 and features a new f/2 Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens with wide-angle coverage equivalent to 24mm in 35mm format and an extended 3.8x optical zoom equivalent to 90mm in 35mm format. The 1/1.63-inch type, 10.1-megapixel CCD from the LX3 has been redesigned to provide an expanded dynamic range by increasing sensitivity and saturation. A new Multi Aspect mode allows the camera to record an image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously, allowing the photographer to choose the best after shooting.

The new Lumix DMC-LX5 improves o nthe features offered in its predecessor, the popular LX3. (Source: Panasonic.)
The Venus Engine FHD is also redesigned with triple CPUs for fast response speeds and advanced signal processing in both photo and movie recording. The LX5 supports high-definition motion picture recording using the efficient AVCHD Lite codec. Optical zooming is available in movie mode, along with popular functions like the iA (Intelligent Auto), POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser), Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector modes. The LX5 can also accept a wide range of accessories, including the DMW-LVF1 Live View Finder, DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder, DMW-LWA52 Wide Conversion Lens and DMW-LA6 Conversion Lens Adaptor, three flash units and neutral density and polarising filters.
The DMC-FZ100 will be the flagship model in the popular FZ series. Featuring a new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor and Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens with a focal length range equivalent to 25-600mm in 35mm format, the FZ100 can also record full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 movie clips in AVCHD (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. The 3-inch free-angle TFT LCD monitor has a resolution of 460,000 dots and anti-reflective coating.
The high speed digital signal output technology integrated in the DMC-GH1 is applied also to the DMC-FZ100, enabling it to support burst speeds up to 1 fps in 14-megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter and 5 fps with continuous AF. A full suite of manual controls is also provided.

New additions to the popular FZ series: the DMC-FZ100 (left) and the DMC-FZ40. (Source: Panasonic.)
Replacing the DMC-FZ35 is the DMC-FZ40, which features the same lens as the FZ100 but sports a 1/2.33-inch type CCD sensor with 14.1 effective megapixels. This model records HD video clips in the AVCHD Lite format and has a fixed 3-inch LCD monitor with 230,000 dots.

Also offering 1,920 x 1,080 full-HD movie recording in AVCHD format with the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode is the new, slimline DMC-FX700. The FX700 has the same 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor as the FZ100 and also features a f/2.2 Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens with a 24mm wide angle plus 5x optical zoom. The new Venus Engine FHD is also included, adding support for Intelligent Resolution technology and fast data processing speeds.

Panasonic’s new ‘hybrid’ slimline model, the DMC-FX700. (Source: Panasonic.)
Panasonic’s ‘rugged’ camera line-up will also be extended with the DMC-FT10, which is waterproof to 3m, shockproof to 1.5m, freezeproof to -10 degrees C and dustproof. Designed for active outdoor use, the FT10 has a 14.1-megapixel sensor and 4x optical zoom Lumix DC Lens (35-140mm equivalent in 35mm format) that is totally enclosed within the camera body. The Intelligent Auto mode ensures ease of operation while MEGA O.I.S. suppresses hand-shake and the Intelligent ISO control prevents moving subject from being blurred by optimising the shutter speed and ISO sensitivity settings.

The latest addition to Panasonic’s ‘rugged’ line-up, the DMC-FT10. (Source: Panasonic.)
Video clips can be recorded in 1,280 x 720p Motion JPEG format at a smooth 30 fps. The FT10 also includes WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480) resolution settings. A 2.7-inch 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD provides comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results. Full specifications for all the up-coming models can be found at http://www.panasonic.net/avc/lumix/popup/pressrelease/first_half_new_production2010_3.html#1.