Roughly a week before the CP+ Show in Yokohama, Japan, Panasonic has released details of two new additions to its TZ (travel zoom) line-up plus two waterproof FT-series cameras.
The 14-1-megapixel DMC-TZ30 features Full HD (1080/50p) video recording and sports a 20x optical zoom Leica DC lens with 24mm equivalent wide-angle coverage. Its built-in GPS capabilities have been expanded through map data which can be installed from a bundled DVD. Panasonic claims an AF lag of approximately 0.1 second for this model and it also offers high-speed continuous shooting at 10 fps with high picture quality.
The 12.1-megapixel DMC-TZ25 has a 16x optical zoom Leica DC lens, also with 24mm equivalent wide-angle coverage and supports Full HD (1080/50p) video recording. Both models come with POWER O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabiliser) and include an Active Mode that keeps video footage steady when shooting while in motion. They also provide P, A, S and M shooting modes plus iAuto, two Custom memories, 3D Photo support and a range3 of Creative Control settings. The LCD monitors in these models are 3-inch screens with 460,000-dot resolution.
The up-coming Panasonic DMC-TZ30 and DMC-TZ25 cameras
Panasonic’s latest ‘rugged’ cameras, the FT4 and FT20 build upon the features of earlier models. The 12.1-megapixel FT4 is waterproof to 12m with shockproof to 2m, freeze-proof to -10 degrees C and dustproof and is fitted with a GPS system with place name information, compass, altimeter and barometer. Special modes, including Time Lapse Shot, Miniature Effect, Panorama Shot are provided to complement the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode and the camera also includes an Auto Retouch function for improving shots post-capture.
Panasonic’s new DMC-FT4 and DMC-FT20 cameras feature the company’s popular ‘rugged’ body design with environmental sealing
The 16.1-megapixel DMC-FT20 is waterproof to 5m in addition to the freeze-proof to -10 degrees C, shockproof to 1.5m and dustproof and designed for casual outdoor photography. It features a wide angle of view and 4x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 25-100mm) and supports HD (High Definition) video recording in 720p MP4 format. LUMIX Image Uploader is built into the camera for instant image sharing via Facebook or YouTube with any PC on the spot. Both cameras have 2.7-inch LCD monitors with 230,000-dot resolution.
Local pricing and release dates have yet to be provided by Panasonic Australia. However, full product details can be found athttp://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/pressrelease/first_half_new_production2012_2/index.html