Digital Camera Review » Panasonic

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Review

Cuzzy — Thu, 05 May 2011 06:41:51 +0000

The new GF2 adds an intuitive touch screen and a more svelte form factor. High ISO performance isn’t on par with the best DSLRs, though overall images were very good.

After partnering with Olympus on the development of the Micro Four Thirds System standard (an offshoot of the Kodak/Olympus Four Thirds System), Panasonic followed Olympus into the mirrorless/interchangeable lens class of compact digital cameras with 2009′s Lumix DMC-GF1. The new genre of camera mated physically larger, more DSLR-like sensors into bodies resembling a large compact point and shoot, with the ability to change lenses like a DSLR while eliminating its bulky mirror assembly.

CNET said:

its predecessor earned an Editors’ Choice, and much of what I liked about the GF1 remains in the GF2. But I can’t help but feel the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 has taken a step backward in photo quality in some ways, especially in light of the impressive quality of competitors like the E-PL2 and NEX-5. For folks who shoot raw and don’t mind the aforementioned issues with the touch interface, then the GF2 will likely provide a great shooting experience. For others, not so much.

Pros

* Somewhat smaller than GF1
*Full HD video
*Functional, fluid touch LCD

Cons
*Disappointing battery life
*Costs as much as DSLR
*High ISO performance could be improved

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 (Black) Review

Cuzzy — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 04:54:12 +0000

Panasonic has added two new models to their popular ZS-series of compact long-zoom digicams, the Lumix DMC-ZS10 and Lumix DMC-ZS8. Both offer a powerful 16x optical zoom lens with their proven MEGA O.I.S. stabilization system, 3.0-inch LCDs, and 14-megapixels of resolution; the ZS8 is the more affordable model of the two.

The DMC-ZS8 also boasts various fully automatic exposure controls, such as iAuto, which make picture taking fun and easy. For those who want video, the ZS8 can record movies at 720p HD resolution.

Look for more information on the Lumix DMC-ZS8 once we get a unit in for testing.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 features:
14-megapixels
16x optical zoom with wide field of view
Mega O.I.S.
Records 720p HD video
iAuto exposure control
Compact body comes in Black or Silver

According to cnet:

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 is a fine compact megazoom, if not the best value.
If you walked into a store and saw Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-ZS8 and its Lumix DMC-ZS10 next to each other, you might not immediately see the differences, let alone $100 worth of them. Even after picking them up, you might notice only that the ZS10 has a GPS receiver and a touch screen. And a stereo mic. Oh, and look, it records full HD video in AVCHD with a one-touch record button.
But if none of that matters to you, then maybe the more-hidden differences will, like the fact that the ZS10′s screen is twice the resolution of the ZS8′s and that it uses a high-speed sensor and better processor for faster shooting performance or, more specifically, faster full-resolution burst shooting and 3D photos.
So, though the ZS8 might not look like it is missing $100 in features, it is. Potentially more, depending on how much you value any of the ZS10′s extra features or faster continuous shooting. However, if all you’re after is a speedy camera with a long lens in a pocketable body, one that takes good pictures and decent 720p HD movie clips and has semimanual and manual shooting modes, then, yes, save yourself $100 and get the ZS8.

Panasonic DMC-GH2 Review

Cuzzy — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:34:49 +0000

Panasonic DMC-GH2

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is a new Micro Four Thirds compact system camera with a 16 megapixel multi-aspect Live MOS sensor and Full 1080p HD video with continuous autofocus at variable frame rates, including cine standard 24fps. Successor to the DMC-GH1 model, the GH2 also features extremely fast contrast-detect autofocus, a touchscreen control system with touch-based functions like Touch AF/AE and Touch Shutter, upgraded Venus Engine FHD processor, faster 60fps Live View, a multi-aspect electronic viewfinder, a 3-inch swivelling and tilting LCD screen, Optical Image Stabilisation to help combat camera-shake, ISO range of 160-12800, and a Supersonic Wave Filter to remove unwanted dust. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 comes in black or two-tone black/grey and costs £899.99 / $1000 with the 14-42mm lens and £1299.99 / $1500 with the 14-140mm lens. In the US it’s also available body-only for $900.

According to DP review:

The GH2 is a complex camera. Not only does it offer the most advanced specification of any G-series camera so far, it is also amongst the most customizable of any model in its class. Judged purely as a stills camera, the GH2 is satisfying in almost every respect. Where it falls down, like previous G-series cameras, is slightly murky JPEGs and a color response that favours accuracy over attractiveness which can be problematic in some situations (especially portraiture). The GH2 isn’t the fastest camera in the world either, and cannot match the Canon EOS 60D or Nikon D7000 when it comes to continuous shooting performance.

According to cnet:

While not best overall, the GH2′s still-shooting performance can certainly compete with class leaders, and is improved a lot over the GH1′s. It’s still a bit slow on start-up–it takes about 1.3 seconds to power on, focus, and shoot–but it can focus and shoot in 0.3 second in good light and 0.6 second in dim. JPEG shot-to-shot time runs 0.6 second, which increases to 0.8 second for raw; with flash enabled it jumps to about 1.5 seconds. For continuous shooting the camera averages about 4fps.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 – Review

Cuzzy — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:01:26 +0000

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is the first Micro Four Thirds released by Panasonic. But the camera is almost like a digital SLR while everyone expects a compact body in it. This camera of Panasonic is almost similar to the E-P1 of Olympus. But unlike Olympus E-P1 it has a built in flash, and a good focus speed. The price of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 ranges from $ 644.99 to $ 899.99.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 has a very excellent photo quality for its rank. It is very comfortable to use and it has interchangeable lenses, the best ever interchangeable seen till today. Using the adapter Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 can raise the Four Thirds lenses. It is conveniently small and has a good LCD screen. The manual control seems to be much convenient for most of the users. The external of the camera is very solid and firm. It is rated to be very user friendly due to its trouble free user interface. It has a HD video of 720p which is more than enough for a normal user. But the capturing cannot be refocused during the clip. The auto shooting mode is much appreciated by most of the users. It is compact enough to fit into small and comfy purses. The portability is much easier than the other models.

Most users feel that the hot shoe of the camera is a design flaw. It doesn’t have a faster shutter speed compared to other cameras. It is not pocket able and some people are not contented with the size of the camera. They need it much compact than what it is now. The battery life is also short. Action shots are pretty impossible with Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1.
You can always have a very friendly and lovely shooting with Panasonic Lumix BMC-GF1.

Panasonic AF100 killing VDSLR like Nikon D90 and Canon 5D Mark II

Cuzzy — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:38:11 +0000

Panasonic announces December delivery which will start shipping on December 27th at a suggested list price of $4,995. It is an AG-AF100 Micro four thirds professional HD camcorder with a large Sensor Video Camera. The target market is obviously for professional videographers only, the “industry’s first professional” interchangeable lens video camera uses a 4/3-inch, 16:9 MOS imager and a built-in optical ND filter.

Why is it so special? It’s because the camera has generated a tremendous amount of interest, as it represents the combination of DSLR technology with conventional video technology. So now we have a very first professional and cheap big sensor video camera. Still remember about 2 years ago, where popularity of Nikon D90 and Canon 5D Mark II take place in the market, at that time Video DSLR was famous. But there seems to have problem to deals back then. So now the real camcorders from Panasonic mark the new beginning of new era.

Still remember the target market? the film and production communities are most welcomed to try this new product because the AF100 delivers the shallow depth of field and wider field of view of a large imager, with the flexibility and cost advantages of a growing line of professional quality, industry-standard micro 4/3-inch lenses, filters, and adapters. The full HD 1080 and 720 production camera offers superior video handling, native 1080/24p recording, variable frame rates, professional audio capabilities, and compatibility with SDHC and SDXC media. All which completes the idea of recording the video with good quality.

Weight is another aspect to look at. Without the lens or battery, the whole thing only weights about 3.5 pounds(1.59 kg). Which means for carrying around, it’s not a big deal. Not so heavy for outside shooting.

Let me give you some of the features that come along:

The AF100 incorporates a large 4/3-inch,16:9 MOS imager that minimizes skew with fast imager scanning, and incorporates low pass filters for elimination of aliasing and moir

A built-in optical ND filter

Records 1080 at 60i, 50i, 30P, 25P (Native) and 24P (Native), and 720 at 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p native,in AVCHD’s highest-quality PH mode (maximum 24Mbps)

Records in AVCCAM’s HA (17 Mbps) and HE (6Mbps) modes, 1080i only. Ready for global production standards, the camcorder is 60Hz and 50Hz switchable.

Interchangeable micro 4/3-inch lens mount, the AF100 can utilize an array of low-cost, widely-available still camera lenses as well as film-style lenses with fixed focal lengths and primes.

Advanced SDXC media card compatibility in addition to existing SDHC card support.

Focus assist that can be used while recording, which is color-on peaking and a focus bar; two sets of adjustable zebras; two manual black and white balance choices, and preset White Balance at 3200K, 5600K or variable; a waveform monitor and vectorscope for more accurate monitoring of broadcast safe levels.

Pre-record; an intervalometer function that can be set for up to 24 hours, programmable User Buttons; a Smart Battery interface for recording up to four hours with a 5400mA battery; metadata recording; and a wireless infrared remote controller.

Three-year limited warranty (one year plus two extra years upon registration).

Internal ND filter: 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 or Off (rotary switch).

Focus-assist function: edge coloration, focus bar display.

DRS (Dynamic Range Stretch): automatically reduces compression of black or blown highlights in high contrast scenes.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

Cuzzy — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:53:01 +0000

Finlay good news and end for the rumors. Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-GH2 Micro Four Thirds digital camera at Photokina 2010. The GH2 replaces the GH1, which was announced at March 3, 2009. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 brings some new improvements over the GH1, including ultra-fast level light AF

system, 1080/60i and 1080/24p video recording, 16:9 still photos, 3-inch LCD screen and much more. The Lumix DMC-GH1 was a big success, and Panasonic hopes that the GH2 will be even more popular. Personally, I am a big fan of compact mirrorless digital cameras, and you can’t argue with its amazing success all over the world.In related news, Panny also introduced three new interchangeable lenses for its G Series of cameras, and as predicted, one of those is the world’s first interchangeable 3D lens, the H-FT012. If you’ll recall, we saw a prototype of this bad boy back at IFA, and we’re expecting to get our eyes on a finalized unit in the coming hours at Photokina. If you’re curious as to how the 3D lens works, have a listen: it features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses that are then processed with a 3D image processing system. The company claims that there’s no time lag between left and right images, even when shooting objects in motion, and naturally, all images produced from it will display just beautifully on your 3D Viera television. Also, a trifecta of firmware updates (detailed after the break) are slated for release this fall, with the most major of them enabling the Lumix G2 to play nice with the H-FT012 3D lens. Externally, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is quite similar to its predecessor, the GH1, with only relatively subtle tweaks to control layout. Under the skin, though, the Panasonic GH2 sports a new eighteen megapixel Live MOS image sensor, whose output is piped through the latest iteration of Panasonic’s image processor, now dubbed “Venus Engine FHD”. The combination allows the Lumix GH2 to shoot 1080p, 60i (aka Full HD / 1,920 x 1,080 pixel) video. The new processor in the Lumix DMC-GH2 has three CPUs, and allows speed improvements in other areas as well. For example, autofocus speed is said to be doubled from the previous model, with focus lock possible in just 0.099 second. The Panasonic GH2 sports ISO 160-12800 sensitivities. This is a huge jump over previous models’ offering. The Panasonic GH1 ISO sensitivity range is 100-3200. You are probably asking yourself if the new sensor can really deliver usable photos under 6400 ISO and above. In my opinion, this will be very hard to achieve, unless the camera applies a strong noise reduction algorithm to clean the image. Usually when using a strong noise reduction, the camera tends to produce a less detailed image. Many photographers, therefore, prefer to shoot in RAW, and try to get a better image using RAW editing software

Panasonic Releases Panasonic DMC-GH2

Cuzzy — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:05:00 +0000

Yesterday there was a news from Panasonic which launch the DMC-GH2 Micro Four Thirds camera. This new camera comes from GH1as it already well known world wide. The production of this new Panasonic item continues with its ‘hybrid’ stills/video philosophy but adds a host of tweaks and improvements,

foremost of which is a brand new 18Mp multi-aspect ratio sensor offering 16Mp output and an ISO range of 160-12800. This all new touchscreen Lumix DMC-GH2 digital-single-lens-micro is a unit as a true hybrid camera, offering a long list of impressive photo and video features. The new processor is capable of advanced signal processing which allows it to achieve a higher quality image by separating chromatic and luminance noise, preventing color mixture and selectively reducing noise. Besides that Micro Four Thirds is getting an extra dimension with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2, . The latest interchangeable-lens Micro Four Thirds snapper is also the first in the range to support a new 3D lens.This panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is faster than A DSLR. With the read rate of the newly developed contrast detection system increased from 60fps (GH1) to 120fps for the GH2, the company says the camera will find focus in 0.1 seconds with an accuracy that ‘exceeds by far’ that of a DSLR camera. Panasonic claims the GH2′s contrast autofocus (AF), dubbed Light Speed AF as the fastest of its kind. It reportedly requires only 0.1 second to focus and capture the shot, which is great for capturing spur-of-the moment shots. The Lumix GH2 also boasts an intuitive touch-control operation, featuring both a 3-inch Intelligent LCD (460K-dot resolution) and the Multi Aspect Wide Screen live viewfinder with 100% field of view and a display area with a 1,530,000-dot equivalent resolution.

in the end.. this wahat we have
Touch screen LCD
- Improved AF speed (0.099 second with the 14-140mm kit-lens)
- 100-12.800 ISO
- 1080i 60 24Mbit/s AVCHD video recording
- Super high-speed burst shooting of 40 fps (lower resolution)
- The GH2 has 1 LSI with 3 cores
- High-speed burst shooting of 5 fps with 16 MP
- 18 mp multiscale sensor (16 effective Mega pixels)

8GB & 16GB Panasonic UHS-I SDHC cards

Cuzzy — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:25:36 +0000

8GB and 16GB SDHC cards adhering to the SD association’s latest UHS-I specification by Panasonic is both memory cards are having maximum read speeds of up to 60MB/s and Class 10 speed specification complementing 3D and full HD video recording features of recently released cameras. Like the company’s ‘Gold’

line of memory cards, it features protection against power failures and a Super Intelligent Controller that cleans up errors preventing data damage. The memory cards will be available from November 2010.

This is news from the releases:

Berlin, Germany (September 1, 2010) – Panasonic announced today its newest 8GB*1 and 16GB SDHC UHS-I Memory Cards – the RP-SDY08G and RP-SDY16G. UHS-I is the new standard for higher-speed Bus interface defined by the SD Association as part of the SD Memory Card Specification Ver.3.01, which provides up to 104MB/s performance. Both memory cards have maximum data transfer speed of up to 60MB/s*2 and Class10 speed specification.

With the higher reading speed of up to 60MB/s, the 8GB and 16GB Memory Cards can transfer data to a PC more than two times faster than Panasonic’s current Memory Cards.*3 These also offer stable writing performance with Class 10 speed specification, ensuring highly-reliable 3D and full HD video recording.

Like the current Gold model memory cards from Panasonic, the RP-SDY08G and RP-SDY16G both incorporate Super Intelligent Controller (SICS), which is designed for high-level data protection. The Power Failure Protection function automatically retrieves data when power suddenly fails and preserves important data. This high power failure protection is certified by TÜV Rheinland, by passing their power on-off test*4.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10

Cuzzy — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 05:25:41 +0000

This is the latest in our series of new ‘Quick Reviews.’ We will be using this format for cameras that are operationally similar and identical in terms of output to models we’ve already reviewed. We test to confirm the image quality is identical (noise tests and shots of our ‘compared to’ studio scene at all ISOs), then concentrate the review on the differences between the two cameras. To learn everything about the camera you are interested in we recommend reading not only the Quick Review but also the full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 is (with the G2) the latest of Panasonic’s pioneering G-series mirrorless system cameras. The G10 is a new camera, but in many ways it represents a synthesis of elements from other models in the series. The G10 has the same sensor as the G2, and like the original G1 it is styled to resemble a ‘traditional’ DSLR, but like the GF1, its LCD screen is fixed, not articulated. Unlike the GF1, the G10 offers a built-in EVF (of the same specification as the optional DMW-LVF1E viewfinder unit which is available for the GF1), but its resolution is lower than that of the G1, GH1 and G2, at 202k dots pixels compared to 1.4 million. The G10′s EVF is of the more conventional grid type, too, as opposed to the field-sequential display used in the G2.

Basically then, the G10 is a stripped-down version of the G2, aimed squarely at entry-level users. The essentials remain the same (sensor, AF/metering system) but the G10 lacks the more expensive extras found in the higher-end model such as a touch-sensitive articulated LCD screen and high-resolution EVF. As such, the G10 is a ‘budget’ model, and represents Panasonic’s first real attempt with a Micro Four Thirds camera to compete with entry-level DSLRs. Can it compete with the likes of the Canon EOS 1000D and Nikon D3000? Read on to find out.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75

Cuzzy — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:08:14 +0000

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75 is a powerful compact digicam featuring a new Leica DC VARIO-SUMMICRON F2.2 lens with a 5x zoom range. It provides 170% more light than a standard F2.8 lens, allowing for higher quality images in low-light shooting situations. Also built into the FX75 is a 3.0-inch intelligent touchscreen LCD, Power O.I.S, Evolving iAuto (intelligent auto), Sonic Speed AF and 720p HD video capture with a separate video recording button that keeps

the camera always ready to record. The 3.0-inch LCD display has 230,000 dots of resolution, while the touchscreen keeps all of your camera options easily accessible. The touchscreen system also allows you to touch any spot on the LCD to not only focus from, but also to capture the image without pressing the shutter release.

Panasonic Lumix FX75 Features:

* 14.1-Megapixel, 1/2.33″ CCD imaging sensor
* Leica DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5x optical zoom lens
* 35mm equivalent: 24-120mm, F2.2 – 6.3 (W) / F5.9 – 6.3 (T) 5x zoom lens
* Power O.I.S. system
* 3.0-inch Touchscreen LCD, 230,000 dot resolution
* 720p HD video recording in the AVCHD Lite compression
* One-Touch video recording button
* Evolving iA (intelligent auto)
* Sonic Speed AF
* Backlight Compensation
* Photo and Movie Face Detection
* Intelligent Exposure Photo and Movie
* Intelligent ISO Control
* Intelligent Scene Selector
* Face Recognition
* HDMI output
* 40MB internal memory
* Li-Ion Rechargeable battery
* 360-pictures per charge battery life (CIPA)

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Panasonic Sample Gallery

Cuzzy — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:34:05 +0000

There are samples gallery from panasonic lumix DMC-FZ100, The shoots are really magnificent. For those who really have Lumix can try the gallery. There are interactive studio comparison tool that can give you clear edge on what your dealing with.If you’ve a couple of minutes to spare the quickest way to discover all that the tool has to offer is probably to watch this short video walkthrough of the main features.

If you have a small monitor (such as a netbook) you may find that you don’t have enough vertical resolution to see everything. Click on ‘Open in Full Screen mode’ to launch a window containing the same page in horizontal orientation.
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Panasonic 3D lens

Cuzzy — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 06:27:57 +0000

Panasonic has announced it is developing a digital 3D interchangeable lens for the Micro Four Thirds system, to be launched by the end of the year. The lens will include two optical paths, projecting left and right image pairs onto the camera sensor. These twin images can later be combined to provide a single 3D image using the company’s 3D image processing system and displayed using one of its Viera televisions. The company says it will be the first such lens for a digital system.

The system is likely to work in a similar manner to the one introduced with the company’s HDC-SDT750 camcorder, launched earlier this morning. This attachment lens also projects pairs of images onto the sensor of a modified version of one of the company’s existing camcorders. Unlike this system, the development press release for the Micro Four Thirds lens focuses on still images – it is not yet clear whether existing Micro Four Thirds cameras could (or could be modified to) shoot video with the lens.
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Lumix DMC-TS10

Cuzzy — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:00:40 +0000

Lumix DMC-TS10 launched by Panasonic also known as the FT10 in Europe is a simpler version of the DMC-TS2, it has 35-140mm equivalent 4x optical zoom lens, with certified waterproof at depths of up to 3 meters /10 ft and shockproof for drops of up to 1.5 meters /5 ft (as opposed to 10 meters and 2 meters repectively for the FT2). The other are same, including a 14.1MP CCD sensor and a 2.7″ LCD. It will be available from mid-Septemeber for a suggested retail price of $249.95.

Stockholm, Sweden (July 7, 2010) – Panasonic, a market leader in digital still cameras, today introduced the new LUMIX DMC-FT10 from the LUMIX’s FT series geared for active outdoor use. Featuring the flat and slim profile adopting the folded optics for its 4x optical zoom*1 lens unit, the new 14.1-megapixel FT10 features credible toughness to be waterproof to 3m, shockproof to 1.5m, freezeproof to -10 degrees C and dustproof.

Panasonic’s world-acclaimed iA (Intelligent Auto) mode makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos by various shooting-assist functions. It comprehends MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) for hand-shake, Intelligent ISO Control for subject movement, Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector. The dedicated iA button on the top of the camera lets you enter the iA mode directly. Once you enter the iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically, so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.

With the DMC-FT10, HD (High Definition) movie recording in 720p Motion JPEG is available. The high performance DMC-FT10 excels in the powerful battery life as long as 300 pictures per a single charge (CIPA) despite its slim, compact body. The 2.7-inch large Intelligent LCD with AR coating assures high visibility of photo and movies both in shooting and playing back the images.

Enjoy casual photo and video shooting with tremendous ease stylishly in town and actively in outdoor adventures – the FT10 suits both situations.

A Credible Toughness in a Slim, Stylish Profile with 4x Optical Zoom in Folded Optics
The DMC-FT10 features a high-quality 4x optical zoom LUMIX DC Lens (35-140mm*1). The folded optics of the shaft guide method is adopted to secure the toughness of the lens unit. Comprising 11 elements and a prism unit in 10 groups, including an ED lens and 4 aspherical lenses with 7 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit renders high resolution image corner to corner even adopting the folded optics. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 8.4x (294mm*1) by using the center part of the high resolution CCD to bring subjects even closer.

Despite its flat and futuristic profile, the DMC-FT10 is waterproof to a depth of 3m and dustproof equivalent to the “IPX8″ and “IP6X” standard. Thanks to rubber padding and reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the FT10 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand.

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Lumix DMC-FX700 touch-screen

Cuzzy — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:04:26 +0000

Lumix DMC-FX700 touch-screen digital compact is launched by Panasonic with featuring a stabilized wide angle 5x zoom lens (24-120mm) and a semi-fast F2.2-5.9 maximum aperture range. Buttons are reduces to a minimum, instead depending on its touch-sensitive 3.0″ screen. It also offers full 1080i AVCHD video and 10 fps full resolution burst shooting. Other features include P/A/S/M shooting modes and the latest Venus Engine FHD processor.

Stockholm, Sweden (July 7, 2010) – Panasonic, an innovator in the digital imaging realm, is pleased to announce a new addition of DMC-FX700 to the LUMIX popular FX series, that packs a host of advanced functions in a slim, stylish body. The DMC-FX700 is now truly a hybrid camera that records high quality 1920×1080 full HD movie in AVCHD. The 14.1-megapixel DMC-FX700 also features F2.2 super bright 24mm ultra wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens with 5x optical zoom*1 to make the camera even more versatile from shooting dynamic landscapes to the moving subject in low-lit situations such as indoors or at night.

The iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – an advancing hallmark of LUMIX – now comprehends Motion Deblur mode*2 and Intelligent Burst mode. The Motion Deblur mode is available by updating the motion detection (Intelligent ISO Control) and brightness control (Intelligent Exposure) to gain as high shutter speed as possible. Combined with the outstanding brightness of the lens and the POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), the DMC-FX700 thoroughly prevents any kind of blur – whether the blur is caused by a handshake or the subject’s motion. The new Intelligent Burst mode determines the frame rate in the burst shooting according to the speed of subject’s motion. The POWER O.I.S., Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure work appropriately just by entering the iA mode for any user to take beautiful photos with maximum ease.

To realize a high speed and accurate image processing, both the image sensor and the image processing LSI is re-engineered. The new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor achieves high speed consecutive shooting and full HD movie recording with high resolution and high sensitivity.

And the new image processing LSI, the Venus Engine FHD, assures high picture quality in both photo and movie recording. It also compiles the Intelligent Resolution technology to perform the optimum signal processing depending on the part of a picture to give a whole image outstandingly natural clearness with fine details. The powerful 5x optical zoom*1 increases its power to 6.5x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function taking advantage of the Intelligent Resolution technology maintaining the picture quality even using digital zoom. The Sonic Speed AF and a quick start-up time gives the DMC-FX700 super high speed response that helps to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities.

Now the 3.0-inch large Intelligent LCD offers full touch control and easy view both in shooting and playing back images. You can not only set the menu or the focus on the intended subject but also release the shutter subsequently. For advanced creative freedom, A/S/M mode is available to set shutter speed and aperture that best express the photographer’s intention.

Despite its compact, slim and stylish look, the DMC-FX700 offers versatile ways of recording memories not only in beautiful photo but also in high quality movie with ultimate ease of operation.

The Super Bright F2.2 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON Lens with 24mm Ultra Wide-Angle and 5x Optical Zoom
The DMC-FX700 packages a high quality LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens that boasts an astonishing brightness of F2.2, extraordinary for a slim, stylish digital compact camera. The F2.2 lens is about 1.6x brighter than the F2.8 lens, itself generally considered a bright lens. It lets DMC-FX700 shoot at higher shutter speed and capture stunningly clear, sharp, blur-free images in lower lighting situation. Together with the anti-blurring function in the iA mode, DMC-FX700 never allows any subject to be blurred. This advanced lens also makes it easy to produce beautiful photos with pleasing soft background focusing thanks to the shallow depth of field provided by the extra light.

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Panasonic 8mm Fisheye Lens

Cuzzy — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:05:17 +0000

Panasonic has added an 8mm fisheye lens to their Micro Four Thirds system lens lineup. Offering a full 180-degree angle-of-view, the new LUMIX G Fisheye 8mm f/3.5 lens has a focal length equivalent to a 16mm lens in the 35mm (full frame) format. The Lumix G 8mm fisheye lens should work with any Panasonic Lumix G or Olympus Pen digital camera and offers the widest focal length yet for Micro Four Thirds format digital cameras.

It’s exciting to see the Micro Four Thirds format and other compact, mirrorless system cameras taking hold. These cameras offer much of the performance of digital SLRs in a package the size of a high-end compact camera. The number of dedicated lens options has been one of the weak links for the Micro Four Thirds format. The 8mm fisheye lens is the seventh Micro Four Thirds mount lens from Panasonic. With three available Olympus Micro Four Thirds lenses and one more on the way there will be at least eleven dedicated Micro Four Thirds lenses by late this year. Thanks to the forward thinking and commitment of Panasonic and Olympus the Micro Four Thirds format is really starting to become a viable system. And it’s nice to see a new lens that’s designed for more specialized use than the variable aperture zooms that make up most of the current Micro Four Thirds lens options. I would definitely want the new 8mm fisheye lens in my Micro Four Thirds camera bag for travel stories or event coverage.

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