PMA 2005: CNET covers the show

Panasonic launched five new Lumix cameras at this year's PMA show, all of which have two features in common: revamped Venus Engine Plus or Venus Engine II image-processing systems and integrated optical image stabilization. Highlights of the new Venus systems include an unlimited continuous-shooting mode (though your images won't be at full resolution) and a purported 50 percent increase in battery life. Panasonic's Mega OIS optical image-stabilization system looked especially impressive; we saw the technology in action, and it indeed appeared to significantly reduce the nefarious blurring effects of camera shake. The entry-level Lumix DMC-LS1 has a solid feature set for snapshot photographers, while the higher-end DMC-LZ1 and DMC-LZ2 boast 6x zoom lenses. At the top of Panasonic's new lineup, the DMC-FZ4 and DMC-FZ5 offer 12x optical zoom capabilities, to go with manual features that include shutter- and aperture-priority modes.

Model	Price & availability	Specifications	Special features
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ4	US$450 April 2005 *Will not be arriving in Singapore	4-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; F2.8-to-F8, 35mm-to-420mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 12x zoom lens; SD/MMC media	Manual exposure and telephoto macro modes make this enthusiast camera a compelling choice for creative photographers. The Venus Engine II processor promises to improve shooting speed, reduce noise, and digitally correct chromatic abberation.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5	US$500 (S$799) April 2005	5-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; F2.8-to-F8, 36mm-to-432mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 12x zoom lens; SD/MMC media	The Lumix FZ4 plus a megapixel.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS1	US$230 (S$399) April 2005	4-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; F2.8-to-F5.6, 35mm-to-105mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; SD/MMC media	The LS1 has a 2-inch LCD and takes AA batteries. Its Venus Engine Plus processor promises faster shooting speed and improved noise reduction for cleaner low-light shots.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ1	US$250 (S$449) March 2005	4-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; F2.8-to-F5.6, 37mm-to-222mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 6x zoom lens; SD/MMC media	Its Venus Engine Plus processor promises faster shooting speed and improved noise reduction for cleaner low-light shots. Movie mode is a bit thin at 320x240, but the 2-inch screen is nice.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2	US$300 (S$499) March 2005	5-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; F2.8-to-F5.6, 37mm-to-222mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 6x zoom lens; SD/MMC media	The Lumix LZ1 plus a megapixel.

PMA 2005: what to expect at the show