Six new Lumix cameras announcedTwo weeks ago, Panasonic announced four new Lumix point-and-shoots. Now, the Japanese electronics giant is delivering some of its more anticipated updates. Besides the usual specification upgrades in terms of resolution, zoom and focal length (to stay in line with competitors' products), we also noticed that Panasonic is taking note of consumers' needs to have smaller video files for Web sharing. Thus, it will be utilizing the new AVCHD Lite compression model for its HD-quality video capture in the latest shooters.
Panasonic's only touchscreen shooter, the FX520, will be updated with the Lumix DMC-FX580. According to the literature, there doesn't seem to be many enhancements--zoom range remains at 5x optical with 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens. However, the resolution of the FX580 has been bumped up to 12.1 megapixels, up from the FX520's 10.1 megapixels. The new shooter will still make use of the hybrid touchscreen/joystick mode for operating the camera and is bundled with the updated iA mode and face recognition features. Shutterbugs who have a penchant for superzoom shooters will probably appreciate the Lumix DMC-TZ7. This model succeeds the popular TZ15, and its hardware has been vastly improved to keep up with the trends. Panasonic claims the 10-megapixel ZS3 is the world's smallest snapper with 12x optical zoom, and what will be another of its major selling point is the 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens. No doubt, this shooter will prove to be a strong contender in the megazoom category and a direct threat to Samsung's 24mm, 10x optical zoom WB500. The TZ7 will, of course, feature Panasonic's new iA and face detection technologies. If you don't need such a powerful camera, the company has a scaled-down version, the TZ6. We are quite curious as to why Panasonic is introducing the Lumix DMC-FX48 when the FX38 is only about six months old. Upgrades to the specifications are minor, with the resolution bumped up to 12 megapixels and an updated iA feature. Unfortunately, the screen size remains at 2.5-inch, but that is probably to accommodate the slim profile of the FX48. For its entry-level offering, there is the Lumix DMC-FS25. This model has relatively similar specifications to the recently announced FS15, with 5x optical zoom and 29mm wide-angle lens. However, the LCD measures 3-inch and the camera will also have the same high-end iA mode with advanced profile recognition feature. Panasonic wasn't able to confirm the pricing and availability for these six shooters, but they will definitely form a part of the company's Lumix lineup at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) tradeshow to be held in Las Vegas in March. Tags: Optical Zoom, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., 3M Co., Camera, touch screen |
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