 |
-------------------------------------------------------------- This story was printed from CNET Asia. --------------------------------------------------------------
|
Panasonic adds eight Lumixes to its PMA lineup
By Reuben Lee
30/01/2008 URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/digitalcameras/0,39001469,62037050,00.htm LAS VEGAS--It looks like new compact cameras will dominate the showfloor for Panasonic at this year's PMA tradeshow over in the US. After unveiling its entry-level LS80 shooter last week, Panasonic today announced eight more Lumix compact models, making it a total of nine new product offerings for its PMA campaign this year. Among the announcements are new additions to the FX-, LZ- and TZ-series as well as the debut of three camera models under the new FS-series (FS3, FS5 and FS20). According to Panasonic, the slim FS-series, which is a sister line to the company's FX-series shooters, will target users who want simplicity and ease of use when operating a camera. As with some of its more recent Lumix offerings, Panasonic's latest range of compact cameras will feature the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode which consists of five onboard functions designed to help users shoot better and easier in the automatic setting. For those new to iA mode, think of it as an improved automatic shooting mode. Once activated, it automatically detects faces (Face Detection), minimizes motion blur (Intelligent ISO Control), reduces camera shake (Mega O.I.S.) and selects a scene mode (Intelligent Scene Selector). The onboard Quick AF function also starts focusing without half-pressing the shutter button, thereby minimizing the time required for autofocusing. In addition to the standard iA mode, two new shooting-assist functions have been added for Panasonic's megazoom compacts, the TZ15 and TZ11. The Intelligent Exposure feature basically detects and brightens dark areas in a picture, while the Digital Red Eye Reduction (only on the TZ15) corrects red-eye pictures automatically. Also new to the TZ-series is the inclusion of 720p HD video recording on the TZ15, which can be connected to an HDTV via an optional component cable for viewing the HD content. Users can further add music to the picture slideshows on the TZ15. Another camera that will steal the spotlight for Panasonic at the PMA show is the FX36. Equipped with an ultra-wide 25mm lens, the Japanese company claims this can capture almost twice the viewing space compared to standard 35mm cameras. Like the TZ15, the FX36 also comes with 720p HD video recording, HD output capabilities (via component cable) and music slideshows. Other feature enhancements in the latest Lumix range include manual control (over aperture and shutter speed) for the LZ8 and LZ10, and a 30mm wide-angle lens for the 10-megapixel FS20 and FS5. All the Lumix cameras are expected to be launched worldwide this year, though exact availability dates and retail pricing for Asia have yet to be confirmed.
Panasonic's new Lumix cameras
|
)
)
Copyright © 2009 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.
