Photography Magazine

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 : Panasonic introduced a new addition to its award-winning TZ-family of digital cameras, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ50, complete with Wi-Fi capabilities, standard 802.11b/g wireless LAN connectivity and access to T-Mobile HotSpot service, users can upload digital photos taken with the Panasonic TZ50 directly to Picasa Web Albums, a free online photo-sharing service from Google. The 9.1 megapixel Panasonic Lumix TZ50 is packed with a 28mm wide-angle lens, 10x optical zoom and the ability to record HD video, making it the ideal digital camera for active users. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 will be available in silver in May 2008 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $449.95.

Panasonic Lumix TZ50 - Share photos “This advanced digital camera makes it possible for users to share their photos with friends and family with unprecedented ease and without a computer,” said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Active users will appreciate the Panasonic Lumix TZ50’s Wi-Fi capabilities so they can share photos while on-the-go, but they will also benefit from HD video recording, a 10x optical zoom and a 28mm wide-angle lens, so capturing images, whether far or wide; moving or still, is all possible with this compact camera.”

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 camera - Hotspot service and Web Album Panasonic uses the T-Mobile Hotspot service and Picasa Web Albums’ APIs to create a new optimal online environment and community for sharing digital photos. After taking photos with the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50, users will be able to wirelessly send one or multiple photos at a time, directly to Google’s Picasa Web Albums. Users can connect to standard wireless home networks, but furthermore, the Panasonic TZ50 can also connect to the T-Mobile HotSpot Service, which provides fast and reliable Wi-Fi Internet access at more than 8,800 public locations throughout the United States, including Borders Books & Music stores, Hyatt Hotels and many major airports. The Panasonic Lumix TZ50 comes with an offer for 12-months of complimentary T-Mobile HotSpot W-FI service.

Panasonic TZ50 wireless camera - Cell phones and Account Users can register one email account with their Panasonic TZ50, so after uploading their photos to Picasa Web Albums, they can have the URL to that album sent to the registered account. Since many cell phones and smartphones receive emails, users can register their own email address and then forward that Picasa Web Albums URL to friends and family, all while away from home and without using a computer. In addition, users can browse their albums to confirm that photos have been successfully uploaded, and choose to delete uploaded photos directly on the digital camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 megazoom camera - High Definition and SD memory The new Panasonic Lumix TZ50 is the latest member of the Lumix TZ-Series, renowned for packaging a 28mm wide-angle 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens (equivalent to 28-280mm on a 35mm film camera) into a compact body. The 28mm wide-angle lens captures subjects and scenes wider at the same standpoint than a normal 35mm camera. Notably, the new Panasonic TZ50 integrates the capability of recording 720p HD (high-definition) motion pictures together with its direct output function allowing users to enjoy watching both still and motion pictures in impressive HD quality on a HDTV via an optional component cable or by inserting the SD Memory Card into the SD slot, which is available on all Panasonic VIERA HDTVs.

Panasonic Lumix cameras - Intelligent mode and Operate The Panasonic Lumix TZ50 also incorporates Panasonic’s advanced Intelligent Auto (iA) mode consisting of seven intuitive technologies, all which are specifically designed to help make photo-taking enjoyable and easy. When in Advanced Intelligent Auto mode, various technologies all operate automatically; the consumer does not need to change any settings.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 features • Intelligent Exposure - Photos will no longer be under- or over-exposed. Instead, the TZ50 instantly analyze the framed image and adjusts the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash. The camera will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly. • Digital Red-eye Correction - Helps eliminate the red-eye problem that sometimes results when taking flash shots at the night. Incorporated into the built-in flash, the camera emits a small preliminary flash before the main flash, detects red-eye and will digitally correct it. • MEGA O.I.S. - Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image and Intelligent ISO - Determines if the photo subject is moving and change the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly. • Intelligent Scene Selector - Senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode. This intuitive technology, helps the consumer use the most common scene modes that are built into the camera, but often go unused, without making any manual adjustments. • Face Detection - Detects faces anywhere in the frame and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear and crisp. Detecting up to 15 faces, Panasonic’s Face Detection can even track a face if the subject is moving and Continuous AF – The Continuous AF (auto focus) system maintains focus on the subject even without pressing a shutter button halfway, thus minimizing the AF time.

Panasonic DMC-TZ50 wireless megazoom camera - Brightness and High resolution LCD Once a user is in iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically no adjustments or settings changes need to be made. Furthermore, the Panasonic DMC-TZ50 boasts Intelligent LCD function, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer a display with excellent clarity in any situation with the newly developed 460,000-dot high resolution in 3.0-inch LCD screen.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 - Image processing LSI and Effects The Panasonic TZ50 incorporates the Venus Engine IV, Panasonic’s new high-performance image processing LSI. The Venus Engine IV produces higher-quality pictures than its predecessor, the Venus Engine III, by using a more advanced signal processing system. The new Venus Engine IV also improves noise reduction, elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effects in both MEGA O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO and reduces the shutter release time lag.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 : Panasonic is pleased to announce a new flagship model for its Lumix slim and stylish FX series. The new 10.1 Megapixel Panasonic Lumix FX500 camera features a 25mm ultra-wide angle Leica DC lens with 5x optical zoom. Touch-screen operation on a large, 3.0-inch LCD brings new enjoyment to the digital photography and enables easy manual operation, which is another first for the FX series. A variety of advanced functions, including Intelligent Auto mode, HD motion picture recording and HD component output, and slideshows complete with music, also enrich the camera’s potential and user experience. As soon as we receive a sample we will publish a Panasonic FX500 review.

Panasonic Lumix FX500 - High quality lens
The newly developed Leica DC lens with 5x optical zoom boasts an 25mm ultra-wide angle of view that captures almost double the recording area at the same shooting distance compared with a conventional 35mm lens. This advanced lens system includes 4 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, and a newly developed, unevenly thick concave meniscus Extra High Refractive Index Aspherical (EA) lens, fitting an unprecedented level of wide-angle performance into a slim camera assuring minimal distortion even at its 25mm wide end, resulting in high picture quality.

Panasonic DMC-FX500 - Control system and Exposure
For more intuitive operation, the Panasonic DMC-FX500 has a hybrid control system that combines joystick control with touch-screen operation. Basic settings can be directly controlled by the joystick, and others extensive ones are finely adjusted by touch or by moving a slider on the screen with the finger or an included stylus-pen. Users can set the auto focus and exposure at the desired part of the frame by simply touching the subject at that part while recording. In manual exposure mode, aperture and shutter speed can be adjusted by moving the slider. In playback mode, a new Easy Organization menu is provided to simplify image organizing. The user can quickly select an image to view by scrolling the thumbnails located below the main window, and then edit the image using the same touch menu interface.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 camera - Auto focus and Operation
Auto focus (AF) tracking is also new with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500. It continues tracking the subject even if it moves after the AF is set, which is especially helpful for catching active children or pets. The iA (Intelligent Auto) mode is a helpful shooting assist function that lets the user leave all the settings to the camera. Taking maximum advantage of this iA mode, users can go a step further to set auto focus and exposure on the desired subject by simply touching it on the screen. This kind of quick, easy rational operation is given form by the new touch-screen interface.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 - Optical zoom and Wide angle
The 10.1 Megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 packages a ultra-wide 25mm Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT high-quality lens with 5x optical zoom(equivalent to 25-125mm on a 35mm film camera), offering f2.8 brightness. Comprising 7 elements in 6 groups, including 4 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit passes Leica’s stringent standards and delivers an exceptional optical performance. Notably, a newly developed unevenly thick concave meniscus EA (Extra high refractive index Aspherical) lens makes it possible to achieve the 25mm ultra-wide angle high optical performance while keeping the lens unit thin and the body slim. The 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens records almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to ordinary 35mm cameras. Further, in 3 Megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 8.9x by using the center part of the CCD. In addition, newly adopted iris diaphragm allows the users to adjust aperture at fine steps manually.

Lumix DMC-FX500 - Touch screen and Menu
The Panasonic FX500 incorporates a 3.0-inch large touch-screen interface to achieve amazing ease in both shooting and playing back the images. Panasonic proposes a hybrid operation system combining the new touch-screen interface and the conventional operation system with joystick for more quick and intuitive control, by taking advantage of both operation systems. Users can make basic settings directly with the joystick while they can make extensive adjustments intuitively by touching or moving the slider on the screen. To activate the menu, all you have to do is to touch the mode you want after pressing the mode button. Notably in the recording mode, auto focus and exposure can be set at the desired part of the frame by simply touching the subject at that part to activate the AF/AE. The camera continues tracking it even if it moves with the AF/AE Tracking function to minimize the shutter time lag at the spur-of-the-moment. In manual operation mode, aperture and shutter speed can be set to the desired value by moving the slider.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 digital camera - Playback and Interface
In playback mode, a new Easy Organization menu is provided to simplify image organizing. The user can quickly select an image to view by scrolling the thumbnails located below the main window, and then edit the image by resizing, trimming and inputting the text title of the picture. You can also flag the desired image as your favorites or delete them in one menu interface. This touch-screen interface features a high-resolution Intelligent LCD which automatically controls the brightness at a total of 11 fine steps by detecting the surrounding lighting condition. This function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation.

Panasonic DMC-FX500 photo camera - Intelligent ISO and Face Detection
The Intelligent Auto mode, which comprises various shooting-assist functions, has been advanced for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 by newly adding the Intelligent Exposure feature and Digital Red-eye Correction in addition to the conventional Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Quick AF functions. Mega O.I.S. suppresses hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control prevents motion blur. The Intelligent Scene Selector sets the appropriate scene mode by automatically selecting it from the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Portrait and Night Scenery.

Panasonic Lumix camera - Brightness and Darkness
The Face Detection system detects human faces to set the focus and appropriate exposure for them automatically. The unwanted red-eye effect caused by the use of the flash can be digitally corrected. The newly added Intelligent Exposure function automatically controls the ISO sensitivity partially to increase the exposure of only the darkened area due to backlighting or insufficient flash lighting to capture the scene as you see it by suppressing the extreme brightness and darkness in the picture. The Quick AF system allows the camera to start focusing on the subject even without pressing the shutter button halfway, to get the best results from every shooting opportunity by minimizing the AF time. Once you enter 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. What makes difference with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 from other Lumix cameras is its enhanced option. You can set auto focus and exposure on the desired subject by simply touching it on the screen with your intention and the rest of the settings are automatically supported by the iA mode.

Panasonic Lumix FX500 - High Definition and Quality
All Lumix cameras can take 1920×1080 pixel HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 even records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With newly added HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your Panasonic Lumix FX500 by simply connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 digital photo camera - HD photos and Music
The Panasonic DMC-FX500 newly provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you’ll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. If you make the slideshow with HD photos in 1920 x 1080 pixels, you can also enjoy watching an impressive HD slideshow with music on a large-screen HDTV by using the optional component cable.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FX500 digicam - Venus Engine IV
A new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images. Notably, parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the preceding Venus Engine III, gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colors is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus color bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity. The Venus Engine IV also elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-500 - Image processing and Resolution
Featured in the Panasonic DMC-FX500, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx.0.005 second and the camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In burst shooting mode, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 can snap approx.2.5 shots per second at full resolution. And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible approx. 6 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting, which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 cam - LCD and Memory card
The energy-efficient Venus Engine IV imaging engine contributes to the long battery life of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500, making it possible to shoot around 280 shots on a single battery charge despite the large, bright touch-screen LCD. A total of 20 scene modes help you to take more beautiful pictures in a wide range of situations. Also interesting is the Title Edit function, which allows text to be input as additional information for the picture, for example, names of children or pets, and travel places. Inputting and editing the text is astonishingly smooth and quick, thanks to the touch-screen interface. This information, as well as dates, which can be helpful when making a photo album, can be stamped on photos with the Text Stamp function whether you print them yourself at home or have a photo shop do them. Around 50MB of internal memory is built-in to back up the SDHC/SD Memory Card recording and copying.

Panasonix Lumix software
As design improvements, all new Lumix cameras incorporate a REC/PLAYBACK mode switch. This helps the photographer to instantly switch between recording and playback modes, while always knowing which mode the camera is in. The GUI (Graphic User Interface) has been designed exclusively for the touch-screen interface looking more futuristic in terms of design and color while maintaining the visibility of characters and usability of settings. The major features mentioned above can be quickly understood with the newly installed slideshow program called Demo mode. The included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO-viewer-2.0 offers more convenience to the user by taking advantage of the features available on the Lumix cameras. You can access pictures not only by date, but also by scene mode, or baby name that you have inputted on the camera. The PHOTOfunSTUDIO-viewer-2.0 allows you to easily organize your growing number of still and motion pictures on one simple interface.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100 : Panasonic announce a new addition to the Lumix family of high-performance digital cameras. The new Lumix DMC-FX100 combines 1/1.72-inch large 12.2-megapixel image recording with a superb, 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens that features a 3.6x optical zoom (equivalent to 28-100mm on a 35mm film camera) and f/2.8 brightness. This Leica DC lens has been newly developed specifically for the Lumix FX100, whose 12.2-megapixel recording gives users the creative power to capture stunningly true-to-life high-resolution images with extraordinary resolution, detail and clarity. Panasonic managed to pack the advanced 28mm wide-angle lens and large CCD into a sleek, slim body.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100
Also adding a host of sophisticated features, the Panasonic DMC-FX100 is a premium camera that moves right to the top of the Lumix FX series of compact, stylish cameras. The quality of the Lumix DMC FX100 goes beyond its high specifications. Panasonic went to great lengths to make the DMC FX100 a camera so effortless to use that anyone will find it easy to take clear, beautiful pictures every time they shoot. At the heart of the Panasonic FX100’s super-easy operation is Intelligent Image Stabilization, a Panasonic system offered in all new Lumix cameras. Intelligent Image Stabilization combines two distinct features aimed at making it easy to capture perfect images.

Panasonic DMC FX100 - Mega O.I.S. & ISO Control
First is Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), a system that helps eliminate blurring due to hand-shake. Mega O.I.S. is particularly critical when shooting high-resolution pictures, where the effects of even slight hand-shake are readily visible. The new advanced Mega O.I.S system in the Panasonic DMC-FX100 can even detect and separate the hand-shake from other movement of camera to raise both precision of detection and corrective effect. Second is Intelligent ISO Control, a system that fights motion blur by detecting if the subject moves and adjusting the ISO setting and shutter speed according to the degree of motion and light conditions. Both Mega O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO Control act automatically, so you don’t have to even think about them each time conditions change. You enjoy effortless, trouble-free shooting in any situation, as well as the satisfaction that comes with capturing beautiful photos.

Panasonic Lumix FX100 - Venus Engine III processor
The Lumix DMC-FX100 also incorporates the Venus Engine III, Panasonic’s advanced image processing LSI that helps render exquisite images with minimal noise. Also providing exceptional response speed, the Venus Engine III makes possible the newly developed High-Speed Burst shooting mode that lets you snap off a lightning-fast eight shots per second, as well as a new High Sensitivity mode that provides a maximum ISO setting of 6400. In addition, when using the High Sensitivity mode, the built-in flash reaches as far as 16 m, letting you capture clear images even in dim lighting.

Panasonic Lumix FX100 - Wide Screen (16:9)
The Lumix FX100 lets you shoot high-definition 1920 x 1080 pixel still images and high-quality 1280 x 720 pixel moving images. Both perfectly fit the wide-screen (16:9) TVs that are popular today, giving you a impressive viewing of the photos and motion images you shoot. The DMC FX100 will be available in silver and black, each colour is metallic and combines with the sleek styling to create a sophisticated, high-grade look appropriate for a camera of this pedigree. Beautifully designed and packed with high-end features, the new Panasonic DMC FX100 is an eminently worthy addition to the Lumix line of advanced digital cameras. The Panasonic FX100 carries on the Lumix legacy of capturing breathtakingly clear, beautiful images that turn special moments into cherished memories that can be enjoyed again and again in different ways.

Panasonic DMC-FX100 - Wide Angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens
With the Lumix FX100, Panasonic packages a newly developed 28mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens featuring f/2.8 brightness and a 3.6x optical zoom* plus a 12.2-megapixel CCD into a slim, stylish and conveniently compact camera body. The new lens unit, which comprises seven elements in six groups, including an EA lens and four lenses with five aspherical surfaces, is designed and manufactured to Leica’s stringent standards. Its optical performance is exceptional. In addition to the 3.6x optical zoom, the FX100 offers an Extra Optical Zoom function. Available when the camera is in 3-megapixel resolution mode, this function uses the centre part of the CCD to boost magnification even further, extending the zoom power to 7x. The FX100 also has an Easy Zoom feature that, at the touch of a button, shifts the lens instantly to full 3.6x zoom power. A second touch of the button activates the Extra Optical Zoom function and extends zoom all the way to 7x.

Panasonic Lumix FX100 - CCD image sensor
The Panasonic DMC-FX100 incorporates 1/1.72-inch large CCD with 12.2-megapixel rich recording resolution. This super-high resolution is possible because sufficient light-receiving area is allocated to each pixel, thus preventing noise that would otherwise be generated by a smaller pixel area. Images seen with the FX100’s Leica DC lens - a lens superior in quality and performance to those found in other compact cameras - are rendered with the incredibly rich detail and gradation that only 12.2-megapixel resolution can achieve. Delicate flower petals, subtle skin textures, the changing hues of sunset - the Lumix FX100 captures the nuances of images like these with breathtaking clarity and detail. The 12.2-megapixel resolution also allows images to be printed up to A2 size with spectacular results. For example, you can make life-size prints of a baby or the upper half of an adult’s body. Similarly, the high resolution lets you trim an image - framing only the part you like - and then magnify it and still get outstanding detail and resolution.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100 - Mega O.I.S. system
Panasonic drew on its cutting-edge lens technology to invent Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), a system that prevents blurring from shaky hands and has been studied it for over 20 years. In Panasonic’s Mega O.I.S., sensors act at a frequency of 4,000 times per second to accurately detect the hand-shake and an O.I.S. lens unit is shifted to compensate. The new advanced Mega O.I.S system in the Panasonic DMC-FX100 can even detect and separate the hand-shake from other movement of camera to raise both precision of detection and corrective effect. With Mega O.I.S., it is easier than ever to capture clear, sharp images when shooting indoor portraits, illuminated night scenes or even the scenery you see from a train window.

Panasonic FX100 - Intelligent ISO control
Another problem is the motion blur that can occur when a subject moves as the shot is being snapped but Lumix’s Intelligent ISO Control detects whether or not the subject is moving. If it is, the system automatically raises the ISO setting accordingly, allowing the camera to shoot at a higher shutter speed. If the subject is not moving, the camera shoots at a low ISO setting and captures beautiful, natural-looking images. Intelligent ISO Control is included as one of the corrections in certain scene modes used to shoot subjects that are often moving, such as Sports, Baby and the newly added Pet mode. Simply select the mode that best suits the subject, and Intelligent ISO Control provides optimal corrections, making it easy to capture crisp, clear photos.

Panasonic Lumix FX100 - Super fast response time
Featured in the Lumix FX100, the Venus Engine III is an advanced multi-task image-processing engine that supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as 0.009 second and the shutter interval as short as 0.9 sec - outstanding for a camera recording at 12.2-megapixel resolution. The camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In burst shooting mode, the Lumix FX100 can snap two shots per second at full 12.2-megapixel resolution. And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible eight shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting - which lets you keep snapping until the memory card is full.

Panasonic Lumix FX100 - Image Processing LSI
The Venus Engine III separates luminance noise from chromatic noise, which has a greater effect on picture quality, and greatly suppresses the chromatic noise to maintain high resolution. The Venus Engine III also supports a new High Sensitivity mode that lets the FX100 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400 - sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. This advanced processing engine is also energy efficient. Its low power consumption means you can shoot around 320 images on a single charge, for a full day of shooting fun.

Panasonic FX100 - HD wide-screen photos
With TV screens getting bigger and picture definition getting higher, consumers want to be able to shoot higher-quality still images and motion pictures. Panasonic has long focused on making photography more enjoyable, such as by letting people view their images easily on a Viera TV, with its internal SD card slot. With the Panasonic FX100, you can shoot high-definition 1920 x 1080 pixel photos that are ideal for full-screen viewing on a wide-screen (16:9) TV. Panasonic also offers the DMW-SDP1 HDTV Photo Player, which makes it easy to view a slideshow of Lumix photos in 1080i high-definition quality. Simply connect the SDP1 via a component cable to an HDTV and slip the SDHC/SD Memory Card into the slot, and you’re ready to view high-definition images on a large display with family or friends.

Panasonic DMC FX100 - Motion Picture Recording
In addition to recording standard VGA (640 x 480) and WVGA (848 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second, the DMC-FX100 can record stunning wide-aspect HD (1280 x 720) motion images at 15 frames per second. Fitting a wide-screen HDTV perfectly, these HD motion images captured by the Panasonic Lumix FX100 make for extremely impressive viewing.

Panasonic FX100 - Memory & Scene modes
The sleek and stylish Lumix DMC-FX100 has around 27 MB of built-in memory to back up the SDHC/SD Memory Card recording. With a total of 20 scene modes plus the new High Sensitivity mode and High-Speed Burst shooting mode, the Panasonic FX100 makes it easy to capture stunning, high-resolution photos in a range of shooting situations. The DMC FX100 also provides a number of playback functions. Category Playback, for example, sorts images into such categories as portraits, landscapes, nightscapes, events, and motion pictures, so you can play back or make slideshows of a particular type of image.

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Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new 8.1-megapixel DMC-FS3 with f2.8 Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens with 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 33mm to 100 mm on a 35mm film camera) as a member of Lumix new FS series. The new FS series, a sister line of the world-acclaimed FX series, pursues easy and simple operation with its high-grade profile for users at every stage to enjoy taking beautiful pictures. The new Panasonic DMC-FS3 features the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which comprises 5 shooting-assist functions; Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Quick AF functions. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 boasts a 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD with Intelligent LCD function.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 - Shooting assist function
Mega O.I.S. suppresses hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control prevents motion blur. The Intelligent Scene Selector sets the appropriate scene mode by automatically selecting it from the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Portrait and Night Scenery. The Face Detection system detects a human face to set the focus and appropriate exposure for it automatically. The Quick AF system allows the camera to start focusing on the subject even without pressing the shutter button halfway, to get the best results from every shooting opportunity by minimizing the AF time. Once you enter 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.

Panasonic DMC-FS3 - LCD with Intelligent LCD function
The high-performance image-processing LSI has newly entered its fourth generation, to be reborn as Venus Engine IV to assure higher-quality pictures with an advanced signal processing system. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 boasts a 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD with Intelligent LCD function, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer a display with the most appropriate clarity in any situation. Slideshows of captured images now offer a music effect that matches the mood so you can enjoy watching or showing your pictures with emotional impact. The Easy Zoom feature shifts the lens instantly to full zoom at the touch of a dedicated button.　It also boasts an internal 50 MB memory (approx.) giving users more flexibility in shooting.

Panasonic Lumix FS3 - 3x Optical zoom Leica lens
The 8.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 packages a 33mm 3x optical zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens with f2.8 brightness into a slim, compact body. Comprising six elements in five groups, including three aspherical lenses with four aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly slim and compact body yet passing Leica’s stringent standards to deliver an exceptional optical performance. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 4.8x by using the centre part of the CCD. The Easy Zoom feature shifts the lens instantly to full 3x optical zoom power at a touch of a dedicated button, and with a second touch, the zoom ratio is further extended to 4.8x by activating the Extra Optical Zoom function.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 camera - Mega O.I.S.
Panasonic incorporated the Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to compensate for hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control to detect and suppress motion blur are built into all Lumix cameras, as the industry’s most advanced countermeasures against blurring. Both image stabilizing technologies have been further advanced in detection accuracy and correction effect thanks to the new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV.

Panasonic FS3 - Intelligent Auto mode & Intelligent Scene Selector
In addition to these two paramount anti-blurring technologies, Panasonic continues pursuing the ideal that anyone at any technical level of photography should be able to take beautiful pictures with ease, by incorporating the Intelligent Auto mode. Increasing the number of scene modes is one thing and taking advantage of them is another, and that’s where the Intelligent Scene Selector comes in. It automatically sets the appropriate scene mode according to the scene you’re going to take from among the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Scenery and Night Portrait mode. The Face Detection system helps the camera to recognize human faces and to focus and set the exposure automatically. Up to 15 faces can be recognized simultaneously. The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focusing on the subject even without pressing the shutter button halfway, to get the best results from every shooting opportunity by minimizing the AF time. These multi-capable functions happen automatically, so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change - the powerful Intelligent Auto Mode does all the work for you. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.

Panasonic Lumix FS3 - New image-processing LSI
A new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images. Notably, parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the preceding Venus Engine III, gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colors is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus color bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity.

Panasonic DMC-FS3 - Venus Engine IV processor
The Venus Engine IV also elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur. Featured in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as 0.005　second and the camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In burst shooting mode, the Panasonic FS3 can snap 3 shots per second at full resolution. And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible 7 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting, which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full. The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the Panasonic Lumix FS3 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 - 2.5-inch LCD screen
The Panasonic DMC FS3 incorporate an easy-to-see, large, 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD for comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. The High Angle mode makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as when shooting over a crowd.

Panasonic Lumix FS3 - Expand fun of photography
The Lumix camera further offers wide variety of options to expand fun of photography. The Panasonic Lumix FS3 newly provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you’ll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. All Lumix cameras can take 1920×1080 pixel high-definition quality photos that are ideal for full-screen viewing on a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV. Panasonic has long focused on making photography more enjoyable, such as by letting people view their images easily on a Panasonic Viera TV with internal SD card slot.

Panasonic FS3 digital camera - Record motion pictures
For the motion picture, the Panasonic Lumix FS3 can record WVGA (848 x 480) motion pictures at 30 frames per second in addition to standard VGA (640 x 480). The WVGA motion picture also fits a wide-screen (16:9) TV perfectly, to offer extremely impressive viewing.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 - Other Features
The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 features a variety of functionalities to expand convenience and fun for users at every stage to enjoy taking beautiful pictures. The energy-efficient Venus Engine IV imaging engine encourages the long battery life of Lumix DMC-FS3 to shoot around 330 shots despite their large, bright LCD on a single battery charge. As design improvements, all new Lumix cameras incorporate a REC/PLAYBACK mode switch. This helps the photographer to instantly switch between recording and playback modes, while always knowing which mode the camera is in. The GUI(Graphic User Interface) has been upgraded to look more futuristic in terms of design and color while maintaining the visibility of characters. A total of 21 scene modes help you to take more beautiful pictures in a wide range of situations.

Panasonic Lumix FS3 camera - Title Edit function
Also interesting is the Title Edit function, which allows text to be input as additional information for the picture, for example, names of children or pets, and travel places. This information, as well as dates, which can be helpful when making a photo album, can be stamped on photos with the Text Stamp function whether you print them yourself at home or have a photo shop do them. Around 50 MB of internal memory is built-in to back up the SDHC/SD Memory Card recording and copying. The major features mentioned above can be quickly understood with the newly installed slideshow program called Demo mode.

Panasonic DMC-FS3 - Camera design & Colours
Dressed in the metal-finished panel, the slim and sleek Panasonic Lumix FS3 offer an enjoyment of taking a great snapshot casually with committed ease of operation even for beginners. The Panasonic FS3 will be available in silver, black blue and pink. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 is compatible with an optional marine case (DMW-MCFS5) with which users can shoot underwater while scuba diving, etc.

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Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new 10.1-megapixel DMC-FS5 digital camera with a 30mm wide angle Leica DC lens with 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 30mm to 120 mm on a 35mm film camera) as a member of Lumix new FS series. The new FS series, a sister line of the world-acclaimed FX series, pursues easy and simple operation with its high-grade profile for users at every stage to enjoy taking beautiful pictures. Despite its remarkably compact body and slim profile, the stylish Lumix FS5 boasts a 30mm wide-angle Leica DC lens that lets capture the subject and the scene wider at the same standpoint than normal 35mm camera does. The Panasonic Lumix FS5 will be available in silver, black and red.

Panasonic Lumix FS5 - 2.5-inch LCD
The DMC-FS5 pursues further compactness with a 2.5-inch LCD, 230,000-dot high resolution and Intelligent LCD function, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer a display with the most appropriate clarity in any situation.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 - Intelligent Auto Mode
The new Panasonic FS5 features the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which comprises 5 shooting-assist functions; Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Quick AF functions. Mega O.I.S. suppresses hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control prevents motion blur. The Intelligent Scene Selector sets the appropriate scene mode by automatically selecting it from the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Portrait and Night Scenery. The Face Detection system detects a human face to set the focus and appropriate exposure for it automatically. The Quick AF system allows the camera to start focusing on the subject even without pressing the shutter button halfway, to get the best results from every shooting opportunity by minimizing the AF time. Once you enter 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.

Panasonic FS5 digital camera - Easy Zoom function
The high-performance image-processing LSI has newly entered its fourth generation, to be reborn as Venus Engine IV to assure higher-quality pictures with an advanced signal processing system. The Easy Zoom feature shifts the lens instantly to full zoom at the touch of a dedicated button. Slideshows of captured images now offer a music effect that matches the mood so you can enjoy watching or showing your pictures with emotional impact. The Panasonic Lumix FS5 also boasts an internal 50 MB memory (approx.) giving users more flexibility in shooting.

Panasonic Lumix FS5 - 4x Optical zoom lens
The 10.1-megapixel Panasonic FS5 packages a 30mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 4x optical zoom into a slim, compact body. Comprising seven elements in six groups, including three aspherical lenses with four aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly slim and compact body yet passing Leica’s stringent standards to deliver an exceptional optical performance. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 7.1x by using the centre part of the CCD. The Easy Zoom feature shifts the lens instantly to full 4x optical zoom power at a touch of a dedicated button, and with a second touch, the zoom ratio is further extended to 7.1x by activating the Extra Optical Zoom function.

Panasonic FS5 - Optical Image Stabilizer
Panasonic incorporated the Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to compensate for hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control to detect and suppress motion blur are built into all Lumix cameras, as the industry’s most advanced countermeasures against blurring. Both image stabilizing technologies have been further advanced in detection accuracy and correction effect thanks to the new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV.

Panasonic Lumix FS5 - Intelligent Scene Selector
In addition to these two paramount anti-blurring technologies, Panasonic continues pursuing the ideal that anyone at any technical level of photography should be able to take beautiful pictures with ease, by incorporating the Intelligent Auto mode. Increasing the number of scene modes is one thing and taking advantage of them is another, and that’s where the Intelligent Scene Selector comes in. It automatically sets the appropriate scene mode according to the scene you’re going to take from among the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Scenery and Night Portrait mode. The Face Detection system helps the camera to recognize human faces and to focus and set the exposure automatically. Up to 15 faces can be recognized simultaneously. The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focusing on the subject even without pressing the shutter button halfway, to get the best results from every shooting opportunity by minimizing the AF time.

Panasonic FS5 - Let the camera work for you
These multi-capable functions happen automatically, so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change - the powerful Intelligent Auto Mode does all the work for you. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 - Venus Engine IV
A new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images. Notably, parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the preceding Venus Engine III, gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colors is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus color bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 - Fastness
The Venus Engine IV also elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur. Featured in the DMC-FS5, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as 0.005 second and the camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In burst shooting mode, the Lumix FS5 can snap 2.5 shots per second at full resolution. And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible 6 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting, which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full. The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the Panasonic DMC-FS5 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.

Panasonic DMC-FS5 - LCD screen
The DMC-FS5 incorporates an easy-to-see, 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD for comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. The High Angle mode makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as when shooting over a crowd.

Panasonic Lumix FS5 - Slideshow
The Lumix camera further offers wide variety of options to expand fun of photography. The Panasonic Lumix FS5 newly provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you’ll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments.

Panasonic Lumix FS5 - HD photo quality
All Lumix cameras can take 1920×1080 pixel high-definition quality photos that are ideal for full-screen viewing on a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV. Panasonic has long focused on making photography more enjoyable, such as by letting people view their images easily on a Panasonic Viera TV with internal SD card slot. For the motion picture, the Lumix DMC-FS5 can record WVGA (848 x 480) motion pictures at 30 frames per second in addition to standard VGA (640 x 480). The WVGA motion picture also fits a wide-screen (16:9) TV perfectly, to offer extremely impressive viewing.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 - Other features
The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 features a variety of functionalities to expand convenience and fun for users at every stage to enjoy taking beautiful pictures. The energy-efficient Venus Engine IV imaging engine encourages the long battery life of Lumix FS5 to shoot around 300 shots despite their large, bright LCDs on a single battery charge. As design improvements, all new Lumix cameras incorporate a REC/PLAYBACK mode switch. This helps the photographer to instantly switch between recording and playback modes, while always knowing which mode the camera is in. The GUI(Graphic User Interface) has been upgraded to look more futuristic in terms of design and color while maintaining the visibility of characters. A total of 21 scene modes help you to take more beautiful pictures in a wide range of situations.

Panasonic FS5 - Title Edit & Text Stamp function
Also interesting is the Title Edit function, which allows text to be input as additional information for the picture, for example, names of children or pets, and travel places. This information, as well as dates, which can be helpful when making a photo album, can be stamped on photos with the Text Stamp function whether you print them yourself at home or have a photo shop do them. Around 50 MB of internal memory is built-in to back up the SDHC/SD Memory Card recording and copying. The major features mentioned above can be quickly understood with the newly installed slideshow program called Demo mode.

Panasonic DMC-FS5 - Colours & Availability
Dressed in the metal-finished panel, the slim and sleek Panasonic DMC-FS5 offers an enjoyment of taking great snapshots casually with committed ease of operation even for beginners. The Panasonic Lumix FS5 will be available in silver, black and red. The Panasonic Lumix FS5 is compatible with an optional marine case (DMW-MCFS5) with which users can shoot underwater while scuba diving, etc.

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10K is a digital single lens reflex camera designed for both photography enthusiasts and professionals.

Priced at US$1,299.95 the DMC-L10K is a DSLR camera with a full-time live view which lets users see what the camera sees in its LCD.

According to Panasonic, the DMC-L10K is “set to redefine DSL photography with its full-time live view and a 2.5″ angle LCD that provides greater flexibility”.

Key features include:

• 10.1 Megapixels, Live MOS Sensor
• Max. 1.8x (Not effective with full pixel recording. Magnification ratio depends on the recording pixels) optical zoom
• Focal length 14mm to 50mm (35mm equivalent 20 to 100mm)
• 100 to 1600 ISO (sensitivity)
• 2.5″ Diagonal Polycrystaline TFT LCD (207k pixels)
• Up to 450 images shots per battery charge
• Takes SD, SHDC and Multimedia Card
• Compact and Lightweight camera body
• 480 grams (without battery)
• Dimensions of 97 mm x 135 mm x 77 mm (W x H x D)
• World-Class Leica Lens which features 15 lens elements in 11 groups, including two aspherical lenses to lower spherical aberration and two extra-low dispersion lenses to suppress chromatic aberration

What the manufacturer says:

Featuring an advanced 2.5-inch free angle LCD for full time live view that offers 270 degree rotation and a versatile shooting style, a 10.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor that provides the beautiful images with delicate gradation and wide dynamic range, dust reduction with a Supersonic Wave Filter system prevents dust from attaching to the sensor to degrade the pictures and a superb image processor, Venus Engine III, the DMC-L10K boasts a high quality image rendering and high speed response.

What punters are saying:

The new Lumix L10 may look normal at first glance, but Panasonic have pulled out all the stops to ensure that the L10 is unlike any other DSLR camera currently available. Drawing on their rich heritage of well-received compact and ultra-zoom models, the Panasonic L10 is the closest that you will get to a compact digicam in DSLR form, and is an ideal match for anyone upgrading to a DSLR.

Panasonic’s Lumix L10 certainly looks like a neat option for consumer DSLR buyers and features several unique aspects which separate it from the crowd including a flip-out screen, face detection, contrast-based AF during Live View and an optically-stabilized Leica kit lens. – Camera Labs

The DMC-L10 incorporates a variety of functions that build a bridge for the potential user of digital SLR to take a first step in a world of real creative photography or for existing users who have not been able to take best advantage of their conventional digital SLR cameras.

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