Panasonic Launches Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digicam

Panasonic today expanded its Lumix family of digicams with the introduction of the Lumix DMC-FZ18, an 8.1 megapixel compact camera with 18x optical zoom.

In addition to a premium 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens, the DMC-FX18 joins the LUMIX DMC-FX33 and DMC-FX55 as the first Panasonic digital cameras to offer the Intelligent Auto Mode, which include face detection, intelligent scene selector and continuous auto-focus functions.

When this camera is put into Intelligent Auto Mode, the multi-faceted functions engage automatically, so there is no need to adjust settings every time conditions change. The DMC-FZ18’s Intelligent Auto Mode is comprised of -

Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode from the most frequently used modes such as portrait, scenery, macro, night scenery and night portrait.

Face detection system, which helps the camera to focus, set auto exposure and detects up to 15 human faces.

Continuous auto-focus, which allows the camera to keep focus on the subject without having to press the shutter button halfway.

"The Intelligent Auto Mode in the DMC-FZ18 does all the work for you, making photo-taking trouble-free," noted Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "When taking into account the camera’s 18x optical zoom, which is among the industry’s longest zooms, and then adding 8.1 Megapixels, a 28mm wide-angle lens, MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, and Intelligent Auto Mode, the DMC-FZ18 delivers professional-level photo quality, in a powerful camera packed with advanced features that is still easy to use."

The LUMIX DMC-FZ18 also is equipped with a 2.5-inch LCD with 207,000 pixels, a 0.44-inch Electric Viewfinder with 188,000 pixels, f/2.8 brightness and is powered by the Venus Engine III, which boasts shooting at ISO 1600 in normal recording mode.

The LUMIX DMC-FZ18 will be available in the US in silver and black by September 2007 at an MSRP of $399.95. No details on the Indian launch yet.


source:tech2.com