Panasonic Unveils New Intelligent Cameras, 18X Superzoom

By Molly K. McLaughlin
Panasonic announced today four additions to its Lumix line: notably an 8-megapixel superzoom with 18X optical zoom and a 12.2MP compact camera, both of which have a 28mm wide-angle LEICA lens. The other two cameras unveiled are compact models available in a variety of colors.

The 12MP Lumix DMC FX100 is the first camera at this resolution to feature a wide-angle lens, according to Panasonic. This wide angle allows for great landscapes and group shots. The camera also features 3.6X optical zoom and a powerful flash with reach up to 16 meters and a burst mode rated at 8 shots per second. As part of the company's "Living in High Definition" program, it can capture 1920-by-1080 high-definition stills and 1280-by-720 video at 15 frames per second, ideal for viewing on Panasonic's 16:9 HDTVs. The FX100 will be available in silver and black.

Also with a 28mm wide angle lens, the 8MP Lumix DMC FZ18, available in silver and black, boasts 18X optical zoom for close-up shots, and excellent panoramas. In addition, the DMC-FZ18 has a 2.5-inch LCD and an electronic viewfinder for composing shots. A new feature included on this model is Intelligent Auto Mode, which combines face detection, intelligent scene selector, and continuous auto-focus functions.

"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.

Finally, the 8.1MP DMC FX55 and FX33 compact models also include the Intelligent Auto Mode and the 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens. Both feature 3.6 optical zoom. Each differs in LCD size with the FX55 at 3 inches and the FX33 at 2.5 inches. The DMC-FX33 has an optional marine case for underwater photography and will be available in silver, black, blue, brown, and pink. The FX55 will come in silver, black, and pink.

All four cameras announced today, including the entire 2007 Lumix line, support high capacity SDHC cards and feature a combination of MEGA Optical Image Stabilization and Intelligent ISO mode, which detect "hand shake" and subject movement to avoid blurry photos. The DMC FZ18 will be available in Sept 2007 for $399.95, as well as the FX55 and FX33 for $349.95 and $329.95 respectively. The DMC FX100 is available this month; price has yet to be announced.


source:pcmag.com