LAS VEGAS – Panasonic is celebrating the 10
th
anniversary of its Lumix digital camera business at International CES by
unveiling eight models as the first fruits in its 2011 lineup.
“Panasonic’s success with imaging innovations during the last 10
years is truly remarkable, and we have been on a tireless mission to deliver
what consumers want most: digital cameras that are easy to operate, fun to use
and capable of capturing images with exquisite beauty,” said Richard Simone,
Panasonic entertainment and imaging produces VP. “Looking ahead to the future,
we will continue to be a challenger in the digital imaging industry, leading
with our ground-breaking mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, the Limix G
Micro System. Panasonic strives to continue setting new standards in basic
performance and continuing to revolutionize the digital camera.”
New Lumix models include four slim-styled FH-series models, two
ultra-slim FP-series models, and a new S series featuring two models.
The FH-series models include the DMC-FH2, DMC-FH5, DMC-FH25 and
DMC-FH27; pricing will be announced closer to shipping time.
The FH2 (14.1 megapixels) and FH5 (16.1 megapixels) both feature
newly developed retractable 4x optical zoom lenses (starting at a 28mm wide
angel) with Leica DC optics, 20 percent slimmer profiles, 720p HD video
recording, and a new Venus Engine VI video-processing system with improved
resolution, zooming, startup and auto focusing capability.
Other features include MEGA optical image stabilization,
intelligent ISO control, intelligent scene selector and face detection.
The DMC-FH25 and DMC-FH27 both feature 16.1-megapixel resolution
and combine a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens with 8x optical zoom capability.
Also offered in both models are large Intelligent LCDs, 720p HD
video recording, the Venus Engine VI image processor with Intelligent
Resolution technology, and fast response times with shutter-release lag times
as short as 0.005 seconds.
Other features include MEGA
OIS, intelligent ISO, face detection and intelligent scene selector.
The FH27 features full touch-control operation with a 3-inch
(230,000-dot) smart touchscreen. The FH25 features a 2.7-inch intelligent LCD
without touch control.
The DMC-FP7 (16.1 megapixel) and DMC-FP5 (14.1 megapixel) offer slim
profiles by incorporating and ultra-thin 4x optical zoom lenses with folded
optics, mirror finish 720p HD video recording, large touch-control LCDs and
easy-to-use settings.
For touchscreens, the FP7 incorporates a 3.5-inch 16:9 LCD, while
the FP5 features a 3-inch 3:2 LCD. Using the touchscreen controls, users can
touch-set autofocus, zoom, shutter and the intelligent scene selector. All menu
setting options are now available with touch control, and in playback mode
users can drag the image across the screen with their finger to browse the
collection of photos, as though it is a page in a book.
The FP7 also features three new creative modes for manually editing
photos. Both cameras include Mega OIS, intelligent ISO, face detection and
intelligent scene selector.
The new S-series cameras are billed as “easy-to-use” models with
smart features, 720p/30 fps HD video recording, 4x optical zoom lens starting
at 28mm, and a new rounded shape design to help the cameras fit comfortably in
the palm of the hand.
The S3 models offer 14.1-megapixel resolution while the S1 has 12.1-megapixel
capability.
Both cameras also include Mega OIS, face detection, intelligent
scene selector, the Venus Engine VI system, 2.7-inch intelligent LCD, .007 (S3)
and .008 (S1) shutter lag times.
They will ship in choice of blue, black, gold, pink and silver,
body colors.
