Secaucus, N.J. — Panasonic announced a new ultra-zoom Lumix digital camera yesterday, bringing a 12x optical zoom model to market under $400.
The 6-megapixel DMC-FZ7 features a 12x optical zoom Leica lens (36mm to 432mm, 35mm equivalent) and Panasonic’s MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer.
The camera features a new High Sensitivity Mode for minimizing blur in low light settings and when shooting with fast shutter speeds. Combining the stabilization and high sensitivities, the FZ7 can reach a maximum ISO of 1,600.
The FZ7 features automatic and manual control, a shutter release of 0.008 seconds and shutter interval of approx. 0.5 seconds minimum. It offers 16 scene modes, a 4x digital zoom, 2.5-inch LCD and movie recording at 848 by 480 resolution. The camera can record full resolution JPEGs in bursts of 3 frames per second.
It will ship in March for a suggested $399.95.
