With interchangeable-lens compact cameras surging in popularity while stand-alone compact camera sales drop, Panasonic’s PMA@CES offerings are tilted towards building greater depth to the company’s Micro Four Thirds MILC product line. To that end, Panasonic today unveiled four conversion lenses, compatible with the Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and, in all but one case, the Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 pancake lens, both of which are typically bought in kits with Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds cameras.
- DMW-GWC1 Wide Conversion Lens: For dynamic scenic vistas and shooting groups in limited space, this optic extends the focal length of from 14mm to 11mm when attached to the front of the lens.
- DMW-GTC1 Tele Conversion Lens: Captures distant subjects by extending the focal length of tele-end from 42mm to 84mm. (168mm 35mm equivalent). Only compatible with the 14-42mm zoom.
- DMW-GMC1 Macro Conversion Lens: Designed to enable extremely close macro shooting at a focus distance of just 0.14m.
- DMW-GFC1 Fisheye Conversion Lens: Produces rounded, 120-degree angle image for funky framing.
Pricing and availability will be announced a month before delivery.
Lumix FH6 and FH8 slim 5x zoom compacts
For its middle-range compact camera seletion, Panasonic released the 14MP/2.7-inch LCD Lumix FH6 and 16MP/3-inch LCD Lumix FH8. Both cameras have the same 5x optical zoom (24-120mm equivalent f/2.5-6.4) lens, as well as all-auto exposure and focus, in-camera panorama mode, 720p HD video capture, and Mega OIS image optical image stabilization.
Lumix SZ1 and SZ7 long-zoom slim compacts
The most “serious” of Panasonic’s compact camera entries are the SZ1 (16MP) and SZ7 (14MP), both of which offer a 10x optical zoom with a 35mm equivalent range of 27-270mm. Both have optical image stabilization, a 3-inch 230 pixel resolution LCD monitor, all-auto everything, and various special effects modes. The SZ7 boasts 10fps high-speed burst, in-camera HDR, handheld night shot, motion deblur (!) and 3D mode as well as 1080p movie capture at 30 fps. The SZ1 will give you 720p HD video.
Lumix S2 basic compact camera
Panasonic brought one entry-level camera to PMA@CES, the Lumix S2. It has a 14MP CCD sensor, 4x optical zoom that starts at 28mm, a 2.7-inch 230k resolution LCD, shoots 720p HD movies, and is auto exposure and focus all the way. It will be available in a variety of colors.
Pricing and availability of all Panasonic cameras will be announced a month before they ship.
For details, read the Panasonic press releases:
PANASONIC INTRODUCES FOUR NEW CONVERSION LENSES FOR THE LUMIX G SERIES OF COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERAS
LAS VEGAS, NV (January 9, 2012) – Panasonic today announces four new conversion lenses that are compatible with the H-PS14042 (LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S.) and H-H014* (LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH.) Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lenses, which are part of the LUMIX G Series and compatible with the company’s compact system cameras (CSC).
These compact and lightweight conversion lenses are built to be mobile and allow users of Panasonic LUMIX G series digital cameras to easily switch a lens to enjoy the benefits and flexibility of different shooting options and angles. The four new conversion lenses include:
DMW-GWC1 Wide Conversion Lens: Helps to capture dynamic scenery with a wider viewing angle and extends the focal length of wide-end from 14mm to 11mm when attached to the front of the lens. Also helpful when shooting indoor group photos where space is often limited. (Compatible with H-PS14042 and H-H014 lenses)
DMW-GTC1 Tele Conversion Lens: Helps capture a subject that is faraway by extending the focal length of tele-end from 42mm to 84mm when attached to the front of the lens.** This conversion lens is particularly helpful when shooting long-distance street-view shots while traveling. (Compatible with H-PS14042 lens)
DMW-GMC1 Macro Conversion Lens: Designed to enable extremely close macro shooting at a focus distance of just 0.14m when attached to the front of the lens.*** This conversion lens is ideal for capturing amazing detail in small subjects such as flowers and insects. (Compatible with H-PS14042 and H-H014 lenses)
DMW-GFC1 Fisheye Conversion Lens: Helps users shoot creative and unique photographs with a rounded, 120-degree angle, effect. (Compatible with H-PS14042 and H-H014 lenses)
All four new conversion lenses come with an included adaptor ring for use with the H-PS14042 lens and H-H014, with the exception of the DMC-GTC1, which is compatible with the H-PS14042 only.
The H-PS14042 (the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S.) is a cutting-edge interchangeable lens with electric-powered zoom operation from Panasonic’s premium lens brand “X” for LUMIX G Series. Using Panasonic’s optical technologies, the new lens features superb image rendering for lifelike textures and crisp edge-to-edge contrast.
The H-H014 (LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH.) lens is an extremely lightweight and compact single focal length lens with a 14mm wide angle and F2.5 brightness. Taking advantage of the wide angle of view and deep depth of field, the compact lens offers excellent performance in shooting of not only landscapes but also snapshots or indoor shooting.
Pricing and 2012 availability will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping.
PANASONIC INTRODUCES ULTRA-SLIM LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERAS WITH 10X OPTICAL ZOOM AND WIDE-ANGLE LEICA LENS
New LUMIX SZ7 and SZ1 Digital Cameras Offer HD Video and 25mm Wide-Angle Lens in a Compact Body Designed to be Portable and Easy-To-Use
LAS VEGAS, NV (January 9, 2012) – Panasonic today introduced the new LUMIX SZ-Series of digital cameras, the LUMIX DMC-SZ7 and the LUMIX DMC-SZ1, which combine a powerful 10x optical zoom with a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, in a slim and compact body, making it extremely portable and easy to carry. The LUMIX SZ7 (14.1 megapixels) can also shoot full-High Definition, 1920 x 1080 60i videos and with Light Speed AF, it has a super-fast focus response time of approximately 0.1 second – making it easy to capture spontaneous must-have photos. The LUMIX SZ1 (16.1 megapixels) features 720p HD video recording capabilities, and both models are easy to use thanks to Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode which automatically chooses the best camera settings for natural, beautiful images.
“As more and more people revert to their smartphones because of convenience to take spur-of-the-moment digital photos, Panasonic is introducing two digital cameras that are not only small and compact, but also offer high-end imaging features such as a wide-angle LEICA lens, extremely fast Auto Focus speeds, and High Definition video, giving the consumer outstanding image quality,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. “Panasonic’s SZ7 and SZ1 are extremely compact in size, but offer features that are typically only available in much larger digital cameras, such as a 10x optical zoom, and with new features such as Panorama Shot and Miniature Effect, the SZ-Series is also fun to use.”
The LUMIX SZ7 and LUMIX SZ1 feature two new shooting modes – Miniature Effect and Panorama Shot. In Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized to make the picture like a diorama. Video recorded in Miniature Effect mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding, making it comical and fun to watch*1. Panorama Shot makes it possible to shoot a horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots and then overlaying the photos for the effect of a panoramic photo. Furthermore, both the LUMIX SZ7 and LUMIX SZ1 feature Creative Retouch which includes six filters -Toy Effect, Soft Focus Dynamic Monochrome, Expressive, High Key and Retro, each of which give the photo a more artistic look. Both models also feature an Auto Retouch function that adjusts contrast and brightness to give the photo a different look – all with a single press of the button.
To help ensure the LUMIX SZ7 and SZ1 are easy to use, both digital cameras feature Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. In iA mode, a suite of technologies are automatically engaged and the camera chooses the best setting based on the shooting environment. For instance, iA includes the new High Dynamic Range (on the SZ7 only), Intelligent Handheld Nightshot (on the SZ7 only) and Motion Deblur (on the SZ7 only) together with AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, MEGA O.I.S., Face Recognition (on the SZ7 only)/Face Detection (on the SZ1 only), Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure.
Other features of the new LUMIX SZ-Series include:
3.0-inch Intelligent LCD that automatically adjusts the backlight based on the environment’s lighting
The LUMIX SZ7 features a MOS sensor to support full-HD video, while the LUMIX SZ1 features a CCD sensor
USB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power supply
3D Photo Mode allows the user to take 20 panning shots and then the camera automatically selects the two most suitable images – one for the right eye and one for the left eye – to synthesize a 3D composite. Available on the LUMIX SZ7 only
Dedicated video record button which lets users instantly start recording a video without having to make any extra settings. Additionally, the full 10x optical zoom is available in video recording mode
High-quality stereo sound via Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator accompanies the realistic HD videos. The stereo zoom microphone comes with zoom noise reduction system, and the Wind Cut function helps to block noise from background wind
Pricing and 2012 availability will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping. The LUMIX SZ7 will be available in black and the LUMIX SZ1 will be available in black, silver, red and blue.
PANASONIC ENHANCES LINEUP OF POPULAR FH-SERIES DIGITAL CAMERAS WITH TWO SLIMMER, MORE COMPACT MODELS
Featuring a Bright, Fast LEICA f2.5 Lens, the New LUMIX FH6 is Equipped With HD Video Recording and Panoramic Shooting, While the LUMIX FH8 Also Adds a Creative Miniature Effect Mode and USB Charging Capability
LAS VEGAS, NV (January 9, 2012) – Panasonic today introduced the new 16.1-megapixel LUMIX DMC-FH8 and 14.1-megapixel LUMIX DMC-FH6, both of which feature slim, compact stylish designs and are packed with advanced photography functions to enhance a consumer’s ability to easily take beautiful photos, even in low light situations. Beyond its capability to shoot high-quality still photos, both models can record 720p High Definition (HD) video. The LUMIX FH6 shoots HD video in Motion JPEG format while the LUMIX FH8 records HD video in MP4 format and incorporates a dedicated video button in its design so users can quickly and easily switch from capturing photos to recording video.
“The new LUMIX FH8 and LUMIX FH6 incorporate high-quality LEICA lenses with advanced imaging technologies that help create stunning picture quality in an extremely compact camera size. Both offer users of all photographic experience the ability to capture exceptional photos and video with an ultra-slim point-and-shoot camera that will bring their memories to life for years to come. The FH8 goes even further by incorporating creative modes that spice up the memory-making for today’s discerning photographer,” said David Fisher, Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. “A new feature to some 2012 LUMIX models, including the LUMIX FH8, is USB charging which offers users a more convenient and flexible way to charge the camera directly from a computer.”
Equipped with a 24mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT lens, the LUMIX FH8 and LUMIX FH6 offer an incredible 5x optical zoom with f2.5 brightness, all while maintaining a stylish, and slim camera body. This high-end lens excels in shooting dynamic landscapes with wide-angle view and also in capturing moving subjects even in low-lit situations, like indoors or at night. Offering exceptional optical performance to provide minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations while suppressing ghosting and flare, the advanced lens unit allows for higher shutter speed and captures stunningly clear images. The 5x optical zoom also increases its power to the equivalent of 10x with the iA Zoom (Intelligent Auto Zoom) function with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to the help of Intelligent Resolution technology. The multi-tasking image-processing Venus Engine enables beautiful image recording and Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus) combined with a quick camera start-up time to offer a high-speed response time to ensure users can capture even the most spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities.
To encourage creative shooting, the LUMIX FH8 and LUMIX FH6 feature image effects that allow users to have more fun with their photographic experience. The Panorama Shot makes it possible for users to shoot horizontal or vertical panoramic images by taking consecutive shots and then overlaying for the effect of a panoramic photo. The popular Beauty Retouch function allows users to give photos a variety of cosmetic effects and Auto Retouch adjusts contrast and brightness levels to give photos a different look. The LUMIX FH8 also adds Miniature Effect mode where peripherals are defocused and saturation and contrast are emphasized to make the picture look like a diorama. Video recorded in Miniature Effect mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding, making it comical and fun to watch*.
For users looking for a large screen, the LUMIX FH8 offers a bright 3-inch LCD screen, while the LUMIX FH6 is slightly more compact with a 2.7-inch LCD screen. The Intelligent LCD screens on both models are equipped with automatic backlight adjustment to offer a clear view of photos under any lighting conditions. In addition, both models offer LUMIX Image Uploader which lets users instantly share images and videos on Facebook© or YouTube© via a computer. The LUMIX FH8 also allows users to enjoy the new flexibility of USB charging or conventional AC adapter charging methods.
In iA mode users can automatically activate a suite of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change. As part of iA mode, the LUMIX FH8 features AF Tracking, making it easy to lock on subjects in a frame and keep them in focus – even as they move. Both the LUMIX FH8 and FH6 also include the following features in iA: MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure.
Pricing and 2012 availability will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping. Adding to its stylish look, the LUMIX FH8 will be available in silver, black, red, and violet and the LUMIX FH6 will be available in black only.
PANASONIC ADDS A SMART AND STYLISH COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA TO ITS LUMIX S-SERIES, COMPLETE WITH HD VIDEO
With New Panorama and Auto Retouch Modes, the LUMIX S2 Provides Advanced Photographic Features in an Easy-to-Use and Affordable Model
LAS VEGAS, NV (January 9, 2012) – Panasonic today announces a new stylish, compact digital camera, the 14.1-megapixel LUMIX DMC-S2, with advanced features, including a 28mm wide-angle LUMIX DC VARIO lens with 4x optical zoom, Sonic Speed Auto-Focus, and MEGA O.I.S. to help reduce blurry photos due to shaking hands, 720p HD video capabilities, plus Panorama and Auto Retouch Mode. The LUMIX S2 merges essential functions and enhanced performance features into a simple and stylish design making it an appropriate camera for users with any level of photography skills.
Featuring the new Panorama Mode, the LUMIX S2 allows users to shoot a horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking a sequence of shots of one scene and overlaying the grouping of pictures to create one panoramic shot. The new Auto Retouch Mode adjusts contrast and brightness to give a different and unique look to any photo with the press of a button.
“With Panasonic’s LUMIX S2, we are bringing to market an affordable, intuitive, compact digital camera with smart features, designed for users who simply want to take great quality photos and videos,” said David Fisher, Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Marketing Company of North America. “Beyond the powerful 28mm wide-angle lens and HD video, the S2 also offers excellent landscape and large group shooting with the Panorama Mode and convenient retouching with Auto Retouch Mode.”
In addition, the DMC-S2 features dramatically speedier focusing, allowing users to quickly focus on moving subjects when shooting sports and other fast motion scenes. The Sonic Speed AF system includes numerous re-engineering enhancements, including a higher-speed actuator, optimized algorithms and parallel software processing. The result is fast and accurate AF performance.
With Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode, the LUMIX S2 allows users to easily activate a suite of technologies that engage automatically – with no setting changes needed, for beautiful, natural shots. In addition to MEGA O.I.S., iA also includes Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection. For video shooting, the LUMIX S2 features dynamic 1280 x 720p HD video recording capabilities.
The LUMIX S2 features a 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD and 28mm wide-angle LUMIX DC VARIO lens with 4x optical zoom and Intelligent Zoom for extended magnification to 8x, with the newly-integrated Intelligent Resolution technology. The high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine is incorporated to enable beautiful image recording with higher quality signal processing, while the Sonic Speed AF makes it easier to capture spur-of-the-moment photos.
Pricing and 2012 availability will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping. The Panasonic LUMIX S2 will be available in a variety of colors, including black, pink and violet.
