Panasonic on Wednesday introduced several new point-and-shoot compact camera models as part of its Lumix digital camera line, ranging from $149.95 to $349.95 depending on features.
The DMC-LS70 is budget-priced at $149.95 and includes a 7.2 megapixel (MP) CCD, 3x zoom and two AA battery operation. A 2.0 LCD viewfinder helps navigate a graphical user interface that’s brighter and has been redesigned from earlier models. It’s coming in February.
The DMC-LZ7 and DMC-LZ6 both sport 7.2 MP sensors, 6x optical zoom lenses and support for AA batteries. Smaller and lighter than previous Lumix models, the two new cameras also include “Intelligent Image Stabilization” and optical image stabilization features. The LZ6 is equipped with a 2.0-inch LCD display and the LZ7 has a 2.5-inch display. They’re also PictBridge-compatible, have a total of 18 different “scene modes” to make it easier to capture memories when they happen, and more. Coming in February, the DMC-LZ6 and DMC-LZ7 will cost $179.95 and $199.95 respectively.
The DMC-TZ3 is a compact model equipped with 7.2 MP sensor, 28mm wide-angle lens, 10x optical zoom, 3.0-inch LCD and stainless steel chassis. It can shoot in 4:3, 2:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios, as well. Shutter release time lag is measured at 0.006 seconds, with shutter interval as short as 0.5 seconds. It can take up to three shots per second at full resolution, allowing consecutive shooting until its memory card is full. Coming in March, the DMC-TZ3 will cost $349.95.
The DMC-FX8 features 12x optical zoom, a 7.2 MP CCD and “Intelligent Image Stabilization.” It has a 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder and a multipurpose joystick used for navigating menus, adjusting settings and reviewing images. It can record at sensitivities up to ISO 1250. It’s coming in February for $349.95.
The Lumix DMC-FX10 and DMC-FX12 point and shoot cameras are coming in February for $199.95 and $229.95, respectively. Both feature digital image stabilization, 3x optical zoom, and 2.5 inch LCDs. Other shared features include a “high angle mode” that makes the LCD viewfinder easier to see when held aloft, direct print mode for PictBridge-equipped printers, VGA motion capture, new scene modes and more. They both write images to SDHC memory cards.
The FX10 model has a 6.0 MP sensor while the FX12 uses a 7.2 MP sensor. The FX10 will ship in silver, pink and blue, while the FX12 will be available in silver and black.
Calling the DMC-FX30 the “world’s slimmest digital camera,” Panasonic measures it at 3.74 x 2.04 x 0.87 inches. It weighs about 0.29 lbs, and will cost $349.95 when it’s released next month. The DMC-FX30 features 7.2 MP sensor, 28mm wide-angle lens, 3.6x optical zoom, f/2.8 brightness and 2.5-inch LCD screen. It has optical image stabilization, and can shoot in 4:3, 2:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios.
Panasonic’s Web site hadn’t been updated with information about the new cameras as Macworld posted this article.