Panasonic reveals four additions to Lumix camera range
updated 03:51 pm EDT, Wed July 18, 2012
New cameras includes compact with Wi-Fi connectivity
Panasonic has announced four new cameras in its Lumix range. One of the new models, the SZ5, is a compact camera with Wi-Fi connectivity. While it can connect to a wireless router, it can also use iOS and Android apps on mobile devices for remote shooting, using the handset display as a monitor and viewfinder, with controls for focus and zoom functions. It also has 10x optical zoom, "Sonic Speed" autofocus, a three-inch LCD with a high angle mode that adjusts the backlighting based on the environment, and a 14.1-megapixel CCD aided by Panasonic's Venus engine for image processing.
The Lumix G5, a replacement for the G3, also uses the Venus Engine, although it is coupled with a 16-megapixel SSD, capable shooting up to ISO 12,800. Autofocus, HDR composite processing, and a multi-process noise reduction function is included. Shots can be lined up by either the live viewfinder or the LCD screen, with an eye sensor switching between the two automatically.
The LX series has also been joined by the Lumix LX7, which has been equipped with a fully redesigned 24mm Leica lens with 3.8x optical zoom, a three-inch display, and a nano surface coating to minimize light reflection. A new 10.1-megapixel sensor, again using the Venus engine, can perform high-speed consecutive shooting at 11 frames per second with a mechanical shutter, or 5 fps with a continuous autofocus.
Lastly, there is the FZ200, also using the Venus engine. Fitted with a Leica 25mm ultra wide-angle lens with 24x optical zoom, it can achieve full range F2.8 aperture, making it capable of taking clear shots of moving subjects on a fast shutter speed. Burst shooting hits 12 fps, while the high-speed video mode can record HD at 120 fps or VGA at 240 fps. A 0.2-inch, 1.3-million-pixel electronic viewfinder accompanies the three-inch free-angle primary LCD.
