Five new Lumix cameras

LX5

Panasonic has bolstered its Lumix line of digital cameras with five new models, namely the DMC-LX5, FZ40, FZ100, FX700 and FT10.

The LX5 is a premium compact camera that has a 10.1-megapixel censor and a wide-angle 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens with up to 3.8x zoom.

The LX5 can shoot at an aperture of f/2 to capture more light when in low light environments and also to produce photos with soft-focused backgrounds.

Also, the compact camera has a 3in LED backlit display with a 460,000-dot resolution.

At the heart of the LX5 is its new Venus Engine FHS image processor that speeds up the camera to achieve better noise performance.

Other improvements to the LX5 include a newly incorporated turn-and-push jog dial that allows users to select settings more quickly.

The LX5 also has a hotshoe that is compatible with optional attachments such as an optical view finder and external flash.

Photo enthusiasts can get creative with the manual function mode as well as My Colour and Film mode which will work with both still images and videos.

The LX5 is capable of recording 720p HD video in AVHCD Lite format and Motion JPEG. Users cans also set the shutter speed and aperture manually.

FZ40

If you looking for a superzoom camera, Panasonic's FZ40 and FZ100 should fit the bill. Both cameras feature a 14.1-megapixel sensor and benefit from a long 24x optical zoom range.

Both have a 3in LCD screen but only the FZ100 has a higher resolution screen with a swivel to turn it in almost any direction.

FZ100

Panasonic has also included an Intelligent Auto mode that selects the ideal scene mode and even remembers faces.

For image stabilisation, the FZ40 uses the Mega OIS system while the FZ100 uses the improved Power OIS system.

Both cameras shoot HD movies - the FZ100 records 1080i videos in AVCHD format and the FZ40 records 720p videos in AVCHD lite.

Another unique feature of the FZ100 is its 11fps (frames per second) fast-burst mode with a mechanical shutter.

FX700

Additionally, it has Continuous Auto Focus and Intelligent Burst shooting modes that allow the camera to choose a set of images which has the least motion blur.

Meanwhile, the FX700, is a compact 14.1-megapixel camera that has a 3in touchscreen.

Although tiny, it is capable of recording 1080p HD video in AVCHD format just like its larger hybrid cousins in the FX series.

The FX700 also has shares some of the features of the LX5 such a wide-angle 24mm lens but it has a longer optical zoom of 5x.

New to the FX700 is its handheld Night Shot mode that shoots 10 consecutive shots to create a ­brightly lit photo without the use of a tripod.

Built tough

FT10

For users who like to explore the great outdoors and need a camera that can survive rugged ­environments, the FT10 is up for the challenge.

This 14.1-megapixel camera is built tough and is water resistant up to 10ft, shockproof up to to 5ft and able to withstand freezing temperatures as low as 10°C.

The FT10 also comes with a silicone jacket to protect it from scratches.

The camcorder shoots 720p HD video in Motion JPEG format and has a 2.7in LCD screen.

Unique to the FT10's screen is its high-angle mode that makes the LCD easier to view when the camera is held up high, say, when you need to shoot over a crowd.

The LX5 (RM1,899) is expected to ship by late August while the FZ100 (RM1,999), FZ40 (RM1,699), FX700 (RM1,699) and FT10 (RM999) do not have a confirmed released date yet.

Original Source: www.panasonic.com.my