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| Click photo to see more views of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30. |
Panasonic has added three new models to its Lumix FX series of ultracompact point-and-shoot cameras. The DMC-FX10, DMC-FX12 and DMC-FX30 all offer flexible automatic shooting and optically stabilized Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lenses. The 6-megapixel DMC-FX10 and 7.2-megapixel DMC-FX12 fall at the more affordable end of the line, providing f/2.8-5.0, 35mm-105mm (35mm equivalent) 3x zoom lenses and 115,000-pixel 2.5-inch LCDs. The pricier 7.2-megapixel DMC-FX30, which replaces last year's FX07, has an f/2.8-5.6, 28mm-100mm 3.6x zoom lens, and its 2.5-inch LCD offers a higher 207,000-pixel resolution.
All three of the new FX cameras can capture both photo and video images in standard and widescreen aspect ratios. They offer a broad range of features, including 21 scene modes, top light-sensitivity settings of ISO 3200, shutter-speed options between 1/2000 and 60 seconds and in-camera image cropping. However, there are no manual or priority exposure modes, and all of the cameras provide just a single Intelligent Multiple metering mode. They offer several useful viewing options, including a live histogram, onscreen composition guides and a high-angle mode that makes the LCD image easily discernable when you're holding the camera above your head. The FX models also capture smooth video with sound at resolutions up to 848x480, as well as voice memos.
The FX30 offers a slightly broader feature set than the other models, with autoexposure bracketing, white balance fine-tuning and a 3fps continuous-shooting mode. It also has five autofocus modes instead of the other cameras' three, including a spot AF option. And the FX30 lets you select video frames to save as JPEGs in-camera.
The new Lumix FX cameras will hit store shelves in February 2007. All three are compatible with Panasonic underwater housings and support SDHC high-capacity memory cards. The $349.95 FX30 will be available in textured silver, black, blue and light brown finishes, while the $199.95 FX10 will come in silver, pink and blue, and the $229.95 FX12 in silver and black.
Panasonic has also released the DMC-LZ7 and DMC-LZ6, the DMC-FZ8, the DMC-LS70, and the DMC-TZ3.
Press Release:
PANASONIC INTRODUCES LUMIX DMC-FX30
WORLD'S SLIMMEST DIGITAL CAMERA WITH 28MM WIDE ANGLE LENS
7.2 Megapixel Camera Features Intelligent Image Stabilization
SECAUCUS, N.J. (January 31, 2007) – Panasonic today introduced the new Lumix DMC-FX30 compact digital still camera, the successor to the widely-popular DMC-FX07. The 7.2 megapixel DMC-FX30 is currently the world's slimmest camera available with a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, which allows users to fit more people in a photo when space is tight or to capture beautiful landscapes with sweeping scenery or large structures.
The slim downed DMC-FX30 – which is 10-percent smaller than its predecessor - also boasts a 3.6x optical zoom (equivalent to 28-100mm on a 35mm film camera), f/2.8 brightness and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. When married with the Intelligent Image Stabilization system – which combines MEGA O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilizer) with Intelligent ISO Control – takes the blur out of photos caused by unsteady hands and moving subjects – the camera packs top line features into one of the slimmest form factors available.
Using Leica's advanced lens technology, the DMC-FX30's lens unit is comprised of seven elements in six groups, including five lenses with six aspherical surfaces. Furthermore, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function uses the center part of the CCD to provide additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 5.3x. This advanced lens unit passes Leica's stringent standards and delivers exceptional optical performance.
"The smart, sleek design of the DMC-FX30 combines the power of a wide-angle lens and Intelligent Image Stabilization, with a compact body of one of the smallest point-and-shoot cameras," said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Corporation of North America. "The DMC-FX30 is the perfect camera for the person on the go because it enables consumers to capture high quality images with unmatched convenience and style."
With the incorporation of Intelligent ISO Control, Panasonic is the first in the industry to fight motion blur that can occur when a subject moves as the photo is being snapped. The Intelligent Image Stabilization system detects whether or not the subject is moving and automatically raises the ISO setting accordingly, allowing the camera to shoot at a higher shutter speed when needed. With the combination of Intelligent ISO Control and MEGA O.I.S., Panasonic has equipped its entire line of cameras with the industry's most advanced countermeasures against blurring.
In addition, the camera accepts large capacity SDHC memory cards, giving the user more flexibility in shooting and recording. The DMC-FX30 also incorporates a wide variety of scene modes for different situations including the new Pet and Sunset modes. These modes take advantage of the Intelligent ISO Control to fight against unexpected motion and give the user great results.
The DMC-FX30 will be available in silver, black, blue and light brown, each with a specially textured finish that takes best advantage of the color. Intelligently designed and packed with features, the DMC-FX30 adds to the Lumix legacy of delivering advanced digital cameras that capture clear, crisp, beautiful images.
The DMC-FX30 will ship in February 2007 with a MSRP of $349.95.
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
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