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Panasonic has introduced a new 9.1-megapixel compact camera with built-in WiFi connectivity. The Lumix DMC-TZ50 offers an optically stabilized f/3.3-4.9, 28mm-280mm (35mm equivalent) 10x Leica DC Vario-Elmar zoom lens; a 460,000-dot, 3-inch LCD that automatically adapts its brightness as ambient light levels change; and 802.11b/g wireless connectivity for connecting to home wireless networks and T-Mobile HotSpots. The camera interface provides tools for uploading photos directly to Google Picasa Web Albums, and for browsing online albums. The TZ50 also incorporates Panasonic's new Venus Engine IV image-processing engine, which the company says enables better noise reduction, improved image stabilization, and reduced shutter lag.
While the TZ50 does not include manual or priority exposure modes, it provides 23 scene modes and a range of advanced automatic functions. Its shutter-speed range runs from 1/2000 to 60 seconds, and it has a top light-sensitivity setting of ISO 6400. The TZ50's advanced features include autobracketing, a live histogram, spot metering, and white balance fine-tuning. There's also a generous selection of autofocus modes, from 1-point and spot to 9-point. The camera's Advanced Intelligent Auto mode deploys a battery of automatic tools to open up dark shadow areas, activate continuous autofocus, boost the ISO and shutter speed as necessary to keep images sharp, eliminate redeye and activate face detection when appropriate. It also evaluates scenes to automatically set the camera to Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait, or Night Scenery mode.
In continuous-shooting mode, Panasonic says the TZ50 can capture 3 or 5 full-resolution photos (depending on the compression setting) at 2.5fps, or an unlimited series of 2-megapixel shots at 6fps. There are also 1280x720 high-definition and 848x480 widescreen video modes, and the camera can output both video and photos directly to an HDTV with Panasonic's optional DMW-HDC2 component cable. Other features include a voice-recording tool for annotating stills and a Title Edit function, which allows photographers to tag photos with text.
The TZ50 will be available in May 2008 for a $449.95 retail price. Until August 31, 2009, a year of T-Mobile HotSpot service will be included in the price of the camera.
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