Digital Camera War Set To Heat Up

Panasonic has rolled out four new digital cameras including a new 12.1-megapixel 18x optical zoom camera with HD video recording that can recall faces and a slim 25mm ultra-wide camera with 5x zoom.

Lumix DMC-FZ with 18x Zoom

Earlier today, the company showed its new Lumix line that includes a new optical image stabiliser, enhanced face recognition, Intelligent Auto mode, and Viera Link.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 is a 12.1-megapixel camera that promises 18x optical zoom, less blurry photos with its enhanced Power O.I.S (Optical Image Stabiliser), AVCHD Lite high-definition (HD) video recording capability, and even manual operation for advanced users.

The camera also comes with Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode that features an advanced Face Recognition function for extra convenience. Face Recognition – a function which ‘remembers’ faces – now allows registration of up to three face images per person, to raise the detection accuracy.

Panasonic Australia’s Product Manager for Lumix Digital Still Cameras, Tanya Mudge said, “The LUMIX FZ35 is an exceptional product that gives the photographer creative scope in both still and video shooting, yet it is still easy to use with features such as Panasonic’s popular Intelligent Auto (iA) mode. Users can take advantage of the powerful super-zoom to capture crisp and clear subjects at a distance thanks to incredible new technologies such as POWER O.I.S, and can record top-quality videos longer in High Definition with AVCHD Lite.”

Panasonic DMC-ZR1

Panasonic has also launched 25mm wide-angle camera with 8x zoom. The DMC-ZR1 uses the world’s first 0.3mm super-thin aspherical lens, resulting to a slimmer profile. It comes with the company’s Intelligent Auto (iA) mode, POWER O.I.S, high speed auto focus, has a start time of around 1.1 seconds, and sports a 2.7-inch large Intelligent LCD screen.

The new Lumix DMC-FP8 is aimed at consumers who want a camera that they can carry at all times. Its body is made out of aluminium and promises a start up time of less than a second to capture the moment. Also included in this camera is the new Power Optical Image Stabiliser, High-Speed Auto Focus, and a 2.7-inch screen.

Panasonic DMC-FX65

Finally, the Lumix DMC-FX65 features a newly developed lens design that offer users a bright f2.8 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC lens with 5x optical zoom, in a slim and compact body. This new FX-Series model incorporates Panasonic’s Lumix Intelligent Auto mode (iA) which now includes Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser), Face Recognition feature, quick start up time, and a 2.7-inch LCD screen.

The new Panasonic Lumix  range will be available starting September with the following RRP:

Lumix DMC-FZ35: $769
Lumix DMC-ZR1: $549
Lumix DMC-FP8: $659
Lumix DMC-FX65: $659