Now that Photokina is on the horizon in September, it's time for camera manufacturers to start to out-do each other by announcing amusingly high amounts of cameras to go on our Christmas wish lists. Panasonic is first up with the introduction of FIVE new cameras, four compacts (the FX3, FX07, FX50 and LX2) and a super-zoom (FZ50). Details are below, but unfortunately prices haven't been confirmed yet.
FX3
The FX3 is a camera designed for shooting in the dark, and is the most compact of the new releases. Night photography is available due to its maximum sensitivity mode allowing ISO 1600 and Mega OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) system. This means image blur is reduced by limiting blur caused by handshake and by subject movement. The important specs of the camera include 6MP sensor, a 3x optical zoom, high speed AF and a long-life battery allowing 320 shots. More importantly to others is that the camera is compact and stylish with a design in line with the rest of the FX range available in silver and black (so you can blend in more with the dark). Full specification.
FX07/FX50
These two cameras are standard additions to the FX range with virtually identical specifications, the only difference being size - the FX50 has a 3inch LCD while the FX07 has a 2.5inch LCD and can afford to be a bit more compact. Both offer 7.2 megapixel sensors, a 2.8mm wide-angle lens with a 3.6x optical zoom, Mega OIS, and according to Panasonic, the world's first Intelligent ISO control (IIC) system that detects subject movement and available light and adjusts ISO and shutter speeds to take the best photo possible. The FX07 is available in silver, black, red and blue textured finishes and the FX50 in silver and black. Full specification for the FX07 and the FX50.
LX2
My favourite of the five new cameras is the LX2, an update to the traditionally styled LX range. It is a camera offering a widescreen 10.2 MP sensor and a 2.8inch LCD screen in widescreen aspect to match, a 4x wide-angle Leica lens and the 1600 ISO, Mega OIS and IIC technology of the other cameras released today. A switch on the camera can easily change aspect ratio to 16:9, 3:2 and 4:3, and the camera can later convert them for you. A feature unique to the LX series is joystick operated manual control for quick adjustment of focus; exposure and other settings and it can shoot in RAW. Full specification.
FZ50
The FZ50 is a new super-zoom with a 10.1MP sensor, 12x optical zoom lens courtesy of Leica, RAW shooting, ISO 1600 and Mega OIS - and the camera can capture at full resolution at maximum sensitivity unlike most other cameras, which have to reduce resolution to compensate. The Intelligent ISO control also features, and the 2inch LCD can flip out to 180 degrees for high or low angle viewing. Finally the camera has the manual focus and zoom rings of its predecessor (the FZ30) and it's no surprise that the camera is available in two colours: silver and black. Full specification.
|
