Panasonic has introduced three new 8.1 megapixel cameras in its Lumix lines, including two 28mm compact cameras with new intelligent automatic modes, and another with an impressive 18× optical zoom.
First, the Lumix DMC-FX33K and DMC-FX55K each offer a 28mm wide angle Leica lens along with Panasonic’s Intelligent Image Stabilization technologies and Intelligent Auto Mode, which combines optical image stabilization with ISO control with face detection (up to 15 faces!), an intelligent scene selector, and a continuous auto-focus. The combination aims to be a compact, stylish, user-friendly camera. The FX55 offers a 3-inch LCD screen while the FX33 sports a 2.5-inch display; each have 27 MB of built-in memory, store images to SD/SDHC memory cards and offer a Title Edit function to store text along with images. The FX55 will be priced at $349.95 and will be available in silver, black, and pink, while the FX33 will be priced at $299.95 and come in silver, black, blue, and brown—the FX33 will also be compatible with a marine casing for underwater shooting. Both cameras should be available in September.
The DMC-FZ18 offers all the features of the FX33 and FX55, but abandons the compact profile in favor of a large camera body with a solid rubber grip: the camera also offers an 18× optical zoom for capturing those far-away moments. The camera sports a 2.5-inch LCD display, and offers a metal-finished mode dial and independent auto focus, auto exposure lock, and Macro buttons for fast operation; the camera also sports the joystick which originally appeared in January on the FZ8 model, which provides quick access to a myriad of settings, including manual focus and exposure. The FZ18 will be available in September in black and silver for a suggested price of $399.95.
