Skip to main content

Panasonic Puts Shine on Lumix Camera Line

Panasonic Puts Shine on Lumix Camera Line

Panasonic has announced a slew of new models for its Lumix digital camera line, adding features sure to appeal to first-time and casual picture-snapper as well as powerful capabilities, big optical zooms, and technical hutzpah at the high end to keep photo enthusiasts happy.

Top of the heap is the new impressively-specced Lumix DMC-FZ8, sporint a 12× optical zoom, easy manual operation sure to appeal to all the photo buffs out there, and the company’s Mega Optical Image Stabilizer and Intelligent ISO Control, making it easier to capture blur-free pictures even in difficult lighting conditions. In combination with the Venus Engine III image processor, the intelligent ISO control adjusts the image exposure to try to keep even moving subjects clear and in focus. The FZ8 sports a 7.2 megapixel resolution, 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder, joystick-based control of manual focus and exposure (a popular feature which debuted in the company’s previous FZ7 camera), and the ability to capture VGA video at 30 frames per second. Expect to see the FZ8 this february for just $349.95.

Recommended Videos

Next up, Panasonic describes the Lumix DMC-FX30 as the “word’s slimmest” camera with a 28mm wide angle lens; regardless of whether it’s actually any thinner than competing shooters from Samsung, it does sport a 3.6× optical zoom, a 7.2 megapixel CCD, the same image stabilization, ISO control, and image engine found in the FZ8 (above), along with a 2.5 inch LCD viewfinder. No manual controls, but the autofocus capabilities and slim profile may make the camera a hit amongst social photographers; expect to see it in February for $349.95.

If you’re looking for features without the slim form factor or manual capabilities, the Lumix DMC-LS70 offers a 3× optical zoom on with a 7.2 megapixel resolution, along with the optical image stabilization, intelligent ISO control, and Venus III engine, with an expected price of just $149.95 when it hits stores this February. The LCD viewfinder is just two inches, but it can still capture VGA resolution video at 30 frames per second.

Panasonic’s other Lumix offers all focus on being compact. The Lumix DMC-TZ3 will hit stores this March for $349.95, sporting a 3-inch LCD viewfinder, 7.2 megapixel resolution, 10×optical zoom, and Panasonic’s optical image stabilization and ISO control. Panasonic is aiming the TZ3 at travelers, emphasizing the small form factor, wide-angle capabilities, and compatibility with “active lifestyles”—users can even get an optional underwater case. Meanwhile, the DMC-FX10 and DMC-FX12 (shipping in February for $199.95 and $229.95, respectively) offer 3× optical zooms, 2.5 inch LCDs, optical image stabilization and ISO control, and video capture. The FX10 sports a 6 megapixel LCD while the FX12 cranks back up to 7.2 megapixels. Both cameras also feature a “high angle mode” on their LCD viewfinder, making it easier to view when the camera is being held high—like over a crowd at a sporting event.

Geoff Duncan
Former Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Astronaut’s stunning photo would look just fine in an art gallery
A star trail captured from the ISS.

In his final days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in a mission that’s lasted six months, American astronaut Don Pettit has posted a sublime shot that wouldn’t look out of place in an art gallery.

The extraordinary image was captured through a window of a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft docked at the ISS, and shows star trails and city lights on Earth some 250 miles below.

Read more
Cool space video shows star trails stretching over city lights
A screen grab from a video showing star trails stretching over city lights on Earth.

NASA astronaut Don Pettit dazzled us on Tuesday with a gorgeous image showing star trails and city lights as seen from the International Space Station (ISS).

On Wednesday, he turned the "wow" dial all the way up to 11 by sharing a video clip from which Tuesday’s image was taken.

Read more
Blue Ghost’s moon landing shown in dramatic new footage
Images of the lunar surface captured by the Blue Ghost lander.

When the Blue Ghost lander reached the lunar surface on March 2, Firefly Aerospace become the first commercial company to fully succeed in a soft moon landing at the first attempt.

A week on, and a team at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia has just released first-of-its-kind footage of a lunar lander’s powerful engine plumes interacting with the moon’s surface, captured as the Blue Ghost touched down.

Read more