Osaka, Japan - Panasonic, the leading brand by which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is well known, unveiled today three new models in its LUMIX digital still camera line. The new 8.1-megapixel cameras feature the world's first Intelligent Auto Mode that frees the user from adjusting settings every time shooting conditions change as well as suppresses image blurs without compromising picture quality. The DMC-FX33 and DMC-FX55 incorporate this epoch-making technology and a 28-mm wide-angle lens in a slim and compact body. The DMC-FZ18 includes a powerful 18x optical zoom. The three cameras will be available in Japan from August 25.
"When we entered the digital still camera market in 2001, we set the standard in digital camera photography by introducing an optical image stabilizer to compact cameras. Since then we have pursued twin goals of providing clear, beautiful images and operational ease. The result is the Intelligent Auto Mode that allows users to achieve professional quality images every time. I am sure the new LUMIX cameras will set another standard in digital photography," said Mr. Shinobu Fusa, General Manager of Product Planning Group, DSC Business Unit, Network Business Group, Panasonic AVC Networks Company.
The Intelligent Auto Mode built into the three LUMIX cameras incorporates Panasonic's renowned Intelligent Image Stabilization anti-blurring system and three new advanced functions.
The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically sets an appropriate scene mode according to the scene the user is going to shoot such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Scenery and Night Portrait. For example, the user does not need to manually select the Macro Mode when shooting close-up pictures of beautiful flowers in the garden. The Face Detection System allows the camera to recognize a human face up to 15 faces and automatically optimize focus and exposure on them. Once the faces are recognized, the camera follows them wherever they move. Also, Panasonic's newly-developed auto-focus function enables the camera to start focusing on a subject without pressing the shutter button halfway.* This feature permits the user to quickly capture life's precious and fleeting moments.
As these functions work automatically, the user can simply point the camera at any subject and enjoy trouble-free shooting in any situation to get clear, crisp pictures.
Other automatic functions introduced in the three models include the Intelligent LCD. The camera detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by 40 percent under bright sunlight. Under low-lit situation, the high-sensitivity CCD adjusts the LCD backlighting to secure a clear image. The DMC-FX55 has a large 3.0-inch 230,000-pixel LCD. The DMC-FX33 and DMC-FZ18 come with a 2.5-inch 207,000-piexel LCD.
The LUMIX FX55 and FX33 pack these advanced functions and 28-mm wide-angle, 3.6x (equivalent to 28-100 mm on a 35-mm film camera) Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens in a slim body. The FX33 has a 22.0-mm body profile, the slimmest in the world as a camera with a 28-mm wide-angle lens, while the FX55 has a body profile of 22.8 mm. The two stylish models feature the High-Speed Burst shooting mode that achieves continuous shooting of seven shots per second, allowing up to 100 shots when the shutter button is kept pressed.
The FZ18, the latest model in the power zoom line, has a newly-developed 28-mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with f/2.8-4.2 brightness and 18x optical zoom (equivalent to 28-504 mm on a 35-mm film camera). Further, the Extra Optical Zoom (EX) function extends the zoom ratio to 28.7x (equivalent to 803 mm on a 35-mm film camera for 3-megapixel recording) by using the center part of the CCD to provide additional magnification.
In addition to the powerful zoom, the FZ18 is equipped with an Advanced Scene Mode giving the user finer control over some frequently-used scene modes such as Portrait, Sports, Scenery and Night Portrait. Selecting each mode will assist the user to take pictures that are easily optimized for each scene. Each mode also includes a Creative Mode that allows the user to set aperture or shutter speed manually to give an original creative touch to the images.
*The DMC-FX33 and FX55 use the Quick AF system that allows the camera to start focusing on the subject detecting when handshake stops, while FZ18's Continuous AF system allows the camera to continuously keep the subject in focus.
[via: Press Release]
It's raining Samsung! Yes, another phone pops out from the Korean manufacturer. It looks like that Samsung is filling in the gaps with regards to their specific market targets and I betcha they are doing the right move! This time, they are aiming for Symbian phone lovers. The new Samsung i550 will run under the S60 platform (perhaps 9.1?). If you stare at it, the design doesn't look like an original Samsung and obviously reminds me of Sony Ericsson handsets. Nonetheless, I think it will appeal for businessmen and the like, and of course accustomed S60 users but not to the young and sporty. Anyway, below are the specs:
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