2008 Photo Marketing Association Tradeshow
Return to:
Previous Page
PMA 2008 Tradeshow Index

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ4 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Panasonic: Two new TZ-series digicams
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 12:01 EST)

Rounding out its digicam announcements for the day, Panasonic has unveiled two new TZ-series models.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4 (known in Asia as the TZ11) includes a 1/2.5" 8.1 effective megapixel RGBG CCD image sensor, while the Panasonic TZ5 (aka the TZ15 in Asian markets) bumps this in favor of a 1/2.33" 10.7 effective megapixel imager. Both cameras couple this with a Leica DC Vario-Elmar branded F3.3 - F4.9 10x optical zoom lens. The Panasonic TZ4 has a 2.5" LCD with 230,000 pixel resolution - fairly standard these days - while the TZ5 bumps this to an unusually high-res 3.0" LCD with 460,000 pixel resolution. Both cameras store images on SD / SDHC / MMC cards or in 20MB of built-in memory. In both cases, power comes from a proprietary Lithium Ion battery, which is rated for some 330 shots on a charge in the TZ4, and just a little less at 300 shots per charge for the TZ5 due to its larger, more power-hungry display. (CIPA standard testing using NiMH rechargeables with 50% flash usage at room temperature).

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4 will cost $300, and the Lumix DMC-TZ5 will retail for around $350. Both cameras go on sale in the USA from March 2008.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ4 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Panasonic
Model Number DMC-TZ4
Dimensions 4.1 x 2.3 x 1.4"
103.3 x 59.3 x 36.2mm
Weight 234.0 g
8.2 oz
Planned Price $299.95
Planned Availability 2008
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.5" Panasonic CCD
8.32 megapixels (total)
8.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions 3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
3264 x 2176 (7.1 megapixels)
3264 x 1840 (6.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2560 x 1712 (4.4 megapixels)
2560 x 1440 (3.7 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
2048 x 1360 (2.8 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
0.3 megapixels
0.3 megapixels
Capture Speed Continuous: 3.0 frames per second for 4 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.5", 230,000 pixels
Lens
Lens Type LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR, 11 elements in 9 groups
10x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.7 - 47.0mm (actual)
28 - 280mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range Wide: F3.3 / F8.0 (2 steps) Tele: F4.9 / F11 (2 steps)
Focusing System Contrast Detect: Face / 1-point/ 1-point high speed/ 3-point high speed/ 9-point/ Spot with AF assist lamp
Focusing Range Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 82" (5 cm - 200 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto,100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, (High Sensitivity Mode : Auto(1600 - 6400) )
Shutter Speed 60 - 1/2000 second
Exposure Modes Program
Metering Modes Intelligent Multiple/ Center Weighted / Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, White Set, Manual
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Range: 0.6 - 5.3m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 3.6m (Tele/ISO Auto)
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Self-Portrait, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Underwater
Digital Zoom Up to 4x
Self Timer Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie Format QuickTime (Motion JPEG) with audio
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG (Exif 2.2)
Connectivity
Video Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other DC input
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary
Product Bundle
Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO -viewer-, ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker), USB Driver
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 50.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
More Photos
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ4 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ4 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ5 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Panasonic
Model Number DMC-TZ5
Dimensions 4.1 x 2.3 x 1.4"
103.3 x 59.3 x 36.5mm
Weight 240.0 g
8.4 oz
Planned Price $349.95
Planned Availability 2008
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.33" Panasonic CCD
10.70 megapixels (total)
9.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions 3456 x 2592 (9.0 megapixels)
3552 x 2368 (8.4 megapixels)
3712 x 2088 (7.8 megapixels)
3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
3072 x 2048 (6.3 megapixels)
3072 x 1728 (5.3 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2560 x 1712 (4.4 megapixels)
2560 x 1440 (3.7 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
2048 x 1360 (2.8 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
0.3 megapixels
Capture Speed Continuous: 2.5 frames per second for 3 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.0", 460,000 pixels
Lens
Lens Type LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR, 11 elements in 9 groups
10x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.7 - 47.0mm (actual)
28 - 280mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range Wide: F3.3 / F8.0 (2 steps) Tele: F4.9 / F11 (2 steps)
Focusing System Contrast Detect: Face / 1-point/ 1-point high speed/ 3-point high speed/ 9-point/ Spot with AF assist lamp
Focusing Range Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 82" (5 cm - 200 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto,100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, (High Sensitivity Mode : Auto(1600 - 6400) )
Shutter Speed 60 - 1/2000 second
Exposure Modes Program
Metering Modes Intelligent Multiple/ Center Weighted / Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, White Set, Manual
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Range: 0.6 - 5.3m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 3.6m (Tele/ISO Auto)
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Self-Portrait, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Underwater, Multi Aspect
Digital Zoom Up to 4x
Self Timer Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie Format QuickTime (Motion JPEG) with audio
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG (Exif 2.2)
Connectivity
Video Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other DC input
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary
Product Bundle
Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO -viewer-, ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker), USB Driver
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Mem ory 50.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
More Photos
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ5 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ5 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

PANASONIC EXPANDS ITS AWARD-WINNING TZ-FAMILY OF LUMIX COMPACT, SUPERZOOM DIGITAL CAMERAS

New LUMIX TZ5 and TZ4 Offer 10x Optical Zoom, 28mm Wide-Angle Lenses and Advanced Intelligent Auto Mode Technologies for Increased Ease-of-Use

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 29, 2008) – Panasonic today introduced two new additions to its award-winning TZ-family of LUMIX digital cameras, the DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4 – both packing a 28mm wide-angle, 10X optical zoom Leica DC lens in a compact design, ideal for the active user needing a versatile camera. By combining a 28mm wide-angle lens, which lets the user capture a wider-framed shot when compared to a traditional 35mm camera, with the TZ-Series 10x optical zoom – consumers are empowered to take expanded shots, both wide and far. Adding to these feature-rich digital cameras, Panasonic also expands its Intelligent Auto technologies with new Intelligent Exposure and Digital Red-eye Correction.

“Panasonic is taking digital photography to a new level and recognizes that everyone, not just professionals, should be equipped with a digital camera powerful enough to take high-quality photos, but compact enough to carry with them everyday,” said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the success of the TZ3, we’re confident that the enhancements we’ve made to the 2008 TZ-family will make them a must-have for consumers who appreciate advanced, intuitive and versatile digital cameras.”

With the addition of Intelligent Exposure and Digital Red-eye Correction, Panasonic’s Advanced Intelligent Auto mode consists of seven intuitive technologies, all which are specifically designed to help make photo-taking an enjoyable and seamless process unnoticed by the consumer – helping them to take clear photos. When in Advanced Intelligent Auto mode, the following technologies all operate automatically; the consumer does not need to change any settings:

  • Intelligent Exposure – With this new feature, photos will no longer be under- or over-exposed. Instead, the TZ5 and TZ4, instantly analyze the framed image and adjusts the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash. The camera will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly.
  • Digital Red-eye Correction*– This feature helps to eliminate the red-eye problem that sometimes results when taking flash shots at the night. Incorporated into the built-in flash, the camera emits a small preliminary flash before the main flash, detects red-eye and will digitally correct it.
  • MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image.
  • Intelligent ISO – With Intelligent ISO, the TZ4 and TZ5 can determine if the photo subject is moving and change the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.
  • Intelligent Scene Selector – Intelligent Scene Selector senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode. This intuitive technology, helps the consumer use the most common scene modes that are built into the camera, but often go unused, without making any manual adjustments.
  • Face Detection – Panasonic’s Face Detection detects faces anywhere in the frame and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear and crisp. Detecting up to 15 faces, Panasonic’s Face Detection can even track a face if the subject is moving.
  • Continuous AF – The Continuous AF (auto focus) system maintains focus on the subject even without pressing a shutter button halfway, thus minimizing the AF time.

Also new to the TZ5 and the TZ4 is the Venus Engine IV, Panasonic’s new high-performance image processing LSI. The Venus Engine IV produces higher-quality pictures than its predecessor, the Venus Engine III, by using a more advanced signal processing system. The new Venus Engine IV also improves noise reduction, elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effects in both MEGA O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO and reduces the shutter release time lag. Both models also incorporate Intelligent LCD, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer optimal clarity in any situation, whether dark or light; indoors or outdoors. With a newly developed 460,000-dot high resolution in the TZ5’s 3.0-inch LCD and 230,000-dot in the TZ4’s 2.5-inch LCD, photos can be easily viewed on the display, regardless of the shooting environment.

The TZ5, with 9.1 megapixels is capable of recording 720p High Definition motion pictures, and because of its support of SD Memory Cards, is easily compatible with Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTVs that have an integrated SD Memory Card slot, so viewing photos is simple. The TZ4, with 8.1 megapixels, joins the TZ5 in its ability to take 1920 x 1080 pixel High Definition-ready photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV. Also, with the newly added HD component output capability, users can also connect the TZ models to an HDTV and watch a slideshow complete with mood-appropriate music, choosing from natural, slow, urban and swing.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ5 is available in blue, black and silver models for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $349.95, while the DMC-TZ4 is available in black and silver for an MSRP of $299.95. Both models will be available in late March 2008.

*Digital Red-eye Correction available only on the LUMIX DMC-TZ5.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the features on their digital cameras and produce high-quality photos. Panasonic is honored to support OUR PLACE – The World’s Heritage, a project that will create the world’s largest photographic collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites, with acclaimed photographers exclusively using LUMIX digital cameras to capture all images. Information about Panasonic LUMIX digital still cameras and its affiliated programs is available at www.panasonic.com/dsc.

# # #

Return to:
Previous Page
PMA 2008 Tradeshow Index

Powered by Coranto