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Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FX12 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Two new Panasonic FX-series digicams
By
(Thursday, February 1, 2007 - 02:06 EST)

Continuing its pre-PMA announcements, Panasonic has provided details on two new closely related new digital cameras.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX10 and DMC-FX12 share essentially identical bodies, with sensor resolutions of six and seven megapixels respectively. The only further difference between the two cameras beyond the price - $199.95 for the lower-res FX10, and $229.95 for the higher-res FX12 - is the choice of colors available. The FX10 will sell in silver, pink and blue variants while the FX12 will ship in silver and black versions. Features found on both cameras include a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 3x optical zoom lens with 35 - 105mm equivalent focal range, 2.5" LCD display, 27MB of built-in memory, SD / MMC card slot with SDHC card compatibility, and power from a proprietary Lithium Ion battery.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX10
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FX10 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins.
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerPanasonic
Model NumberDMC-FX10
Dimensions3.7 x 2.0 x 1.0"
94.1 x 51.4 x 24.2mm
Weight153.0 g
5.3 oz
Planned Price$199.95
Planned Availability 2007
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.5" CCD
6.37 megapixels (total)
6.00 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions2816 x 2112 (5.9 megapixels)
2816 x 1880 (5.3 megapixels)
2816 x 1584 (4.5 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)
1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality2 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.5", 115,000 pixels
100% field of view
Playback Zoom16.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeLEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT
3x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length5.8 - 17.4mm (actual)
35 - 105mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8 or f/8.0 (wide) / f/5.0 or f/14.0 (tele)
Focusing System1-point/1-point high speed/5-point with AF assist lamp
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1250, 3200* (* High sensitivity mode)
Shutter Speed60 - 1/2000 second
Metering ModesIntelligent Multiple
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Halogen, Set, Manual
Internal FlashModes: Auto / Red eye reduction auto / Forced / Red eye reduction slow synch / Off
Range: 0.3 - 5.0m (wide) / 0.3 - 2.8m (tele) at auto ISO
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Self-Portrait, Food, Party, Candle, Fireworks, Starry Sky, Beach,Aerial photo, Snow, High sensitivity, Baby1, Baby2, Underwater, Sunset, Pet
Digital Zoom4x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatQuickTime Motion JPEG without audio
848x480 and 640x480
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC
File SystemComplies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed
OtherDC In
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary 3.7v 1150mAh
Product Bundle
SoftwareLUMIX Simple Viewer, PhotofunStudio Viewer, ArcSoft PhotoBase, ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft Panorama Maker, USB Driver
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory27.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
Operating System CompatibilityWindows, Mac OS
 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX12
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FX12 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins.
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerPanasonic
Model NumberDMC-FX12
Dimensions3.7 x 2.0 x 1.0"
94.1 x 51.4 x 24.2mm
Weight153.0 g
5.3 oz
Planned Price$229.95
Planned Availability 2007
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.5" CCD
7.38 megapixels (total)
7.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
3072 x 2048 (6.3 megapixels)
3072 x 1728 (5.3 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 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)
1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality2 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.5", 115,000 pixels
100% field of view
Playback Zoom16.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeLEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT
3x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length5.8 - 17.4mm (actual)
35 - 105mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8 or f/8.0 (wide) / f/5.0 or f/14.0 (tele)
Focusing System1-point/1-point high speed/5-point with AF assist lamp
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1250, 3200* (* High sensitivity mode)
Shutter Speed60 - 1/2000 second
Metering ModesIntelligent Multiple
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Halogen, Set, Manual
Internal FlashModes: Auto / Red eye reduction auto / Forced / Red eye reduction slow synch / Off
Range: 0.3 - 5.0m (wide) / 0.3 - 2.8m (tele) at auto ISO
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Self-Portrait, Food, Party, Candle, Fireworks, Starry Sky, Beach,Aerial photo, Snow, High sensitivity, Baby1, Baby2, Underwater, Sunset, Pet
Digital Zoom4x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatQuickTime Motion JPEG without audio
848x480 and 640x480
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC
File SystemComplies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed
OtherDC In
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary 3.7v 1150mAh
Product Bundle
SoftwareLUMIX Simple Viewer, PhotofunStudio Viewer, ArcSoft PhotoBase, ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft Panorama Maker, USB Driver
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory27.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
Operating System CompatibilityWindows, Mac OS
 

Original Source Press Release:

Panasonic Enhances Compact Digital Camera Series With Rich, Convenient Features

Lumix DMC-FX10 and DMC-FX12 Boast Intelligent Image Stabilization, 2.5-inch LCDs and Built-in Memory among Other Easy to Use Features

SECAUCUS, N.J., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today introduced the newest additions to its FX-series of compact and stylish digital cameras - the Lumix DMC-FX10 and DMC-FX12. The new models offer consumers a wide-array of enhanced features from a redesigned grip part and built-in memory, to Intelligent Image Stabilization and LEICA DC Lens with 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35-105mm on a 35mm film camera). The DMC-FX12 and DMC-FX10 boast a 7.2 megapixel and 6.0 megapixel CCD respectively, and both include a large, bright 2.5 inch LCD.

Panasonic, a leader in standardizing optical image stabilization across its full camera line with Mega Optical Image Stabilization (MEGA O.I.S.), now adds Intelligent ISO to create the Intelligent Image Stabilization System. While MEGA O.I.S. compensates for the effects of hand-shake, making it possible to capture clear, crisp photos indoors, at night, or when taking macro close-ups, it cannot suppress the motion blur caused by a subject moving as the photo is taken. With Intelligent ISO, the camera's image-processing engine detects if the subject is moving and automatically raises the ISO setting and shutter speed according to the light conditions and the speed of the movement.

"Consumers want compact, easy-to-use cameras that take crisp, clear and beautiful pictures all the time," said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Corporation of North America. "At Panasonic, we aim to deliver just that by offering a full line of cameras - from compact to SLR - eliminating the effects of hand shake and motion blur with the Intelligent Image Stabilization System, which offers the industry's most advanced countermeasures against blurring."

The DMC-FX12 and the DMC-FX10 accept large-capacity SDHC memory cards, giving users more flexibility in shooting and recording. Additionally, the camera menu and graphical user interface have been redesigned, with brightened colors for easier viewability. Fitting with the stylish reputation of the FX- series, the DMC-FX12 will be available in silver and black, and the DMC-FX10 in silver, pink and blue.

The FX12 and FX10 also feature:

  • Power LCD: Boosts the backlighting of the 2.5-inch LCD screen by 40 percent, bringing ease to outdoor shooting in the bright sunshine
  • High-Angle Mode: Accessed quickly and easily via a dedicated button, makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as to shoot over a crowd.
  • Quick Setting: Lets users quickly and easily access and set the functions used most often.
  • Date Stamp: Allows users to utilize the Lumix date stamp feature in three ways:
    1. Simply stamp the date on photos,
    2. Stamp the day of a trip or event on the photos, and
    3. For those precious baby photos, stamp the child's age in months on the image itself.
  • Direct Print Mode: Brings immediate printing to users with one turn of the mode dial and quick USB cable and a Pictbridge-compatible printer connection.
  • Wide-Aspect VGA Motion Images: Records standard VGA (640 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second, and each camera records stunning wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second.
  • Added Scene Modes: Adds new Pet and Sunset modes to make it easy to get beautiful photos in a range of photographic situations.
  • Both cameras will ship in February with a MSRP of $229.95 for the FX12 and $199.95 for the FX10

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. Information about Panasonic products is available at http://www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at http://www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

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