2008 Photo Marketing Association Tradeshow
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Panasonic's Lumix DMC-LZ8 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Panasonic: Two new LZ-series digicams
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 12:01 EST)

Continuing a very busy day for the Japanese consumer electronics giant, Panasonic has revealed two closely related digital cameras that join its Lumix LZ-series.

The Panasonic LZ8 includes a 1/2.5" 8.1 effective megapixel RGBG CCD image sensor, while the Panasonic LZ10 bumps this in favor of a 1/2.33" 10.1 effective megapixel imager. Both cameras couple this with a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit branded F3.3 - F5.9 5x optical zoom lens, although the difference in sensor size means that the 35mm-equivalent focal range differs somewhat - 32-160mm for the LZ8, or 30-150mm for the LZ10. Both cameras also include a 2.5" LCD with 230,000 pixel resolution, and both store images on SD / SDHC / MMC cards or in 20MB of built-in memory. Power comes from two AA batteries, which are rated for some 470 shots on a charge in the LZ8, and just slightly less at 460 shots per charge for the LZ10. (CIPA standard testing using NiMH rechargeables with 50% flash usage at room temperature).

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 will cost $180, and the Lumix DMC-LZ10 will retail for around $250. Both cameras go on sale in the USA from February 2008.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-LZ8 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-LZ8
Dimensions 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.3"
97.5 x 62.0 x 33.3mm
Weight 188.0 g
6.6 oz
Planned Price $179.95
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: 2.5 frames per second for 4 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.5", 230,000 pixels
Lens
Lens Type LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR, 7 elements in 6 groups
5x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 5.2 - 26.0mm (actual)
32 - 160mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range Wide: F3.3 - F8 Tele: F5.9 - F8
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" - 41" (5 cm - 100 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto,100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, (High Sensitivity Mode : Auto(1600 - 6400) )
Shutter Speed 60 - 1/2000 second
Exposure Modes Aperture, Shutter, Manual
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: 0.5 - 6.8m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 3.8m (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 + Advanced Scene mode (Portrait 5,Scenery 4,Sports 4, Night Portrait 4)
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 Full (LOW) Speed
Power
Battery Type Alkaline, Lithium disposables, NiMH rechargeables
Battery Form Factor 2 x AA
Product Bundle
Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO -viewer-, ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker), USB Driver
Battery / Charger 2 x AA Alkaline disposables battery
Flash Memory 20.0MB 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-LZ8 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-LZ8 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ10
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-LZ10 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-LZ10
Dimensions 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.3"
97.5 x 62.0 x 33.3mm
Weight 188.0 g
6.6 oz
Planned Price $249.95
Planned Availability 2008
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.33" Panasonic CCD
10.70 megapixels (total)
10.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions 3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2056 (7.5 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
LCD 2.5", 230,000 pixels
Lens
Lens Type LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR, 7 elements in 6 groups
5x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 5.2 - 26.0mm (actual)
30 - 150mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range Wide: F3.3 - F8 Tele: F5.9 - F8
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" - 41" (5 cm - 100 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto,100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, (High Sensitivity Mode : Auto(1600 - 64 00) )
Shutter Speed 60 - 1/2000 second
Exposure Modes Aperture, Shutter, Manual
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: 0.5 - 6.8m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 3.8m (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 +Advanced Scene mode (Portrait 5,Scenery 4,Sports 4, Night Portrait 4)
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 Full (LOW) Speed
Power
Battery Type Alkaline, Lithium disposables, NiMH rechargeables
Battery Form Factor 2 x AA
Product Bundle
Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO -viewer-, ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker), USB Driver
Battery / Charger 2 x AA Alkaline disposables battery
Flash Memory 20.0MB 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-LZ10 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-LZ10 digital camera. Courtesy of Panasonic, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

PANASONIC INTRODUCES LUMIX LZ-SERIES DIGITAL CAMERAS, AFFORDABLE MODELS WITH PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY FEATURES

New Point-and-Shoot Models Feature Wide-Angle Shooting, Leica DC Lenses, Manual Controls and Intelligent Auto Technologies

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 29, 2008) – Panasonic today announced new members to its growing family of full-featured and high-performing LUMIX digital cameras with the introduction of two more point-and-shoot models, the DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8. Featuring two key enhancements from last year’s DMC-LZ7, the new LZ-Series models feature Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses and wide-angle shooting – 30mm on the LZ10 and 32mm on the LZ8. Furthermore, each new LZ-Series model boasts manual controls, convenient AA-battery operation, a 5x optical zoom, Intelligent Auto Mode and the Venus Engine IV, the new high-speed, image-processing LSI.

“Not long ago it would have been hard to imagine a user-friendly and affordable digital camera packed with features professional photographers would envy, such as wide-angle Leica lenses, and manual controls,” said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “However, Panasonic’s commitment to research and innovation, our partnership with Leica, and our dedication to providing our consumers with the technologies they need to take professional-quality images resulted in an extraordinary feat with the 2008 LUMIX LZ-Series.”

The LZ10 and LZ8 are perfect for consumers who expect a digital camera that blends power, performance and quality, helping them to maximize the digital photography experience. The LZ-Series’ lenses were developed by Panasonic, passing Leica's stringent standards to deliver an exceptional optical performance for Panasonic LUMIX consumers. With the LZ10’s 30mm wide-angle lens and the LZ8’s 32mm wide-angle lens consumers can capture larger group photos or more expansive scenic shots.

To provide digital photographers with added creative elements and performance, both LZ models sport manual control over aperture and shutter speed, thanks to the camera’s newly-adopted iris. When shooting manually, users can choose from three modes: A-aperture priority, S-shutter speed priority and M-manual and enjoy added control and creativity normally reserved for higher end models. Also new to the LZ-Series is Advanced Scene Mode – a feature that gives consumers manual control using some of the frequently-used scene modes: Portrait, Sports, Landscape and Night portrait.

While in Advanced Scene Mode, when selecting the Portrait or Sports mode, the consumer is then presented with additional settings, with the option of choosing outdoor or indoor. When selecting Landscape mode, there are options to specify if the shot is nature or architecture. For budding photographers who desire even more artistic freedom, they can choose Creative mode, which adds more manual controls over an aperture or a shutter speed.

For consumers not quite ready for complete manual control, the LZ-Series also features Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto Mode, which is comprised of five distinct technologies designed to provide users with intuitive and automatic camera adjustments, regardless of the shooting condition and without the user having to do anything manually. The LZ10, with 10.1 megapixels, and the LZ8, with 8.1 megapixels, both feature Intelligent Auto Mode, consisting of the following features:

  • 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 – 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 – 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.
  • Face Detection – Panasonic’s Face Detection detects up to 15 faces anywhere in the frame, even if they are moving, and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear and crisp.
  • Quick AF – The Quick AF (auto focus) system starts focus on the subject by just pointing the camera to the subject, thus minimizing the AF time.

Each camera also features new 230,000-dot high-resolution LCDs, complete with the new Intelligent LCD, meaning the 2.5-inch LCD screens detect the lighting condition and controls the brightness level to offer optimal clarity in any situation, whether dark or light; indoors or outdoors. The cameras also include the popular High Angle mode which makes the LCD screen easy to view when held high, to shoot over a crowd or a tall object.

Additional highlights of the Panasonic LUMIX LZ-Series include:

  • Newly added speaker lets consumer enjoy a slide show with music, selecting from natural, slow, urban or swing tunes; or add voice to a motion video.
  • Title Edit function which allows the consumer to input text to accompany a photo, for instance, the names of children or travel locations.
  • Ability to record WVGA (848 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second in a 16:9 aspect ratio, ideal for viewing on High Definition televisions, such as Panasonic VIERA Plasmas and LCDs.
  • The ability to shoot 1920x1080 pixel High-Definition ready photos, ideal for wide-screen viewing on a 16:9 VIERA Plasma or LCD.
  • The DMC-LZ10 can shoot up to 160 images and DMC-LZ8 shoots 180 images with the included Alkaline batteries and 460(LZ10) /470(LZ8) images with optional Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (2600mAh)*.
  • A record/playback mode switch, which lets the photographer switch between recording and playback modes, while always knowing the current mode

The DMC-LZ10 and the DMC-LZ8 will be available in black and silver models in February for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $249.95 and $179.95 respectively.

*Based on the CIPA standard.

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.

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