The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8 features a similar five megapixel imager and Leica DC Vario-Elmarit-branded optically stabilised 3x zoom lens as the previous model. The FX8 uses the new Venus Engine PLUS and a new battery, which together offer a claimed twofold improvement in battery life, as well as improved autofocus performance (including a new high-speed 1-point AF mode). There's also improved movie performance courtesy of a tweaked image sensor that now offers nine-pixel mixed readout. The camera body has also been restyled slightly. As with the FX7, the new model will be offered in four color schemes for the Japanese market - "Silky Silver", "Comfort Blue", "Misty Pink" and "Gross Black" (perhaps a little something got lost in the translation, but we're actually quoting Panasonic on the names).
Pricing has not been announced at this time, but the camera will go on sale in Japan from June 4th. Five sample photos taken with the camera are available on Panasonic's Japanese website.
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8 |
 |
| General |
| Camera Type | Ultra Compact |
| Manufacturer | Panasonic |
| Model Number | DMC-FX8 |
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 2.0 x 1.0"
94.1 x 50.5 x 24.2mm |
| Weight | 155.0 g
5.4 oz |
| Image Capture |
| Sensor Type | 1/2.5" CCD
5.36 megapixels (total)
5.00 megapixels (effective) |
| Filter Type | RGBG |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Image Dimensions | 2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2560 x 1440 (3.7 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 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) |
| Capture Speed | Continuous: 3.0 frames per second for 5 frames |
| Image Quality | 2 levels |
| Image Preview / Review |
| Viewfinder | No |
| LCD | 2.5", 114,000 pixels
100% field of view |
| Playback Zoom | 16.0x max |
| Lens |
| Lens Type | LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT
3x optical zoom |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Focal Length | 5.8 - 17.4mm (actual)
35 - 105mm (35mm equivalent) |
| Aperture Range | f/2.8 or f/5.6 (wide) / f/5.0 or ??? (tele) |
| Focusing System | 1 / 3 / 5 point with AF assist lamp |
| Focusing Range | Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity) |
| Exposure |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400 |
| Shutter Speed | 8 - 1/2000 second |
| Exposure Modes | Program |
| Metering Modes | Evaluative |
| Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments |
| White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Fair, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Set, Manual |
| Internal Flash | Modes: Auto / Red eye reduction auto / Forced / Red eye reduction slow synch / Off
Range: 0.3 - 4.0m (wide) / 0.3 - 2.2m (tele) at auto ISO |
| Creative |
| Scene Modes | Portrait / Skin tone / Sport / Food / Landscape / Night scene / Night Portrait / Child / Fireworks / Party / Snow / Self Portrait |
| Digital Zoom | 4x |
| Self Timer | Yes, 2 or 10 seconds |
| Time Lapse | No |
| Movie Format | QuickTime Motion JPEG without audio
640x480 and 320x240
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second |
| Storage |
| Recording Medium | SD/MMC |
| 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 1.1 |
| Other | DC In |
| Power |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion rechargeable |
| Battery Form Factor | Proprietary 3.7v 1150mAh |
| Product Bundle |
| Battery / Charger | 1 x Proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger |
| Flash Memory | 16.0MB SD Memory card |
| Other |
| Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes |
| PictBridge Compliant | Yes |
| Internal Microphone | Yes |
| Internal Speaker | Yes |
| Tripod Mount | Yes |
| Remote Control | No |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows, MacOS |
| More Photos |
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Panasonic announces DMC-FX8