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Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Panasonic FH27, FH25: A duo of 8x zoom compacts
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(Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - 18:30 EST)

Rounding out its digital camera announcements for the day, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. has revealed the Lumix DMC-FH27 and DMC-FH25 digital cameras, each of which features an 8x optical zoom lens with 28mm-equivalent wide angle.

The Panasonic FH25 and FH27 are very closely related under the skin, although externally there are quite a few differences visible from most angles. These relate to changes made to how the Lumix FH27 and FH25 are controlled. While the Lumix DMC-FH25 has fairly traditional physical controls, with a mode switch and cluster of eight buttons on its rear panel, the DMC-FH27 adopts a touch-screen interface on its LCD panel, negating the need for any other controls on its rear face. The space freed up by this change is well taken advantage of, with the rear of the Panasonic Lumix FH27 dominated by a 3.0-inch LCD panel. The Panasonic Lumix FH25, meanwhile, must opt for a smaller panel with a 2.7-inch diagonal.

Impressively, the larger LCD panel and touch screen surface are added to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 with only a very minimal gain in weight. The Lumix FH25 weighs 152 grams, loaded and ready to shoot. The Panasonic FH27 adds just seven grams to this, for a ready-to-go weight of 159 grams. One final difference between the two cameras is to be found in their available selection of body colors. The Panasonic DMC-FH27 will be available in silver, black, and red body colors. All three colors will also be available for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25, as well as blue and violet versions.

In other respects, the Panasonic DMC-FH25 and FH27 are largely similar. Both cameras have the same 16.1 megapixel image sensor, Lumix DC Vario-Elmar branded 8x optical zoom lens, and optical image stabilization system. US-market pricing and availability for both cameras will be announced approximately 30 days before their respective availability, and hence aren't available at press time. For more details, read our Panasonic FH27 preview if you favor a touch screen interface, or our Panasonic FH25 preview if you prefer physical controls at the expense of some screen real estate.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerPanasonic
Model NumberNorth America: DMC-FH27
Dimensions3.9 x 2.2 x 1.1 in.
(99 x 57 x 28 mm)
Weight5.6 oz (159 g)
Image Capture
Sensor TypeCCD
1/2.33" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
16.60 megapixels (total)
16.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4608 x 3456 (15.9 megapixels)
4608 x 3072 (14.2 megapixels)
4608 x 2592 (11.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Capture SpeedContinuous: 1.7 frames per second for 9999 frames
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.0 in. diagonal
230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels)
Playback Zoom16.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeLEICA DC VARIO, 9 elements in 7 groups, 3 Aspherical
8x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length5.0 - 40.0mm (actual)
28 - 224mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.3 or f/10 (wide) / f/5.9 or f/18 (tele)
Focusing SystemContrast Detection: Face / AF Tracking / 11 pt / 1pt / Touch Area
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityIntelligent Auto,100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; High Sensitivity mode (1600-6400)
Shutter Speed60 - 1/1600 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesIntelligent Multiple
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, White Set
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Range: 0.6 - 5.8m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 3.2m (Tele/ISO Auto)
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1/2, Pet, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial Photo, Pin Hole, Film Grain, High Dynamic, Photo Frame
Digital ZoomUp to 4x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatQuickTime Motion JPEG with audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF 2.3)
Connectivity
VideoStandard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery Type3.6V, 660mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary
Product Bundle
SoftwarePHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 Edition, QuickTime, Adobe Reader
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory70.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
Notes3" touchscreen LCD, Mega O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, 28 scene modes. Available in black, red and silver.
More Photos
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerPanasonic
Model NumberNorth America: DMC-FH25
Dimensions3.9 x 2.2 x 1.1 in.
(99 x 57 x 28 mm)
Weight5.4 oz (152 g)
Image Capture
Sensor TypeCCD
1/2.33" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
16.60 megapixels (total)
16.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4608 x 3456 (15.9 megapixels)
4608 x 3072 (14.2 megapixels)
4608 x 2592 (11.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Capture SpeedContinuous: 1.5 frames per second for 9999 frames
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.7 in. diagonal
230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels)
Playback Zoom16.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeLEICA DC VARIO, 9 elements in 7 groups, 3 Aspherical
8x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length5.0 - 40.0mm (actual)
28 - 224mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.3 or f/10 (wide) / f/5.9 or f/18 (tele)
Focusing SystemContrast Detection: Face / AF Tracking / 11 pt / 1pt
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityIntelligent Auto,100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; High Sensitivity mode (1600-6400)
Shutter Speed60 - 1/1600 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesIntelligent Multiple
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, White Set
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Range: 0.6 - 5.8m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 3.2m (Tele/ISO Auto)
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1/2, Pet, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial Photo, Pin Hole, Film Grain, High Dynamic, Photo Frame
Digital ZoomUp to 4x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatQuickTime Motion JPEG with audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF 2.3)
Connectivity
VideoStandard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery Type3.6V, 660mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary
Product Bundle
SoftwarePHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 Edition, QuickTime, Adobe Reader
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory70.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
NotesMega O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, 28 scene modes. Available in silver, black, red, blue and violet models.
More Photos
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH27 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

Panasonic Introduces Feature-Rich Sleek And Stylish LUMIX Digital Cameras With Leica Wide-Angle Lenses And Powerful 8x Optical Zoom

New Panasonic LUMIX FH27 Packs Powerful Features, Including Touch-Control and Intelligent Resolution to Make Shooting High-Quality Photos Easy

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2011) – Panasonic today introduced two sleek and stylish digital cameras to its 2011 LUMIX line – both of which are ideal for sophisticated users who want rich and easy-to-use features delivered in a small and attractive package. The LUMIX DMC-FH27 and LUMIX DMC-FH25 shoot high-quality 16.1 megapixel images and combine a 28mm wide-angle*1 LEICA DC lens with a powerful 8x optical zoom to take amazing photos. Redesigned with an easy-to-hold grip and slim and stylish profile, both models feature large Intelligent LCDs, 720p High Definition (HD) video recording and an advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) for ease of use.

“The new Panasonic LUMIX FH27 and LUMIX FH25 build on the momentum from last year’s introduction of the popular FH Series, which consumers loved for their size and performance,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “These digital cameras pack a powerful punch in a sleek, stylish design – from the wide-angle LEICA lens to the formidable zooming and smart features like Panasonic’s advanced iA. Panasonic’s goal with the FH Series is to provide consumers with high-quality features in a pocket-able, easy-to-use camera that does not sacrifice style.”

At the core of the LUMIX FH27 and LUMIX FH25 is the Venus Engine VI image processor with Intelligent Resolution technology for shooting clear and crisp digital photos and videos. The cameras feature a fast response time with shutter release lag times as short as approximately 0.005 seconds and, by adding Sonic Speed AutoFocus (AF), users can easily capture spur-of-the-moment photos. Using Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom extends the powerful 8x optical zoom to increase to 10x equivalent without compromising picture quality.

Panasonic’s popular iA mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically – with no setting changes needed by the user – makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. The LUMIX FH27 and LUMIX FH25 feature two new iA functions – AF (Auto Focus) Tracking and Intelligent Exposure. AF Tracking locks onto any subject and keeps it in focus even if it moves, while the Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully. The automatic backlight compensation function activates whenever the camera detects the subject is in backlight. Other features of Panasonic iA, which can be engaged with a dedicated button, include:

  • MEGA OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) – Reduces blurry photos that result from hand-shake.

  • Intelligent ISO Control – Reduces blur when the subject is moving.

  • Face Detection – Helps to ensures registered faces are captured in focus with appropriate exposure and unwanted red eyes are digitally corrected.

  • Intelligent Scene Selector – Selects the best option from: Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset by detecting the environment.

Furthering its ease-of-use, the LUMIX FH27 features full touch-control operation with the new Smart Touch Screen on its 3.0” large, 230,000-dot LCD allowing users to enable Touch AF, Touch Zoom, Touch Shutter and Intelligent Scene Selector simply by touching the screen. The menu setting is now available with touch control and in playback mode users can drag the image across the screen with their finger to browse the collection of photos. The Panasonic LUMIX FH25 features a 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD without touch control.

Other features of the LUMIX FH27 and LUMIX FH25 include:

  • LUMIX Image Uploader – Easily share images via Facebook and videos via YouTube.

  • Intelligent LCD – Detects the lighting conditions and controls the brightness level in 11 fine steps, to display the most appropriate setting.

  • Scene Modes – A total of 28 modes, such as Baby, Pet and Sports, let the user choose the setting and the camera do the rest. Users can also record the name/birthday of a child or pet and embed the information in the photo and have it printed if desired.

  • Built-in memory has increased to 70MB.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX FH27 and LUMIX FH25 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. Encased in a brushed metal-finished panel, the LUMIX FH27 will be available in black, red and silver while the LUMIX FH25 will be available in silver, black, red, blue and violet models. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/CES.

*1 35mm camera equivalent.
YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
Facebook is a registered trademarks of Facebook, Inc.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) 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 pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

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