Panasonic DMC-FS15 camera : Panasonic introduces the new 12.1 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FS15 camera of 29mm wide angle Leica DC lens with 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 29mm to 145 mm on a 35mm film camera) as a member of Lumix new FS series. The new FS series, a sister line of the world-acclaimed FX series, pursues easy and simple operation with its high-grade profile for users at every stage to enjoy taking beautiful pictures. Panasonic’s iA (intelligent auto) mode, which makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos by detecting the scene and optimizing the settings, has been further enhanced for new Panasonic LUMIX FS15 to comprehend AF tracking and Intelligent Exposure functions.

Face detection and intelligent exposure offers by Panasonic FS15
The newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos of decisive moments. The Intelligent Exposure function helps capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights. Also, the Panasonic FS15 continually monitors the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light source is behind the subject. Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. Not only that, the unwanted red-eye effect caused by the use of the flash can be digitally corrected.

Easy photography with entry level Panasonic LUMIX FS15 camera
The newly added independent iA button on the top of the camera lets enter the iA mode directly. Once you enter iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FS15 incorporates large LCD with great view
The Panasonic DMC-FS15 pursues further compactness with a 2.7-inch LCD with 230,000-dot high resolution and Intelligent LCD function, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer a display with the most appropriate clarity in any situation. Other various upgrades make Panasonic FS15 enhance fun of taking pictures. The startup time is dramatically shortened to 1.2 sec, letting you to capture the spur-of-the-moment. Dressed in the metal-finished panel, the slim and sleek Panasonic DMC-FS15 offers an enjoyment of taking great snapshots casually with committed ease of operation even for beginners. The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FS15 in silver, black and blue (Availability of models and colors may vary depending on the sales area.)

Easy to use operation makes Panasonic FS15 popular camera
Panasonic incorporated the Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. This mode is also further advanced with the inclusion of the AF tracking, Intelligent Exposure feature for Panasonic DMC-FS15. Furthermore, digital red-eye correction is also integrated in the Face Detection. In iA mode the camera does all the work, activating AF tracking, Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, and Intelligent Exposure. This leaves the user free to simply compose the shot and press the shutter button, with the assurance that the image will be clear, beautiful and properly exposed.

Action photography possible with Panasonic LUMIX FS15
With the new AF Tracking function, the user can “lock” the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the user having to hold the shutter button halfway down. This makes it easier to capture the perfect moment clearly and in sharp focus when shooting images of a child, pet, sports or any scene with moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action. Intelligent Exposure suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights to capture images that look natural and true-to-life. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects that the light source is behind the subject.

Scene selector and Face detection
Face detection accuracy has been increased in the Panasonic LUMIX FS15 to now provide continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure even if the face is turned sideways to the camera. Combined with AF Tracking, Face Detection helps users capture special moments, including the fleeting expressions on the faces of active children. Plus, with the Panasonic DMC-FS15, the red-eye effect can be digitally corrected automatically when it occurs due to the use the flash. Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects whichever of 5 scene modes – Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, and Night Scenery – that best suits the shooting situation. The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best result out of a shutter chance because the focus is always near the subject and the AF time is minimized.

Sharp images with MEGA O.I.S stabilizer
In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include MEGA O.I.S., which prevents blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which prevents motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. The MEGA O.I.S. conventionally has mode 1 and 2, and now it has AUTO mode to select the suitable one between the modes according to the zoom ratio being used. The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply pressing an independent iA button on the top of the camera, which is newly equipped for direct activation of the mode. All these make the FS15 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.

Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens for great picture quality
The 12.1-megapixel Panasonic LUMIC DMC-FS15 packages a 29mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 5x optical zoom into a slim, compact body. Comprising 7 elements in 6 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses with 4 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly slim and compact body yet passing Leica’s stringent standards to deliver an exceptional optical performance. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 9.8x (294mm) by using the centre part of the CCD. The image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features advanced signal processing technology for rendering high quality images.

Panasonic LUMIX FS15
Featured in the Panasonic LUMIX DMC- FS15, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as 0.006 second and the camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible 5 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting, which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full. The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the Panasonic LUMIX FS15 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.

Panasonic FS15 offers easy shooting and playback
The new Panasonic DMC-FS15 incorporates an easy-to-see, large, 2.7-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD for comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. The High Angle mode makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as when shooting over a crowd.

Fun of Photography and multimedia experience with LUMIX camera
The Lumix camera further offers wide variety of options to expand fun of photography.The Panasonic DMC-FS15 provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you’ll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. All Lumix cameras can take 1920×1080 pixel high-definition quality photos that are ideal for full-screen viewing on a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV. Panasonic has long focused on making photography more enjoyable, such as by letting people view their images easily on a Panasonic Viera TV with Viera Image Viewer (internal SD card slot). For the motion picture, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FS15 can record WVGA (848 x 480) motion pictures at 30 frames per second in addition to standard VGA (640 x 480). The WVGA motion picture also fits a wide-screen (16:9) TV perfectly, to offer extremely impressive viewing.

Panasonic LUMIX FS15 features
The new DMC-FS15 feature a variety of functionalities to expand fun and convenience for users at every stage to enjoy taking beautiful pictures. The user can select from among several icons for the camera to use for indicating when the subject is in focus. In addition to the conventional dot, a flower, car and several other new shapes are available. Newly added Photo Frame mode lets the user put attractive borders around the photo. When printed, the photos look like postcards in picture frames, making them ideal as presents. With the My Scene setting, which is also new on Panasonic DMC-FS15, the user can assign up to specific Scene modes to that setting, and switch instantly to the mode when desired. The minimum shooting distance has been shortened to 3 cm in the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FS15. Using the digital Zoom Macro function, the user can pull subjects even closer than the closest point possible with the wide-angle setting, and capture dramatic close-ups. As soon as a full production digital camera sample will be available you can expect a full Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 review from us, including our usual sample photo gallery.

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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Panasonic has today announced the successor to the FX35 digital compact camera – the FX37. The new model comes with Panasonic’s Venus IV imaging processor and an enhanced Intelligent Auto mode which is now capable of tracking an object once the AF has locked onto it. All this fancy new technology has been built around a 10.1 MP sensor and a 25mm (35mm equivalent), 5x zoom lens. The Lumix DMC-FX37 will be available in the UK from August for £249.99.

Press release:

25mm Ultra-Wide-Angle* 5x Optical Zoom LEICA DC Lens in Sleek, Super-Slim Profile 10.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FX37 Featuring Advanced Intelligent Auto Mode

* 35mm film camera equivalent: 24-60mm

Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new Lumix 10.1-megapixel DMC-FX37 with astonishing 25mm equivalent ultra-wide-angle* LEICA DC lens and a powerful 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 25mm to 125 mm on a 35mm film camera), which captures almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to ordinary 35mm cameras, resulting in remarkable images with unprecedented width and depth. The world-acclaimed FX series pursues high picture quality and unique features in an urbane, sophisticated profile to which the DMC-FX37 proudly joins.

Panasonic’s iA (intelligent auto) mode, which makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos, has been further enhanced. The newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos of decisive moments. The FX37 continually monitors the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light source is behind the subject. Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. The Intelligent Exposure function helps capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights.

For image processing, the FX37 features the high-speed, high-performance, next-generation Venus Engine IV. The engine allows the FX37 to shoot up to approx. 310 photos (CIPA) on a single battery charge thanks to improvements in power efficiency.

In addition to capturing beautiful still images, the FX37 makes it easy to shoot high-definition 1280 x 720p motion images at 30 fps with outstanding detail. Using the DMW-HDC2 HD Component Cable (available separately), these motion images can be output from the FX37 directly to a HD ready TV for large-screen viewing.

The FX37 features a new panel, which boasts a wide viewing angle, for its Intelligent LCD to ensure clear, easy viewing in all lighting situations.

The FX37 offers a number of other functions that expand photographic possibilities including new Scene mode. Pin Hole and Film Grain mode create film-camera-like effects, and Flash Burst mode allows continuous emission of flash on burst shooting**.  Another new mode is the Transform mode which adds more fun especially on portrait pictures, to give the subject special transformation effect to look funny. Additional convenient functions that help post shooting include Image Leveling and batch resizing,

Dressed in a metal-finished panel, the sleek and slim DMC-FX37, a sophisticated camera full of desirable functions, offers the enjoyment of taking snapshots with a fantastic view and fun never before experienced. The DMC-FX37 will be available in silver, black and brown – each with a distinctive finish or texture according to its color.***

*35mm film camera equivalent: 25-125mm
** Max. 5 images. In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.
***Availability of models and colours may vary depending on the sales area

1. 25mm Ultra-Wide-Angle 5x Optical Zoom (25-125mm) F2.8 High-Quality Leica DC Lens and 10.1-Megapixel CCD

The 10.1-megapixel DMC-FX37 packages a 25mm Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT high-quality lens with 5x optical zoom, offering F2.8 brightness*. Comprising 7 elements in 6 groups, including 4 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit passes Leica’s stringent standards and delivers an exceptional optical performance. Notably, a newly developed unevenly thick concave meniscus EA(extra high refractive index aspherical) lens makes it possible to achieve the 25mm ultra-wide-angle high optical performance while keeping the lens unit thin and the body slim. The 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens records almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to ordinary 35mm cameras. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 8.9x by using the center part of the CCD.
*35mm film camera equivalent: 25-125mm

2. Great Photography Is Not Only Created By Professional Photographers Anymore — Intelligent Auto Mode

The DMC-FX37 adds a new AF Tracking function to iA (intelligent auto) mode, which is a combination of functions that makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. In iA mode the camera does all the work, activating Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, and Intelligent Exposure. This leaves the user free to simply compose the shot and press the shutter button, with the assurance that the image will be clear, beautiful and properly exposed. 

With the new AF Tracking function, the user can “lock” the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the user having to hold the shutter button halfway down. This makes it easier to capture the perfect moment clearly and in sharp focus when shooting images of a child, pet, sports or any scene with moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action. Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects whichever of 5 scene modes — Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, and Night Scenery – that best suits the shooting situation.

The Face Detection function can find up to 15 faces in the frame and adjusts the focus and exposure to capture them clearly and in sharp focus. Face detection accuracy has been increased in the FX37 to now provide continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure even if the face is turned sideways to the camera. Combined with AF Tracking, Face Detection helps users capture special moments, including the fleeting expressions on the faces of active children. Plus, with the FX37, the red-eye effect can be digitally corrected automatically when it occurs due to the use the flash.

Intelligent Exposure suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights to capture images that look natural and true-to-life. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects that the light source is behind the subject. This is useful when the effect of Intelligent Exposure is not enough due to the strong backlighting.

The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before pressing a shutter button halfway, to get the best result out of a shutter chance because the focus is always near the subject and the AF time is minimized.

In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include Mega O.I.S., which prevents blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which prevents motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. The Mega O.I.S. conventionally has mode 1 and 2, and now it has AUTO mode to select the  most suitable mode according to the zoom ratio being used.

The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting iA mode. This makes the FX37 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.

3. Exciting Options to Expand the Fun of Photography in the High-Definition Era

All Lumix cameras can take 1920×1080 pixel HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. The new DMC-FX37 even records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480).

With HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your DMC-FX37 by simply connecting the camera to a HD ready TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).

The DMC-FX37 provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you’ll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. If you make the slideshow with HD photos in 1920 x 1080 pixels, you can also enjoy watching an impressive HD slideshow with music on a large-screen HDTV by using the optional component cable.
*In Motion Picture mode, the length of recording time depends on the capacity of the SDHC/SD Memory Card. (Up to the equivalent of 2 GB per motion-image recording.) When you set the motion picture quality to HD, WVGA and VGA, we recommend using a high-speed memory card with "10MB/s" or greater on the package. Some lens movement sounds may be recorded.

**For Europe, motion images can be recorded continuously for up to 15 minutes.

4. High-Speed, High-Quality Image-Processing LSI the Venus Engine IV

An image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images. Notably, parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colours is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus colour bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity. The Venus Engine IV also elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur.

Featured in the DMC-FX37, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx.0.005 second minimum and the shutter interval is as shot as approx. 0.9 second*. This camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In Burst Shooting mode, the DMC-FX37 can snap 2.5 shots per second at full resolution**. And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode***, it fires off an incredible 6 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting,**** which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full. Newly added Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous emission of flash*****.

The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode*** that lets the DMC-FX37 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.This high performance engine is also superior in its energy efficiency to extend the battery life up to 310 shots(CIPA) per a single charge.

*Not including the time for AF
**Max. 5 images in standard mode/ 3 images in fine mode.
*** In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.
****The consecutive shooting speed varies with the memory card, image size, and image compression mode. The number of shots depends on the memory card size, battery life, image size and image compression mode.
*****Max. 5 images. In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.

5. Wide Viewing Angle 2.5-inch Large Intelligent LCD with 230,000-dot High Resolution for Easy Shooting and Playback

The DMC-FX37 incorporates an easy-to-see, large, 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD. The Intelligent LCD function equipped in the FX37 detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine. This function also adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. Together with the newly adopted panel which boasts a wide viewing angle, it secures comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results in any circumstances.

6. Other Enhanced Features

The new DMC-FX37 features a variety of functionalities to expand the convenience and fun for users to enjoy taking beautiful pictures.

The FX37 offers a total of 25 scene modes to respond easily to any shooting situation. The new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes add unique, film-camera-like effects and ambiences to images. One more new scene mode is the Transform mode, that trims and stretches the image to virtually transform the subject slimmer or stretched wider. It also has a shining effect to make the large transformation look more extreme and funny. The actual effects of the scene modes can be viewed on the LCD before taking the shot.

Image Leveling is another function that improves post-shooting convenience. When a recorded image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges*. The FX37 can also resize multiple images at the same time.

The 2.0 HS-compatible USB port and approx. 50 MB of internal memory also enhance the convenience of using the FX37.

Drawing on its vast expertise in consumer electronics, Panasonic is committed to creating a new photographic culture by introducing innovative, high-performance cameras and other advanced digital imaging products.

*Resolution decreases.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 Specifications

List price (EU)	UK £249.99
Sensor	• 10.1 million effective pixels • 10.7 million total pixels • 1/2.33" CCD • Primary Color Filter
Image stabilization	• CCD-shift • MEGA O.I.S. (Auto/Mode1/ Mode2)
Image sizes	4:3 Aspect Ratio: • 3648x 2736 pixels • 3072 x 2304 pixels • 2560 x 1920 pixels • 2048 x 1536 pixels • 1600 x 1200 pixels • 640 x 480 pixels • 3:2 Aspect Ratio: • 3648 x 2432 pixels • 3072 x 2048 pixels • 2560 x 1712 pixels • 2048 x 1360 pixels • 16:9 Aspect Ratio: • 3648 x 2056 pixels • 3072 x 1728 pixels • 2560 x 1440 pixels • 1920 x 1080 pixels
Movie mode	• QuickTime Motion JPEG • 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 640 x 480 pixels 30 fps or 320 x 240 pixels 30 fps/10 fps • 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 848 x 480 pixels 30 fps • HD（16:9 Aspect Ratio）: 1280×720 pixels 30fps
Output formats	• JPEG ( Exif 2.21 standard)
Image processor	Venus Engine IV
Lens	• 5x zoom • f=4.4-22mm (35mm Equiv.: 25-125mm) • LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT • 7 elements in 6 groups • 4 Aspherical Lenses / 6 Aspherical surfaces • Wide: F2.8 – F8.0 Tele: F5.9 – F8
Focus modes	• Normal • Macro • Quick AF • AF Tracking
AF assist lamp	Yes
Shooting modes	• Intelligent AUTO • Normal Picture • Motion Picture • Clipboard • Scene mode
Scene modes	• Portrait • Soft Skin • Transform • Self-Portrait • Scenery • Sports • Night Portrait • Night Scenery • Food • Party • Candle Light • Baby1 • Baby2 • Pet • Sunset • High sensitivity • Underwater Starry Sky • Fireworks • Beach • Snow • Aerial photo • Hi-Speed Burst • Flash-Burst • Film Grain • Pin Hole
Metering	• Intelligent Multiple
AE Bracketing	+/- 0.3/3 frames
Exposure compen.	• +/-2 EV • 0.3 EV increments
Sensitivity	• Auto • 100 • 200 • 400 • 800 • 1600 • High Sensitivity Mode : Auto(1600 – 6400)
Shutter speed	• 8-1/2000sec • Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60sec.
Aperture values	• Wide: F2.8 – F8.0 Tele: F5.9 – F8
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Shade • Halogen • White Set • White Balance Adjustment
Drive modes	• Single • Continuous
Burst speed	• 2.5 frames/sec Max. 5 images (Standard), Max 3 images (Fine) • High-speed Burst Mode: approx. 6 frames/sec (recorded in 3M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9)
Self-timer	10 sec. / 2 sec.
LCD monitor	• 2.5" • 230K dots • Field of View : approx. 100% • AUTO Power LCD mode
Viewfinder	No
Flash	• Auto • Auto/Red-eye Reduction • Forced On • Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction • Forced Off
FLash coverage	0.6 – 6.0m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 – 2.8m (Tele/ISO Auto)
Connectivity	• DC Input • AV Output (NTSC/PAL) • HD AV Output (Component) • USB2.0 High speed
Storage	• SD Memory Card • SDHC Memory Card • MultiMediaCard (Still image only) • Internal Memory (approx. 50 MB)
Power	• Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 1000mAh) • Battery life: 310 pictures (CIPA standard) • AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (Optional)
Dimensions	94.7 x 51.9 x 22.0 mm
Weight (with battery)	Approx. 146g

Source: www.dpreview.com

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The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) announces the winners of the 2008 TIPA Awards. This year, the editors of 27 TIPA member magazines from 11 European countries that voted for the best imaging products in Europe in 2008, awarded 36 photo and imaging products. TIPA was founded in Paris, France, in 1991. It is a nonprofit association registered in Spain, and consists of editors from 27 amateur, professional, and trade magazines from 11 countries.

TIPA Awards 2008:

 - Best DSLR Entry-Level: Sony Alpha 200
 - Best DSLR Advanced: Canon EOS 450D
 - Best DSLR Expert: Nikon D300
 - Best DSLR Professional: Nikon D3
 - Best Medium-Format D-System: Sinar Hy6
 - Best Ultra Compact Digital Camera: Samsung NV24HD
 - Best Compact Digital Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500
 - Best Superzoom Digital Camera: Fujifilm FinePix S100FS
 - Best Entry-level Lens: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
 - Best Expert Lens: Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm f/2.8-4 SWD
 - Best Professional Lens: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
 - Best Prestige Camera: Sigma DP1
 - Best Innovative Design: Manfrotto ModoSteady 585
 - Best Flatbed Photo Scanner: Canon CanoScan 8800F
 - Best Small Format Photo Printer: HP Photosmart A826 — Home Print Centre
 - Best Expert Photo Printer: Epson Stylus Photo R1900
 - Best Multifunction Photo Printer: Canon PIXMA MP970
 - Best Large Format Printer: Epson Stylus Pro 11880
 - Best Fine Art Inkjet Paper: Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Silk
 - Best Imaging Storage Media: SanDisk Extreme Ducati range
 - Best Imaging Innovation: Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1
 - Best Photo Software: Apple Aperture 2
 - Best Color Management System: X-Rite ColorMunki Photo
 - Best Accessory: Metz Mecablitz 48 AF-1 Digital
 - Best Digital Accessory: Wacom Cintiq 12WX
 - Best Photo Frame: Sony DPF-V900/DPF-V700
 - Best Expert Photo Projector: Panasonic PT-AX200E
 - Best Professional Photo Projector: JVC DLA-HD100
 - Best Film: Kodak Professional New T-MAX 400
 - Best Camcorder: Panasonic HDC-SD9
 - Best Mobile Imaging Device: Nokia N82
 - Best Retail Finishing System: Kodak Adaptive Picture Exchange (Apex)
 - Best Photo Kiosk: Sony Compact Picture Station
 - Best Photographic Display: Samsung SyncMaster XL30 LED BLU
 - Best Photo Service: CeWe Photobooks
 - Best Storage Back-up: LaCie 2big Triple

Source: www.dphotonews.com

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Our concise review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5. The successor of the popular TZ3 is the latest addition to Panasonic’s family of compact long zoom cameras. It comes with the same versatile 28-280mm equiv. 10x zoom lens as its predecessor but now offers a slightly higher resolution, an improved LCD and High Definition video capture. Nice new features indeed but has Panasonic also managed to sort out some of the image quality issues that we found on previous TZ generations? ..

Source: www.dpreview.com

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Panasonic announced a new firmware update available for its interchangeable LEICA D SUMMILUX 25mm/ F1.4 ASPH.(L-X025) lens, which is compatible with the Four Thirds standard digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, including Panasonic’s LUMIX DMC-L10*. With the firmware update, the LEICA D SUMMILUX 25mm/ F1.4 ASPH.(L-X025) adds contrast auto focus (AF) to the single focal length lens, making it more suitable for taking snapshots and portraits where the photo subject is able to stand out due to an intentional out-of-focus background.

Panasonic invites all users of LEICA D SUMMILUX 25mm/ F1.4 ASPH.(L-X025) lenses to download the updated firmware to enjoy this advanced technology that lets users take high-quality photos with ease and accuracy.  Notably, with the use of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-L10 digital SLR, this update allows the LEICA D SUMMILUX 25mm/ F1.4 ASPH.(L-X025) lens to take professional-quality portraits as it combines Panasonic’s Face Detection feature with the contrast AF.

Users will be able to download the latest firmware that allows the LEICA D SUMMILUX 25mm/ F1.4 ASPH.(L-X025) lens to take advantage of contrast AF at 4:00 GMT on March 12, 2008 at the following link: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/.

Source: www.dphotonews.com

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