Panasonic Unveils World’s Lightest Full HD Camcorder

Panasonic Unveils World’s Lightest Full HD Camcorder

Weighing only 185g, the all new HDC-TM35 from Panasonic is claimed as the world’s lightest Full HD camcorder. Coming in white, violet, classic gold and grey color options, this compact camcorder sports a 1/41 CCD of 3.32 MOS-megapixel sensor, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot (up to 32GB), an IA Zoom and IS, Smile Shutter and has the ability to capture both 1080p Full HD video in AVCHD mode as well as 2.9-megapixel digital still images. Pricing and release date are still unknown at the moment. [Akihabara]

Upcoming Panasonic Lumix FX75 Digital Camera

Upcoming Panasonic Lumix FX75 Digital Camera

Word has it that the Panasonic Lumix FX75 compact digital camera will be launched very soon. The camera has a 14-megapixel sensor, a Leica 24mm ultra-wide-angle Summicron f/2.2 lens and a 5x optical zoom. The Panasonic Lumix FX75 also supports HD video in AVCHD Lite format. Stay tuned for more updates. [Ubergizmo]

Panasonic FH22 Compact Digital Camera Review

Panasonic FH22 Compact Digital Camera Review

Image-acquire has a brief review about the Panasonic FH22 compact digital camera. The 14MP digicam features an 8x optical zoom, a 4x digital zoom, a 3-inch LCD touchscreen display, a variety of scene and white balance modes, a nine-point AutoFocus, and a built-in flash. Here is a verdict:

Great resolution, onboard memory, plenty of features and a terrific zoom come together to make an excellent quality camera. Though again, it suffers from a slim design that may pose some challenges in ease of use, there’s more than enough here to make up for that.

[Image-acquire]

Panasonic Lumix ZR3 Slim Camera

Panasonic Lumix ZR3 Slim Camera

The Lumix ZR3 is an ultra-slim point-and-shoot with an 8x wide-angle Leica lens that starts at 25mm, and HD video recording.

PANASONIC INTRODUCES SUPER COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA FEATURING AVCHD LITE HD VIDEO RECORDING CAPABILITY

Panasonic LUMIX ZR3 includes 25mm ultra-wide-angle Leica lens and powerful 8x optical zoom in a slim and portable body

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 Rugged Camera: The Clumsy Photographer's Friend Could Be the Best in Class

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 Rugged Camera: The Clumsy Photographer's Friend Could Be the Best in Class

Rugged cameras aren't just for mountain climbers; Panasonic's excellent-looking TS2 point-and-shoot would be a good choice for sedentary folks like myself who simply drop shit all the time. It also features HD video recording and, no lie, a 'happy mode.'

Panasonic's introducing three new cameras today, the most interesting of which is the TS2, so let's start there. The TS2 is a 14.1MP update to the TS1, and in terms of ruggedness, it's waterproof to 10 meters—three times more than its predecessor—shockproof to two meters (which Panasonic oddly finds equal to ten feet—it's not, I'm pretty sure), dustproof, and able to withstand temperatures as low as 14° F (the previous was only to 32). It's got the usual array of autofocus, face recognition, image stabilizer and a 6x optical zoom, but what I really like is the 'happy mode':

Happy Mode – New Scene mode that optimizes color, saturation and brightness to make both photo and video more vivid and true to the color the users remember when they took it.

The TS2's pricing and release date are, annoyingly, still to be announced. But the camera improves the specs we found lacking in the original, so this could be the best rugged camera out there.

(Via Gizmodo: Cameras.)

Panasonic Lumix ZS7 "Super Zoom" Camera Goes 12x Deep While Geotagging

Panasonic Lumix ZS7 "Super Zoom" Camera Goes 12x Deep While Geotagging

It's not as zoomy as the 15x Samsung HZ35w but I'd take a 12x Lumix with Leica optics over a Sammy. Especially since this one Geotags.

The 12.1 MP camera starts out at 25mm and zooms up to 12x past that, even in video mode. It also records HD (although res isn't mentioned) in the AVCHD lite format.

(Via Gizmodo: Cameras.)

Panasonic Announces A New Point-And-Shoot Camera

Panasonic Announces A New Point-And-Shoot Camera

Panasonic has announced a new point-and-shoot camera known as the Lumix DMC-FP3. Coming in three different color options: silver, black and navy blue, this ultra slim camera sports a 14.1-megapixel CCD image sensor, 4x optical zoom, a 3-inch touchscreen LCD display, image stabilization, face detection and HD video recording. Unfortunately, there’s no word on pricing and availability yet.

[Akihabara]

Six new Panasonic cameras @ CES: Lumix FP1, FP3, F3, FH3, FH20 and 2 new SDXC cards

Six new Panasonic cameras @ CES: Lumix FP1, FP3, F3, FH3, FH20 and 2 new SDXC cards

I found this on an Asian website and I am pretty sure is accurate, based on my previous experiences. The official announcement will be on January 6th, 2010. There will be also two new SDXC memory cards with 48GB and 64GB capacity.

Panasonic Lumix FP3

The first one is the Panasonic Lumix FP3:

• 4x zoom


• very compact


• 3.0’ touch screen LCD


• 14.1 MP


• start-up time: 0.97 sec


• shutter release lag: 0.006 sec


• HD video 1280 x 720p @ 30 fps


• SDXC computable


• available in different colors

Panasonic Lumix FP1:

• 4x zoom


• very compact


• 12.1 MP


• 2.7″ LCD screen


• start-up time: 0.97 sec


• shutter release lag: 0.007 sec


• HD video 1280 x 720p @ 30 fps


• SDXC computable


• available in different colors

Panasonic Lumix F3

Panasonic Lumix F3:

• 12.1 MP


• 4x zoom


• HD video 1280 x 720p @ 30 fps


• 2.7’ LCD display


• Face detection


• SDXC memory card support


• two colors: silver and black

Panasonic Lumix FH20:

• 14.1MP sensor


• 8x zoom


• HD 720p motion jpeg video


• advanced Venus Engine IV image processor

And two more after the break:

Panasonic Lumix FH1

Panasonic Lumix FH3

Panasonic Lumix FH3/FH1:

• 12.1MP sensor


• 5x zoom


• HD video 720p motion jpeg video


• advanced Venus Engine IV image processor

(Via Photo Rumors.)

Panasonic unleashes seven new point and shoots, plethora of camcorders

Panasonic unleashes seven new point and shoots, plethora of camcorders

It's official: Panasonic's just confirmed all those cams we saw leaked a few days back (and added a few more). On offer, its got the Lumix FS33 and FS30, both 14 megapixel affairs with 8x image-stabilized zoom lenses, HD video recording at 720p. The FS33 boasts a 3-inch touchscreen display while the FS30 has a 2.7-inch LCD. Next up are the slim FP1, FP2 and FP3. The FP1 is a 12 megapixel cam, while the FP2 and FP3 are both 14 megapixels. All three have 4x image-stabilized zoom lenses, and the FP3's got a 3-inch touchscreen, and the FP2 and FP3 boast 2.7-inch LCDs. Finally we've got the FS10 and FS11, both packing 8mm wide angle 5x zoom lenses. The FS10's got a 12 megapixel sensor, while the FS11's got a 14 megapixel sensor. No details on pricing or availability yet. Hit the read more to hear all about the camcorder action and to see a very busy gallery of photos.

Continue reading Panasonic unleashes seven new point and shoots, plethora of camcorders

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Panasonic introduces a “cheap” 3D videocamera

Panasonic introduces a “cheap” 3D videocamera

YOu pay $21,000 for the new Panasonic 3D camera

Panasonic launched the new 3D videocamera which will be available in autumn. It costs you ‘only’ $21.000. This is a lot cheaper than Sony cameras. I also expect Panasonic to announce 3D Photocameras at Photokina.

(Via Olympus and Panasonic rumors.)

The Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Every Purpose

The Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Every Purpose

Mark Goldstein is the Editor of Photography Blog. And he's been so kind as provide us with his favorite point and shoot picks in every key category.

Best for lowlight

Canon PowerShot S90 ($400)



The camera of the moment, the popular PowerShot S90 is a small but perfectly formed compact for the keen photographer. Concentrating on image quality rather than simply joining in the megapixel race (just like Sony's TX1 / WX1 models), the S90 offers DSLR-like results in a pocketable device, making it the perfect second camera for any self-respecting DSLR owner. A sensible resolution of 10 megapixels and fast zoom lens make the S90 an excellent choice when the lighting drops. This is one camera that you carry everywhere and still achieve breath-taking photos that will look great on your wall. [Review]

Best bang for your buck

Samsung HZ15W ($250)



Samsung can always be relied upon to deliver more for less, and the HZ15W is certainly no different. The HZ15W can't quite match every feature that its main rivals offer, but it does cost a lot less than them. With an amazingly versatile 10x zoom lens, high-definition video and a wealth of beginner-friendly modes, this well-designed camera is simple to use yet offers enough features and quality to satisfy more experienced photographers. The HZ15W could well be the only camera that you ever need. [Review]

Best video/still crossover

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 ($400)



The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 is not only one of the best video compacts on the market, it's also one of the best cameras full stop. Support for the AVCHD Lite format almost doubles the recording time, albeit at the expense of editing ease. The dedicated Record button, stereo microphone, wind cut function and audio sampling at 48kHz combine to make the TZ7 a star performer for moving images. It's also a fantastic stills camera too, with an incredibly versatile 12x zoom and top-notch image quality - a great do-it-all, carry-everywhere device. [Review]

Best super slim model

Sony TX1 ($300)



Sony has long ruled the roost in the 'it's so slim you can barely see it' category, and the desirable TX1 continues that tradition. Combining a sturdy yet stylish metal body, clever sliding front plate and impressive folded lens optics in a frame that's just 14.1mm thick, the TX1 still manages to pack in a 4x zoom lens and 3-inch touch-sensitive rear screen. You also get the added bonus of Sony's impressive 'Exmor R' back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, which greatly improves low-light performance. Available in a variety of attractive colors to match your personality, the TX1 is guaranteed to look as good as you. [Review]

Best wet and rugged

Pentax Optio W80 ($210)



Ed note: Brian Lam reviewed most every rugged camera under the sun last summer, and his favorite all around performer went to the Pentax W80, a Jack-of-all-trades rugged cam featuring a 5x internal zoom lens. Its picture quality doesn't compete with the best point and shoots, and the W80 can only be dropped from around 3 feet, but it can go underwater up to 16 feet and function in temperatures down to 14 degrees. [Review]

There are obviously a lot of other great cameras this year for every budget and level of experience. See all of Photography Blog's camera reviews here (http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/).

(Via Gizmodo: Cameras.)

Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed

Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed

The typical Micro Four Thirds review seems to come down to a matter of tradeoffs -- size and convenience for a bit of a drop from the image quality and performance of a real DSLR. The GF1 doesn't break that trend, but it has some pretty nice things to offer for the inquisitive interchangeable lens shopper. The most notable feature when put up against its direct competition, the E-P1, is the GF1's built-in pop-up flash, and the primary drawback of both of these cams versus their regular Micro Four Thirds counterparts is the lack of an eye-level viewfinder, though the GF1 does offer a pricey hot-shoe mounted approximation. As for images PhotographyBLOG says the camera gets 'almost everything right,' and video doesn't look bad neither -- a couple samples are after the break. The camera is no ultra-compact, but it seems another good proof for the existence of Micro Four Thirds as a DSLR alternative.

Continue reading Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 Waterproof Camera Review: My Favorite So Far, Oddly

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 Waterproof Camera Review: My Favorite So Far, Oddly

It's not the most rugged, waterproof, or compact of its kind. And its photos aren't the best. But for some reason I really like this camera. Maybe I'm wrong.

The Price:

$400

The Toughness:

It's rated to about 10 feet and for drops of 5 feet, which places it at the lower end of the spectrum of waterproofing. Well, it's not the lower end, but given the shock and dust proofing and the lens reinforcement system, I'd expect the makers of the Toughbook to best cameras like the fluffy Fuji z33 and the slimmer Pentax w80 waterproofs for depth. Again, I wouldn't call this a weakness, but if the DMC-TS1 had one, this would be it.

The Visuals:

The photos were among the best in low light, high ISO and daylight. There was a simple beach/surf macro mode which worked well enough. Colors were accurate, and I only noticed a slight distortion around the edges while zoomed out. (Many periscoping internal zoom cameras have this issue.) The lens went pretty wide at a 28mm equivalent and the zoom was almost top of the class at 128mm (only the Pentax did better). Images, overall, were second best to the Canon with its traditional lens system, but this camera doesn't have that problem of a protruding snout which makes it a lot more pocketable. The camera has optical stabilization, which is pretty kick ass. The uncovered lens caused some photos to look smudged, which is perhaps the rule, not the exception in these cameras. Shots are at 12.1MP, but you can get variations of that in 16:9 mode. (My favorite!) As usual, waterphotos are generally limited in quality by water clarity and color, so, well, above the sea shots work fine.

The TS1's video recording happens at a high res of 720p, stabilized and recordable in motion jpg or AVCHD lite, giving you more recording time and quality. It looks better than good.

The Design:

I'm into the spartan, square design. And the camera's responsive shooting, burst modes, and menus made it the easiest to use without being overly simple like the Canon D10.

Yeah, I don't know yet:

The Lumix is a fantastic all-around camera that is somewhat tough and waterproof. I'd originally gone into this review thinking it would be king, but given the shallow depth rating, I may have to wait 'til I see the new Olympus in action before I give a stronger rating. Especially at $400. At that price, the smaller, Pentax w80, rated to 16 feet with decent shots and shitty video looks like a lot better of a deal. And the super cheap and small Fuji z33 does, too. I don't know. I'm not giving up on this camera yet. Strong video playback is an important thing these days. I guess its my camera of choice and should be yours too (for now) if you don't go beyond 10 feet down and image quality and relative pocketability is a priority. Until I check out that Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 which has some really solid stats all-around and cost a bit less.

Great images



Great case design and menus



Great video at 720p



Despite the all-around toughness of the device, only waterproof to a middling (not poor) 10 feet

[Via DP Review]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 hands-on, with 720p test footage!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 hands-on, with 720p test footage!

Hoo boy are we stoked on this one. Panasonic has really shown what micro four thirds is all about, with the retro good looks and strong performance of the new Lumix DMC-GF1. The camera is certainly a bit larger and heavier than it looks from a distance, but housed within the slightly oversized shell are some pretty good optics and some snappy performance. You can't replicate the satisfying 'kerklunk' of a real DSLR shutter, but the GF1 is responsive and clicky enough to give off a much better vibe than the standard camera in this size range. The few shots we took on auto looked quite vibrant in a variety of lighting conditions, though the close-ups showed a disturbingly shallow depth of field -- though that could obviously be tweaked. Being the filthy non-purists that we are, we're most excited by the camera's 720p video mode, which offers decently fast autofocus with a half press of the shutter button, and zero jelly vision to worry about. The downsides of no line-in and a higher pricetag than the comparable E-P1 aren't insignificant, but the GF1 will certainly put up a fight. Stick around for some in-camera test footage later on, test stills are below and there's a hands-on video after the break.

Update: Sample footage is now posted after the break! It was ripped from an AVCHD file to H.264, so there's been some generational quality loss, but you'll get an idea of the colors and the motion.

Gallery: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 test shots

Gallery: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 hands-on

Continue reading Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 hands-on, with 720p test footage!

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Rumored Micro Four Thirds Panasonic GF1 gets pictured

Rumored Micro Four Thirds Panasonic GF1 gets pictured

Well, this one's a bit out of the blue, but a member of the Xitek.com forums has produced this image of a hereto unheard of Micro Four Thirds Panasonic Lumix GF1 that's purported to come from an internal Panasonic PDF. A second image (after the break, and full size at the link below), also reveals a few more interesting details, like a port below the hotshoe that would presumably be used for a detachable EVF, and a built-in pop-up flash. Otherwise, about all that's clear is that the camera itself appears to be slightly smaller than the Olympus E-P1, and that it's prompted an endless stream of speculation on the photography forums.


[Via Digital Photography Review]

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP8 Digital Camera

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP8 Digital Camera

As for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP8, this latest FP-Series shooter aims to achieve a careful balance in both design and function departments. Offering 12.1-megapixels of goodness, the DMC-FP8 will feature a high-quality 28mm wide-angle, 4.6x Leica DC lens with folding optics, all stashed away within a futuristic-looking stylish body. The unique design of the FP8 will also include advanced functions sich as high-speed Auto Focus (AF), Panasonic's Intelligent Auto (iA) suite of technologies and POWER Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) among others, enabling one to shoot at night using a slow shutter speed without experiencing blurry photos. Other features of the DMC-FP8 include :-

• HD Movies with VIERA Link Networking


• 27 Scene Modes


• PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0

Expect Panasonic to roll out the LUMIX DMC-FP8 this September in black, red and silver colors for $299.95 a pop.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 Digital Camera

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 Digital Camera

Panasonic has introduced another member to its Lumix series in the form of DMC-ZR1. This super compact camera features a powerful 8x optical zoom at a wide 25mm equivalent and a 12.1-megapixel image stabilized sensor. Other specs include a 2.7-inch TFT LCD display, Advanced Face Recognition, Ultra High-Speed AF, ISO up to 1600 and the capability to record HD video in 1280 x 720 resolution at 30fps. Pricing and availability are still unknown at the moment.
[dpreview]

Panasonic's new LUMIX consumer lineup: the high-powered FZ35, fashionable FP8 and thin-lensed ZR1

Panasonic's new LUMIX consumer lineup: the high-powered FZ35, fashionable FP8 and thin-lensed ZR1

Panasonic is going at it from all angles today, with three new 12.1 megapixel LUMIX cameras with surprisingly distinct aims:

• LUMIX FZ35 (pictured) - The requisite 'superzoom' of every lineup, the FZ35 doesn't disappoint on features, but the $400 pricepoint certainly pushes the limits of 'consumer' camera. Features include 18x zoom and HD video recording, including a Creative Movie Mode with shutter speed and aperture settings for video. It also expands on typical facial recognition functionality with a 'Baby mode' for... finding babies.


• LUMIX FP8 - While it can handle HD video, the FP8 is more about looks. Still, the 12.1 megapixel sensor and 4.6x zoom aren't bad for the form factor -- though the $300 pricetag isn't nothing.


• LUMIX ZR1 - Featuring the 'world's first 0.3mm thin aspherical lens,' the ZR1 manages a full 8x optical zoom while keeping its girlish figure when extended. There's also room for a 12.1 megapixel sensor. The cam goes for $280.

All the cameras pack optical image stabilization and facial recognition, and the ZR1 and FZ35 have a 'High Dynamic Mode' which presumably emulates HDR photography to some extent. All three will be out in September. Full PR is after the break.

Gallery: Panasonic's new LUMIX consumer lineup: the high-powered FZ35, fashionable FP8 and thin-lensed ZR1

Continue reading Panasonic's new LUMIX consumer lineup: the high-powered FZ35, fashionable FP8 and thin-lensed ZR1

(Via Engadget.)

Panasonic HDC-HS350 allows you to record over 30 hours of HD

Panasonic HDC-HS350 allows you to record over 30 hours of HD

If you liked the HDC-TM350, then we can pretty much guarantee you'll be a fan of the HS350, unveiled by Panasonic today. Essentially identical to its elder brother -- but for the hard disk bump on its right side -- the new AVCHD camcorder ups internal storage from 64GB to 240GB and retains all other salient features: 10.6 megapixel 3MOS sensor, 12x optical zoom and SDHC expansion up to 32GB per card. The increase in storage allows for over 30 hours of continuous full HD recording, meaning that your battery will give out long before you need to fiddle with your storage options. No word on the when, where and how much questions, but if we had to guess we'd say soon, everywhere and plenty.

(Via Engadget.)

Panasonic Offers 240GB HD Camcorder

Panasonic Offers 240GB HD Camcorder

Panasonic is getting ready to release a new HD camcorder ‘HS350′ that comes equipped with a 240GB hard drive. This particular camera is capable of capturing up to 31 hours, 40 minutes of 1080i widescreen footage in AVCHD (H.264) format. Apart from that, it also integrates a microSDHC card slot for adding up to another 32GB of storage. Other specs include a 2.7-inch LCD monitor, 12x optical zoom lens, a built-in 5.1ch microphone and up to 1.5 hours of battery life when recording to the hard drive. The HS350 will start shipping in Japan starting on July 25th for about $1,591.
[Via Electronista]