Panasonic today announced a bevvy of new compact digital cameras, including models with integrated Wi-Fi or NFC (Near-Field Communication) technology for wireless image transfer, allowing for a wide range of shooting situations and ways to share images online.
Panasonic ZS30
The Panasonic Lumix ZS30 is a full-featured compact camera that packs a 20x optical zoom (Panasonic claims it’s the world’s slimmest 20x zoom camera) and has an impressively high resolution 18MP CMOS sensor. It has integrated Wi-Fi and NFC , as well as the ability to shoot full HD videos at 60p. Using its wireless capabilities lets you control the camera from a smartphone or tablet, and share images on social networks. This seems like a good travel camera.Other features include a 5-axis image stabilizer, claimed AF acquisition in 0.1 seconds, a 10fps burst mode, and a 3-inch, 920k dot touchscreen LCD. A High Dynamic Range feature combines multiple images while filling in shadow and highlight detail. A bevvy of creative controls includes soft focus, toy effect and retro; high-speed video capture results in slow-motion videos.Similarly, the SZ3 offers a 10x optical zoom lens and 16MP CCD sensor, plus many of the SZ30’s modes and features.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5, TS25
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 is the latest in Panasonic’s line of ruggedized compact cameras—now with Wi-Fi and NFC wireless communication skills. It is waterproof to 43 feet, shockproof to 6.6 feet, can withstand temperatures down to 14 degrees Farenheit, and can resist up to 220 pounds of pressure. It has a 16MP sensor, records 1080p AVCHD videos. The Panasonic TS25 is a less expensive ruggedized camera: It is waterproof to 23 feet, can be dropped to five feet, and is freezeproof to 14 degrees—still impressive specs.
Panasonic LZ30
The Panasonic DMC-LZ30 is a superzoom camera featuring a 35x optical zoom with a 25-875mm (35mm equivalent) range with upgraded optical elements. Built around a 16MP CCD sensor, the camera offers an optical stabilizer to help minimize shaky shots. ISO range is 100-1600, boostable to 6400. iA (Intelligent Auto) mode integrates stabilization, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent exposure and chooses the best exposure and other options based on the shooting situation. Photographers who prefer greater control can choose manual exposure mode. This camera offers Creative Control, which lets users choose from Expressive, Retro, Low Key, High Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochtrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process and One Point Color, as well as a series of filter effects that include toy camera, miniature, star filter among several others. The Panasonic LZ30 records 720p MPEG video.
Panasonic XS1
The Panasonic Lumix XS1, at 14mm thick, is designed to compete with smart phones by, among other things, being just as slim while offering higher-quality images thanks to its 16MP sensor. Features include a 5x optical zoom lens that starts at 24mm (35mm equivalent), and has 13 creative control filters. It is backed by a 2.7-inch LCD monitor, offers 720p HD video, and the ability to shoot and stitch together 180-degree panoramas.
Panasonic F5
The Panasonic Lumix F5 is a somewhat stripped down version of the XS1, with a 14MP sensor instead of 16MP, image stabilization, and many of the XS1’s features.
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