Panasonic Lumix TZ10 ZS7 at Focus on Imaging

Panasonic are showing the new Panasonic Lumix TZ10 / ZS7 at Focus on Imaging 2010 - it features a metal body available in a number of colours (red, black, blue, silver, depending on location), and has a 25mm 12x optical zoom lens (25 - 300mm), GPS, 12 megapixel sensor, 3" 460k screen, 720p video with stereo sound, and optical image stabilisation. The TZ10 is available for £315:

"With a strong heritage, this fourth generation TZ model features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens with a 12x optical zoom. A high quality lens like this, with a range from 25mm to 300mm (1), is almost inconceivable in such a small, lightweight camera. Comprising 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ED lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, and utilizing new lens material in its design, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly slim and compact body while passing Leica's stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, a ground-breaking Intelligent Zoom is available with the TZ10 which extends the zoom ratio by approx.1.3x maintaining the picture quality even by combining zoom technologies. This means the 12x optical can virtually extend to 16x equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power to 23.4x (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the center part of the large CCD to bring subjects even closer."

Panasonic Lumix FT2 at Focus on Imaging

Panasonic are showing the new Panasonic Lumix FT2 at Focus on Imaging 2010 - it features a waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof body available in a number of colours (depending on location), and has a 28mm 4.6x optical zoom lens, 2.7" screen, 14 megapixel sensor, 720p video, and optical image stabilisation. The Panasonic Lumix FT2 is available for £299:

"Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new Lumix DMC-FT2, a successor to Lumix’s first camera geared for active outdoor use, the DMC-FT1. Featuring AVCHD Lite HD movie recording capability, the new 14.1-megapixel FT2 further strengthens its toughness to be waterproof to 10m, shockproof to 2m, freezeproof to -10 degrees C and dustproof. The camera is also empowered internally by the newly developed Venus Engine HD II integrating “Intelligent Resolution” technology."

Panasonic Lumix GF1 with Leica Lens at Focus

Panasonic are showing the new Panasonic Lumix GF1 Micro Four Thirds DSLR with Leica lens and adapter at Focus on Imaging 2010 - the camera features a 12.1 megapixel live view sensor, HD 720p Video at 30fps, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1 aspect ratio, AF assist lamp, ISO100 - 3200, 3fps shooting, 3.0" 3:2 aspect 460k pixel screen, dust reduction, and built in flash. Compared to the Olympus E-P1 - It lacks the in body image stablisation, and instead relies on optical IS in the lens. The camera is available in Black, Silver, Red and White, for £569 with kit lens, or £449 body only.

Read Panasonic Lumix GF1 Reviews: Cameralabs, Digital Camera Info, Trusted Reviews, TOP Part I, TOP Part II, ByThom, DPExpert, DPExpert GF1 and E-P1, ePhotoZine, The Online Photographer, DPReview, DCResource, Luminous Landscape, HardwareZone, Which43.com, Previews: Davids Simple Photography Hands On, Pocket Lint, DPNow, Links: Read the full GF1 Press Release, Related: Why I love Micro FourThirds (TOP).

Panasonic SDXC 64gb Class 10 Memory Card

Panasonic are showing their new SDXC memory cards at Focus on Imaging 2010 - the card shown above holds a massive 64gb of data, and 48gb cards will also be available from their "Gold" range. The cards are Class 10 cards which should be excellent for high speed transfers and HD video recording, with a speed of upto 22MB/s.

Panasonic Lumix G2 M43 DSLR Sample Photos

We've uploaded some resized sample photos (EXIF info intact) from a pre-production Panasonic Lumix G2 micro four thirds Digital SLR using the 14-45mm lens. The G2 features a 12.1 megapixel sensor, live view, 3" swivel touch screen with touch focus, live view electronic view finder, HD video (720p) AVCHD lite encoding, ISO6400, colour modes plus face recognition and intelligent auto. The camera will be available with a new 14-42mm lens with Mega Optical Image Stabilisation, in three colours blue, red, black, in June.

View our Panasonic Lumix G2 Sample Photos
Read our Panasonic Lumix G2 Hands on Preview

Future Panasonic Lumix G Series Lenses

Panasonic have been showing new / future lenses at Focus on Imaging 2010 - including a new 8mm f3.5 fish eye lens, 14mm f/2.5 wide angle pancake lens (shown above, Fisheye expected Autumn 2010), and a 100mm - 300mm f4 - f5.6 zoom lens with mega optical image stabilisation (shown below). They are due / expected Autumn 2010 (apart from the 14mm, which is expected in Summer 2010). Pictures taken with a pre-production Panasonic Lumix G2.

8mm f3.5 fisheye:

Panasonic Lumix G2 Micro 43 DSLR Announced

Panasonic has announced the new Panasonic Lumix G2 micro four thirds Digital SLR - 12.1 megapixel sensor, live view, 3" swivel touch screen with touch focus, live view electronic view finder, HD video (720p) AVCHD lite encoding, ISO6400, colour modes etc. The camera will be available with a new 14-42mm lens with Mega Optical Image Stabilisation, in three colours blue, red, black, in June.


"The New Lumix G2 - Part of the highly commended Lumix G Micro System of digital still cameras, the 12.1 megapixel DMC-G2 is stylish, sophisticated and packed with features – whilst remaining committed to ease of use even for beginners. Standing out from the crowd, the new DMC-G2 is the world’s first interchangeable lens system camera with touch-control shooting (*1), offering consumers an entirely new kind of system camera shooting.


With a feature set to be proud of – including a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor, the new Venus Engine HD II processor, double Live-View function, AVCHS Lite high definition movie recording, popular My Colour Mode and iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – to name but a few, the DMC-G2 offers revolutionary shooting ease and comfort."

"Continuing to push the boundaries, Panasonic’s new DMC-G2 adopts touch-control shooting for the first time in an interchangeable lens system camera. AF is immediately set to the subject by just touching it on the large, 460,000-dot LCD. You can even release the shutter using a single touch."

Onto the menus: ISO100 to ISO6400, the shooting screen with touch-shutter and touch-quick menu, the recording menu with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, and 1:1 aspect ratios, and the My Menu screen that remembers settings you have changed.

Pictures below taken with a pre-production Panasonic Lumix G2.

The blue version:

Some sample shots, ISO400:

ISO100 with flash:

With flash, ISO100:

Panasonic Lumix G10 Micro 43 DSLR Announced

Panasonic has announced the new Panasonic Lumix G10 micro four thirds Digital SLR - 12.1 megapixel live view MOS sensor, dust reduction sensor, 3" screen, and electronic viewfinder, ISO6400, etc. The camera will be available in black with a new 14-42mm lens with Mega Optical Image Stabilisation, in June. (Pictures taken with a pre-production Panasonic Lumix G2).

"The New Lumix G10 - Boasting a host of advanced digital functions, with outstanding image quality and a compact DSLR style body, Panasonic’s new DMC-G10 is the latest addition to the award winning Lumix G Micro System of cameras. Joining a family of innovative members – the DMC-G1 was the first interchangeable lens system camera based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard with dramatic downsizing of the body adopting the mirror-less structure. Next came the DMC-GH1 realizing 1920x1080 full HD (High Definition) movie recording and the DMC- GF1 brought innovation with its’ ultra compact, slim profile. The new DMC-G10 is newly released as a sister model of the touch-operation DMC-G2, with both models boasting high image quality and ease of use."

Panasonic Lumix FS7 Only £99 on Amazon UK

Amazon UK are selling the Panasonic Lumix FS7 for only £99 in Silver or Pink. Read our review of the Panasonic Lumix FS7 - a compact 10 megapixel digital camera with a 4x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, 2.7" screen and 360 shot lithium ion battery. The camera is available in black, silver, and pink for £99 (previously £115):

Read our Panasonic Lumix FS7 Review
View our Panasonic Lumix FS7 Sample Photo Gallery

Read more Panasonic Lumix FS7 Reviews: Cameras.co.uk, Trusted Reviews

Panasonic Lumix FX66 FX68 Compact Announced

Panasonic Japan has announced the new Panasonic Lumix FX66 / FX68 - it features a metal body available in a number of colours, and has a wide angle 25mm 5x optical zoom lens (25 - 125mm), 14 megapixel sensor, 2.7" screen, 720p video, and optical image stabilisation.

Panasonic Lumix ZX3 Compact Zoom Announced

Panasonic has announced the new Panasonic Lumix ZX3 - it features a metal body available in a number of colours (red, silver, blue and black depending on location), and has a 25mm 8x optical zoom lens (25 - 200mm), 14 megapixel sensor, 2.7" screen, 720p video, and optical image stabilisation. It's available for £299 from Amazon UK:

"Streets ahead of its competitors, the new ZX3 offers unparalleled features – incorporating an impressively powerful 8x optical zoom into a slim and compact body. Featuring such a powerful 25-200mm high performance lens in a diminutive sized body is made possible by the lens unit comprising of 0.3mm super thin aspherical lens and 0.3mm spherical lens. Highly technically specified, yet astonishingly slim and compact – the ZX3 is a photographers dream! The DMC-ZX3 features a 25mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and powerful 8x optical zoom (equivalent to 25-200mm on a 35mm camera) together with a 14.1-megapixel high resolution CCD into a compact body. The lens unit comprises of 9 elements in 7 groups, including 4 aspherical lenses with 6 spherical surfaces. "

Panasonic Lumix TZ8 (ZS5) Pocket Zoom Announced

Panasonic has announced the new Panasonic Lumix TZ8 / ZS5 - an update to the TZ6 - it features a metal body available in a number of colours (silver and black), and has a 25mm 12x optical zoom lens (25 - 300mm), 12 megapixel sensor, 2.7" screen, aperture priority, 720p video, and optical image stabilisation. The TZ8 is available for £299:

"The TZ8 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens with a 12x optical zoom. A lens like this, with a range from 25mm to 300mm (1), is almost inconceivable in such a small, lightweight camera. Comprising 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ED lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, and utilizing new lens material in its design, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly slim and compact body while passing Leica's stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, a ground-breaking Intelligent Zoom is available with the TZ8 which extends the zoom ratio by approx.1.3x maintaining the picture quality even combining a digital zoom. This means the 12x optical can virtually extend to 16x equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power to 21.4x (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the center part of the large CCD to bring subjects even closer."

Panasonic Lumix TZ10 (ZS7) Pocket Zoom Announced

Panasonic has announced the new Panasonic Lumix TZ10 / ZS7 - it features a metal body available in a number of colours (red, black, blue, silver, depending on location), and has a 25mm 12x optical zoom lens (25 - 300mm), GPS, 12 megapixel sensor, 3" 460k screen, 720p video with stereo sound, and optical image stabilisation. The TZ10 is available for £349:

"With a strong heritage, this fourth generation TZ model features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens with a 12x optical zoom. A high quality lens like this, with a range from 25mm to 300mm (1), is almost inconceivable in such a small, lightweight camera. Comprising 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ED lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, and utilizing new lens material in its design, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly slim and compact body while passing Leica's stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, a ground-breaking Intelligent Zoom is available with the TZ10 which extends the zoom ratio by approx.1.3x maintaining the picture quality even by combining zoom technologies. This means the 12x optical can virtually extend to 16x equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power to 23.4x (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the center part of the large CCD to bring subjects even closer."

Panasonic Lumix FT2 Announced

Panasonic has announced the new Panasonic Lumix FT2 - it features a waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof body available in a number of colours (depending on location), and has a 28mm 4.6x optical zoom lens, 2.7" screen, 14 megapixel sensor, 720p video, and optical image stabilisation. The FT2 is available for £299:

"Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new Lumix DMC-FT2, a successor to Lumix’s first camera geared for active outdoor use, the DMC-FT1. Featuring AVCHD Lite HD movie recording capability, the new 14.1-megapixel FT2 further strengthens its toughness to be waterproof to 10m, shockproof to 2m, freezeproof to -10 degrees C and dustproof. The camera is also empowered internally by the newly developed Venus Engine HD II integrating “Intelligent Resolution” technology."

Panasonic Lumix FP1, FP2, FP3 Slim Cameras Announced

Panasonic has announced the new 14 megapixel Panasonic Lumix FP1 with 3.0" touch screen, 14 megapixel FP2 with 2.7" screen, and 12 megapixel FP3 with 2.7" screen. The ultra compact cameras all feature a 4x optical zoom lens, 720p HD video recording, face detection, and optical image stabilisation. They are all built of solid, high-quality aluminum, and will be available in the following colors: silver, black and navy for the LUMIX FP3; silver, black, red, blue and (bright) pink for LUMIX FP1 (shown above!).

"Panasonic’s new LUMIX FP-Series models are designed to be sleek in appearance and easy-to-use, perfect for a user who is concerned with the look and style of their digital camera, but does not want to compromise performance,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Starting with how the camera is turned on – simply by sliding the lens cover, the FP-Series is innovative and uniquely designed. Add our Intelligent Auto Mode, making it easy for consumers to take High Definition-quality photos, plus an intuitive touch-screen, and we are confident the LUMIX FP3 will be a standout this year."

Panasonic Lumix FH20, FH3, FH1 Pocket Zoom Announced

Panasonic has announced the new 14mp Panasonic Lumix FH20 (aka FS30) with 8x optical zoom lens, and the 14mp FH3 (aka FS11) and 12mp FH1 (aka FS10) with 5x optical zoom lens. The cameras all feature 28mm wide angle lenses, 720p HD video recording, a 2.7" screen, face detection, and optical image stabilisation. Encased in a brushed metal-finished panel, the FH20 will be available in silver, black, red and violet models. The LUMIX FH3 and FH1 will be available in silver and black.

"Panasonic today introduced the new FH-Series to its 2010 line of LUMIX digital cameras, which includes the LUMIX DMC-FH20 (14.1-megapixels), LUMIX FH3 (14.1-megapixels) and LUMIX FH1 (12.1-megapixels). The LUMIX FH-Series are slim, pocketable models that pack a 28mm wide-angle lens with 8x optical zoom for the FH20 and 5x optical zoom for the FH3/FH1. All models can record High Definition video and thanks to iA (Intelligent Auto) – are extremely easy to use."

Click for more pictures.

14mp - Panasonic Lumix FH3

12mp - Panasonic Lumix FH1

Panasonic Lumix F3 Budget Camera Announced

Panasonic has announced the new 12mp Panasonic Lumix F3 with 28mm wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens, 720p HD video recording, a 2.7" screen, face detection, and digital image stabilisation. The camera will be available in silver and black, and supports SD/SDHC and SDXC memory cards.

"The Panasonic LUMIX F3 was designed for the casual and frequent user who wants a digital camera that is not only small and stylish in design, but that has sophisticated features to help enrich the photo-taking experience,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronic Company. “With extended zoom and Auto Scene Mode, the Panasonic LUMIX F3 can take high-quality photos and videos, while still being easy-to-use and small enough to fit in your pocket."

The Best Digital Cameras of 2009 - The Year in Review

This year has seen a large number of interesting new digital cameras appear - digital camera's had to innovate this year just to get noticed! And with that in mind I've added a new section to the "Top Digital Cameras Reviewed" section called "Best Tech" which is short for "Best New Technology" - in there you'll find some of my personal favourites, or most innovative new digital cameras, such as the Olympus PEN E-P1 which introduced a whole new category of camera, the Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR the world's smallest 10x optical zoom camera with Fujifilm EXR sensor, the Ricoh CX2 with 5fps shooting and an impressive high resolution 920k 3" screen, and the Casio Exilim FC100 with 30fps shooting and ultra high speed video (upto 1000fps shooting!).

Another great camera from this year is the Panasonic Lumix FS7, it's compact, stylish, takes great photos, and is also one of the cheapest cameras available, priced at £105, with real optical image stabilisation - which means that more of your shots should come out blur free!

Panasonic were on top form this year, with every new camera providing something new, innovative, or just great value for money, such as the Panasonic Lumix TZ6 (ZS1), it features a 25mm wide angle 12x optical zoom lens, image stabilisation, and 10 megapixel sensor, and proves that you don't have to buy a huge camera to get a lot of zoom!

This year saw the continuation of the megapixel race, however, this was mainly confined to the mobile phone world, where everybody seemed to race to 12 megapixel camera phones, with the introduction of the 12 megapixel Sony Ericsson Satio (and others), while the digital camera world realised less is better, and "downgraded" to 9 and 10 megapixel sensors. The 8 megapixel Sony Ericsson Cybershot C905 (reviewed here) showed that with some effort you can get some decent shots from camera phones.

Continue reading the Best Digital Cameras of 2009:

Highly Recommended:

Canon EOS 450D Rebel XSi DSLR - 9.2/10 - £497
Olympus EVOLT E-420 DSLR - 9.2/10 - £399
Panasonic Lumix TZ6 / ZS1 - 9/10 - £179
Panasonic Lumix FS7 - 9/10 - £105
Olympus PEN E-P1 Micro DSLR - 8.8/10 - £564
Canon Powershot SX110 IS - 8.8/10 - £229
Panasonic Lumix FX150 - 8.8/10 - £248
Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR - 8.6/10 - £173
Panasonic Lumix FX40 - 8.6/10 - £177
Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS - 8.6/10 - £329

Recommended:

Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR - 8.5/10 - £173
Ricoh CX2 - 8.5/10 - £275
Canon Powershot A590 - 8.5/10 - £89
Casio Exilim FC100 - 8.3/10 - £205
Ricoh CX1 - 8.3/10 - £214
Sony Cybershot W220 - 8/10 - £126

Camera Phones / Mobile Phones / Others:

Sony Ericsson Cybershot C905 - as mentioned earlier - this camera has a real flash which helps it take much better indoor photos than other camera phones - £239
Polaroid Pogo Mobile Printer - budget price makes this fun printer appealling - £23
Spyder 3 Pro Monitor Calibration - £102

Memory Cards:

Don't forget to buy a large memory card for your camera - I tend to buy Sandisk and have never had a problem with them! Have a look at our guide to memory cards for details on all the different kinds of memory cards, or for something more extreme, have a look at Samsung's new Waterproof Memory Cards.

While we're on the subject, hopefully next year will see the death of XD memory cards, with only Olympus still using them. If only Sony would stop using Sony Memory Sticks, although considering they use it in everything they make, I think it's quite a long way off yet. Some manufacturers, have switched to MicroSD cards in some of their products, such as the Samsung ST550, but am I the only one who thinks these cards are TOO small?

Panasonic Lumix FP8 Review at Photography BLOG

Photography BLOG has reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix FP8 - the new ultra compact camera features a 28mm wide angle 4.6x optical zoom lens (28 - 128mm), and new Power Optical Image Stabilisation (O.I.S.), a 2.7" screen, HD 720p Video at 30fps, 12 megapixel sensor, ultra high-speed start-up of approx. 0.95 seconds, and LED Illumination Button. The camera is available in silver, black, and red for £189.

"The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 is a new 12.1 megapixel compact camera with a 28mm, 4.6x Leica DC lens. The FP8 is quite different to previous designs from Panasonic, featuring a futuristic flat body and retracting lens with folding optics and blue LED cursor buttons that light up when pressed. In addition to the radical look, the Panasonic FP8 also offers 27 scene modes, including the High Dynamic mode which helps to capture a scene with moderate exposure, plus HD movies recorded at 720p quality, Venus Engine V image processor, Intelligent Auto mode for hassle-free shooting, and Power O.I.S to help prevent camera-shake."

Read more Panasonic Lumix FP8 Reviews: Cameras.co.uk