Panasonic introduces new range of Lumix cameras, including the LX5 premium compact

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Posted on 21 Jul 2010 at 12:32

Panasonic has introduced five new point-and-shoot Lumix cameras, including the Lumix DMC-LX5, which replaces the excellent Lumix DMC-LX3.

The LX5 is undoubtedly the headline in Panasonic’s new range and we spent some hands-on time with a pre-production model at a pre-launch event in Stockholm earlier this month – we’ll be publishing more on it later today.

Understandably, the changes are relatively minor with slight improvements to the handling – inspired by some of the lessons Panasonic learned during the development of the Lumix DMC-GF1 – and image quality. We’ve gone into more detail on how Panasonic has achieved this in our hands-on preview.

The DMC-FZ45 and DMC-FZ100 are two new additions to Panasonic’s super-zoom range, with the former replacing the well-received Lumix DMC-FZ38 and the latter being a totally new model. Both include the same 25-600mm (35mm equivalent) 24x optical zoom lens, the latest Venus Engine FHD processor and 14.1 megapixel sensors – although the two use different sensor technologies.

The FZ100 includes a 14.1 megapixel 1/2.33in CMOS type sensor, a tilting 3in 460,000 dot resolution screen, support for 1080/50i video recording in the AVCHD format and the fastest full resolution burst rate with a mechanical shutter at 11fps. It also includes a focus mode switch on the lens barrel and a jog dial on the rear for improved handling in the camera’s manual modes.

Panasonic differentiates the FZ45 from the FZ100 by using a 14.1 megapixel 1/2.33in CCD sensor, a fixed 3in 230,000 dot resolution LCD and has support for 720p video recording in the AVCHD Lite format. It also features Panasonic’s “Sonic Speed” auto-focus system which the company claims offers the industry’s fastest focusing times.

Both cameras have support for Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual shooting modes, in addition to Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto and scene modes. Sensitivity ranges from 80 to 1600 with an additional high sensitivity mode that selects ISOs up to 6400.

Also announced were the Lumix DMC-FX700 and Lumix DMC-FT10. The former is a touch screen digital compact including a 14.1 megapixel 1/2.33in CMOS sensor and a wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens (24-120mm equivalent) with an f/2.2 to f/5.9 maximum aperture, while the latter is a ruggedized 14.1 megapixel compact camera with a 35-140mm equivalent 4x optical zoom lens and a 2.7in LCD. It’s waterproof at depths of up to three metres and is shockproof for drops of up to 1.5 metres.

Buttons are kept to a minimum on the FX700 and it instead relies on its 3in LCD for most controls. It includes support for 1080/50i AVCHD video recording and a 10fps full resolution burst mode. It also includes full Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual shooting modes and, thanks to the new Venus Engine FHD processor, it supports ISOs from 100 to 6400 (including a high-sensitivity mode from 1600 to 6400).

The LX5, FZ45, FZ100 and FX700 will all be available in August and the FT10 will be available in September. Panasonic hasn’t confirmed UK pricing for the new models.

Author: Tim Smalley