Digital Camera News and Reviews

Updates from the camera world



Month: May, 2011

Panasonic announces Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS22 / FH7 digital camera

12 May, 2011 (19:25) | Compact Camera, Panasonic | By: Camera News

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS22
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS22

In addition to announcing the Micro Four Thirds camera DMC-G3 Panasonic also announced a compact digital camera with 16 megapixels. The camera is called Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS22 (or FH7 in some markets) and comes with a big touchscreen and a Leica branded 28-112mm lens.

Some key features for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS22:
-16 megapixel image sensor
-4x optical zoom lens (28-112mm)
-3″ LCD screen with touchscreen abilities
-Able to record 720p HD videos
-84MB built it memory

Panasonic has not released any details what the price will be on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS22 / FH7 or when it will be available on the market.

Press release:
Panasonic’s Newest Slim And Stylish Lumix Digital Camera Features An Easy-to-Use Touch-Screen

The Compact LUMIX FH7 Digital Camera Features Creative Modes, Enabled by a Touch-Screen, to Give Portraits a New Look With Makeup and Retouching

SECAUCUS, NJ (May 12, 2011) – Panasonic today announces the new 16.1-megapixel LUMIX DMC-FH7, which features an incredibly slim and stylish design, making this new digital camera easy to carry – and with intuitive touch-controls, it’s also easy to use. While the LUMIX FH7 is a stylish standout, it does not compromise on performance, featuring a retractable high-quality 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens with an impressive 4x optical zoom and High Definition video capabilities that record in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 24 fps, producing clear and vivid images.

The LUMIX FH7 features a 3-inch Smart Touch Screen allowing users to enable Touch Auto Focus (AF), Touch Zoom, Touch Shutter and Intelligent Scene Selector simply by touching the screen. All menu setting options are now available with touch control. In playback mode users can drag the image across the screen with their finger to browse the collection of photos, as if it were a page in a book. Additionally, the LUMIX FH7 features three modes that let users get creative by manually (with the touch of a finger) editing their photos on the digital camera. These modes include:

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Beauty Retouch – allows users to retouch faces
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Esthetic – creates effects on faces such as clearing skin texture and whitening teeth
*

Makeup – gives color options such as foundation, eye-shadow or coloring for the lips and cheeks

“Panasonic continues to offer consumers choice in the digital camera they use and with LUMIX, we want to ensure there are stylish, compact options that still maintain Panasonic’s high standards of image quality, both in still photos and HD videos,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the new FH7, we’re confident that this small and attractive digital camera will produce photos and videos that users are proud to share, and with new seamless uploading features, they can do so easily to sites, such as Facebook and YouTube.”

The Panasonic LUMIX FH7 features the LUMIX Image Uploader, which instantly share images via Facebook© and video via YouTube™ when the digital camera is connected to a computer or the SD Memory Card is inserted – and the easy on-screen instructions are followed.

Panasonic’s popular iA mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically – with no setting changes needed by the user – makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. With a dedicated iA button for easy access, the following features can be quickly engaged:

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MEGA OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) – Reduces blurry photos due to hand-shake
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Intelligent ISO Control – Reduces blur when the subject is moving
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Face Detection – Ensures registered faces are captured in focus with appropriate exposure and digitally corrects unwanted red eyes
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Intelligent Scene Selector – Selects the best option from: Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset
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Intelligent Exposure – Optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helps ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully

The Panasonic LUMIX FH7 encompasses Panasonic’s Venus Engine VI image processor, which helps to power Intelligent Resolution technology. With Intelligent Resolution technology, three areas – outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation – are automatically detected and the LUMIX FH7 performs optimum processing to each, resulting in naturally clear images. Furthermore, thanks to Intelligent Resolution technology, Panasonic’s Intelligent Zoom extends the LUMIX FH7’s zoom to a 5x equivalent. The multitasking Venus Engine VI also supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is incredibly quick, at approximately 0.006 second and its quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities.

Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX FH7 include:

* Intelligent LCD detects the lighting conditions and controls the brightness level in 11 finely graduated steps, to display the most appropriate setting
* 84MB of built-in memory
* Newly-added Image Stamp mode enables users to decorate photos with 32 different stamps, for those wanting to personalize their images

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FH7 will be available in black. Pricing and availability will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

* Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
* The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company’s quality standards.
* Facebook and the Facebook logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Facebook, Inc.
* YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 micro four thirds camera test / review by Photography Blog

12 May, 2011 (19:16) | Micro Four-Thirds, Panasonic, Review | By: Camera News

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3

The same day as the new Micro Four Thirds camera from Panasonic is announced, Photography Blog is able to release their review of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 digital camera. It is amazing that this blog are so quick, but let us hope they have done a thorough review. The DMC-G3 is the seventh Micro Four Thirds camera from Panasonic and sports a new 16 megapixel image sensor and the camera body is 25% smaller and 9% lighter than the previous model DMC-G2.

Some key features for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 :
-16-megapixel compact mirrorless system
-3.0-inch free-angle LCD with touch control
-1080/60i HD video capability in AVCHD format
-ISO sensitivity 160-6400
-Photo Style and Creative Control filters

Photography Blog ends up giving the Lumix DMC-G3 a very good review with an “Essential” rating and an overall score of 5 out of 5 stars. The camera gets a perfect score on image quality, value for your money and features, and only a little lower on design and ease of use. The reviewer claims that this is the best Micro Four Thirds camera from Panasonic to date, and it even is able to compete with DSLR cameras from Canon and Nikon even though it has a much smaller size. If you want a Micro Four Thirds camera the G3 should definitely be on your list of cameras to check out!
Read the full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 micro four thirds camera here.

Lowepro announces Lowepro Quick Case Series – camera cases

12 May, 2011 (19:04) | Lowepro, Photo Equipment | By: Camera News

Lowpro-Quick-Case-Series
Lowepro Quick Case Series

Lowepro has announced a new series of camera cases called Lowepro Quick Case Series. The cases are designed to be streamlined and lets you quickly get your camera.

The Lowepro Quick Case Series will come in two sizes, the Quick Case 120 for DSLRs with kit zoom and the Quick Case 100 for bridge, ultrazooms and compact digital cameras.

Press release:
Quick Case Series

Lowepro today launched into the market a classically styled, fitted case that provides streamlined protection and instant access to today’s best-selling models of bridge and DSLR cameras.

The snug-fitting design covers the camera in a durable, impact resistant shell that opens quickly and smoothly, allowing photographers to capture images rapidly.

The Quick Case series takes its design inspiration from retro-style, fitted leather cases, but is designed with a modern feel. A hybrid nylon and genuine leather shell provides a tough impact-resistant, stylish exterior that helps safeguard gear from moisture, dust and sand. It’s lined with soft padding to protect the fragile lens and LCD screen from scratches and abrasion.

Named for its ability to provide instant access to the camera, the Quick Case features an inventive design with fully integrated construction. A built-in leash tethers to a camera’s carrying strap, securing the case to the camera. To shoot, a photographer simply pulls open the back flap and raises his or her camera and the case remains suspended below.

Tim Sadler, Category Manager for Lowepro, said: “Our designers loved the refined look of old-school, fitted leather camera cases, but wanted to address the needs of today’s consumers. They used fine-grade technical materials with touches of leather to create a protective, yet stylish case adding a built-in microfibre cleaning cloth to the Quick Case 120 model as an extra-convenient detail.”

The Quick Case series includes two sizes; each fits a camera snugly and includes an adjust-to-fit magnetic closure. An accessory pocket is located at the bottom of each case with ample space to store spare memory and batteries and the interior mesh pocket is an ideal place to stash a lens cap when not in use.

The Quick Case series is available in two sizes in Black: Quick Case 120 and Quick Case 100.

For more information on the series and other products visit http://www.lowepro.com.

Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR compact digital camera test / review by Photography Blog

12 May, 2011 (18:53) | Compact Camera, Fujifilm, Review | By: Camera News

Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR
Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR

Photography Blog has reviewed a compact camera with a pretty wide zoom lens starting at 24mm. The camera is called Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR and is a follow up to the Panasonic camera F300 model. The F550 has 16 megapixels, a big LCD screen and the ability to GEO-tag your photos.

Some key features for the Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR:
-16 megapixel image sensor
-15x optical zoom lens (24-360mm)
-3.0-inch High-Contrast LCD
-GPS Geo-Tagging Function
-Mini HDMI port
-Capture movies in Full HD 1080p resolution
-Uses SD and SDHC memory cards

Photography Blog ends up giving the FinePix F550 EXR a “Recommended” rating with an overall score of 4 out of 5 possible stars. The Fujifilm camera scores highest on features where it gets a perfect score, a little lower on design and ease of use, while it gets a lowest score on value for your money and image quality. This camera has many great features including excellent geo-tagging, but it suffers from not so good image quality on photos taken over ISO 200. Let us hope Fujifilm works a bit more on the image quality with the next model of this series.
Read the full review of the Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR compact digital camera here.


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