Panasonic just
dropped two new digicams: the Lumix DMC-TZ1 and DMC-FX01. First, the 112 x 58.1 x 40.2-milimeter TZ1 (pictured) is said
to be the "world's smallest 10x optical zoom" shooter. It features a 5 megapixel CCD sensor, optical image
stabilization, a 2.5-inch LCD, SD expansion, and shoots up to 800 ISO in normal mode or 1600 when set to
high-sensitive. The FX01 meanwhile is a 6 megapixel point-and-shoot with 3.6x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, optical image
stabilization, and like the TZ1 can record 30fps in VGA wide aspect (848 x 480) for (pixelated) playback on wide-screen
TeeVees. Both will drop in March for $350. DMC-FX01 pictured after the break.
[Thanks, David]
DMC-FX01
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
cuby @ Feb 14th 2006 9:54AM
that doesn't just seem like the "smallest" 10x digicam, it looks like "by far the smallest". been waiting for a more manageable 10x for a while ... canon's s2 just has too many bumps and angles.
dacmonJ @ Feb 14th 2006 9:55AM
10X optical zoom with useable 800ISO and image stabilization at $349 will be really really hot. 5MP should still be enough resolution to print up to about 8X10 with good quality. If the Leica lens lives up to expectations this will definitely be the new point and shoot camera in my kit!
Brado @ Feb 14th 2006 11:33AM
Here's hoping they release the DMC-FZ40 before I go to London! Engadget, you know who makes the sweetest cameras but get no Sony-like love (in Australia anyways).
Walter @ Feb 14th 2006 11:58AM
I don't know why manufacturers don't include automatic lens covers with these pocket cameras. Of course they will be shoved into pockets, so why not always have a lens cover?
I won't buy a pocket camera without a lens cover again.
JN @ Feb 14th 2006 12:29PM
The 2nd camera definitely has a built in auto lens cover. The top one probably has a lens cap, like my DMC-LX1. The Leica lens is too large to have a built in cover, but the lens cap works just fine. I've yet to have mine come off accidentally, and my camera has been in my pocket plenty of times.
Joe @ Feb 14th 2006 12:57PM
I know this is a bit off topic, but i'm getting ready to buy a new digicam. I want a good quality point and shoot with lots of manual control and RAW is mandatory. I'm looking at the Canon S70 right now (the s80 is missing RAW). Anybody have any other suggestions?
james @ Feb 14th 2006 1:24PM
Joe, just curious, but why is RAW mandatory? If you think it's about quality and flexiblity, then go for a better all around digital SLR rather than the s70.
I too am looking for the world's best mid-range point-n-shoot w/ option for all the manual bells and whistles. It seems everytime I find something I like there is a press release announcing a new line!
My latest is the Fuji F11. But now I'm going to have to wait for reviews of these cameras! (and the Fuji just posted)
Jeff @ Feb 14th 2006 4:25PM
RAW is usually a necessity for photographers who want the greatest picture possible. Thing with RAW, is that you get the pure CCD information so it means it skips JPEG compression and you can adjust the white balance, colours, noise etc later in software which is much better. This way it ensures you get the perfect picture the first time
Joe @ Feb 14th 2006 9:00PM
Thanks Jeff. RAW is very important for when I'm feeling artsy. I might pick up a DSLR one of these days, but I don't have the cash for it at the moment. I also want something I can take to parties and out drinking and whatnot too, so a point and shoot is the way to go for me. I'll probably just stick with the s70.
Androo @ Feb 15th 2006 12:16PM
When you say they 'dropped' them, I guess you must mean they INTRODUCED them? Call me old fashioned, but doesn't dropped usually mean discontinued?
kevinc @ Feb 15th 2006 5:28PM
joe, look into some of these compact cameras that do raw:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1002&message=16919863
mikeo @ Feb 17th 2006 4:03PM
I've been looking for the ideal camera but in a compact-pocketable size. One that can take good pictures in low light without flash and especially at concerts. It's not here yet, but from what I have been reading lately, the new Fuji Finepix F30. Has full manual and with ISO up to 3200. Still need to see a thorough test on a production model by a professional staff, but from what I have read, this looks quite impressive.
Jim @ Feb 28th 2006 7:09PM
The Panasonic TZ 1 has a brand new software engine...the Venus III...which is supposed to "dramatically" reduce the noise as compared to the older Venus II (even the new Pansonic FZ 7 has the older Venus II). As for the Fuji F30. Wonderful low light low noise sensor, BUT the Fuji lacks two things...it has a mundane 36 to 108 zoom range compared to the Pansonic TZ 1's 35 to 350 range. The Fuji also does not have opitical image stabalization..which the Panasonic has. IF the Venus III lives up to Panasonic's claim for dramatically lower noise (the TZ 1 has FULL resolution ISO 800 capability), the TZ 1 should be a huge success. Tests will show. So far only REDUCED resolution ISO 800 samples have been posted by a Hungarian website...given the FULL resolution ISO 800 capability of the TZ 1..we have yet to see how well it can perform. Hopefully it will be as wonderful as promised!
Greg J @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:20PM
Keep in mind that the TX1 does not have most manual controls. No aperature or shutter priority etc.
Like the new LX3 and LX4 from panasonic it is a small point and shoot with good zoom.
You still have to jump to the FZ7 (or canon is2/3 etc) if you want more control as well as faster lenses.
Another good small camera with more zoom is from the Ricon line (R3/R4?) but they are hard to find in the US.
Alex K @ Mar 13th 2006 8:22PM
Any idea when this will be for sale?
Innovan @ Mar 22nd 2006 6:45PM
The DMC-FX01 definately has a built in lense cap that roboticly closes when the camera is not in use. See this picture:
http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/lumix/fx01/img/leica/image30.jpg
NavStar @ Apr 25th 2006 7:51PM
I always like how they never show the camera from *above*. It looks slick and small under you see how thick the lens is.