Panasonic gets official with PMA camera lineup

Panasonic didn't exactly do the best job keeping its PMA camera lineup a secret before things got official, but it looks like it's finally gotten its act together and it's now loose pictures details on the whole lot of them. As expected, those include new entries in the company's LZ, FS and TZ-series as well as, perhaps most notably, the FX35 (that's the tiny one up above), which is the first Lumix with a 25mm wide-angle lens. Hit up the appropriate read links below for the official word on each camera from Panasonic, or just head on over after the break for a rundown of the key specs.

Read - Panasonic Lumix FX35
Read - Panasonic Lumix LZ-Series
Read - Panasonic Lumix FS-Series
Read - Panasonic Lumix TZ-Series

Panasonic Lumix FX35

• 10.1 megapixels
• 25mm "ultra-wide lens"
• 4x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD
• $350, available in March in silver, black or blue

Panasonic Lumix LZ8

• 8.1 megapixels
• 32mm wide-angle lens
• 5x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD
• $180, available in February in black or silver

Panasonic Lumix LZ10

• 10.1 megapixels
• 30mm wide-angle lens
• 5x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD
• $250, available in February in black or silver

Panasonic Lumix FS5

• 10.1 megapixels
• 30mm wide-angle lens
• 4x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD
• $250, available in February in red, black or silver

Panasonic Lumix FS20

• 10.1 megapixels
• 30mm wide-angle lens
• 4x optical zoom
• 3.0-inch LCD
• $300, available in February in pink, black or silver

Panasonic Lumix TZ4

• 8.1 megapixels
• 28mm wide-angle lens
• 10x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD
• $300, available in March in black or silver

Panasonic Lumix TZ5

• 9.1 megapixels
• 28mm wide-angle lens
• 10x optical zoom
• 3.0-inch LCD
• $350, available in March in blue, black or silver

[Johnny @ Jan 29th 2008 1:04PM]

Nice. Can't wait to buy the TZ-5 to replace my current TZ-3. I like Panasnoic cameras.

[Jeff @ Jan 29th 2008 10:47PM]

Upgrading for 2 Megapixels?

[Johnny @ Jan 30th 2008 10:43PM]

Yeah that too, plus the model looks a little be thinner then the current.

[DT @ Jan 29th 2008 1:19PM]

Damn, Panny makes some sweet cameras. I LOVE that they are pushing wide-angle lenses...high-zoom means nothing when you can't capture pics in the same room as you.

[James B @ Jan 29th 2008 1:24PM]

But where's the LX3? That's what I've been waiting for.

[ed @ Jan 29th 2008 1:24PM]

The Lumix line is the most underrated imho. Great lenses, better manual controls than most, and more for your $$. Yay. Glad to see an update to the line.

[DT @ Jan 29th 2008 1:31PM]

I agree fully...anyone who sees my camera is shocked that I'm using Panny, which isn't "known" as a big digicam player. Then they see the pics, and they want to buy one too :)

[Steven @ Jan 29th 2008 1:27PM]

Anyone know if there will be updates to the FZ18?

[DT @ Jan 29th 2008 1:39PM]

Doubt it, it's pretty new. I use an FZ18 and LOVE it.

[Steven @ Jan 29th 2008 1:44PM]

How did you decide on the FZ18? Also looking at the Canon S5 and the Sony DSC H9.

[Jeff @ Jan 29th 2008 10:48PM]

There are no updates on the horizon for the FZ18 so if you need a camera, buy it now. The Panasonic rep told me though that there will be a replacement for the DMC-LX2 coming very soon. I hope he's right.

[Dan @ Jan 29th 2008 1:29PM]

Excellent, a nice wide 25mm lens at long last on a compact. I hope this is out soon 'cause it should be a little beauty.

[Matt @ Jan 29th 2008 1:50PM]

I can't wait to pick up a TZ3 on clearance now! I've been eyeballing an upgrade to my Sony W50 and I like the TZ3's "Baby Mode" since we have a little one on the way.

[Pip @ Jan 29th 2008 1:53PM]

I really want that FX35, do we know how small it is? I've been holding out for the smallest camera I can get my hands on that isn't totally gimped out. I don't want to feel it in my pocket next to my cell phone when I am on vacation somewhere.

[harveyhanson @ May 4th 2008 2:06AM]

I have the FX33 and that is tiny and awesome, I personnally dont see any real advantage in the FX35 apart from the extra megapixel and slightly wider lense

[Bobby @ Jan 29th 2008 2:37PM]

Been using a TZ3 for over a month now and I'm impressed with the zoom. Can't say enough of having a 10x optical zoom to get close to the action at weddings, sports events, tourism, etc. without degrading picture quality. People are amazed I could get that close without standing up next to the subject in such a small camera! And this camera goes wide too to capture group shots!
The only feature I wish it had was the face detection, which the TZ4 and 5 now offer.

Waiting to see if the new Venus IV engine is really better than the Venus III or if it's just usual marketing propaganda.
Either way, buy a TZ3, 4, or 5 and you won't be dissapointed. The Lumix line is very competitive with what Canon and Sony have to offer.

[LTG @ Jan 29th 2008 2:41PM]

The biggest flaw is no HDMI. This is a huge convenience to plug in anywhere and show pics or video.

regards,
ltg
ecards - http://www.hdgreetings.com

[Jeff @ Jan 29th 2008 10:50PM]

"Hey Grandpa, I got some great pictures to show you that I took with my new digital camera!"

"Sure, just plug it into my TV over there"

"Ummm...gramps...does your CRT have HDMI?"

[Chris72b9 @ Jan 29th 2008 4:32PM]

Hmmm the TZ4/5 looks great. I have a Panasonic Lumix camera right now and I think it's [among] the best bang-for-your-buck digital cameras available.

I have taken some great pictures, some of which I'm very proud of, with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5.

I'm looking into a DSLR this year, but I'll soon also want to replace my DMC-LZ5 with a TZ5 whenever they get the price down to $200-$250.

[Michael @ Jan 29th 2008 8:41PM]

Wait, is this a really early April Fool's joke? A pocketable digital camera with MANUAL control options? A 60-second shutter and a halfway decent aperture range! And it's only $180!?

I think I just peed a little. That's insane. I guess it's not perfect. If it offered a RAW shooting option, then it'd be perfect. But you can't have EVERYTHING for $180 I guess :D

[frank @ Jan 29th 2008 10:17PM]

The FX 35 looks identical, at least in form factor, to the Leica C-LUX. I have the C-LUX1, which I bought after doing a lot of homework. I was mostly interested in the 28mm lens, which was about the widest you could get on a camera like this at the time. The lens is great but the camera can't take flash pictures for shit. My sister just bought a much cheaper Olympus point-and-shoot (not sure what model) that takes WAY better indoor pictures. Every other feature, including the size, is great and I would gladly trade in my Leica for the FX 35 if it does okay in low light.

[Rocky @ Mar 2nd 2008 11:38PM]

Does the Panasonic TZ3,4, and 5 have the feature where you can view your shots on the cameras LCD screen right after you take them and also magnify them? If so, to what power? I have been thinking of getting the Canon A650, but this new TZ5 sounds like a great camera. I understand it will zoom in the movie mode.

[pservado @ Mar 10th 2008 1:03PM]

Hi! I am currently deciding between a second hand LX1 (good condition) or the new LZ10, both of which I am getting for around the same price. I have yet to get my hands on the LZ10, as I don't think it's available yet here in the UK.

I was just wondering what you guys think of the two side-by-side? I own a Canon 350d and I am looking for back up point-and-shoot that is small enough to fit in my pocket, can take good video (for possible simple editing on iMovie), takes low-noise photos and performs well under low-light conditions.

Any advice or other 'Panny' model suggestions would be appreciated (with my $250 budget). Thanks!

[pservado @ Mar 11th 2008 10:31PM]

Hi! I am currently deciding between a second hand LX1 (good condition) or the new LZ10, both of which I am getting for around the same price. I have yet to get my hands on the LZ10, as I don't think it's available yet here in the UK.

I was just wondering what you guys think of the two side-by-side? I own a Canon 350d and I am looking for back up point-and-shoot that is small enough to fit in my pocket, can take good video (for possible simple editing on iMovie), takes low-noise photos and performs well under low-light conditions.

Any advice or other 'Panny' model suggestions would be appreciated (with my $250 budget). Thanks!

[pservado @ Mar 22nd 2008 10:00PM]

Hi! I am currently deciding between a second hand LX1 (good condition) or the new LZ10, both of which I am getting for around the same price. I have yet to get my hands on the LZ10, as I don't think it's available yet here in the UK.

I was just wondering what you guys think of the two side-by-side? I own a Canon 350d and I am looking for back up point-and-shoot that is small enough to fit in my pocket, can take good video (for possible simple editing on iMovie), takes low-noise photos and performs well under low-light conditions.

Any advice or other 'Panny' model suggestions would be appreciated (with my $250 budget). Thanks!