Panasonic's new LUMIX consumer lineup: the high-powered FZ35, fashionable FP8 and thin-lensed ZR1
By Paul Miller 
posted July 27th 2009 11:04AM
posted July 27th 2009 11:04AM
- LUMIX FZ35 (pictured) - The requisite "superzoom" of every lineup, the FZ35 doesn't disappoint on features, but the $400 pricepoint certainly pushes the limits of "consumer" camera. Features include 18x zoom and HD video recording, including a Creative Movie Mode with shutter speed and aperture settings for video. It also expands on typical facial recognition functionality with a "Baby mode" for... finding babies.
- LUMIX FP8 - While it can handle HD video, the FP8 is more about looks. Still, the 12.1 megapixel sensor and 4.6x zoom aren't bad for the form factor -- though the $300 pricetag isn't nothing.
- LUMIX ZR1 - Featuring the "world's first 0.3mm thin aspherical lens," the ZR1 manages a full 8x optical zoom while keeping its girlish figure when extended. There's also room for a 12.1 megapixel sensor. The cam goes for $280.
NEW PANASONIC LUMIX, 18X OPTICAL SUPERZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA FEATURES HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO RECORDING
LUMIX DMC-FZ35 Features New POWER O.I.S. and HD Motion Zoom Video Capture
Secaucus, NJ (July 27, 2009) – Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-FZ35, a digital camera featuring AVCHD Lite, High Definition (HD) video recording capability, combined with a powerful 27mm wide-angle, 18x optical zoom LEICA DC lens. A successor to the popular FZ28, the FZ35 packs enhanced creative features combined with the power to shoot HD videos, including motion zoom capabilities to take full advantage of the 18x zoom. The operational layout of the FZ35 includes a dedicated video record button, making it a true hybrid – a single model that performs seamlessly at capturing both still and motion images – while still providing smooth and easy operation in either mode.
"The LUMIX FZ35 is truly unique as it includes advanced features like HD video recording, but still resembles and functions like an intuitive point-and-shoot with the ability to capture beautiful photos and video," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "This model's versatility makes it a great choice for a new or advanced user who wants a hybrid device that shoots high-quality still and motion images."
For users looking for increased creativity while shooting both video and still images, the LUMIX FZ35 delivers. New manual controls and creative options, include:
Creative Movie Mode – Allows the user to set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive movies. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to movies, which is especially suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances.
My Color Mode – This special option gives free reign to the user's creativity. The color, brightness and saturation parameters can be freely adjusted while seeing how the adjustments affect the picture, live on the monitor.
High Dynamic Mode – Helps to capture a scene with moderate exposure even though the scene may contain both bright and dark areas.
The 12.1 mega pixel-FZ35 features the upgraded POWER Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.), which allows for double the repression power compared to the conventional image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S., and ultra high-speed Auto Focus (AF) for capturing action scenes as they happen. Additionally, with the super-powerful 18x optical zoom lens, it is easy to capture subjects that are far away or take dramatic close-ups.
With the enhanced energy-efficient image processing LSI – the Venus Engine HD* – the FZ35 has an extended battery life of approximately 470 pictures, making it the ideal choice for active photo enthusiasts. As with all Panasonic LUMIX cameras, the FZ35 features Intelligent Auto (iA) Mode, a suite of intuitive technologies including Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Exposure and Face Recognition. With the improved Face Recognition, the FZ35 recognizes up to three faces simultaneously while taking photos** and allows users to specify the age of the registered subject. When babies under 3 years-old are registered, the camera will automatically switch to Baby mode if the baby appears to be in the frame.
The LUMIX DMC-FZ35 will have a suggested retail price of $399.99 and will be available in September 2009 in black.
*Based on a CIPA standard.
**Turn Face Recognition item ON and register the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance.
PANASONIC INTRODUCES NEW LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERA SERIES WITH AN EYE ON STYLISH DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
New LUMIX FP8 has a 28mm wide-angle lens, 4.6x optical zoom, and records High Definition video
Secaucus, NJ (July 27, 2009) – Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-FP8 digital camera as part of its new FP-Series, which pursues excellence in both design and function. The LUMIX FP8, with 12.1 megapixels, features a high-quality 28mm wide-angle, 4.6x Leica DC lens with folding optics* - encased in a futuristic-looking stylish body.
In addition to its unique design, the FP8 also features advanced functions including high-speed Auto Focus (AF) and Panasonic's Intelligent Auto (iA) suite of technologies. With a fast AF, combined with a high-speed start-up of only 0.95 seconds, the FP8's fast response catches even the most fleeting shots. Panasonic's iA, a popular feature on LUMIX cameras, now includes POWER Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) which features double the repression power compared to the previous image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S. The hand-shake generated when pressing the shutter button, or when shooting at night with a slow shutter speed, is significantly minimized by the improved POWER O.I.S. to help reduce blurry photos.
"We realize that consumers are looking for fashionable and slim digital cameras that still take high-quality photos and feature advanced photo settings," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "With the LUMIX DMC-FP8, we are giving users that sleek and compact design, while not compromising the advanced, yet easy-to-use features and technology for which the Panasonic LUMIX line of cameras is known."
The FP8's design has intricate detailing which features blue LED cursor buttons that glow when pressed, and its centered back panel gives it an overall ultra-modern and unique look. Additionally, the 2.7-inch large Intelligent LCD offers a dynamic and clear view of the scenes and subjects being photographed. In the Face Recognition** mode, up to three people can be simultaneously recognized to show their names on the monitor once registered. Additionally, the powerful battery life of the highly energy-efficient image processing LSI, Venus Engine V***, allows users to take approximately 380 pictures.
Other features of the DMC-FP8 include:
HD Movies with VIERA Link Networking – Records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480)****. With HD component output capability, the user can enjoy watching photos and video in stunning HD quality by simply connecting the camera to a television via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).
Scene Modes – Twenty-seven scene modes are available with the FP8, including the High Dynamic mode which helps to capture a scene with moderate exposure, even though the scene may contain both bright and dark areas together.
PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 – Included with the FP8, this software allows users to view, edit and archive captured photos and videos with greater ease. The new PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 features dramatic speed-up of operation and also allows users to store and sort for photos by a specific, recognized face in the image.
The LUMIX DMC-FP8 will have a suggested retail price of $299.95 and will be available in September 2009 in black, red and silver.
* 35mm film camera equivalent: 28-128mm
**Turn Face Recognition item ON and register the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance
***Based on a CIPA standard
****In Motion Picture mode, the length of recording time depends on the capacity of the SDHC/SD Memory Card. (Up to the equivalent of 2 GB per motion-image recording.) When you set the motion picture quality to VGA 30fps, WVGA 30fps and HD (1280x720) 30/15fps, we recommend using a high-speed memory card with "10MB/s" or greater specified on the package. Some lends movement sounds may be recorded. For Europe, motion images can be recorded continuously for up to 15 minutes.
PANASONIC LUMIX FEATURES WORLD'S FIRST 0.3MM THIN ASPHERICAL LENS*, MAKING SUPER-SLIM DIGITAL CAMERA
New Compact LUMIX DMC-ZR1 Digital Camera Packs 25mm Ultra-Wide-Angle,
8x Optical Zoom Lens** Into Ultra-Slim Design
Secaucus, NJ (July 27, 2009) – Today, Panasonic introduced the new LUMIX DMC-ZR1 digital camera, featuring the world's first 0.3mm thin aspherical lens*, allowing for a compact body that still features a powerful, 25mm-ultra-wide-angle, 8x optical zoom** LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens. Known for its long-zoom, yet compact digital cameras, Panasonic's newest ZR1 compact digital camera gives consumers increased flexibility.
"The ZR1 answers the call of consumers looking for a truly pocketable digital camera, while still featuring a zoom more powerful than typical compact cameras," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "We know consumers want to catch every shooting opportunity, and with the ZR1, this is possible through unique features such as the ultra-wide-angle lens and Panasonic's popular iA Mode."
With a zoom range of 25-200mm, the ZR1 allows for both expansive scenery photos as well as close-ups. This powerful zoom also works during video recording. The 12.1-megapixel resolution allows photos to be greatly enlarged while still retaining outstanding detail.
Another key feature of the ZR1 is its fast, high-speed Auto Focus (AF). This, combined with a high-speed start-up of only 1.1 second, helps the ZR1 to catch even the quick action shots. Making this camera even more versatile and easy-to-use, the ZR1 has a 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD, and a powerful battery life with the highly energy-efficient image processing LSI – Venus Engine V*** – which takes approximately 330 pictures during a single charge. As found in all Panasonic LUMIX cameras, the ZR1 features Intelligent Auto (iA) Mode, now with POWER Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.), which features double the repression power, compared to MEGA O.I.S., the previous image stabilization system, to help capture blur-free images.
Other features of the DMC-ZR1 include:
Additional Intelligent Auto (iA) Mode Features
Hand-Shake Component – Answers the problem of natural hand-shaking that goes along with pressing the shutter button.
Face Recognition – Up to six faces can be registered, and up to three can be simultaneously recognized to show their names once registered.
Travel Mode – Users can quickly organize information related to travel, including destination, date and time. Playback of these photos is just as easy, by designating the date or period of travel on the calendar menu interface.
High Dynamic Mode – Helps to capture a scene with moderate exposure even when the scene may contain both bright and dark areas.
PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 – Included software allows the user to view, edit and archive captured photos and videos. It features dramatic speed-up of operation and also allows users to store and sort photos by a specific, recognized face in the image.
The LUMIX DMC-ZR1 will have a suggested retail price of $279.95 and will be available in September 2009 in black, red, blue, and silver.
* For digital still cameras
**35mm film camera equivalent: 25-200mm
***Based on a CIPA standard
The 3rd one zooms more than the 2nd one and is cheaper!
Right, but what's your point?
it's so funny how most people think zoom and megapixels automatically make for a great camera....
3rd one goes wider too - 25mm equiv. Nice!
So many decent (on paper) pocket-cams coming out these days.
its funny how i don't care
For me the selling point would be the lens design. Less fragile. I might be willing to put that in my pocket without a case, which is something I wouldn't do with my FX30. I wish they'd use tempered glass over the LCD though, like the iPhone.
"with a "Baby mode" for... finding babies."
Ahaha
3rd.
WARNING! Like all other Panasonic cameras introduced in 2009, these new models use a proprietary Panasonic battery containing a security identification chip. No third-party battery (i.e. - reasonably priced) battery will work. But the real problem Panasonic-branded batteries for these cameras are UNAVAILABLE. Thousands of consumers are stuck with cameras for which additional replacement batteries are not available anywhere. Sure, you have the battery supplied with camera, but when it's depleted, your picture taking is over for the day. Panasonic: an anti-competitive, consumer-unfriendly marketing plan that has been badly implemented.
cry me a river.. it's not really "anti-competitive" when there are dozens of camera manufacturers out there..
stop your whining and get a job, hippy!
got my fz28 for less than a year..... should i get the fz35? :D
I see no point - I just got my fz28 too and while "Baby Mode" seems tempting, it's just a gimmick.
how hard is it to find a baby? what's it going to do, crawl away and hide?
I too own an FZ-28 since Christmas and am a little envious. The only thing I dislike about the camera is that the HD mode creates HUGE files. AVCHD would surely fix this issue which this camera has (according to the product shot).
I prefer this camera: http://eu.dubli.com/Canon-Digital-Ixus-100IS__5_13144
Whilst it may lack some of the WOW features that the lumix has, it's a much more realistic choice for day-to-day photography. It won't weigh you down, and it's got plenty of features to ensure that techy geeks like me will like it.
Also: none of those third-party problems that reusing mentions. I mean, you buy the camera and its yours. Why should companies then dictate how and what you can use in them? Bad, panasonic, bad!
The FZ35 might be the pre-requisite superzoom, but it was the FZ line that made the superzoom incredibly popular in the first place.
Third one sounds great, but am I the only one worried that a 0.3mm thin lens would totally shatter if this thing was dropped from more than 3 inches?
That would would be iller than ill to get
Doesn't the ZR1 kind of step on their own ZS3?
It's more like a smaller TZ5 than a ZS3 substitute. Anyone that would buy a ZS3 over the cheaper older TZ5 model would still buy it over ZR1.
Panasonic has no history of making cameras, compared to let's say Canon. Canon, a name trusted by pros worldwide as the leader of digital SLR photography, has made superzooms and compact models that compete with these Panasonics, but went steps further. You see, Canon has incorporated DIGIC processors into their cameras. Yes, the same ones that you find in the pro models, in addition to their dedication to optics unlike Leica (which is overpriced and underperforming, owners own a Leica because of they want to increase their smug factor). Canon has been known to produce quality optics as evidenced in their top of the line "L" series lenses (which stands for Luxury).
I have a Canon 5D Mark II and I love it, my uncle who is a sports and wedding photographer loves his 1D, and my little brother has a superzoom Canon that delivers superior image quality. He did try the Panasonic equivalent but as another person said, Panasonic is a crook by introducing chips that disable third party batteries, and they have no history in making cameras, which makes their credibility in their industry worse to begin with.
Mmmm.. Ok?
Well i think ill pass on all of these. The Nikon D5000, Canon XSI, Canon T1i, or even the Sony a230 or a330 look better to me. They are DSLR's though.
Fanboi much?
The guys over at dpreview.com, arguably the best camera review site on the web, seem to have a pretty good opinion of most of the Panasonic cameras.
"Canon, a name trusted by pros worldwide as the leader of digital SLR photography". Except, of course, those pros who shoot with Nikon. Just to be clear, I agree wholeheartedly that Canon is a leader in the field, and I own several Canons. But they are not universally known as THE leader in the field. Choosing a camera based on name brand alone would be the height of ignorance.
That was meant for "The 'i' "
How about just getting the LX3 in stock? Or releasing the LX4 without the stupid widescreen LCD.
Eh? Panasonic has a partnership with Leica for designing their cameras. Leica has been making cameras since the 1920s. The LX3 has had excellent reviews, often favored over the G10. Cool your jets with the Canon fanboyism.
The well known FZ28 (the predecessor of FZ35 that was announced today), was ranked #1 along with Canon SX10 in the Super zoom category by DPReview. So Panasonic is not a kid in front of Canon. FZ28 is still very much in demand but due to low inventory (understood why) the prices are sky rocketing. That is why I ordered SX10. I think I am going to return it unopened and wait for FZ35 (September). I like the new features added. Like, to be able to adjust color and saturation while previewing the photo on LCD. That is huge for non-pros. It now has stereo sound recording too.
I have an LX3 now and very happy with the camera and the great pictures it takes, but surely miss not having any real zoom. Was thinking about getting a Canon SX10 or Panasonic FX28 as a 2nd camera, but now will wait until the FX35 comes out and gets reviewed. From what I've been reading about the FZ28, it gets great reviews everywhere. In addition, the LX3 and FZ28 are always out-of-stock at many retailers because they are so popular. So, Panasonic must be doing something right if, the few cameras the produce like the LX3 and FZ28, are getting such high reviews and great praise. Really hopes the FZ35 does as good as the previous FZ28...
never really been that much into cameras
lol. fanboy much ?
so is this ZR1 just a cheaper non waterproof version of the TS1 they recently released?
I brough when FZ28 first come out. I know is gonna high demand, consider that point and shoot have it at that time, other than Kodak was the only ultra zoom point and shoot that offer hd video, but kodak is like the worst point and shoot brand, horrible picture,
I sold my FZ28 and gonna get FZ35 is only $40 diff. Well worth it for having stereo sound, smaller video, better auto focus etc..