Panasonic clamps down prices, release window for latest F-series line of compact cameras

Panasonic is nothing like shy about pushing out a plethora of compacts, but while it was talking up specs for the new Lumix F-series of compact cameras back at CES, we've just now got some prices and a release date to chew on. The FH1 (12 megapixel, 720p video) goes for $160, FH3 (14.1 megapixel, 720p) is $180, and the FH20 (14.1 megapixel, 720p) is $200. In slim land, the FP1 (12 megapixel) hits at $150 and the FP3 (14.1 megapixel, 720p) is $230. Finally, some killer value can be found in the bulkier F3, which does 12.1 megapixels and 720p video for a mere $130, and the barebones 10.1 megapixel F2. All of the cameras should be out in mid-February.

[rhezaganteng Posted Jan 31st 2010 6:07AM]

thanks god, no apple tag for this one.

[itsreallyjake Posted Jan 31st 2010 6:22AM]

@rhezaganteng An apple camera would be awesome! lol... #getoverit

But seriously... that is a great price for a 12mp camera!

[espentan Posted Jan 31st 2010 6:23AM]

+ 1

[tristansq Posted Jan 31st 2010 6:24AM]

Ahhhh shut up.

[MONKEY Posted Jan 31st 2010 11:58AM]

@itsreallyjake

It would be a better price for a 8mp camera that could actually shoot in the dark...

[Elaith Posted Jan 31st 2010 6:39AM]

I look forward to seeing how the new line performs, though I doubt it will sway me from just using my cellphone. I'm not paid to take masterpieces, or any pictures for that matter.

[plastik Posted Jan 31st 2010 7:58AM]

I have an FP8, it's pretty good I have to say. I like the idea of internal optical zoom, which improves start-up times but still allows decent 4.6x zoom. The wide angle lens is also pretty decent, and I'm loving the 720p video and panorama assist modes.

I wouldn't say no to another Panasonic in future.

[r34p3r Posted Jan 31st 2010 8:11AM]

@pedro

Apparently, judging from the fact that the iPad doesn't even have one. ;-)

[Plexus Posted Jan 31st 2010 8:46AM]

Save some more coins and get yourself a Lumix G1 . The only camera you will ever need (unless you consider yourself a pro , that is)

[GenericMessage Posted Jan 31st 2010 9:49AM]

Panasonic fails to impress me yet again.
There is a reason some big box stores have totally dropped the brand from their stores.
Everyone is still all gaga over MP and 720P video!
Don't people realize that mega-pixels are a pointless figure anymore?
Now if these bad boys where shooting their images in high def, had schneider lenses, OIS, and multiple image processors, they would be able to compete with the big boys (Nikon, Kodak, Cannon, and Sony)

[belard Posted Jan 31st 2010 12:29PM]

@GenericMessage Screw the schneider branding and the multiple processors, I want apertures larger than 2.8. For card-sized cameras this isn't possible, but it's simply unacceptable that most of the cameras in their lineup have 3.5 or smaller maximum aperture.

It's a pity that nowadays if you use a good-quality camera you're called a "pro". When we used film most cameras had very good picture quality, with nice, pleasant DOF and colour balance, so everyone *could* take good pictures if they knew how to. With today's consumer cameras you could be Anton Corbijn and would probably still take s***y photos.

[SVTruong Posted Jan 31st 2010 11:15PM]

@GenericMessage

kidding me? u'r a joke, go troll somewhere else. Panasonic has an amazing line of cameras. They make some of the best available as far as good optics with quick processing. Aside for some inherent issues with noise at high ISO's, their LX, FZ, TZ, and ZS line are tops in their segments. Want a P&S that has HD video recording with optical zoom capabilities? This is a good place to start

[GenericMessage Posted Jan 31st 2010 11:26PM]

@SVTruong


Would almost be applaudable if you had any clue of what you where talking about.

[iPad Posted Jan 31st 2010 9:49AM]

Yeaj

[nemein Posted Jan 31st 2010 9:52AM]

Can't wait till PMA and the lx3 successor. Hopefully price for that is in a more affordable range too.

[michaelwub Posted Jan 31st 2010 1:33PM]

@nemein

Seconded. While these cameras look good, for me it's all about LX4.

[cogzilla1 Posted Jan 31st 2010 12:00PM]

I was just about to buy a FS15 (or FX15?) last night - glad I spotted this - will have to check them out! Thanks, engadget!

[cwthe3rd Posted Jan 31st 2010 12:13PM]

If you really "need" a point n shooter, go to eBay and get a used one for $50...

Most won't blow up anything they take on a point n shooter and most end up in e-mail...

[yulebellow Posted Jan 31st 2010 3:35PM]

@cwthe3rd

I disagree, I have a bigger camera but when I get the chance I'm going to pick up a ~150 dollar pocket cam just so ill always be able to keep it with me. Pocketability is a great feature.

[cwthe3rd Posted Jan 31st 2010 4:55PM]

@yulebellow:

I agree, it's a decent camera for the price, but there are plenty of $50 digi-cams on eBay that are OK or at least "good enough"...