Panasonic introduced two digital cameras to its LUMIX FH-Series.The ultra-compact 16.1 megapixel LUMIX DMC-FH5 and 14.1 megapixel LUMIX DMC-FH2 both feature newly developed retractable, high-quality 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lenses with a 4x optical zoom. Both models also record 1280 x 720p High Definition (HD) video.
The LUMIX FH5 and LUMIX FH2 feature two new iA (Intelligent Auto) functions – AF (Auto Focus) Tracking and Intelligent Exposure. AF Tracking locks onto any subject and keeps it in focus. Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights, while helping to ensure that gradation and details are reproduced flawlessly. Other features of Panasonic iA mode include:
- MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) – Helps reduce blurry photos due to hand-shake
- Intelligent ISO Control – Reduces blur when the subject is moving
- Face Detection – Helps to ensure registered faces are captured in focus with appropriate exposure, and also digitally corrects unwanted red eyes
- Intelligent Scene Selector – Selects the best option from Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset by detecting
Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX FH5 and LUMIX FH2 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date.
The company also announced its 2011 line-up of standard definition camcorders, the SDR-H100, the SDR-T70 and the SDR-S70 – all compact models with advanced features like a 33mm wide-angle and a powerful Enhanced Optical Zoom of 78x. With the long and powerful zoom, Panasonic also features an Advanced OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) feature, plus Active mode to help reduce blur when zooming, even if the user is walking.
All three models record to SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Cards, but the SDR-H100 records onto an 80GB hard disk drive (approximately 74 hours and 30 minutes of data when recording in LP mode), while the SDR-T70 has 4 GB of built-in memory (approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes of video in LP mode).
Other features of the new standard definition Panasonic camcorders include:
- Eco Mode – Automatically turns off the power when the camcorder is not operated for five minutes, reducing energy use and saving battery power.
- Zoom Mic – Links the microphone operation to the camcorder action, zooming in on sounds, while the video is also zooming.
- Wind Noise Canceller – Detects and helps suppress wind noise to provide more natural sounds.
- LED Light – Allows the user to better capture video in low-light settings.
- Easy YouTubeTM & Facebook© Uploading
The Panasonic SDR-H100, the SDR-T70 and the SDR-S70 will be available in March 2011 and pricing will be announced 30 days prior to shipping. The SDR-H100 and SDR-S70 will be available red, black and silver models, while the SDR-T70 will be available in black only.
Finally, three new Full-High Definition (HD) 3MOS camcorders were added to its 2011 line, the HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800. The new full-HD camcorders feature 1920 x 1080 resolution with 1080/60p recording, and can also shoot 3D videos when used with Panasonic's optional 3D Conversion Lens (VW-CLT1). Incorporating Panasonic's 3MOS system – an advanced technology used in professional-level equipment- the new camcorders record bright, low-noise videos, even in low lighting. Other features include a manual ring (TM900/HS900 only) for increased creativity, a 20x zoom and an intuitive 3.5″ touch screen LCD on the TM900 and HS900.
With the 3D conversion lens, users can record 3D images with Panasonic's new line of 3MOS camcorders. Once recorded, consumers can play back the 3D images or video on a VIERA 3DTV*2, a compatible 3D TV*3, or through an AVCHD-compatible player/recorder, such as Panasonic's Blu-ray DiscTM player*4.
All three models can record to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards, while the HDC-TM900 also has 32GB*6 of internal memory and the HDC-HS900 has a 220GB hard disk drive for additional memory storage.
Other features of the HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800 include:
- HYBRID OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer)
- iA (Intelligent Auto) with Face Recognition
- Eco-Mode
- 5.1-Channel Surround Sound System (HDC-TM900/HDC-HS900)
Pricing and availability for the Panasonic HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800 camcorders will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. All models will be available in black.
