Secaucus, NJ—In addition to the newest G-series compact system camera, the mirrorless DMC-G5, and the Lumix DMC-LX7 point and shoot, Panasonic announced the Lumix DMC-FZ200, which features a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens with a 24x optical zoom (25-600mm equivalent) and a full-range f/2.8 aperture, making it the “first digital compact camera to offer full-range f/2.8 aperture at 600mm.”
A newly developed 12.1 megapixel High-Sensitivity MOS sensor and image-processing LSI Venus engine provide the FZ200 with “high-speed response, high-sensitivity recording and superb image quality,” the company reports. Light-speed AF (autofocus) combines with the ability to capture high-speed bursts at 12 frames per second in full resolution and a quick start-up of .95 second. Furthermore, specs state the FZ200 can record fast-moving subjects at 120 fps (NTSC/HD) or 240 fps (NTSC/VGA).
“Panasonic continues to strive to meet the photography demands of its consumers by providing unique features and advanced technology in all our Lumix digital cameras,” said Marc Sorkin, senior product manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. “With the 24x optical zoom and full-range f/2.8 aperture, the FZ200 is a versatile, powerful camera that provides users with endless options to take creative and high-quality images and videos.”
The 24x optical zoom can be increased to a 48x equivalent with an “intelligent zoom” function, while it uses Intelligent Resolution technology to maintain picture quality. The camera’s Power OIS (optical image stabilizer) also works to improve correction accuracy to minimize blur, even when zoomed, and active mode acts to suppress handshake vibration in photos and video. Panasonic also added Nano Surface Coating technology to the lens in order to minimize light reflection at the entire zoom range and reduce ghost and flare.
In addition to its 3.0-inch, free-angle 460,000-dot LCD screen, the camera sports a 0.2-inch electronic viewfinder with a high-resolution, 100% field of view and minimum screen freeze. Creative control mode features 14 filter options, and a photo style function is available, allowing users to create more artistic photographs with standard, vivid, natural, monochrome, scenery, portrait and custom options.
Other features include: iA (intelligent auto) plus mode that employs Power OIS, AF tracking, intelligent D-range control, intelligent scene selector, face recognition, intelligent ISO control, intelligent handheld night shot, intelligent HDR and motion deblur, in addition to adjusting exposure compensation, white balance and defocusing background areas so photographers don’t have to adjust settings as they shoot. For advanced users, there is a manual control mode and RAW as well as RAW+JPEG data recording options. The camera also offers panorama shot and 3D photo modes, plus a hot shoe that lets user attach various accessories, including an optional stereo microphone, external flash or remote shutter.
For video options, the FZ200 records Full HD 1,920×1,080 60p videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4) and MP4 formats, using its 24x optical zoom with two-step zoom, Power OIS and Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. The stereo zoom microphone has a zoom noise reduction system and an auto wind cut function to reduce background noise from wind. Active mode encourages wide-angle video recording; iA mode allows users to create motion images by pointing and hitting the record button; and creative video mode lets users set the shutter speed and aperture manually to bring special effects to videos, shoot fast-moving objects and shoot subjects at various distances.
Pricing and availability for Panasonic’s DMC-FZ200 will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping. panasonic.com
