Panasonic’s Massive Camera Launch
By Branko Miletic
- Panasonic launches 20 cameras
- GPS function searches for over 1 million landmarks
- Shoots 10 frames per second
After notching up 10 years selling the Lumix brand, Panasonic this week celebrated this milestone by launching 21 new models of its the compact digital camera range, the sixth generation in its series.
The launch, which included 10 new and upgraded Lumix models, 8 Camcorder models and 3 new entry level consumer point and shoot series took place in New Zealand’s picturesque Queenstown.
Of all the models launched, the one that is the most versatile of the Lumix models was the DMC-TZ20; a pocket-sized camera with LEICA lenses that will appeal to a cross-section of consumers and one that is also capable of capturing expansive landscape shots as well as extreme close-ups.
The built-in GPS function on the unit has been upgraded for faster searches of over one million landmarks, plus the name of the country, state, city and key landmarks using the internal data library, giving users real-time information to locate where the photo is being taken.
Then there is its new 3.0-inch, 460,000-dot Smart Touch Intelligent LCD includes Touch AF, Touch Zoom and Touch Shutter modes.
The 14.1 megapixel MOS sensor allows the DMC-TZ20 to shoot at 10 frames per second in 14-megapixel full resolution.
The DMC-TZ20 has an enhanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which is designed to leave the user free to compose shots and capture moments.
Other iA modes include Face Recognition and Intelligent Scene Selector, and flash is now optimised more precisely according to the scene, so that, for example, portrait shots using flash are not overexposed.
The Intelligent LCD with wide viewing angle automatically adjusts screen brightness as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times. The AR (Anti-Reflection) coating is designed to be effective in suppressing reflection from strong sunlight.
Panasonic managed to release a digital camera and camcorder that fits into just about every consumer category possible. The company is now number two in the digital camera market and with 1 million camera sales over the past 12 months.
