Panasonic Expands LZ Series With Long & Wide Zooms
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Jan. 29, 2008 - Panasonic has expanded the Lumix LZ series with two new models: the $250 DMC-LZ10 and the $180 DMC-LZ8. Both models include 5x zoom lenses, manual controls and Panasonic's new Intelligent Auto Mode. Both models will be available in February.
The DMC-LZ10 shoots 10.1-megapixel images, and the zoom lens starts at 30mm, a wider lens setting than most. The DMC-LZ8 shoots 8.1-megapixel images, and the zoom lens starts at a 32mm wide setting. As well as the new Intelligent Auto mode described below, it includes an extensive set of manual controls, including both shutter and aperture settings. Both Shutter and Aperture Priority modes are included, as well as a full Manual mode, not often seen on point-and-shoots.
Both cameras also include what Panasonic calls Advanced Scene mode, where the user can set the Scene mode (from a list that includes Portrait, Sports, Landscape, and others) and a sub-mode, such as indoor or outdoor portraits, or nature or architecture in Landscape mode. An additional Creative mode provides access to the aperture and shutter speed settings, while leaving the other settings on automatic.
Both models also include Panasonic's new Intelligent Auto mode. They claim that this new combination of features provides better automatic image adjustments. The five technologies in the new mode are Mega O.I.S. (the optical image stabilization system), Intelligent ISO (which adjusts ISO if it detects moving subjects), intelligent scene selection (where the camera selects the best scene mode automatically), Face Detection, and Quick AF. Panasonic claim the improved face detection on the cameras can keep track of up to 15 faces, while the Quick AF system attempts to pre-focus the camera before you press the shutter.
The DMC-LZ10 will cost $249.99, and the DMC-LZ8 will cost $179.99. Both models will be available in February.
