Lumix FH8
Panasonic’s 16.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FH8 and 14.1-megapixel DMC-FH4 and FH6, are slim, compact cameras.
These still cameras also can record 720p High Definition (HD) video. The FH4 and FH6 shoot HD video in Motion JPEG format while the FH8 records HD video in MP4 format. The latter also uses a dedicated video button.
Equipped with a Leica DC Vario-Summarit lens, the FH8 and FH6 deliver 5x optical zoom with f/2.5 brightness. Panasonic says these lenses offer exceptional optical performance, minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations, suppressing ghosting and flare.
The 5x optical zoom increases to the equivalent of 10x with the iA Zoom (Intelligent Auto Zoom) function with minimum deterioration of image quality, says the company, thanks to Intelligent Resolution technology.
The image-processing Venus Engine and Sonic Speed AF combine with a quick camera start-up time to offer a high-speed response time.
The FH series features image effects. Panorama Shot makes it possible to shoot horizontal or vertical panoramic images by taking consecutive shots and then overlaying for the effect of a panoramic photo.
Available on the FH6 and FH8, the Beauty Retouch function allows giving photos a variety of cosmetic effects, Auto Retouch adjusts contrast and brightness levels to give photos a different look.
The FH8 also adds Miniature Effect mode where peripherals are defocused, and saturation and contrast are emphasized to make the picture look like a diorama. Video recorded in Miniature Effect mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding, for a “comical” effect.
The FH8 offers a 3-inch LCD screen, while the FH4 and FH6 are slightly more compact with a 2.7-inch LCD screen. The Intelligent LCD screens on both models are equipped with automatic backlight adjustment.
In addition, both models offer Image Uploader which lets users instantly share images and videos on Facebook or YouTube via computer.
The FH8 also allows USB charging or conventional AC adapter charging methods.
In iA mode users can automatically activate a suite of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change. As part of iA mode, the FH8 features AF Tracking, making it easy to lock on subjects in a frame and keep them in focus – even as they move.
All models include, in iA: MEGA O.I.S. (optical image stabilization), Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, and Intelligent Exposure.
The Lumix FH8 will be available in March in black and violet for a manufacturer’s suggested price of $169.99. The Lumix FH6 will be available in March for $149.99, and the Lumix FH4 will be available in April for $119.99. The FH6 and FH8 will be available in black only.
Lumix SZ1
The Lumix SZ1 combines a 10x optical zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with a slim and compact body.
The SZ1 has 16.1-megapixels and features 720p HD video recording capabilities.
Intelligent Auto (iA) mode automatically chooses the best camera settings.
The camera features two new shooting modes – Miniature Effect and Panorama Shot. In Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized to make the picture like a diorama. Video recorded in Miniature Effect mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding. Panorama Shot makes it possible to shoot a horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots and then overlaying the photos for the effect of a panoramic photo.
The SZ1 also features an auto retouch function to adjust contrast and brightness for a “different” look.
In iA mode, a suite of technologies – including AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, MEGA O.I.S., Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Exposure – are automatically engaged and the camera chooses the best setting based on the shooting environment.
Other features:
• 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD that automatically adjusts the backlight based on the environment’s lighting
• USB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power supply
• Dedicated video record button which lets users instantly start recording a video without having to make any extra settings. Additionally, the full 10x optical zoom is available in video recording mode
• High-quality stereo sound via Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. The stereo zoom microphone comes with zoom noise reduction system, and the Wind Cut function helps to block noise from background wind.
The Lumix SZ1 will be available in March in black, red and blue. Pricing is to be announced.
An imaging business journalist who's also a photographer
