Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20
Panasonic Debuts Lumix FH Series with Wide-Angle Lenses, Long Zooms. New Entry-Level 12.1MP F3 and Sleek FP Models Also Announced.
Digital Camera Reviews
Panasonic DMC-FH20
Panasonic DMC-F3
Panasonic DMC-FH3
Panasonic DMC-FP1
On the eve of the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, Panasonic added the slim, pocketable FH series to its 2010 Lumix digital camera lineup, which includes the DMC-FH20 (14.1 megapixels), FH3 (14.1 megapixels) and FH1 (12.1 megapixels). The FH models offer 28mm wide-angle lenses, with 8x optical zoom for the FH20 and 5x for the FH3 and FH1. All record high-definition video and provide iA (intelligent auto) mode for ease of use. Additionally, Panasonic debuted its entry-level 12.1MP Lumix DMC-F3 and the sleek DMC-FP3 and FP1 in its FP series
“With the new Panasonic Lumix FH series, consumers will be thrilled to see small, easy-to-use digital cameras that do not compromise quality or advanced features. Though there are similarities within the family, we expect slightly different users for each model. The step-up FH20 will be attractive for sophisticated digital camera users who want a longer zoom, perhaps to take photos of their kids playing sports,” said David Briganti, senior product manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics. “Meanwhile, for the Lumix FH3/1, we expect first-time buyers who may not be as concerned with a long zoom, but who still demand high performance and ease of use will be drawn to these models.”
The FH series features HD (high-def) 720p motion jpeg video recording at 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848x480) and normal VGA (640x480), to make it easy to view videos on a PC or upload them to YouTube with bundled software. All models are compatible with Windows 7 and take HD-quality still photos that fill a 16:9 HDTV. Users with Panasonic Viera HDTVs can view photo slideshows by inserting an SD card into the HDTV’s SD memory card image viewer slot.
Also incorporated is a dedicated button to engage Panasonic’s iA mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically, with no setting changes needed by the user. iA includes: Mega OIS (optical image stabilization) to help reduce blurry photos due to hand shake; intelligent ISO control to help reduce blur when the subject is moving; face detection for proper focus and exposure and to digitally correct red-eye; and intelligent scene selector, which selects the best option from macro, portrait, scenery, night portrait, night scenery and the newly added sunset mode.
The FH models also have 2.7-inch 230,000-dot intelligent LCDs designed to detect lighting conditions and control the brightness level in 11 steps. Other features include: the Venus engine IV image processor, which enables a shutter release time lag on the FH20 and FH3 of 0.006 sec and 0.007 sec on the FH1; 0.35-sec autofocus lock; a quick menu button to access users’ most frequently used settings; baby, pet and sports modes; photo frame, which puts borders around photos so when they are printed they look like postcards in picture frames; the ability to customize specific scene modes using my scene; and a macro zoom that pulls subjects closer by using 3x digital zoom. The three cameras are compatible with SDXC memory cards, including Panasonic’s newly announced 48GB and 64GB cards.
Encased in a brushed metal-finished panel, the FH20 will be available in silver, black, red and violet bodies. The FH3 and FH1 will come in silver and black.
Lumix DMC-FP3 and FP1. The ultra-slim DMC-FP3 and FP1 both have 4x optical zooms with a folded optics design so the front is flat and sports a new lens cover that protects the lens and serves as the power switch. The 14.1MP FP3 includes an intuitive 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD for easier hybrid use combined with four major operation buttons; the 12.1MP Lumix FP1 has a 2.7-inch 230,000-dot LCD. Both are intelligent LCDs that detect lighting conditions and control the brightness level. These models, too, provide iA mode and 1,280x720p 30-fps HD video recording, in addition to WVGA (840x480) and VGA (640x480), as well as shared features with the FH series. The FP3 debuts in silver, black and navy; the FP1 in silver, black, red, blue and pink.
Lumix DMC-F3. This diminutive entry-level camera features: 12.1 megapixels; a 28mm wide-angle, 4x optical zoom lens; an extra optical zoom function that extends zoom power to 7.8x; Panasonic’s auto-scene mode shooting-assistant with intelligent ISO control to help prevent blurring caused by moving subjects, red-eye correction, face detection and an intelligent scene selector that chooses the most appropriate of six scene modes; 30-fps HD video in 1,280x720p and in WVGA (848x480) and VGA (640x480); a 2.7-inch LCD; a digital image stabilizer to combat hand shake; and a choice of silver or black bodies.
Pricing and release dates for all these new Lumix cameras are yet to be determined. panasonic.com