Panasonic today introduced two ultra-slim LUMIX models to its 2011 line, perfect for consumers seeking a fashionable camera with loads of advanced photo and video features. The LUMIX DMC-FP7 (16.1 megapixel) and LUMIX DMC-FP5 (14.1 megapixel) maintain their slim profiles by incorporating an ultra-thin 4x optical zoom lens with folded optics. Complete with a sleek mirror finish on the LUMIX FP7 and a matte finish on the FP5, both cameras have high-performing features that complement the design, such as 720p High Definition (HD) video recording, large touch-control LCDs and easy-to-use settings like Intelligent Auto (iA).
The LUMIX FP7 takes Panasonic's touch-control LCD to the next level with a new 3.5-inch 16:9 LCD that offers not only a larger view of images, but also increased usability. The LUMIX FP5 features a 3.0-inch 3:2 LCD and both models include Smart Touch Screens allowing users to enable Touch Auto Focus (AF), Touch Zoom, Touch Shutter and Intelligent Scene Selector simply by touching the screen. All menu setting options are now available with touch control and in playback mode users can drag the image across the screen with their finger to browse the collection of photos, as though it is a page in a book. Additionally, the LUMIX FP7 features three new modes that let users get creative by manually (with the touch of a finger) editing their photos. These new modes include:
Beauty Retouch mode allows users to retouch faces
Esthetic mode creates effects on faces such as clearing skin texture and whitening teeth
Make-up mode gives color options such as foundation, eye-shadow or coloring for the lips and cheeks
The LUMIX FP7 and LUMIX FP5 are stylish, yet still full with substance thanks to the Venus Engine VI image processor with Intelligent Resolution technology. The digital cameras are fast, with shutter release lag times as short as 0.006(FP7) / 0.005 (FP5) per second and by adding Sonic Speed AF users can capture high quality spur-of-the-moment images even faster.
Using a folded optics design allows the LUMIX FP7 and FP5 to remain ultra-thin, yet still have a high-quality 4x optical zoom. In addition, the new zoom button makes the LUMIX cameras look even more sleek. Also taking advantage of Intelligent Resolution, the Intelligent Zoom function on the LUMIX FP7 and LUMIX FP5 allows the powerful 4x optical zoom to increase to 5x equivalent without compromising picture quality.
Panasonic's popular iA mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically — with no setting changes needed by the user — makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. The LUMIX FP7 and LUMIX FP5 feature two new iA functions — AF Tracking and Intelligent Exposure. AF Tracking locks onto any subject and keeps it in focus even if it moves, while the Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully. The automatic backlight compensation function activates whenever the camera detects the subject is in backlight.
Other features of Panasonic iA include:
- MEGA OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) — Reduces blurry photos due to hand-shake
- Intelligent ISO Control — Reduces blur when the subject is moving
- Face Detection — Ensures registered faces are captured in focus with appropriate exposure and unwanted red eyes are digitally corrected
- Intelligent Scene Selector — Selects the best option from: Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset
- Dedicated iA button — Lets users engage easily with one click
Other features of the LUMIX FP7 and LUMIX FP5 include:
- LUMIX Image Uploader — Share images via Facebook and video via YouTube
- Intelligent LCD — Detects the lighting conditions and controls the brightness level in 11 finely graduated steps, to display the most appropriate setting
- 70MB of built-in memory
Price and Availability
Pricing and availability for both models will be available in March 2011.
- The LUMIX FP7 will be available in blue, black and red for $229.99
- The LUMIX FP5 will be available in blue, black, pink and silver for $199.99
