By Martin Vedris
SYDNEY: The new range of Panasonic Lumix digital still cameras, unveiled on the weekend, include models with new features in ‘Intelligent Auto’, which is Panasonic’s mode that activates simultaneous automatic features to make photography even easier.
Intelligent Auto mode already included Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode; the Face Detection System; Continuous Auto-focus, which allows faster response for spontaneous shots by minimising auto-focus time and Intelligent Image Stabilisation comprises MEGA OIS that helps compensate for the effects of hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control, which adjusts the ISO setting for moving images.
Panasonic has now introduced two new Intelligent Auto modes. Intelligent Exposure ensures that exposure is well balanced. For example, it will adjust aperture and shutter speed to prevent image wash-out in a bright area, while simultaneously brightening a dark area by changing the ISO sensitivity in the specific region of the camera’s image sensor.
Meanwhile the new Digital Red-Eye Correction automatically corrects the red-eye effect caused by flash.
New digital still cameras launched by Panasonic include the 9.1 megapixel Traveller’s Zoom DMC-TZ15 (RRP $715) and the 8.1 megapixel Traveller’s Zoom DMC-TZ11 (RRP $599).
Also launched was the new ‘FS’ Series of 10.1 megapixel slim compact cameras with Intelligent Auto Mode and a 30mm 4x optical zoom Leica DC lens. The DMC-FS20 (RRP $549) has a three-inch LCD screen while DMC-FS5 (RRP $499) has the same features but with a 2.5-inch LCD screen.
The new DMC-FX36 (RRP $659) is a 10.1 megapixel camera with Intelligent Auto mode as well as a 25mm mega wide-angle lens and 4x zoom.
Panasonic’s new Lumix DMC-FS3 (RRP $329) is a slim body 8.1 megapixel camera with a f/2.8 Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens with 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 33 mm to 100 mm on a 35 mm film camera). The new 8.1-megapixel DMC-LS80 (RRP $219) has a 3x zoom and f/2.8 LUMIX DC Vario lens.