Panasonic today announced two all new LUMIX series cameras, one all new G-series telephoto electronic zoom lens, as well as an updated version of a current model with a new lens retractable lens / kit.
The DMC-FX90 won’t officially announce pricing until 30 days prior to shipping, but this sleek point-and-shoot features a 12.1 megapixel hi-speed CCD, a 5x optical zoom, a 3.0 inch Smart Touch LCD screen, and WiFi connectivity for Panasonic’s new cloud-based sharing service, “LUMIX CLUB’ (available starting September 5, 2011). LUMIX CLUB and its free smartphone app, LUMIX LINK, allows users to share FX90 photos on Facebook, Picassa, Flickr or YouTube.
Next, we have the DMC-FZ150. Boasting a 12.1 megapixel MOS sensor, 3.0 inch vari-angle LCD screen, 3D photo mode and a hot shoe for optional accessories, the FZ150 is a “super zoom” camera, featuring a 24x optical zoom (25-600mm in 35mm terms) lens with Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating Technology. It also features a Full HD movie recording (1080p/60) mode where users can simultaneously capture 3.5 megapixel still images. The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ150 will be available in black only as of late September (2011) with an MSRP of $ 499.99.
The last LUMIX camera announced today, the DMC-GF3X, isn’t technically a new model, but rather an updated version of the DMC-GF3 with an all new retractable power zoom kit lens, the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./ POWER O.I.S. (H-PS14042). In 35mm terms, that’s 28-84mm. The new lens is extremely compact, light and has been treated with Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating to “help minimize ghosts and flaring in natural settings with remarkable transparency.” Combined with the Venus Engine inside the DMC-GF3X, this new lens is capable of Light Speed AF (auto focus) — focusing and taking a picture in a tenth of a second. The DMC-GF3X kits will be available in black or silver this October (2011) for $ 749.99, but you can buy this 14-42 lens separately (also in black or silver) for $ 399.99. It has been designed to work with the all LUMIX G series cameras (no firmware update needed).
Lastly, we have an all new zoom lens for Panasonic’s G Series cameras (Micro Four Thirds compliant). The LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175) is the company’s “first cutting-edge digital interchangeable lens with electric-powered zoom operation.” Approximately 90mm long and weighing 7.4 ounces, this zoom lens also has the Nano Surface Coating on all of its three internal lens groups, two of which are Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses. It has an improved gyro sensor for the new POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization). Light Speed AF works at 0.15 seconds and shutter lag has been shorted 20% over the LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm lens. Available this September (2011) in Silver or Black, the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S will carry an MSRP of $ 449.99.
