Panasonic Adds Lumix FZ8 with 12x Optical Zoom

*January 31, 2007 *– In a full product line update, Panasonic today announced the Lumix DMC-FZ8 camera. As a middle tier camera in the line, the 7.2-megapixel FZ8 comes carries a 12x optical zoom lens and expanded ISO range, and will retail for $349.95 when it is released next month.

The Panasonic FZ8 falls in between the 6-megapixel FZ7 and 7.2-megapixel FZ50. The new 7.2-megapixel camera shares the 12x optical zoom lens at full resolution. With the Extra Optical Zoom function, users can capture at 18x optical zoom with a lower 3-megapixel resolution.

Like the FZ7, the Lumix FZ8, which is offered at the same introductory price, possesses a 2.5-inch LCD. The FZ8, however, adds an increased sensitivity range of 1250 ISO at full resolution and 3200 ISO in high sensitivity mode, that is up from 400 ISO at full resolution on the previous model.

The Lumix FZ8 comes equipped with Panasonic’s LSI Venus Engine III processor and automatic and manual functions. The camera also features Panasonic’s standard package of Intelligent Image Stabilization that includes their MEGA O.I.S. for hand shake reduction and their Intelligent ISO Control to compensate for moving subjects.

The FZ8 includes a multipurpose joystick, akin to a multiselector on other cameras. With the joystick, users can select aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focus without having to switch into the menu screen.

The Panasonic FZ8 adds two new scene modes, Pet and Sunset, for a total of 18 shooting modes. With the included Silkypix Developer Studeio 2.0 software, users can edit RAW images, according to a company press release today.

Key Features:

• 7.2 megapixel count

• 12x optical zoom with Extra Optical Zoom function

• 2.5-inch LCD

• Intelligent Image Stabilization

• New Pet and Sunset Scene Modes

• Higher ISO range