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*January 31, 2007 *– As part of their spring 2007 product line, Panasonic announced three FX cameras, the DMC-FX30 with a new 28mm wide zoom lens, and the redesigned DMC-FX12 and DMC-FX10, which both offer new menu designs. All three cameras carry Leica-branded lenses and Panasonic’s image stabilization technology. The new FX models are slated for release in February.
The Panasonic FX30, according to a company press release today, is the slimmer successor to the FX07, announced in July. With the same introductory price, the new FX30 also retains the same 7.2-megapixel count. The camera adds a new 28mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens with 3.6x optical zoom at full resolution. The lens is also capable of up to 5.3x optical zoom at a lower 3- megapixel resolution when set to Extra Optical Zoom mode.
"The smart, sleek design of the DMC-FX30 combines the power of a wide-angle lens and Intelligent Image Stabilization, with a compact body of one of the smallest point-and-shoot cameras," said Panasonic North American National marketing manager Alex Fried in the release.
All the new Panasonic FX cameras come equipped with their Intelligent Image Stabilization system that is made up of two parts. First, the MEGA O.I.S. standing for Optical Image Stabilizer offers control for hand shake, and second, the Intelligent ISO Control compensates for moving subjects, according to the release.
The FX30 has a sensitivity of 1250 ISO, with a maximum 3200 ISO available at a lower resolution when set to High Sensitivity mode. The camera is capable of 4:3, 3:2, and wide 16:9 shooting.
The Panasonic FX30 accepts SD,SDHC, and MMC media. It will be available in silver, black, blue, and light brown and will retail $349.95 next month.
Like the FX30, the new 7.2-megapixel FX12 and the 6.0-megapixel FX10 have been redesigned with a different grip and new menus. The renovated graphic user interface now shows brighter colors for easier reading, stated the release.
The FX12 and FX10 have 3x optical zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lenses. The cameras offer a maximum sensitivity of 1250 ISO at full resolution and 3200 ISO in High Sensitivity mode. The cameras also hold 21 scene modes, including the newly added Pet and Sunset modes.
All the new Panasonic cameras have 2.5-inch LCD screens, with varying resolutions. The FX30 has a 207,000 resolution, like its predecessor. However, the FX12 and FX10 have 115,000 pixel displays. All the models’ LCD monitors are equipped with a Power LCD mode that boosts backlighting by 40 percent for outdoor shooting. Users can also view images on their LCD with a dedicated High Angle mode button for "Hail Mary" shoots, allowing them to shoot above crowds.
The FX12 will be available in silver and black when it debuts in February for the retail price of $229.95. The FX10 will be offered in silver, pink, and blue and cost $199.95.
Key Features of DMC-FX30:
7.2 megapixel count
3.6x optical zoom Leica lens with 28mm capabilities
Power LCD Mode and High Angle Mode
Intelligent Image Stabilization System (MEGA O.I.S and Intelligent ISO Control)
Key Features of DMC-FX12 and FX10:
7.2 megapixel count
3x optical zoom Leica lens
Power LCD Mode and High Angle Mode
Intelligent Image Stabilization
Redesigned Graphic User Interface