Panasonic releases power-packed Lumix Digicams

An international brand name for Japanese electric products manufacturer Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., Panasonic today unveiled its point-and-shoot compact camera range in its Lumix digital camera line.

Comprising of ten models these include the DMC-FX30, DMC-LS70, DMC-LZ7, DMC-LZ6, DMC-TZ3, DMC-FZ8, DMC-TZ2, DMC-FX8, DMC-FX10, and DMC-FX12 models.

The DMC-FX30

The world's slimmest digital camera with a 28mm Leica wide-angle lens, the model measures 3.74 x 2.04 x 0.87 inches and weighs about 0.29 lbs. It features a 7.2-megapixel sensor, 3.6x optical zoom, f/2.8 brightness, and 2.5-inch LCD screen.

It includes optical image stabilization, and can shoot in 4:3, 2:3, and 16:9 aspect ratios. The camera is priced at $349.95.

The DMC-LS70

The model features a 7.2-megapixel CCD, having superb optical 3x zoom. It is powered by two AA batteries.

Priced at $149.95, the camera has a 2.0-inch LCD and records both standard and wide-aspect VGA motion images at a speed of 30 frames per second. It supports a total of 18 scene modes and accepts large-capacity SDHC memory cards.

The DMC-LZ7 and DMC-LZ6

Both models are powered with 7.2-megapixel CCD and powerful 6x optical zoom lenses. The models include 'Intelligent Image Stabilization' technology to automatically adjust for camera shake and motion blur.

They are PictBridge-compatible and support a total of 18 different scene modes. They are equipped with the Panasonic Venus Engine III image-processing engine.

While the LZ6 priced at $179.95 has a 2.0-inch LCD display, the LZ7 features a 2.5-inch display and is priced at $199.95.

The DMC-TZ3

Compact and sleek in design, the model is equipped with 7.2-megapixel sensor, 28mm wide-angle lens, 10x optical zoom, 3.0-inch LCD and stainless steel body.

Capable to take up to three shots per second at full resolution, the model allows consecutive shooting until its memory card is full. It can shoot in 4:3, 2:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios and is priced at $349.95.

The DMC-FZ8

Loaded with a 7.2-megapixel CCD that boasts 12x optical zoom, the model includes Panasonic's Extra Optical Zoom function that provides additional magnification up to 18x when taking photos with 3-megapixel resolution.

Powered to click around 380 shots on a single charge, it also features 2.5-inch LCD, the Panasonic LSI Venus Engine III, a total of 18 scene modes.

This camera is priced at $349.95.

The DMC-TZ2

The model features a 6 megapixel sensor with 2.5-inch LCD panel. The price of the model is still to be announced.

The DMC-FX8

Featuring a 7.2 megapixel CCD with 12X optical zoom, the model supports a 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder, and a multi-purpose joystick. It is priced at $349.95.

The DMC-FX10 and DMC-FX12

Both models feature digital image stabilization, 3X optical zoom, and 2.5-inch LCDs. While the DMC-FX10 has a 6 megapixel sensor and is priced at $199.95, the DMC-FX12 uses a 7.2 megapixel one and will cost $229.95.