SECAUCUS, New Jersey: Panasonic has launched a slew of new cameras adding to its Lumix digital still camera line at prices ranging from $149.95 to $349.95.
Leading the pack is the DMC-LS70 priced at an affordable $149.95 and carrying features such as 7.2 mega pixel CCD, 3x zoom and two AA battery operation. Its 2.0 LCD viewfinder helps navigate a graphical user interface. The model will be available later in February.
Two other models -- DMC-LZ7 and DMC-LZ6 -- are also attractive bargains from the company. They sport 7.2 mega pixel sensors and 6x optical zoom lenses, have support for AA batteries and come with intelligent image stabilization and optical image stabilization features.
They are smaller in size and lighter than previous Lumix models. The LZ6, priced at $179.95 has a 2.0-inch LCD display, while the LZ7, priced at $199.95, has a 2.5-inch display and both are PictBridge-compatible. These models will be available in the market in February.
Another new model is the DMC-TZ3, which has a 7.2 mega pixel sensor, 28mm wide-angle lens, 10x optical zoom, 3.0-inch LCD and stainless steel chassis. It can take up to three shots per second at full resolution, allowing consecutive shooting until its memory card is full. Due for release in March the camera is prized at $349.95.
The DMC-FX8 comes with 12x optical zoom, a 7.2 mega pixel CCD and intelligent image stabilization. It has a 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder and a multipurpose joystick for navigating menus, adjusting settings and reviewing images. Due for launch in February, it will cost $349.95.
Panasonic is also launching two other cameras -- the Lumix DMC-FX10 and Lumix DMC-FX12. Both have digital image stabilization, 3x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCDs, direct print mode for PictBridge-equipped printers, VGA motion capture and new scene modes. The FX10, costing $199.95, and in colors of silver, pink and blue, has a 6.0 mega pixel sensor while the FX12, priced at $229.95 and in colors of silver and black, uses a 7.2 mega pixel sensor. Both will be in market in February.
The company is coming out with the world's slimmest digital camera -- the DMC-FX30. Measuring 3.74 x 2.04 x 0.87 inches, it weighs 0.29 lbs and features 7.2 mega pixel sensor, 28mm wide-angle lens, 3.6x optical zoom, f/2.8 brightness and 2.5-inch LCD screen. It has optical image stabilization. The camera will be priced at $349.95 and will be released in March.
