The lens offers wide-angle capabilities as well: it shows 25mm field of view when zoomed out. Furthermore, its 24x optical zoom can be extended to 32x without degrading picture quality. The lens features ED and aspherical elements to combat aberrations and hides the Power O.I.S lens-shift image stabilizer inside.

The peculiarity of this camera is its high-speed operation ensured by its speedy SMOS sensor and Venus Engine FHD image processor. The camera is capable of taking full-resolution images at a speed of 11 fps, 3.5-images at 60 fps and QVGA movies at a rate of 220fps.

The sensor also enables Full HD 50i (PAL) smooth movie recording in AVCHD (MPEG-4/H.264) format. There’s also a possibility to use optical zoom and to control camera setting in Creative movie mode and to apply different My Color effects to your movies.You can also enjoy Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator and Wind Cut functions here. The Video Divide function allows cutting out deleting a piece of video right in the camera.

The DMC-FZ100 offers its Intelligent Auto (iA) mode for automatic shooting. It combines the work of the POWER O.I.S., Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure features to get the best result possible. The Intelligent Resolution technology, in its turn, ensures accurate noise reduction and optimum signal processing to achieve clearness and finer detail in your images and movies.

There’re also full manual controls over the aperture and the shutter in the camera to help you express your creativity to a full extent, as well as various scene modes and My Color effects to add artistic touch to your pictures.

The camera is compatible with a wide range of optional devices including Tele Conversion Lens, Close-up Lens, Conversion Lens Adaptor, MC Protector, ND and PL Filters, External Flash, Stereo Microphone, and Remote Shutter.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 - Specifications:

• 1/2.33″ Type MOS Sensor
• 14.1 Megapixels
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1
• Movie Mode: 1980 x 1080 (17Mbps)
• File formats: JPEG, RAW; AVCHD, AVCHD Lite, QuickTime Motion JPEG
• 24x Optical Zoom
• Focal Length Equivalent: 25 - 600mm (
• Power O.I.S Lens-Shift Stabilization
• Aperture Range: F2.8 - F5.2
• 0.20″ 202K Pixel Viewfinder
• 3.0″ TFT LCD Display with 460K dots
• AF Area Modes: Face / AF Tracking, 11-point, 1-point High speed, 1-point, Spot (flexible/ scalable)
• Macro Mode: 1 cm
• Metering: Intelligent Multiple, Center, Spot
• Sensitivity: ISO100 - 6400
• Exposure Bracketing
• Shutter Speed: 60-1/2000 sec
• Intelligent AUTO Mode
• Manual Exposure Controls
• 19 Scene Modes
• Continuous Shooting: up to 60 frames/sec
• 23 Image Parameters
• SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards
• 40MB Internal Memory
• Price: US: $499.95

The camera’s lens offers 25mm ultra wide angle field of view as well as exceptional telephoto coverage, which can be further extended to 32x with the Intelligent Zoom function without degradation in picture quality and to 50x at 3-megapixel resolution. The lens features ED and aspherical lenses to combat aberration while the built-in POWER O.I.S. lens-shift stabilizer combats blur caused by camera shake.

At the heart of the DMC-FZ40 lies the high-performance Venus Engine HD II image processor that provides for high-speed shooting and accurate noise reduction. It also enables the Intelligent Resolution technology that ensures that you stills and movies look naturally clear and crisp.

The camera features Panasonic proprietary iA (Intelligent Auto) mode for those who are unfamiliar with camera settings or want to get great photos without thinking about the tech aspect of shooting. This mode makes the POWER O.I.S., Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control and Intelligent Exposure technologies work together, so that the camera automatically produces great results.

There’re also numerous scene modes, My color modes as well as fully manual controls. The latter allow you to manually set aperture value and shutter speed for both still images and movies.

The 720p HD movies are recorded in AVCHD Lite format. The camera also features Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio and a Wind Cut function to block background noise caused by wind. The 24x optical zoom is also available for movie recording.

The DMC-FZ40 takes optional devices like 1.7x tele conversion lens, close-up lens, conversion lens adaptor, MC protector, ND and PL filters.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ4o aka FZ45 - Specifications:

• 1/2.33″ CCD Sensor
• 14.1 Megapixels
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1
• 24x Optical Zoom
• Aperture Range: F2.8 - 5.2
• Focal Length Equivalent: 25 - 600mm
• Power O.I.S Lens-Shift Stabilization
• 0.20″ Color EVF (201,600 Pixels equiv.)
• 3.0″ TFT LCD Display with 230K dots
• AF Area Modes: Face / AF tracking, 23-point, 1-point, pot (flexible/ scalable)
• Macro Mode: 1 cm
• Metering: Intelligent Multiple, Center, Spot
• Sensitivity: ISO80 - 6400
• Exposure Bracketing
• Shutter Speed: 60-1/2000 sec
• Modes: Intelligent AUTO, Program, Aperture & Shutter Priority, Manual, SCN, Custom
• 16 Scene modes
• Continuous Shooting: 1.8 frames/sec, 5 frames/sec
• 23 Image Styles
• Movie Mode: 1280 x 720 pixels (17Mbps)
• SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards
• 40mb Internal Memory
• Price: US: $399.95

]]> http://www.shotaddict.com/wordpress/2010/08/13/8922.html/feed http://www.shotaddict.com/wordpress/2010/08/11/8918.html http://www.shotaddict.com/wordpress/2010/08/11/8918.html#comments Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:38:10 +0000 Jane http://www.shotaddict.com/wordpress/?p=8918 Panasonic can be proud to create such a camera. The new DMC-LX5 coming after the LX3 model announced 2 years ago, offers near-DSLR performance with a full set of features and manual controls non-typical of compact cameras.

So the new camera boasts super bright F2.0 lens with 24mm ultra wide angle coverage when zoomed out. The lens is not as long offering just 3.8x optical zoom yet it includes aspherical elements to minimize distortion and aberrations and comes equipped with the Power O.I.S. optical image stabilizer for clear, sharp and detail-packed images every time.

The DMC-LX5 camera’s sensor is 1/1.63-inch large and offers reasonable 10.1-megapixel resolution alongside with the ability to take photos in different aspects: 4:3, 3:2, 1:1 or 16:9. There’s a 3-inch LCD monitor with 11 steps of brightness adjustment.

The camera incorporates the new Venus Engine FHD with a high-speed performance, a high quality of signal processing and excellent noise reduction mechanism. The new engine enables Intelligent Resolution technology that enhances images by handling outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation separately.

The DMC-LX5 offers its iA (Intelligent Auto) mode for beginners. It combines the POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Exposure, and Intelligent Scene Selector functions working together.

There’re also 16 Scene modes and 12 My color modes to add simplicity and versatility to shooting process as well as full manual exposure controls for creative photo enthusiasts.

The DMC-LX5 is equipped with hot shoe for external flash and an optional tilt-shift Live View Finder or optical viewfinder. It is also compatible with a wide range of external devices like a wide conversion lens, conversion lens adaptor, MC Protector, ND and PL Filters.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 - Specifications:

• 1/1.63″CCD Image Sensor
• 10.1 Megapixels
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1
• 3.8x Optical Zoom
• Aperture range: F2.0 - 3.3
• Focal Length Equivalent: 24-90mm
• Power O.I.S Lens-Shift Stabilization
• 3.0″ TFT LCD Display with 460K dots
• AF area modes: Face / AF tracking, 23-point, 1-point, Spot (flexible/ scalable)
• Macro Mode: 1 cm
• Metering: Intelligent Multiple, Center Weighted, Spot
• Sensitivity: ISO80 - 12800
• Exposure bracketing
• Shutter Speed: 60- 1/20,000 sec
• Shooting Modes: Intelligent AUTO, Program, Aperture & Shutter Priority, Manual, Creative Movie, My Color, Scene, Custom
• 22 Scene Modes
• 12 My Color Modes
• Continuous Shooting: up to 10 frames/sec
• Hot-Shoe For External Flash
• File formats: Raw, JPEG; : AVCHD, AVCHD Lite, Motion JPEG
• Movie Mode: 1280 x 720 pixels @ 17 Mbps
• SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards
• 40MB Internal Memory
• Price US: $ 499.95

While offering long zoom distance the lens has wide-angle properties as well: its angle of view is 28mm when zoomed out, which is typical of modern compacts. The lens is supported by in0camera sensor-shift image stabilization, which allows taking clear and blur-free images in low light.

The S2800HD model is easy to use with its Smart Scene recognition function hidden in its Intelligent Auto mode and 16 pre-set scene modes to your choice yet it offer full manual controls for those who want to achieve maximum creativity in shooting process and makes the camera do exactly what they want it to do. There’s also Auto panorama function in this camera.

Portrait shooting is simple; you can achieve great picture with this camera as it offer Face detection for bright and sharp faces detected in a frame, Blink Detection to warn you in case your subject blinks so that you can immediately retake the photo, and Smile detection function that ensures you never miss the moment as it automatically presses the shutter button just the moment your subject smiles.

It is also worth mentioning that the camera is powered by 4 standard AA batteries, which makes power supply easier as you can buy a new set every time anywhere without the necessity to charge the battery (unlike many digicams with proprietary batteries inside).

Fujifilm FinePix S2800HD - Specifications:

• 1/2.3″ CCD Image Sensor
• 14.0 Megapixels
• 18x Optical Zoom
• Focal Length Equivalent: 28-504mm
• Aperture Range: F3.1 - F5.6
• Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
• 3.0-inch LCD Monitor with 230,0000 pixels
• AF Area Modes: Multi, Centre, Tracking
• Macro Mode: 2cm
• TTL 256-zones Metering
• Sensitivity: ISO 64 - 6400
• Shutter Speed: 8 - 1/2000 sec
• Exposure Modes: Programmed, Aperture & Shutter Priority, Manual
• Scene Recognition Auto
• 16 Scene Pre-set Modes
• Face Detection
• Blink Detection
• Smile Shot Mode
• Auto Panorama mode
• Continuous Shooting: up to 3.3 frames/sec
• Movie Mode: 1280 x 720 pixels, 24fps
• 23 MB Internal memory
• SD / SDHC Memory Cards
• Power Source: 4 x AA batteries
• Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.9 x 3.2 in

]]> http://www.shotaddict.com/wordpress/2010/08/11/8914.html/feed http://www.shotaddict.com/wordpress/2010/06/01/8806.html http://www.shotaddict.com/wordpress/2010/06/01/8806.html#comments Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:03:28 +0000 Jane http://www.shotaddict.com/wordpress/?p=8806

Samsung HZ30W also known as WB600 outside the U.S. is a 12 megapixel camera featuring 15x optical zoom, 3 inch LCD screen, HD video capture and full manual controls necessary for a creative amateur photographer.

Except for long zoom, the camera’s lens offers wide-angle shooting delivering 24mm angle of view at the wider end. Not many compact can offer this nowadays. Moreover, the lens is equipped with optical image stabilizer to compensate for camera shale and help the camera produce clear and sharp photos even in tough lighting conditions.

You can be as creative as you like with the HZ30W as it features Aperture and Shutter priority, as well as fully Manual shooting modes. But it also provides you with an array of automatic functions.

The camera’s Smart Auto employs intelligent technologies to identify the scene being shot and automatically apply one of the pre-set scenes. Furthermore, the Scene Selection mode enables you to manually set the necessary scene.

The HZ30W makes getting a nice portrait shot easily as it offers Face Detection & Recognition, Smile Shot and Blink Detection functions. There’s also a Beauty Shot mode for enhances your results by retouching out spots and blemishes, if any.

The camera takes on the HZ15W aka WB550 model and is available in black, brown and grey. It sells at a price of $279.

Camera Reviews:

Photographyblog.com:
With ideal shooting conditions the camera impresses with its vivid and color-rich imagery, though bulky design and unwanted noise at relatively slow ISO speeds prevents from praising it too much. But its advantage is its manual modes.

Sample Photo Galleries: photographyblog.com.

Alternatives/Rivals: Canon PowerShot SX210 IS, Casio EX-H15.

Samsung WB600 - Specifications:

• 1/2.3″ CCD Image Sensor
• 12.0 Megapixels
• Maximum Image Size: 4000X3000 pixels
• 15x Optical Zoom
• Focal Length Equivalent: 24-360mm
• Aperture range: F3.2(W) ~ F5.8(T)
• Optical Image Stabilization
• 3.0″ TFT LCD Screen
• Focusing: Auto Focus (Multi, Center, Selection, Face Detection, Object Tracking), Manual Focus
• Macro Mode: 3cm
• Shutter Speed: 16 ~ 1/2,000 sec
• Metering: Multi, Spot, Center-weighted, Face Detection AE
• Sensitivity: ISO80 - 3200
• Color Effects: Normal, Soft, Vivid, Forest, Retro, Cool, Calm, Classic, Negative, Custom, Defog, Sketch
• Lens Effects: Miniature, Vignetting, Fish-eye I, Fish-eye II
• Shooting Modes: Smart Auto, Auto, Program, A/S/M , Dual IS, Beauty, Scene, Movie
• 19 Creative Scenes
• 128MB Internal Memory
• SD, SDHC Memory Cards
• Movie Clips: 1280 X 720p @30 fps, MP4
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 106.6 X 60.5 X 28mm