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The camera shoots wide-screen, 16:9, full-HD images. These images are simply breathtaking when displayed on an HDTV, which handles about four times the data of a standard-definition TV. Enjoy a whole new style of HDTV viewing with family and friends.

The G1 operates in a full-time live view mode with shot composition on either the camera’s LCD or its electronic viewfinder, just like an advanced point-and-shoot. With on-LCD shot composition and a combination of SLR and point-and-shoot features and exposure control options, the G1 is clearly attempting to fill the “bridge camera” niche – providing many of the conveniences of an SLR (interchangeable lenses and excellent image quality) in a smaller, lighter, and easier to manage package.
The Panasonic DMC-G1 is a revolutionary camera that delivers on its promise of SLR-like quality in a compact body. Build quality and design are up to Panasonic’s usual exemplary standard, and despite its small size the camera handles well. In terms of performance and especially image quality it matches other Four-Thirds system DLSRs. The only downside is the high price compared to an entry-level full-size DLSR.

The optical layout inside an SLR camera hasn’t changed much in 30 years. Light comes in via the lens and strikes the reflex mirror, where it is split into different paths for the viewfinder, autofocus sensor and exposure meter. When the shutter is triggered the reflex mirror flips up out of the way allowing light onto the film or sensor.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is still larger and heavier than most compacts, and as a result it feels more solid and substantial in the hand than one might expect. It has a sculpted handgrip and thumbgrip, and is comfortable to hold, although the finish can be a bit slippery. The camera body is made of a tough plastic, and is finished in an odd smooth matt texture that feels as though the whole camera is covered in a thin sheet of rubber. I’d far prefer a more grippy texture on the handgrip.

The G1 is able to draw on many of the user-friendly “Intelligent” technologies developed for Panasonic’s Lumix point-and-shoots. Most notably, the Lumix is equipped with Panasonic’s iA Intelligent Auto mode. According to the manufacturer, iA offers an integration of several key technologies – including Intelligent ISO, Intelligent Exposure, automatic scene selection, and AF tracking – designed to improve the auto-exposure shooting experience.

The control layout is simple but effective, and anyone who’s used a high-end bridge camera or any recent DSLR should have no problem picking it up right away. Main mode selection is via a large dial on the top plate, with adjoining switches for on/off and drive mode. Commonly used settings can be adjusted via a comprehensive on-screen quick menu, while an input wheel on the front of the handgrip is used to adjust exposure compensation or manual exposure settings. As well as this it has specific buttons for white balance, ISO setting, AF mode and AE/AF lock, as well as a user-defined function button.

FEATURES:

Full-time Live View shows you before you shoot
The camera’s Full-time Live View is revolutionary. It lets you see in the LCD how adjusting the exposure, white balance, aperture and even the shutter speed will affect the photo. This kind of super-easy live view shooting has never before been possible with a conventional digital SLR camera.

Micro Four Thirds
The camera adopts the Micro Four Thirds System standard, developed as an extended version of the Four Thirds System standard for digital camera systems. Using this standard, and developing a camera body that eliminates the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit, we managed to reduce the lens mount diameter by about 6 mm (compared with the conventional Four Thirds camera) and shorten the flange-back distance* by about half. The result is a digital interchangeable lens camera that’s both extremely compact and highly mobile.* The distance between the lens mount and image sensor.

3.0-inch Free-Angle LCD
The large 3.0-inch LCD rotates 180° horizontally and 270° vertically, making it easy for you to capture dynamic shots from extreme angles without getting into an awkward position. And when the lighting around you changes, the LCD backlighting level automatically changes too, so you get comfortable, easy-on-the-eyes viewing at all times.

Intelligent Auto Mode
If you’ve hesitated to buy a digital SLR camera because you think they’re hard to use, your wait is over. Intelligent Auto mode activates 6 detection and compensation functions that work automatically, leaving you free to just aim and shoot.

* Shake detection – MEGA O.I.S. Helps prevent blurring when the camera shakes.
* Motion detection -  Intelligent ISO Control – Helps prevent blur caused by subject motion.
* Light detection – Intelligent Exposure – Adjusts the brightness of dark areas in the image.
* Advanced Face – Detection Face Detection AF/AE – Helps deliver clear portraits.
* Scene detection – Intelligent Scene Selector – Selects the optimal scene mode for the situation.
* Subject detection – AF Tracking – AF Tracking follows moving subjects and adjusts accordingly.

Film Mode
Much like changing the film type in a film camera, you can enjoy a wide range of expression based on six color modes and three monochromatic modes. When the multi-film mode is selected, you can record pictures having up to three different effects with each press of the shutter button.

 

REVIEWS:

reviews.cnet.com writes:

“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is a camera that people will either love for its speed, photo quality, and interchangeable-lens flexibility or hate for its large-ish size, electronic viewfinder, and occasionally frustrating design.”

digitalcamerareview.com writes:

“With all of this in mind, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect in terms of basic performance from the G1. Pre-production versions of the camera I’d shot with felt surprisingly responsive for a contrast-detection AF system, but without controlled test results to back up this feeling I wondered if my optimism about the G1 as a whole might be coloring my subjective evaluations of the camera’s performance. Having now had a chance to run the G1 through our usual battery of timings tests, I can say with certainty that while our results show some interesting tendencies, overall speed and responsiveness is indeed very competitive. For references purposes, we’ve put the G1 up against other entry-level DSLRs, and the fact that the camera is competitive in this crowd (if never class leading) is a testament to its solid performance all around.”

cameralabs.com reviews writes:

“As the debut model of a brand new standard, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is a rare, exciting and brave camera. Like all debut models it exclusively represents the benefits of the new standard and its relevance in the market, while also having to work hard against established rivals. Having used the Lumix G1 for some time now, we’d say it succeeds strongly in both respects.”

dcresource.com reviews writes:

“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is the smallest interchangeable lens camera in the world. It may be the first of a totally new design of cameras (Micro FourThirds), but you’d never know it. Panasonic has done a superb job with the G1 in nearly all respects. It produces very good quality photos, offers an unmatched live view shooting experience, and has a nice collection of both automatic and manual controls. The G1′s biggest problems are its price, and the fact that it’s not that much smaller than, say, the Olympus E-420. Still, if you’re willing to spend the $800 for it, you won’t be disappointed: the DMC-G1 is the first camera to truly offer a “point-and-shoot experience” on an interchangeable lens camera, and thus, it earns my recommendation.”

photographyblog.com reviews writes:

“Which sadly cannot also be said about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1′s price-tag. This is the single biggest problem that the G1 faces – a recommended price at launch of £599 / $799 is simply too high for a camera targeted at customers used to spending far less on a compact. It also doesn’t compare well to a more traditional DSLR, with that kind of money easily buying you a Canon EOS 450D, Nikon D80, or Sony A350, all with kit lenses. Unfortunately for the G1, all of those cameras also offer better image quality, so if that’s the most important factor for you, there are plenty of options available for the same or even less cash. Despite its sky-high price-tag, the Panasonic G1 still makes perfect sense for a lot of photographers. If you want a fantastically well-implemented Live View experience in a small and portable DSLR-like format, with all the image quality, handling and flexibility improvements that that format offers, then the DMC-G1 is the right camera for you. Panasonic’s first attempt at a brand new camera format is undoubtedly a great success.”

pocket-lint.com reviews writes:

“For us, we love the compact body and the level of control that you get. We also love the full articulation of the screen: it’s a real bonus and helps make the G1 a really fun camera to use.”

The Panasonic DMC-3D1E-K is equipped with a 3.5-inch 16:9 LCD with 460,000 dots high-resolution. The large LCD allows the display to control two images when recording in “Wide & Zoom” or “Photo & Video” simultaneously. With touch-screen, it is easy to switch the lens – right or left – and control its zooming intuitively. When playing back, you can drag the image across the screen with a finger to browse a collection of photos as you flip over the pages of the book.

The DMC-3D1E-K can record 3D photos and 1920 x 1080 high quality videos of the side by side method without any special operation or setting. Right and left images are captured simultaneously by the two lenses and the MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) of the each lens compensates for the blurring caused by hand-shake, even when shooting in 3D. It lets everybody take beautiful and blur-free images with ease. 3D photos and videos can be played back on Panasonic VIERA 3D TV that supports AVCHD format.

The Panasonic  Lumix DMC-3D1 can record 3D photos and 1920 x 1080 high quality videos of the side by side method without any special operation or setting. Right and left images are captured simultaneously by the two lenses and the MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) of the each lens compensates for the blurring caused by hand-shake, even when shooting in 3D. It lets everybody take beautiful and blur-free images with ease. 3D photos and videos can be played back on Panasonic VIERA 3D TV that supports AVCHD format.

The High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and Venus Engine excel in image processing in both sensitivity and speed. Multi-process Noise Reduction applies optimum noise reduction according to the brightness of the part of the image. Images recorded in low-lit situations are clear even when shooting at high ISO setting. The Venus Engine’s quad-CPUs circuit system achieve high-speed processing for large amount of full HD video data and fast consecutive shots at 8 fps in full resolution.

The iA Mode is available in video shooting. Since the camera automatically optimizes the settings, it lets you shoot stunning HD videos every time. The MP4 format is optimal for viewing or editing on a computer.
Right and left images are captured simultaneously by the two lenses and the MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) of the each lens compensates for the blurring caused by hand-shake, even when shooting in 3D. It lets everybody take beautiful and blur-free images with ease.

The High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and Venus Engine excel in image processing in both sensitivity and speed. Multi-process Noise Reduction applies optimum noise reduction according to the brightness of the part of the image. Images recorded in low-lit situations are clear even when shooting at high ISO setting. The Venus Engine’s quad-CPUs circuit system achieve high-speed processing for large amount of full HD video data and fast consecutive shots at 8 fps in full resolution.

Features:

•  LUMIX Compact Digital Camera
•   2-Lens System – 3D Photo and 3D Video Shooting
•   2-Lens System – “Wide & Zoom” and “Photo & Video” Dual Shooting
•   Intuitive Operation with 3.5-inch 460,000-dot Smart Touch Screen
•   Beautiful Low-light Images with High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
•   1,920 x 1,080 Full HD Video Recording

More Reviews Coming

 

 

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Effective Mega- Pixels: 12.1 Mega-Pixels
• Sensor Size: 1/2.3 inch High Sensitivity MOS Sensor x2
• Optical Zoom: 4x Optical
• Focal Length: (in 35mm equiv.) 2D: 25-100mm, 3D(16:9): 33-132mm,
3D(4:3): 30-120mm
• Aperture: F3.9 – F5.7/ 2 step
• Lens Type: LUMIX DC VARIO x2 (11 Elements in 10 Groups)
• LCD Size: 3.5” Smart Touch screen 460dot resolution
• ISO Sensitivity: 2D: Auto/I .ISO 100/200/400/800/1600/3200 High
Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400) , 3D: Auto
• Mode: 2D: Intelligent Auto, Normal Picture, SCN, wide & zoom dual shooting,
3D: Normal Picture
• Burst Shooting: 2D: Full-resolution image 8 frames/sec, Standard/Fine
Mode max 12 images, with AF tracking 4 frames/sec, 2 frames/sec
•Recording: 2D: Still Image JPEG Motion picture AVCHD, MP4, 3D: Still Image
JPEG, MPO Motion picture Original format
• Battery Life (CIPA Standard): 200 Pictures
• SD Card: SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Country of Origin: Japan

The Lumix DMC-TZ25’s main highlight is its stabilised, 24-384mm equivalent, Leica branded zoom lens which works in tandem with the twelve-megapixel MOS sensor, enabling the camera to capture high-resolution stills at up to 10 frames per second (fps), and Full HD movies at 50fps.

The Panasonic TZ25 boasts a 24mm ultra wide angle 16x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens that fits in a slim, pocket-sized profile. With the TZ25’s Intelligent Zoom function, the zoom increases its power to the equivalent of 32x with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to its Intelligent Resolution Technology. It has special effects which include Creative Control mode, HDR, Panorama Shot, Creative Retouch and Auto Retouch. The DMC-TZ25 newly complies with USB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power supply.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ25 can record high-resolution full-HD 1920 x 1080 50i videos in AVCHD (MPEG-4 / H.264) format, the new camera also comply with 25p in MP4 format which has high compatibility with PCs or smartphones for editing or sharing the videos.Panasonic’s popular Intelligent Auto (iA) assists easy video recording without needing a special technique.

The combination of the 12.1-megapixel MOS sensor and the Venus Engine empowers the camera with high performance image recording capability in both sensitivity and speed. The lens, the sensor and the engine all play a significant part in improvement of image quality especially those shot in low light situations. It also contributes to the high speed burst shooting at 10 fps and approx. 0.1 sec of Light Speed AF to catch the most fleeting shooting opportunities.

Features

• Dual Image Stabilisation – Mega O.I.S. optical and digital technology workstogether to counteract blurred images due to shaky hands, subject movement,or when shooting in low-light conditions – important at full zoom where asmall movement of the hand can cause a lot of movement at the other end.
• 28mm Wide 10x Leica Zoom Lens – cover a wide range of shooting situationsfrom wide-angle to capture more in your image, to telephoto where you canzoom up close to distant objects.
• iA (Intelligent Auto) – Automatically adjusts your camera for a range ofdifferent shooting situations and includes such features as face detection,subject detection (auto-focus tracking), motion detection, red-eyecorrection, light detection.
• Continuous 9-area AF – This function automatically and continuously focuseson your subject, providing a clear, sharp focus even for moving subjects.This is ideal for capturing images of animals in nature and sports or otherevents, and is equally handy for taking photos of children and pets.
• Venus Engine IV with ISO 6400 – high speed image processor with ultra-highsensitivity (ISO 6400) and excellent noise reduction for better low-lightphotography. Also features short shutter lag (approx. 0.008 seconds), up to6 frames per second high-speed burst capture for catching the action, andlow power consumption (approx. 300 shots on a single charge).
• HD Output – you can view your HD images or HD videos on a HDTV using theDMW-HDC2E component cable

REVIEWS:

digitalcamerareview.com writes:

“At the end of the day, I came away with mixed feelings about the TZ5. It’s a competent package that continues to do something relatively unique, and it will still get the job done with style and speed in most cases. Choosing to break little from the heritage of the TZ line, though, I can’t help but feel that it’s not as outstanding as it easily could have been.”

 

 

 

MORE REVIEWS COMING

Specifications

With the combination of 14.1-megapixel high-sensitivity MOS sensor and the he new Venus Engine, the the Panasonic DMC-TZ30 can shoot at up to 10 frames per second. Full HD video recording is now progressive, at 1080p in AVCHD format’ The Panasonic TZ30 can be charged via USB rather than having to remove the battery and charge it via a dedicated wall charger.

This GPS-enabled compact camera sports a newly developed 14.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 24mm wide-angle optics with a 20x optical zoom. Fitted with a 3-inch touchscreen, the shooter is capable of capturing 1080p full-HD videos and doing 10fps burst-mode shooting at full resolution. This pocket-sized compact camera boasts a 20x optical zoom in both photo and video recording. The POWER O.I.S. gives you clear, crisp, blur-less zoom shots.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30 comes with a 24mm ultra wide angle 20x optical zoom lens and 14.1-megapixel sensor. It has a 0.1 second Light Speed auto focus utilizing DSLR AF technology and a number of features to help improve your photography on the fly.  It also features mapping software that lets you see where you have taken your shot. The 1920 x 1080 50p Full HD AVCHD video recording and a stereo microphone are included in the package too.

It includes a GPS unit, which lets photographers tag location information on shots, and a 20x optical zoom, which Panasonic claims is the world’s slimmest camera with this amount of zoom. At 24mm wide angle it’s definitely got the chops to capture plenty of landscapes. There’s also HDR (high dynamic range) mode, which automatically stitches together several exposures in-camera, and an easy panorama mode.

The camera’s zoom functionality is slowed significantly when recording video, in order to provide a smooth transition from wide to telephoto focal lengths. There’s no exposure control that we can find, though the camera does seem to inherit some of the same exposure settings when you switch from still photography to recording video by pressing the dedicated record button on top of the camera

The Panasonic DMC-TZ30 features full HD video recording, with options for AVCHD 1080/60p (28Mbps), 1080/60i (17Mbps), and .MP4 1080/30p (20Mbps) recording. The sensor output in AVCHD modes is a full 60p, while that drops to 30p in the 1080/30p .MP4 settings. (In the PAL model, the TZ30, the framerates are 50p, 50i, and 25p respectively.

This camera includes iHDR Scene Mode, which is an auto HDR mode, creative control and creative retouch, with the latter basically being an image filter function similar to smartphone apps like Instagram and Toy Effect. It tries its best to undo all that hard work done by the engineers at Panasonic in order to make your pictures look like you’ve taken them with a toy camera.

Key features:

•     Image Sensor: 14.1M High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
•     Engine: Venus Engine
•     Lens: LEICA DC Lens with 24mm Ultra Wide Angle
•     Zoom: 20x Optical Zoom / 40x intelligent zoom
•     AF speed: 0.1 seconds
•     Burst shoot: 10 FPS
•     Movie recording: 1,920 x 1,080 50p Full HD AVCHD video recording and a stereo microphone
•     LCD Screen: 3 Inch 460,000-dot Wide Viewing Angle Smart Touch Screen with AR Coating
•     Panorama mode
•     Size: 104.9 x 58.9 x 28.2 mm
•     Weight: Approx. 184g without Battery and SD Memory Card / Approx. 206g with Battery and SD Memory Card

REVIEWS:

digitalcamerainfo.com reviews writes:

“Altogether the Panasonic DMC-TZ30 is a fine camera, an extended zoom model that doesn’t sacrifice too much in key areas (color accuracy and lens performance) while surpassing our expectations in others (high ISO performance). For a camera that provides a very attractive combination of size and zoom range, you can live with its faults of you take advantage of its strong points.”

reviews.cnet.co.uk writes:

“At £330, it’s not particularly cheap, but you’re getting a lot for your money, and we’d expect that price to fall substantially over the next few months — as is the case with all pocket cameras. If you’re not looking for an upgrade right away, then this is certainly one to keep an eye on, and you should give it some serious consideration before you next head off on holiday.”

whatdigitalcamera.com writes:

“The Panasonic Lumix TZ30 is a serious advance to the TZ-series and delivers in every area. If you’re after a pocketable, powerful and easy to use compact camera then the TZ30 is up there with the very best. This is one capable compact and a serious alternative to far bulkier superzoom models. An out and out winner.”

blitzreview.com writes:

“Panasonic booked the Lumix DMC-TZ30 to be released next month. The UK will be the first to see this cam on its shore. Compact cameras have yet to see such a good example on how one of their kind must look and perform. And so it seems like the Japanese minds are at it again!”

 

Specifications:

The Panasonic DMC-FT4 comes with a built-in GPS geotragging option with over a million place names pre-installed, a compass, altimeter and barometer so you can see exactly where you are when you take pictures.  The DMC-FT4 has a compass, altimeter and even a barometer. Preserve memories in beautiful photos and videos with this all-year-round active field player.

The  Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4 is drop proof from a height up to 2.0m in accordance with the “MIL-STD 810F Method516.5-Shock” test standard. In addition to reinforcing the exterior of the camera with shock-resistant material, the  uses folded optics to prevent its lens unit from taking damage when dropped during operation. The lens unit is protected by a supplementary damper to absorb the force from shock impact. All components including the lens unit are reexamined to endure the temperature as low as -10 degrees C to make the DMC-FT4 freezeproof.

The DMC-FT4 is waterproof up to 12m, shockproof to 2m, can withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius and is dustproof as well. The camera is also equipped with an inbuilt electronic compass, altimeter and barometer to display one’s altitude as well as calculate barometric pressure.

The DMC-FT4 has a 12-megapixel sensor along with a 28mm-128mm, 4.6x zoom lens. Its design is similar to the previous iterations of Panasonic’s Tough camera, with seals and locks ensuing that your battery and memory card are kept safe from water penetration. The controls at the top and on the back of the camera are easy to press for the most part, but I did have some problems pressing the dedicated video recording button, especially while underwater — it requires the pointy end of your finger, rather than the fleshy part.

The FT4 is specially designed for active outdoor use. It adopts GPS, compass, altimeter and even barometer to show and record altitude, barometric pressure and orientation data. The barometer also works for indicator for depth underwater.   This camera shows the name of the Country/Region, State/Prov./County, County/Township, City/Town/Village and Landmark using the internal data to give users real-time information of the place when taking photos to add fun of photo shooting during travel.

The DMC-FT4 incorporates a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR 28mm wide-angle lens with a 4.6x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 28-128mm). The folded optics of shaft guide method is adopted to secure the toughness of the lens unit. Comprising 10 elements and a prism unit in 8 groups, including 1 ED lens and 5 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces passing the Leica’s stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance to the edges.

Key Features:

•     12.1 megapixel High Speed CCD sensor
•     28mm wide angle 4.6x optical zoom lens (28-128mm equivalent)
•     Optical Image Stabilisation (Power O.I.S)
•     Full HD Video recording
•     3.7fps full resolution continuous shooting
•     10fps shooting at 3 megapixels
•     Time-lapse shot, Miniature Effect, Panorama Shot
•     2.7inch screen
•     Waterproof: 12m
•     Freezeproof: -10
•     Shockproof: 2m
•     Dustproof (IPX8, IPX6),
•     GPS

REVIEWS:

photographyblog.com

“With its tough body and rugged design, the FT4 is fully equipped for outdoor adventures in any season – whether it’s diving, snorkelling, surfing, climbing, skiing, snowboarding or camping – the FT4 will deliver and ensure you have a memory to treasure. With superb photo and video recording in an extremely tough body, the FT4 will be available in a choice of black, blue, white or orange.”

pcworld.idg.com.au reviews writes:

“Overall, the FT4 looks to be one of the best tough cameras on the market. Its image quality isn’t stellar, but it’s not too bad either. I liked the camera’s ease of use and its shot-to-shot speed, which allowed me to take successive shots while holding the camera underwater. Its video quality isn’t too shabby either. I’ll have to wait for a proper review model before I can rate it though.”

asia.cnet.com reviews writes:

“Overall, it seems little has changed between the FT3 and FT4 in terms of specifications–barring the fact that the FT4 now sports full manual controls and may appeal to more experienced users who want more shooting flexibility. Although the new camera has slight cosmetic improvements, we think that the FT4 would need to provide more in terms of image quality and performance to convince buyers to bite. We’ll have to do a full evaluation on a commercial unit before passing any judgment, so look out for our full review. “

techradar.com reviews writes:

“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4 is a creme egg of a camera; unless there’s plenty of light around to make the best of the fact that this is basically a snapshot camera in wolf’s clothing, image quality is soft in comparison to the rock hard exterior.”

pocket-lint.com writes:

“In summary, despite the FT4’s rugged claims, this is a camera more for taking out in all weathers with a reasonable amount of confidence rather than throwing at rocks or going scuba diving with – in other words intentional punishment. Still, there is the potential here for a bit of fun if you can justify the expense – plus it is still one of the coolest-looking tough cameras out there.”

Specifications:

The DMC-FT20 has 4 active outdoor Scene Modes – Sports, Snow, Beach & Surf, and Underwater – that can be selected easily and quickly from the menu, ensuring that you don’t miss sudden shooting opportunities. The FT20 is a camera to be enjoyed, not to fret over. Want to capture images of your little one paddling at the beach but worried about sand and water damaging the camera? Or maybe you’re a keen biker who loves rough terrain but is worried about the dust and the effect of falling off your bike on the camera? Don’t worry, the FT20 is as happy in the water, on the beach or rough terrain as it is at home taking shots in the comfort of your lounge.

The 16.1-megapixel DMC-FT20 features a newly developed 25mm ultra wide angle 4x optical zoom lens. The folded optics method is adopted to secure the toughness of the lens unit. Comprising 11 elements and a prism unit in 10 groups, including an ED lens and 5 aspherical lenses with 9 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit renders high resolution image corner to corner even adopting the folded optics. 25mm ultra wide angle of view enables shooting dynamic landscapes or group portrait without letting them protrude out of a frame. The 4x optical zoom increases its power to 8x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT20 records dynamic HD video3 in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30p (NTSC) 25p (PAL) in MP4 format which has high compatibility with PCs or smartphones for editing or sharing the videos. The recorded videos can be directly uploaded to YouTube. The FT20 incorporates a dedicated video button to switch between photo and video recording quickly. The 4x optical zoom is also available in video recording as well as Active Mode that minimizes hand shake even when the video is recorded while walking.

The FT20 icludes a 2.7inch Intelligent LCD with High Angle mode, ensuring images are easy to view outdoors. Once you’ve taken your shots, users can enjoy their communication with the LUMIX Image Uploader, which realizes instant image sharing via Facebook or YouTube with any PC on the spot. It comes with Mega O.I.S., AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Recognition, Intelligent Scene Selector and a variety of shooting options on board.

The Panasonic FT20 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand. The FT20 is drop proof2 from a height up to 1.5m in accordance with the “MIL-STD 810F Method516.5-Shock” test standard. The lens unit is protected by a  supplementary damper to absorb the force from shock impact. All components  including the lens unit are re-examined to endure the temperature as low as -10 degrees C to make the FT20 freezeproof.

Key Features:

•     16.1 megapixel sensor
•     25mm wide angle 4x optical zoom lens (25-100mm)
•     Optical Image Stabilisation (MEGA O.I.S)
•     720p Video recording
•     Miniature effect
•     2.7inch screen
•     Waterproof: 5m
•     Freezeproof -10
•     Shockproof 1.5m
•     Dustproof (IPX8, IPX6)

REVIEWS:

cnet.com.au reviews writes:

“For close to AU$400, the FT10 doesn’t seem like it’s worth the money given the image quality we’ve come to expect from other Lumix cameras. Better still, the older original tough model (Lumix FT1) pairs better image and video quality in a package that’s just as rugged.
The FT10 is decent enough; just keep your photo and video quality expectations in check given its position in the Lumix tough range.”

Specifications:

The Panasonic DMC-GX1 can record high resolution full HD 1,920 x 1,080 videos despite its small body. The  Panasonic GX1 also allows you to record in MP4 format for easy uploading.Also Intelligent Auto mode let you shoot beautiful video footage with full-time AF.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 bursts at about 4fps with LCD updates, a respectable time for its class, but as with many non-OVF cameras the display doesn’t update fast enough to keep a moving subject in the frame. It also has an SH (super-high) speed burst mode, which shoots 20fps for 2 seconds.

The camera’s focus is even faster than the 120Hz sensor readout allowed in the recently released G3 and GF3 models, with Panasonic claiming a 10% improvement. This new camera offers the option of touch focusing as well as firing the camera shutter by simply tapping on the LCD.

The Lumix GX1 is ergonomically designed to offer a firm grip and hold in its flat and sharp body. All the function buttons are located for the smooth and easy operation of this camera.

The new camera’s body is reminiscent of the original GF1 and based upon a boxy chassis made from high quality resins. The machine-tooled dials and laser etched characters on the camera body are designed for smooth operation and many years of reliability. There’s a generous grip on the front panel that is comfortable to hold, thanks to a resilient elastomer cladding.

The GX1 is rather sensibly positioned as an enthusiast offering for those who want the highest image quality from a Micro Four Thirds camera, in a form factor that comfortably accommodates a range of zoom lenses and does not skimp on external controls.

This camera looks pretty standard on paper: there’s a 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor, a choice of body colors, RAW shooting, HD video and a top sensitivity of ISO 12,800. Just as it did with the GF2 and GF3 body designs, Panasonic took a different direction with its new X-series lenses, swapping the traditional manual zoom for a motorized version, enabling a much more compact footprint.

The GX1 shoots good JPEGs even as high as ISO 400, without any major degraded details; at ISO 200, however, we can notice a slight softness, while at its lowest ISO, the 160 sensitivity, we could clearly notice some noise manifesting itself in the darker areas. The good news is that if you choose to shoot in raw, you can go as up as ISO 800, where you’ll notice the pictures become slightly grainy; even at its highest sensitivity, ISO 1,600, the pictures remain usable.

The raw photo quality of the Lumix DMC-GX1 is rated as excellent after the testing session and the fast performance of the camera makes it a solid contestant for a recommendation.

Features:

• 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor
• ISO 160-12,800
• Orientation sensor (providing information with non-OIS lenses)
• 3.0″, 460k dot LCD
• Full AVCHD 1080/60i video (from 30fps sensor output)
• Continuous shooting up to 20fps (at reduced resolution)
• Electronic level gauge
• Four available Fn buttons (two onscreen)

REVIEWS:

photographyblog.com reviews writes:

“The Panasonic Lumix GX1 is the natural successor to the popular GF1, taking many of its design cues from that two-year-old camera whilst incorporating virtually all of the recent advances that Panasonic have made in their other G/GF-series cameras. Breaking the compact enthusiast design out into its own range makes perfect sense, with the GF-series now aimed predominantly at new compact system camera users, the G-series at DSLR-wannabees, and the GF at those looking for a combination of the two.” 

reviews.cnet.com writes:

“A well-designed camera with an interface that creative photographers can customize to their liking, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 deserves serious consideration if you’re looking for a modestly compact interchangeable-lens model.”

pocket-lint.com reviews writes:

“What’s not to like about the GX1? It looks wonderful, its build is superb and the layout and controls are fault-free. Autofocus is very impressive, the variety of focus options are capable and the image quality, while not the very best a compact system camera has to offer, is still pretty darn good. Besides, the image quality reflects the smaller size of the system and is a good balance between system size and final image quality.”

pcmag.com reviews writes:

“The GX1 is a capable, compact camera—and you can buy it without the kit lens and save $100. But if you are considering your first mirrorless camera and aren’t looking for more advanced features like a hot shoe and a bountiful number of physical controls, you may find more value in one with a larger sensor like the Sony Alpha NEX-5N. That camera can do much better in low light and has an external viewfinder accessory available, just like the GX1.”

pocket-lint.com review writes:

“This one’s a bit of a Marmite deal: you’ll either love it or hate it. Traditionalists may feel the design is ill-suited, the toggle zoom is slooow, plus the additional £150 price premium does make the £758 kit expensive. The standard 14-42mm kit is a more reasonable £599. Of course the smaller size of the power zoom is its biggest plus point. As we Brits like to say, “horses for courses” as far as that’s concerned.”

 

Specifications:

Image sensor:
17.3 x 13.0 mm Live MOS Sensor with 16.68 million photosites (16.0  megapixels effective)
Lens mount:
Micro Four Thirds mount
Focal length crop factor: 2x
Digital zoom:
2x or 4x; Max. 2x Extra optical zoom for stills, 4.8x for movies
Image formats:
Stills – RW2.RAW, JPEG (Exif 2.3), RAW+JPEG (Fine/Standard); Movies- AVCHD / MP4; 3D -  MPO (when attaching 3D lens)
Image Sizes:
Stills – 4:3 aspect: 4592 x 3448, 3232 x 2424, 2272 x 1704; 3:2 aspect:
4576 x 3056, 3232 x 2160, 2272 x 1520; 16:9 aspect: 4576 x 2576,  3232 x 1824, 1920 x 1080; 1:1 aspect: 3424 x 3424, 2416 x 2416, 1712              x 1712; with 3D lens – 1824 x 1368, 1824 x 1216, 1824 x 1024, 1712 x 1712;
Movies – AVCHD:
[Full HD] 1920×1080, 50i (sensor output is 25p) (FSH:17Mbps, FH:13Mbps), [HD] 1280 x 720, 50p (sensor output is 25p)    (SH:17Mbps,  H:13Mbps);
MP4:
[Full HD] 1920 x 1080, 25fps (sensor output is 25p) (Approx.20Mbps);   [HD] 1280 x 720, 25fps (sensor output is 25p) (Approx.10Mbps), [VGA] 640×480, 25fps (sensor output is 25p) (Approx.4Mbps)
Image Stabilisation:
Lens-based
Dust removal:
Supersonic wave filter
Shutter speed range:
60 to 1/4000 second plus Bulb (Manual mode only); 1/25 to 1/16000 sec for movies
Exposure Compensation:
+/- 5 EV in 1/3 EV steps
Exposure bracketing:
3,5,7 frames in 1/3, 2/3 or 1 EV Step, +/-3 EV
Self-timer:
2 or 10 seconds delay plus 10 sec, 3 images
Focus system:
‘Light Speed’ Contrast AF system with AFS, AFC, AFF (flexible), MF;  AF detection range EV0-18 (ISO 100 equivalent); AF-assist lamp provided
Focus modes:
Face detection, AF Tracking, 23-area-focusing, 1-area-focusing ,  Pinpoint
Touch (1-area-focusing in Face detection, AF Tracking, Multi-area- focusing, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint)
Exposure metering:
144-zone multi-pattern sensing system with Intelligent  Multiple, Centre Weighted, Spot modes; range EV0-18 (f/2.0                     lens, ISO 100 equivalent)
Shooting modes:

Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual; Scene (Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Architecture,     Sports,Peripheral Defocus, Flower, Food, Objects, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Illuminations, Baby 1/2, Pet, Party, Sunset), Custom  1,  Custom 2, Creative Control
Picture Style/Control settings:
Expressive, Retro, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect
Colour space options:
sRGB, Adobe RGB
Custom functions:
25 functions programmable into four Function memory banks

The DMW-VF1 features a bright frame with an aspect ratio of 3:2 (horizontal:vertical), equal to 24mm (35mm equivalent). The viewfinder is equipped with a correction mark for shooting at a distance of 50cm. Its clear view is achieved by the use of advanced optical design, making it an ideal accessory for taking snapshots. Made of high-quality aluminum.

The Panasonic Lumix DMW-VF1 Viewfinder provides an external optical glass viewfinder alternative to the LCD while using the LX3 digital camera. It conserves battery power by allowing the LCD to be turned off while providing a viewing and compositional aid.

It also features brightlines for the wide-angle setting of the camera, which is equivalent to a 24mm view on 35mm format. This will help you to avoid vignetting mistakes.

Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical Viewfinder features 46mm thread size. Conserves battery power by allowing the LCD to be turned off while providing a viewing and compositional aid. Mounts into the hot shoe on top of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 digital camera.

REVIEWS COMING

 

Panasonic DMW-VF1 Features:

    * Provides an external optical glass viewfinder 
       alternative to the LCD while using the Panasonic 
       Lumix DMC-LX3 digital camera
    * Mounts into the hot shoe on top of the Panasonic 
       Lumix DMC-LX3 digital camera
    * Conserves battery power by allowing the LCD to 
       be turned off while providing a viewing and 
       compositional aid
    * 46mm thread size
    * It comes with a 24mm frame (35mm camera 
       equivalent)

Suitable for use with:

• Panasonic Lumix LX3
• Panasonic Lumix LX5

The main change to the TZ20 body design is that the one-touch video button now sits on top of the camera next to the shutter button, rather than on the back next to the button for changing Exposure settings, as on the TZ10.
This seems a minor change, but in effect it feels more natural pressing the video button on top with my index finger, than using my thumb on the back where I might also inadvertently press the Exposure button.

The  Panasonic DMC-TZ20 also has a touchscreen LCD that, unlike some of the company’s G-series hybrid cameras, such as the Lumix GH2, doesn’t feel as all-round responsive as it could be. It’s certainly not like using an iPhone interface, for example, and taking that into mind and how many people already own such similar smartphones the transition between the two will feel all the colder. Certain touch elements are very cool indeed though – pressing your finger where you want the camera to focus is certainly useful but just needs to be all the more responsive

The Panasonic TZ20 a has a lot of features and functions and it does take a while to learn them or memorize the different custom setting. The iA (intelligent Auto) mode takes good pictures. The zoom works well in brightly lit areas/outdoors. It also has shutter and apperture priority if you are an enthusiastic photographer with touch screen zoom and spot zoom.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ20 strikes you as being a little large, elongated and bulky, but it’s virtually the same size and weight as the previous TZ7 model. You then have to remind yourself that Panasonic have somehow now fitted in a 16x zoom lens, equivalent to 24-384mm on a 35mm camera, which provides a very versatile focal range that will cover every subject from ultra-wide angle landscapes to close-up action shots. Even when set to 384mm, the lens doesn’t extend too far from the front of the  Panasonic Lumix, making it look to all intents and purposes like a “normal” compact camera.

The Panasonic DMC-TZ20 fit nicely in one’s hand in every manner of shooting. It’s slim enough to cradle, yet substantial enough to balance on knees or rock walls at longer shutter speeds. A more prominent, textured thumb grip on the back of the camera also proved surprisingly useful for shooting one-handed or from the hip; however, its placement next to the playback mode switch feels slightly inconvenient.

The good news for Panasonic and buyers of the Lumix TZ20 is the camera really does deliver a number of key benefits over earlier models. Previous bug-bears like slow continuous shooting and vertical streaks in video have been resolved. The GPS landmark database and lookup have been improved. The camera can now film 1080i Full HD video. Panasonic has continued its obsession with touch-screens.The TZ20 even offers slow motion video, composite noise reduction and 3D capture modes.

New to the  Panasonic DMC-TZ20 is the 3D Mode option. When selected, the camera instructs you to pan 10cms from left to right, during which it takes 20 consecutive shots at high-speed, another benefit of the LIVE MOS sensor. It then automatically selects the best 2 shots from the sequence to create a 3D image. You can only view the results on a 3D TV (the TZ20 records standard MPO files), and although it isn’t as effective as images taken with Panasonic’s 3D Micro Four Thirds lens or the Fujifilm 3D W3, for example, it does create quite a convincing effect which particularly suits subjects that are close-up to the camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ20 Features:

Leica DC Lens
24mm Ultra Wide Angle with 16x Optical zoom
Full HD movie 1080 in AVCHD format
Built in GPS allows you to easily organise your travel images by locat
Intuitive Touch Screen Operation with a 3’LCD
3D Photo mode

REVIEWS:

trustedreviews.com writes:

“If you’re restricted to just the one lens on a camera yet shoot a multitude of subjects, better make it a jack of all trades with as broad a focal range as possible. Now the question is, how to shoehorn that into a camera that will still fit in your pocket? Panasonic thinks it has the answer in its Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ20.”

techradar.com reviews writes:

“Overall in design the Panasonic DMC-TZ20 seemed like the Matt Damon of cameras: pretty to look at, but tough enough to handle a wide range of jobs – a great everyman’s camera.”

photographyblog.com reviews writes:

“Once you have captured a photo, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ20 has a good range of options when it comes to playing, reviewing and managing your images. You can instantly scroll through the images that you have taken, view thumbnails (up to 30 onscreen at the same time and in a special Calendar view), zoom in and out up to 16x magnification, view slideshows, delete, protect, crop, resize and copy an image. You can also select favourite images, sort images into categories, add a text stamp, add a soundclip and set the print order. Face Recognition plays back only the photos that contain a certain face.”

pocket-lint.com writes:

“The Panasonic Lumix TZ20 has plenty of offer. It’s a big improvement over the TZ10 before it and we’re particularly fond of the newfound 16x optical zoom (24-384mm) lens. This provides a broad range to shoot with although, it has to be said, the overall final image quality at 100% isn’t the best out there – yet it’s ideal for day-to-day snaps.”

cnet.com.au reviews writes:

“Travel photographers who prefer a feature-packed camera will love the  Panasonic DMC-TZ20 with its GPS, long lens and HD video. Unfortunately, it doesn’t produce better images than the earlier, award-winning TZ10 and the addition of the touchscreen hinders rather than helps the shooting experience.”

Our Rating:

****½ (4.5/5)

VIDEOS

 Specifications

****½ (4.5/5)

Key Features

• 14 megapixel CCD sensor
• 16x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 24-384mm in 35mm equiv., f/3.3 – f5.9
• Intelligent zoom extends the zoom to 20x at 14Mp
• 3inch screen, with 230k pixels
• 720p video at 30fps with mono sound
• P/S/A/M modes
• POWER O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer)
• Automatic screen brightness adjustment
• ISO100 – ISO1600
• 3cm Macro mode
• Facebook and Youtube sharing

The 14.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ18 features a 24mm ultra wide-angle 16x optical zoom LEICA DC lens, including Nano Surface Coating technology which dramatically reduces ghost and flare. The 16x optical zoom can be used both in photo and movie recording. The 24mm wide-angle lens captures approx. 213% larger viewing space compared to a normal 35mm lens.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ18 is its latest travel-zoom camera, featuring a 16x 24-384mm lens, 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor, 720p HD movies, and fast continuous shooting at either 10fps or 5.5ps with continuous auto-focus turned on. Panasonic has an enviable track record for its TZ-series cameras, which squeeze big zooms into compact bodies, and it continues to set the pace with this sixth-generation model.  The Panasonic DMC-TZ18 replaces the TZ8 with a boost to all the key specs: the zoom is up from 12x to 16x, the screen from 2.7in to 3in and the image size from 12 to 14 megapixels.

The biggest news is the optically stabilized lens, which has ‘grown’ at both ends and now sports a whopping 18x (28-504mm equiv.) zoom, putting it into direct competition with Olympus’ SP-550UZ (now updated to the SP-560UZ) and Fujifilm’s recently announced FinePix S8000fd

This camera is very similar to its big brother, the DMC-TZ20, in terms of its design, with the most notable difference being the lack of a one-touch Movie Record button and the removal of the hump for the TZ20′s GPS unit.

At first glance the Panasonic Lumix strikes you as being a little large, elongated and bulky, but it’s virtually the same size and weight as the previous TZ8 model. You then have to remind yourself that it has somehow now fitted in a 16x zoom lens, equivalent to 24-384mm on a 35mm camera, which provides a very versatile focal range that will cover every subject from ultra-wide angle landscapes to close-up action shots. Even when set to 384mm, the lens doesn’t extend too far from the front of the TZ18, making it look to all intents and purposes like a “normal” compact camera. This helps to make it a great for candid moments, as people assume that you’re using just a standard point and shoot with a much more limited range.

This camera is a well-built camera with a high quality metal body. The design is dominated by the 16x lens on the front and the large 3 inch LCD screen on the rear. There is no optical viewfinder, which does make the camera a little harder to keep steady at the telephoto end of the zoom than holding it up to your eye. There is only a shiny, smooth handgrip on the front of the TZ18 and a small textured area on the rear, although it does have a slight curve to aid grip. The TZ18 actually has a 14.5 megapixel sensor, but only uses 14.1 megapixels so that it can offer four different aspect ratios – 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1 – without having to change the angle of view. The Multi Aspect mode takes an image in all four aspect ratios simultaneously and lets you choose the best one. This camera is well-made overall, although we don’t like cover for the battery compartment and SD card slot, which feels a little insubstantial and is locked using a cheap plastic switch.

The high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine VI is incorporated in this camera to enable the recording of beautiful images with higher quality signal processing including the Intelligent Resolution technology.
An advanced noise reduction system in the Venus Engine VI applies noise reduction (NR) to luminance noise and chromatic noise separately. As a result, beautiful images with minimal noise can be reproduced all the way up to ISO1600 high sensitivity at full resolution for beautiful night shots or dimly lit indoor shots.

 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ18 REVIEWS

expertreviews.co.uk writes:

“Builds on its excellent predecessor with more of everything, but the competition has caught up.”

trustedreviews.com writes:

“The Lumix TZ18 is a very nearly the ultimate super-zoom camera, with good performance and handling, an excellent range of features and a simply astonishing lens, made usable by an equally superb image stabilisation system. However it falls just short of greatness due to the inexplicably small sensor, which in turn leads to image noise and dynamic range issues. It’s still the best 18x super-zoom out there though, at least until September.”

cameralabs.com reviews writes:

“Ultimately the Lumix TZ18 / ZS8 does exactly what it’s supposed to do: it delivers the same core features as the higher-end TZ20 / ZS10 at a cheaper price, and should therefore appeal to no-frills or budget-conscious super-zoom buyers. The CCD sensor also delivers slightly better photo quality than the TZ20 / ZS10. As such, the Lumix TZ18 / ZS8 earns our Recommended rating as a new camera, but we suspect many potential buyers will either be unable to resist the expansive feature-set of the TZ20 / ZS10 or looking for the older TZ10 / ZS7 at a discounted price.”

photographyblog.com reviews writes:

“This all leaves the TZ18 caught a little stranded between the older TZ10, which additionally offers GPS and a better screen, and the more expensive but much better-specced TZ20. Panasonic have commendably dropped the price of the TZ18, which at £80 / $100 less than the TZ20 is something of a bargain, but we’d still opt for the discounted TZ10 or save up for the TZ20.”

Panasonic DMC-TZ18 VIDEOS

Specifications