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Press Release - 21 July 2010
The Ultimate Hybrid Stylish Digital Camera
DMC-FX700 With F2.2 Super Bright 24mm Ultra Wide Angle LEICA DC
VARIO-SUMMICRON Lens* Featuring 1920x1080 Full HD Movie Recording in AVCHD
Panasonic is pleased to announce a new addition to the
popular LUMIX FX series - DMC-FX700 that packs a host of advanced functions
in a slim, stylish body. Now truly a hybrid camera, the FX700 records high
quality 1920x1080 full HD movie in AVCHD. The 14.1-megapixel camera also
features F2.2 super bright 24mm ultra wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON
lens with 5x optical zoom* to make the camera even more versatile from
shooting dynamic landscapes to the moving subject in low-lit situations such
as indoors or at night.
The iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – an advancing hallmark
of LUMIX – now includes Motion Deblur mode** and Intelligent Burst mode.
Motion Deblur mode is available by updating the motion detection
(Intelligent ISO Control) and brightness control (Intelligent Exposure) to
gain as high shutter speed as possible. Combined with the outstanding
brightness of the lens and the POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), the
DMC-FX700 thoroughly prevents any kind of blur, whether caused by a
handshake or the subject's motion. The new Intelligent Burst mode determines
the frame rate in the burst shooting according to the speed of subject’s
motion. Further iA functions, POWER O.I.S., Face Recognition, Face
Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector
and Intelligent Exposure work appropriately just by setting the camera to iA
mode for any user to take beautiful photos with maximum ease.
To realise a high speed and accurate image processing,
both the image sensor and the image processing LSI have been re-engineered.
The new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor achieves high speed consecutive shooting
and full HD movie recording with high resolution and high sensitivity in
both photo and video shooting. It also includes Intelligent Resolution (IR)
technology to give the whole image outstandingly natural clarity with fine
detail. An added benefit of the IR technology allows the 5x optical zoom* to
increases its power to 6.5x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function.
Thanks to Sonic Speed Auto Focus and a quick start-up time the DMC-FX700
provides extremely fast response levels helping to capture even the most
fleeting photo opportunities.
Now the 3.0-inch large Intelligent LCD offers full
touch control and easy view both in shooting and playing back images. You
can not only set the menu or the focus on the intended subject but also
release the shutter subsequently. For advanced creative freedom, A/S/M mode
is available to set shutter speed and aperture that best express the
photographer’s intention.
Despite its compact, slim and stylish look, the
DMC-FX700 offers versatile ways of recording memories not only in beautiful
photo but also in high quality movie with ultimate ease of operation.
*Equivalent to 35mm camera: 24-120mm.
**The picture size may be reduced.
Panasonic DMC- FX700 Features Explained:
1. The Super Bright F2.2 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON
Lens with 24mm Ultra Wide-Angle and 5x Optical Zoom
The DMC-FX700 packages a high quality LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens that
boasts an astonishing brightness of F2.2, extraordinary for a slim, stylish
digital compact cameras. The F2.2 lens is about 1.6x brighter than the F2.8
lens, itself generally considered a bright lens. It lets DMC-FX700 shoot at
higher shutter speed and capture stunningly clear, sharp, blur-free images
in lower lighting situation. Together with the anti-blurring function in the
iA mode, DMC-FX700 never allows any subject to be blurred. This advanced
lens also makes it easy to produce beautiful photos with pleasing soft
background focusing thanks to the shallow depth of field provided by the
extra light.
Also, the 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens - rare on a compact camera - gives
photographers a wider range of composition possibilities with approx. 213%
larger viewing space compared to that of 35mm camera. The super-high-quality
LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens minimizes distortion at the wide end.
The lens unit consists of 7 elements in 6 groups with 3 aspherical lenses
with 5 aspherical surfaces. In addition to the 0.3mm super thin aspherical
lens and 0.3mm thin spherical lens, another aspherical lens is designed to
be as thin as 0.4mm, which results in the realization of F2.2 brightness and
24mm ultra wide angle of view at the same time. This advanced lens unit
passes Leica's stringent standards and delivers an exceptional optical
performance with its minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations while
suppressing ghosting and flaring.
Thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is
available with the DMC-FX700 which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x
maintaining the picture quality even using a digital zoom. This means the 5x
optical* can virtually extend to 6.5x equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra
Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power to 10.5x (at 3-megapixel
resolution) by using the center part of the 14.1-megapixel high resolution
MOS sensor to bring subjects even closer.
*Equivalent to 35mm camera: 24-120mm.
2. Enjoy 1920x 1080 Full HD Movie Recording in
AVCHD with the Advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode
According to the rise of movie recording popularity, digital cameras are now
more compatible with it. The DMC-FX700, the top-end model of the FX series,
has recording capability of AVCHD movie even in 1920x1080 full HD despite
its slim, stylish body. The AVCHD format features almost doubling the
recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG. The
picture quality is greatly enhanced thanks to the Intelligent Resolution
technology. The DMC-FX700 also boasts Dolby Digital Stereo Creator to record
high quality audio.
Now on the DMC-FX700, the popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in
motion image recording. The AF Tracking function that can lock onto the
subject to keep it in focus even it moves is now available in movie
recording, too. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Face Detection,
and Intelligent Scene Selector also support shooting beautiful movie with
ease. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal,
Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to
optimize visual quality. The Intelligent Exposure that also optimizes the
exposure to prevent over/under exposure part from occurring.
The 5x optical zoom is available in movie recording, too. With the Video
Divide function, users can divide the video into two sections to shorten or
delete the unwanted part on the spot in the camera. You can cut out a clear
still image from a movie in the camera thanks to the Intelligent Resolution
technology. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the
noise from background wind. A host of options enhances the usability and fun
of recording high quality full HD movie.
・Motion images can be recorded continuously for up to 29min 59 sec in
European PAL areas
・Continuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion
JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen.
・Use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 4" or higher when recording
motion pictures in [AVCHD]. Also, use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class
6" or higher when recording motion pictures in [MOTION JPEG].
*SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
3. Newly Developed 14.1-Megapixel MOS Sensor
Pursuing Even Higher Level in Resolution, Sensitivity and Speed
To realize the 1920x1080 full HD movie recording with high image quality,
the new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor is developed for DMC-FX700. For the
effective concentration of light, the newly developed sensor adopts
microfabrication technology to achieve even higher sensitivity. With an
advanced micro light tube structure, both color mixture and signal loss are
prevented. The result is that the photo and movie shot at any sensitivity
from low to high have outstanding clearness.
The high speed digital signal output technology integrated in the DMC-GH1 is
applied also to the DMC-FX700 realizing the high speed consecutive shooting
and full HD movie recording. It lets the DMC-FX700 to shoot 10 fps in
14-megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter and 5 fps / 2 fps with
continuous AF. Even higher speed burst shooting is available with DMC-FX700
if electronic shutter is used– 60 fps in 3.5-megapixel*. The frame rate, AF
setting and the recording resolution can be easily selected according to the
movement of the subject.
On the other hand, the newly added Intelligent Burst mode adjusts the frame
rate of burst shooting according to the speed of the subject’s movement. If
the movement of the subject is not so fast, the camera shoot is at regular
frame rate and it moves fast, the camera increases it accordingly.
*In the high speed burst shooting at 60 fps, the picture size is
3.5-megapixel(16:9), 3-megapixel(3:2), 2.5-megapixel(4:3) or
2-megapixel(1:1)
4. Redesigned Venus Engine FHD with Even Higher
Signal Processing Performance
For the image processor, the new Venus Engine FHD is incorporated that
features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities. By
separating chromatic noise from luminance noise and applying the optimal
noise reduction to each, so you can capture clear and beautiful images even
when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. The Venus Engine FHD also
provides precisely selective noise reduction to the chromatic noise without
affecting the border of colors which is judged from the brightness level of
a pixel. The Intelligent Resolution technology is another feature of the
Venus Engine FHD. With the Intelligent Resolution technology, 3 areas —
outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas are automatically
detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges more
clearness while giving a moderate accentuation to the texture areas to look
more finely detailed. To the soft gradation part, superior noise reduction
system of the Venus Engine FHD is applied to make it smoother. Apart from
the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent
Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most
effective way for it. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in
both photo and movie recording. The Intelligent Resolution technology also
realizes Intelligent Zoom, which virtually extends the optical zoom ratio to
its approx. 1.3x equivalent maintaining the picture quality even combining
the digital zoom. Details of an image in high sensitivity recording tend to
be lost in the noise reduction process; however, the Intelligent Resolution
works to keep them. Linking smoothly with the MOS sensor, the Venus Engine
FHD processes a large amount of signal at high speed, making it possible to
record high resolution consecutive shots and full HD movie recording.
At the same time, the multi-task image-processing engine, the Venus Engine
FHD realizes a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as
short as approx. 0.008 second and the camera's quick response makes it
easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities together
with the Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus). The high performance Venus Engine FHD
is also more energy efficient despite its high processing task, assuring the
battery life up to 300 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.
5. The Evolving iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode Makes
Every Photo Blur-less
Panasonic incorporated the Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate
ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. In the iA mode, the camera
does all the work, leaving you free to compose shots and capture moments.
Just press, aim and shoot.
With the DMC-FX700, the Motion Deblur mode* is incorporated to prevent blur
even more powerfully. The mode is a comprehensive integration of Intelligent
ISO Control which automatically adjusts ISO setting and shutter speed
according to the subject's movement and the advanced contrast control system
of Intelligent Exposure that also optimizes the exposure to prevent
over/under exposure part in a picture. The camera judges the appropriate
shutter speed to suppress the motion blur according to the movement of the
subject. The shutter speed rises as high as possible activating the high
sensitivity recording by pixel mixed readout method. Combined with the
outstanding brightness of the lens and the POWER O.I.S., the DMC-FX700
thoroughly prevents any kind of blur — whether out of handshake or the
subject's motion.
The newly added Intelligent Burst mode adjusts the frame rate of burst
shooting according to the speed of the subject’s movement. If the movement
of the subject is not so fast, the camera shoot is at regular frame rate and
it moves fast, the camera increases it accordingly.
Not only those, the Face Recognition function remembers registered faces to
give an appropriate AF/AE on the people while removing the unwanted red-eye.
The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene
modes — Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset —
that best suits the shooting situation.
In addition, the Intelligent Resolution technology is always activated in
the iA mode which results in the clearer and higher picture quality in every
photo and movie with extended zoom range equivalent to 6.5x optical zoom by
the Intelligent Zoom.
Once you enter the iA mode, these functions happen automatically together
with other powerful shooting-assist functions — AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO
Control and Intelligent Exposure — so you can shoot without the bother of
adjusting settings every time conditions change. You can enjoy easy,
trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes
with capturing clear, beautiful images.
The Happy mode, a color mode option in the iA mode, optimizes color,
saturation and brightness to make both photos and movies more vivid and true
to the color of the scene you memorized.
*The picture size may be reduced.
6. The Intuitive Touch-Control Shooting on the
Large, Easy-to-see LCD
The DMC-FX700 adopts full touch-screen operation. AF is immediately set to
the subject by just touching it on the 3.0-inch large, 230,000-dot LCD and
you can even release the shutter. Zooming is also controlled with touch
operation.
Once you lock on the subject by a touch, the camera tracks the subject with
the AF tracking function even if it moves. With the Intelligent Scene
Selector in the iA mode, the camera automatically switches to the
appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a
human face switches to the Portrait mode and a touch on the background or
scenery to the Scenery mode while a touch on the subject close to the camera
to the Macro mode. All menu setting is now available with touch control. In
the shooting screen you can directly touch the icon to change its setting
quickly. The touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also
for playing back images with outstanding visibility. You can play back the
image you want out of hundreds of stocks by touching in the thumbnails. To
play back images one by one in order, you can drag the image over the screen
with a finger to browse the collection of photos as you flip over the pages
of the book. Max. 16x of enlargement is also operated easily with touches.
The screen brightness automatically adjusts in 11 steps as the surrounding
brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times. The
3.0-inch large screen reflects fine details, making it easy to check the
focus before shooting. It also serves as a small photo and video viewer,
allowing the user and friends to enjoy viewing the still and motion images
together.
7. Other Versatile Functions Adding to the
Photographic Enjoyment
Although the DMC-FX700 with the iA mode is the camera for every stage of
users to be able to take beautiful shots with, it also features manual
control for advanced expressive photo shooting. It has A (Aperture Priority)
/ S (Shutter Speed Priority) / M (Manual Exposure) modes for step up users
to enjoy the creative shots depending on the subject or the scene by
controlling the shutter speed and aperture. All control is possible via the
touch-screen.
Taking advantage of a high speed MOS sensor, newly added Handheld Night Shot
mode shoots consecutive 10 shots to simulate over one picture detecting and
fixing the position of the subjects. With a short shutter speed, exposure is
accumulated while noise is averaged, to produce a blur-less, beautifully
illuminated night shot even without using a tripod.
The 1:1 square format is available for photo recording in addition to the
conventional aspect ratios of 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9.
About Included Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD
Edition
The latest version of exciting software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition comes
bundled with DMC-FX700. The PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition makes it possible
to sort and organize photos not only of those newly taken but also of those
stored in your PC. Speeding up its processing time, the Face Recognition
function that recognizes the faces in the picture and the software
automatically sort the photos by the registered faces without picking out
each photo one by one when you only want pictures of a specific person. The
consecutive shots are recognized not one-by-one photo but as a sequence of
shots, showing a moving thumbnail in the organization interface. You can
also enjoy slideshows with a variety of effects and use your iTunes music
library as background music. Motion pictures can be uploaded directly to
YouTube using the built-in YouTube uploader even in HD (High Definition)
quality. It also lets you create a 360-degree rotation panorama file in MOV,
which is especially easy if Panorama Assist mode in the camera is used.
Experience and feel the outstanding benefit of the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD
Edition. It will surely allow you to view, edit and archive your captured
photos and motion pictures with greater ease and fun.
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