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Press Release - 21 July 2010
New Ultimate Hybrid Digital Compact Camera,
Panasonic DMC-FZ100 with Full HD Movie Recording Offering Active, Creative
Photo and Movie with Powerful 24x Optical Zoom and Hi-Speed Response
Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new DMC-FZ100,
top-of-the-line model of the LUMIX popular FZ series. Packing a powerful
optical zoom and creative options, including manual operation and full HD
movie recording capability, the new hybrid digital camera ensures all
memories are captured in high quality photo and video.
Capturing the Moment in Photo and Movie The newly
developed LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens in the DMC-FZ100 extends its optical
zoom range from 27mm to 25mm at wide end and the zoom power from 18x to 24x
to be even more versatile compared with the DMC-FZ35*.
Featuring a newly developed 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor,
the FZ100 can record high quality 1920x1080 full HD movie as smooth as 60i
(NTSC) / 50i (PAL). Recording a movie couldn’t be easier with thanks to a
special, separate button on the top of the camera which allows the user to
instantly start recording movies while shooting photos without having to
make any extra settings. Together with a host of creative options, the
unlimited expression of not only photo but also of movie is a reality with
the FZ100.The powerful 24x optical zoom is available in movie recording with
the mechanism designed to minimize the noise of auto focusing or zooming.
With DMC-FZ100, there are always two options to record
spur-of-the-moment scenes – high-quality photos or movies. The user can
simply choose the one that saves precious memories most beautifully.
Further benefits of the high speed MOS sensor include
an industry’s fastest level of burst shooting in 14.1-megapixel full
resolution, at 11 fps with mechanical shutter and even 60 fps in
3.5-megapixel recording mode**. It also enables the camera to record high
speed movie at 220 fps in QVGA size, to capture the motion of a subject the
naked eye cannot see.
The new image processing LSI Venus Engine FHD assures
high picture quality in both photo and movie recording. It also compiles the
Intelligent Resolution technology to perform the optimum signal processing
depending on the part of a picture to give a whole image outstandingly
natural clearness with fine details. The powerful 24x optical zoom* can be
increased its power to 32x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function
taking advantage of the Intelligent Resolution technology maintaining the
picture quality even using digital zoom.
Sonic Speed Auto Focus featured in the FZ100 enables,
an industry fastest, high-speed start-up giving the camera extremely fast
response levels helping to capture even the most short lived photo
opportunities. Using the manual control of FZ100 elevates the operability
even higher with the incorporation of new jog dial. A focus switch is newly
equipped on the lens barrel true to the system camera and lets the user
enjoy creative shooting expressing their intention not only in photo but
also in movie.
The iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – an advancing hallmark
of LUMIX – now includes Motion Deblur mode***. The 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-FZ100 thoroughly prevents any
kind of blur - whether caused by a handshake or the subject's motion. The
POWER O.I.S., Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO
Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure work
appropriately just by entering the iA mode for any user to take beautiful
photos with maximum ease.
The 3.0-inch free-angle Intelligent LCD has
460,000-dot high resolution to for high quality visibility during recording
and playback. The battery life is also as powerful as approx. 410 pictures
shooting thanks to the highly energy efficient MOS sensor and image
processing LSI, the Venus Engine FHD.
Organising captured photos and motion pictures with
greater ease and fun The latest version of Panasonic’s editing software,
PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition, comes bundled with DMC-FZ100. With quick
start-up and fast reading of images, the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition makes
it possible to sort and organise photos. The Face Recognition function,
which recognizes the faces in the picture, automatically sorting the photos
by the registered faces without picking out each photo one by one when you
only want pictures of a specific person. 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 5.0 HD Edition. It will surely
allow you to view, edit and archive your captured photos and motion pictures
with greater ease and fun.
Recording both high quality photo and movie with super
fast response at 25mm ultra wide angle to super telephoto 24x, the DMC-FZ100
is a none-the-like versatile digital compact camera with functions that
satisfies users at any level of photography from beginners to high amateurs.
*Equivalent to 35mm camera: 25-600mm.
**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)
***The picture size may be reduced.
Panasonic DMC- FZ100 Features Explained:
1. 25mm Ultra Wide-Angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT
Lens with Powerful 24x Optical Zoom for Ultimate Versatility in Both Photo
and Movie Recording
The FZ100 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 25mm ultra
wide-angle lens with a 24x optical zoom(35mm camera equivalent:25-600mm).
Comprising 14 elements in 10 groups, including 3 ED lenses and 2 aspherical
lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit realizes the
outstandingly compact body while passing Leica's stringent standards to
deliver exceptional optical performance suppressing distortion at wide end
and color bleeding at tele end. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent
Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the FZ100
which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x maintaining the picture quality
even combining a digital zoom. This means the 24x optical can virtually
extend to 32x equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra Optical Zoom function that
extends zoom power to 50.6x (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the center
part of the large MOS sensor to bring subjects even closer.
2. 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-FZ100. 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-FZ100 realizing the high speed consecutive shooting
and full HD movie recording. It lets the DMC-FZ100 shoot 11 fps in
14-megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter and 5 fps with
continuous AF. Even higher speed burst shooting is available with DMC-FZ100
if electronic shutter is used– 60 fps in 3.5-megapixel*. It also enables the
camera to record Full HD 60i(NTSC) / 50i (PAL) smooth movie. In addition,
the high speed movie at 220 fps in QVGA size is another advantage of the
sensor which captures the motion of a subject. The frame rate, AF setting
and the recording resolution can be easily selected according to the
movement of the subject with a dedicated button on the top of the camera.
Photos shot with the burst shooting are automatically organized and it is
easy to play them back later either in the camera or on PC using the bundled
software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition.
Despite its outstanding performance, the high performance MOS sensor
contributes to energy efficiency extending the battery life up to 410 shots
(CIPA) per a single charge.
*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)
3. 1920x1080 60i Full HD Movie Recording in the
AVCHD format
The LUMIX DMC-FZ100 is an advanced photographic tool for recording not only
great photos but also beautiful full-HD movies. In addition to Motion JPEG
images, the DMC-FZ100 can record high-resolution full-HD 1920 x 1080
60i(NTSC) / 50i (PAL) movies in AVCHD (MPEG-4/H.264)* format. The AVCHD
format features almost twice the recording time in HD quality than the
conventional Motion JPEG and excels in the compatibility with AV equipment
like HDTVs or Blu-ray players. A special, separate button on the top lets
the user instantly start recording movies while shooting photos without any
having to make any extra settings.
The powerful 24x optical zoom is available in movie recording with the
mechanism designed to minimize the noise of auto focusing or zooming. With
DMC-FZ100, there are always two options to record spur-of-the-moment scenes
– high-quality photos or movies. The user can simply choose the one that
saves precious memories most beautifully.
The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in movie recording. 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 movies also come with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby® Digital
Stereo Creator, to offer highly realistic sound to the movie. For more
creative sound recording, an optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) is
available. And a Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of
the noise from background wind.
It is also possible to take still image while recording motion picture
simultaneously (3.5-megapixel)**.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 host of
options enhances the usability and fun of recording high quality full HD
movie.
Photos or movies recorded in AVCHD on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a
Panasonic VIERA TV. Simply insert the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD
Memory Card slot) on VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player to playback your
contents. Alternatively, you can use an optional mini HDMI cable to output
the still and motion images you took from the FZ100 directly to the TV for
VIERA Link. You can take maximum advantage of LUMIX camera's playback
functions including the slideshow in which both still and motion images are
integrated in the timeline, category playback according to the scene mode
you used or calendar display and so on. All control is possible using only
the TV's remote control.
In addition, with the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition, it is
easy to view and edit your recorded contents. You may also choose to upload
your videos to YouTube or burn them to a DVD disc for archiving.
*Full-HD (1920 x 1080) movies are recorded at 60i (NTSC)/50i (PAL). HD (1280
x 720) movies are output and recorded by the image sensor at 60p (NTSC)/50p
(PAL).
**In the high speed burst shooting at 60 fps, the picture size is max.
3.5-megapixel(16:9), 3-megapixel(3:2), 2.5-megapixel(4:3) or
2-megapixel(1:1)
・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.
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, 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 signals 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 Venus Engine FHD
achieves 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).
5. Intuitive Manual Control and Creative Option
The excellent manual controllability is the advantage of DMC-FZ100, making
it stand out of standard compact cameras. The newly adopted jog dial
enhances the operability together with the focus switch relocated on the
lens barrel.
In movie recording, the DMC-FZ100 goes further than simply recording HD
movies. Apart from the movie recording capability of conventional digital
compact cameras, the DMC-FZ100 also features a Creative Movie mode, which
lets the user set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more
impressive movies. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to
movies, which is especially suitable for shooting fast-moving subject. The
ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several
subjects at different distances and it is desired to have each of them stand
out.
My Color mode, which was popular in the LUMIX G Micro System cameras, is a
special option that gives free reign to the user's creativity. With a
variety of options including new Pin Hole, Film Grain, High Dynamic and High
Dynamic B&W, the My Color mode makes it easier and more fun to create
interesting, expressive images by shooting images with most intensive color,
brightness and saturation parameters The popular My Color mode is available
also in movie recording giving the user a wider range of expressive
possibilities to explore together with the Creative Movie mode.
The newly added hot shoe allows attachment of various accessories including
an optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) or an optional external flash
(DMW-FL220/360/500). The DMC-FZ100 is also compatible with a optional remote
shutter (DMW-RSL1) for advanced expression in photography.
6. Great Photography Is Not only from a
Professional Photographer — Advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode for Photo &
Movie
The DMC-FZ100 has advanced functions that will satisfy experienced
photographers, yet is easy enough for beginners to use comfortably.
The hand-shake component, which is physically generated when pressing the
shutter button or when shooting at night with a slow shutter speed, is
recognized as a low-frequency vibration, for which the POWER O.I.S. is
particularly effective. This greatly improves the quality of shots taken
with high zoom, at night or indoors where a flash cannot be used, or where
the photographer doesn't want to use a flash because it would spoil the
mood. It captures beautiful photos in situations that previously resulted in
blurring. The Face Recognition function remembers registered faces to give
an appropriate AF/AE on the people. The Intelligent Scene Selector, which
automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene modes — Macro, Portrait, Scenery,
Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset — that best suits the shooting
situation.
With the DMC-FZ100, 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.
Plus, 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 with the Intelligent Zoom equivalent to
32x optical zoom.
The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist
functions by simply selecting the iA mode to take beautiful photos and
movies with maximum ease.
The Happy mode, a color mode option in the iA mode, optimizes color,
saturation and brightness to make both photo and movie more vivid and true
to the color of the scene you memorized.
7. Other Features Enhancing the Photographic
Experience
The DMC-FZ100 features free-angle 3.0-inch large 460,000-dot high-resolution
LCD (which boasts a wide viewing angle) and 0.2-inch 201,600-dot EVF, both
with 100% field of view. A large, clear, easy-to-see LCD, that rotates 180°
horizontally and 270° vertically to offer even more comfortable view for
both monitoring when shooting and for playing back the results.
The 1cm Macro shot is also available to capture subjects with fine detail
with the FZ100.
8. Rich Options for Further Expandability
The DMC-FZ100 offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every
shooting situation and shooting style.
Tele Conversion Lens(1.7x): DMW-LT55
Close-up Lens: DMW-LC55
Conversion Lens Adaptor: DMW-LA5 NEW
MC Protector: DMW-MC52
ND Filter: DMW-LND52
PL Filter: DMW-LPL52
External Flash: DMW-FL220(GN22) / DMW-FL360(GN36) / DMW-FL500(GN50)
Stereo Microphone: DMW-MS1
Remote Shutter: DMW-RSL1
Battery Pack: DMW-BMB9
Carrying Case: DMW-CZS100 NEW
Bag:DMW-CZ18
About Included Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD
Edition
The latest version of exciting software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition comes
bundled with DMC-FZ100. 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 sorts 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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