Another flurry of product shunting activity at Panasonic has seen the company announcing their new Lumix DMC-FX700 touch-screen digital compact.
The mid priced 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor-packing snapper features a stabilised wide angle 5x zoom lens covering a usefully wide range of 24-120mm, backed by a reasonably nippy F2.2-5.9 maximum aperture range.
Thanks to its touch-sensitive 3.0″ screen there’s a minimum of buttons interrupting its 104 x 56 x 25 mm body, which weighs in at a pocket-untroubling 176g.
Lights, camera, action!
Those with a penchant for a bit of movie making will appreciate the 1920×1080 full HD Movie Recording in AVCHD, with Dolby Digital Stereo Creator for high quality audio.
With the Venus Engine FHD processor doing all the hard work inside, the camera can rattle off 10 fps of full resolution burst shooting, and there’s manual and auto exposure modes onboard to keep both point and shooters and enthusiast snappers happy.
There’s also a nifty sounding intelligent burst shooting feature, which adapts the speed of a burst of snaps to the speed of your moving subject – so a slow-moving subject is snapped at a leisurely 2fps, while a speedier subject is captured at up to 10fps.
Pricing is yet to be announced.
Press Release:
The Ultimate Hybrid Stylish Digital Camera DMC-FX700
With F2.2 Super Bright 24mm Ultra Wide Angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON Lens*1 Featuring 1920×1080 Full HD Movie Recording in AVCHDPanasonic, an innovator in the digital imaging realm, is pleased to announce a new addition of DMC-FX700 to the LUMIX popular FX series, that packs a host of advanced functions in a slim, stylish body. The DMC-FX700 is now truly a hybrid camera that records high quality 1920×1080 full HD movie in AVCHD. The 14.1-megapixel DMC-FX700 also features F2.2 super bright 24mm ultra wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens with 5x optical zoom*1 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 comprehends Motion Deblur mode*2 and Intelligent Burst 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-FX700 thoroughly prevents any kind of blur – whether the blur is 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. 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.
To realize a high speed and accurate image processing, both the image sensor and the image processing LSI is 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.
And the new image processing LSI, the 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 5x optical zoom*1 increases its power to 6.5x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function taking advantage of the Intelligent Resolution technology maintaining the picture quality even using digital zoom. The Sonic Speed AF and a quick start-up time gives the DMC-FX700 super high speed response that helps to catch 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.
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 camera. 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*1 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.
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 1920×1080 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 area
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*3 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].Newly Developed 14.1-Megapixel MOS Sensor Pursuing Even Higher Level in Resolution, Sensitivity and Speed
To realize the 1920×1080 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*4. 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.
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.
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*2 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 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.
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.
*1 Equivalent to 35mm camera: 24-120mm.
*2 The picture size may be reduced.
*3 SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
*4 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)
