Panasonic Unveils New 4-Megapixel Digicam

Panasonic Consumer Electronics has introduced its DMC-FZ10 Lumix digital camera. The new 4-megapixel digital camera sports a 12X optical zoom. Expected to hit stores in November, the DMC-FZ10 has a suggested retail price of $599.

New Features

The DMC-FZ10 Lumix sports a F2.8 large aperture Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with 13 elements in eight groups and three aspherical lenses, according to Panasonic. The 12X zoom is the equivalent to a 35-420mm zoom lens on a conventional 35mm camera.

The camera also features Panasonic's MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer to help reduce jitter when you're using its telephoto zoom capabilities. The camera also integrates a new histogram capability that can be displayed on the 2-inch LCD screen to manage exposure control.

The DMZ-FZ10 uses an engine that writes data simultaneously to the memory card while displaying it on the LCD, thus reducing lag time between shots. The camera can capture 4 frames per second, and can also record 320-by-2400 motion-JPEG images at 30 or 10 frames per second using QuickTime. (It records audio as well.)

Shutterbug Goodies

Manual focus, aperture, shutter, and exposure functions are available, along with centering guidelines, self timer, program auto exposure, continuous auto focus, spot AF switch and AF lock, digital automatic pop-up flash with multiple modes, multiple image display, and panning mode.

A lens hood is also included, along with a 16MB SD Memory card, AC cable, DC cable, A/V cable, USB connection cable, lens cap, carrying strap and software.