DMC-FZ200 features constant F2.8 aperture to capture spur-of-the moment shots with stunning image quality.

8th Aug 2012

Central Coast, 8 August, 2012– Panasonic has released its latest LUMIX FZ Series lineup. The top-of-the-range DMC-FZ200 features a lens with a constant F2.8 aperture (35mm camera equivalent 25-600mm). The stunningly bright F2.8 aperture in 600mm is a world first[i] in digital compact cameras, making it possible to capture spur-of-the moment shots with stunning image quality.

The two new models in the FZ Series range – the DMC-FZ200 and the DMC-FZ60 – pack a powerful 24x optical zoom and offer superior controls including manual operation both in still image and Full HD video recording.

Alistair Robins, Group Marketing Manager, LUMIX – Panasonic Australia said: “The LUMIX DMC-FZ200 is a versatile, powerful camera. With its 24x optical zoom and constant F2.8 aperture, it allows photographers to take creative and high-quality images and videos.”

Both models deliver high speed response and high quality imaging even in high sensitivity recording thanks to a High Sensitivity MOS sensor and the advanced Venus Engine image processor. They offer high speed burst shooting and Light Speed AF to catch the most fleeting shooting opportunities. ‘Creative Control’ and ‘Photo Style’ allow users to add unique, artistic effects.

The DMC-FZ200 also features a newly designed 1.312K EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) with 100 per cent field of view and minimum screen freeze.

The new cameras have a 25mm ultra wide angle lens, making them perfect for shooting dynamic landscapes or group portraits.

The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) offers improved correction accuracy to minimise blur even when using powerful zoom, and Active Mode[ii] effectively suppresses handshake vibration during video recording. Panasonic’s Black Box Nano Surface Coating technology on the lens minimises the light reflection that causes ghost and flare.

Both cameras record 1920 x 1080 50p (DMC-FZ200) / 50i[iii] (DMC-FZ60) Full HD video in AVCHD progressive / MP4[iv] with high quality stereo sound. The powerful 24x optical zoom and manual controls are also available in video recording for greater creative control.

The DMC-FZ200 also offers the convenience of RAW and RAW+JPEG capture if required.



Pricing and availability

Key features

LUMIX DMC-FZ200

Powerful 24x LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens with nano surface coating

The DMC-FZ200 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 25mm ultra wide-angle lens with a 24x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-600mm) that achieves constant F2.8. The stunningly bright F2.8 aperture at 600mm is a world first for digital compact cameras.

To be able to achieve constant F2.8 with a shallow depth of field, high precision correction performance against distortion is essential. The advanced and compact lens is comprised of 14 elements in 11 groups, including 1 UHR lens, 3 ED lenses and 5 aspherical lenses with 9 aspherical surfaces. The accuracy required for the aspherical lens is within 0.1um, which is made possible by the high-precision technology at Panasonic’s Yamagata, Japan factory.

12.1 megapixel high sensitivity MOS Sensor and Venus Engine for high speed response and premium picture quality

The DMC-FZ200 includes a newly-developed 12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and the advanced LSI Venus Engine image processor. This high-performance camera offers high speed burst shooting at 12fps in full resolution with mechanical shutter and 5.5fps with continuous AF; and Light Speed AF to catch the most fleeting shooting opportunities, with a fast start-up time of approximately 0.95 sec.

High Speed Video enables recording of subjects with fast motion at 100fps[v] or 200fps. In addition to the conventional SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card, the DMC-FZ200 complies with the UHS-I (Ultra High Speed-I) standard SDHC / SDXC Memory Card for higher speed data transfer.

Designed with the discerning photographer in mind

The DMC-FZ200 has a newly developed 0.2-inch EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) that features 1,312,000-dot equivalent high resolution for 100 per cent field of view. The increased frame rate from 30fps to a maximum 60fps makes the DMC-FZ200 suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects under strong sunlight.

The DMC-FZ200 has a redesigned zoom lever, making it easier to zoom while concentrating on shutter operation with the right hand. The focus can also be changed with this lever, particularly convenient in video recording. A total of three function buttons are now available for accessing frequently-used settings.

For more advanced creative freedom, the DMC-FZ200 is equipped with a hot shoe allowing attachment of various accessories including an optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) or an optional external flash (DMW-FL220 / FL360 / FL500). The DMC-FZ200 is also compatible with an optional remote shutter (DMW-RSL1) for advanced expression in photography.

LUMIX DMC-FZ60

25mm ultra wide-angle, powerful 24x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens

The DMC-FZ60 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 25mm ultra wide-angle lens with a 24x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-600mm). The Nano Surface Coating technology results in a clear picture with a dramatic reduction of ghost and flare. Panasonic’s black box technology and exceptional optical performance deliver images and video with stunning clarity.

Comprising 14 elements in 10 groups, including 3 ED lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit has an outstandingly compact body while delivering exceptional optical performance.

16.1-Megapixel high sensitivity MOS Sensor and Venus Engine for high speed response and high picture quality

The DMC-FZ60 has a 16.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and the advanced Venus Engine image processor and offers high speed burst shooting at 10 fps in 16.1-megapixel full resolution (max 3 images) and 5fps with continuous AF. Light Speed AF catches the most fleeting shooting opportunities, with a fast start-up time of approximately 0.9 sec. Battery life has been extended by around 12%, making it possible to shoot 450 pictures per a single charge (CIPA).



Other features – DMC-FZ200 and DMC-FZ60

Full HD video recording in the AVCHD progressive format and MP4

Both cameras record 1920 x 1080 50p (DMC-FZ200) / 50i (DMC-FZ60) Full HD video in AVCHD progressive / MP4[vi] with high quality stereo sound. The powerful 24x optical zoom and manual controls are also available in video recording, giving users greater creative control.

Movies can be played back on a VIERA Full HD TV or a Panasonic Blu-ray Player or Recorder by inserting an SD Memory Card or via a mini HDMI cable. A separate button on the top of the camera allows users to instantly start recording videos while capturing photos without having to make any additional changes to the settings. Alternately, users can choose MP4 at 25p for video recording, which has greater compatibility with PCs.

The powerful 24x optical zoom with two-step zoom and POWER O.I.S. is also available in video recording. In addition, Active Mode offers stabilisation in situations such as shooting while walking.

Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator provides highly realistic sound. The stereo zoom microphone has a zoom noise reduction system, and the Auto Wind Cut function blocks out most of the noise from background wind.

Creative Video mode lets the user set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive videos. Changing the shutter speed is suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects, while the ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances and each of them needs to stand out.

Creative Controls and Intelligent Auto

There are now 14 Creative Control modes, including: Soft Focus,[vii] Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Colour, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect, Star Filter[viii], Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, and Miniature Effect[ix]. Some parameters in each mode can also be adjusted. Photo Style is also available for greater creative expression with Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait and Custom presets.

Both models feature iA (Intelligent Auto) Plus on photo and video recording. In addition to the popular iA functions – POWER O.I.S. with Active Mode, AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Handheld Night Shot, Intelligent HDR and Motion Deblur[x] – the iA Plus mode lets users adjust defocusing area in the background, exposure compensation and white balance for more flexible control.



Optional Accessories:

DMC-FZ200 only:
- Stereo Microphone: DMW-MS1E
- External Flash: DMW-FL500E, DMW-FL360E, DMW-FL220
- Remote Shutter: DMW-RSL1

Both models:
- Tele Conversion Lens: DMW-LT55E
- Close-up Lens: DMW-LC55E
- Lens Adaptor: DMW-LA7GN
- ND Filter: DMW-LND52E
- PL Filter: DMW-LPL52
- MC Protector: DMW-LMC52E
- Battery Pack: DMW-BLC12E



Included accessories: Battery charger, battery pack, USB cable, shoulder strap, CD-ROM, lens hood, lens cap, PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.3 PE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio (DMC-FZ200); PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.3 AE (DMC-FZ60).

The new cameras will be available from consumer electronics retailers and photographic specialists. For more information about the LUMIX camera range visit www.panasonic.com.au/LUMIX or call Panasonic on 132 600.

RELEASED BY PANASONIC AUSTRALIA

[i] As of July 18, 2012.

[ii] Available on the DMC-FZ200.

[iii] DMC-FZ60: sensor output is 25p.

[iv] 25p in MP4 recording.

[v] The recording format is 25p.

[vi] 25p in MP4 recording.

[vii] For photo only.

[viii] For photo only.

[ix] Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately one minute long).

[x] The picture size may be reduced