Digital Camera Reviews

If you want to take underwater pictures with your Panasonic GF1, then you might need the INON X-2 waterproof case. Available in white or black, the case is designed to withstand at least 75 meters beneath the surface of water. The case also features two optional M1 grips with underwater lights and even a special diving rig. What’s more, the INON X-2 case is also tough enough to come out unscathed even though it has been run over by a car. The INON X-2 case for Panasonic GF1 is priced at around $2,200.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS30 (also known as the DMC-FH20) is a slim and stylish digital camera with a versatile 8x, 28-224mm optical zoom lens. The FS30 also features a a 2.7-inch LCD screen and can record HD movies in 1280 x 720p at 30fps. The 14.1 megapixel DMC-FS30 offers Panasonic’s now standard Intelligent Auto mode for quick and easy shooting, Quick AF system, Venus Engine IV image processor, High Sensitivity mode and Extra Optical Zoom. The FS30 / FH20 is available in silver, black, blue or violet for £179 / $179.

The company will release this mega-zoom camera in the Japanese market. Priced at 65,000 Yen ($752), the digital camera boasts a 14.1-megapixel 1/2.33 MOS sensor with a burst mode at 11fps, a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with a 24x optical zoom, a 3.0-inch LCD screen, an ISO range from 100 to 1600, a SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a RAW mode and an HD video recording capability. Panasonic will release the Lumix DMC-FZ100 on August 20th, 2010 in Japan.

Apart from having their new HDC-SDX1 Full HD camcorder, Panasonic has also introduced their new pocket-sized Full HD camcorder called the HM-TA1. Specs-wise, the HDC-SDX1 sports a 2.93-megapixel 1/4.1-inch CMOS image sensor, a 4x digital zoom, a 2-inch LCD display, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a pop-out USB arm and can capture both 1920 x 1080p Full HD video at 30fps as well as 2.1-megapixel still images. The Panasonic HM-TA1 will go on sale in August for a retail price of $169.95.

Panasonic has finally confirmed the availability of the HDC-SDT750 stereo 3D camcorder. It is a user-friendly consumer 3D camcorder that makes experiencing 3D at home easy and affordable. To shoot 3D video, you should attach the included 3D conversion lens. The specially-designed 3D conversion lens records right-eye and left-eye images simultaneously through its two lenses, thus resulting in video that can be viewed in 3D. The Panasonic SDT750 can also record full 1080p High Definition (HD) in AVCHD, when the 3D conversion lens is unattached. The Panasonic SDT750 also features a Time Lapse Recording feature, which plays a scene such as a sunset or a blooming flower at an accelerated speed, similar to a fast-forward. The Panasonic HDC-SDT750 stereo 3D camcorder will be released in October 2010.

Panasonic is preparing to unleash another Full HD camcorder into the market. Known as the HDC-SDX1, this ultra-compact and lightweight camcorder sports a 3.32-megapixel 1.4.1-inch MOS image sensor, a 35.8mm wide-angle lens, a 23x optical zoom lens, a flip-out 2.7-inch touchscreen display, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, an HDMI port and has the ability to record 1920 x 1080p Full HD video at 60fps in AVCHD format. The Panasonic HDC-SDX1 will hit stores in September 2010 for a suggested retail price of $499.95.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is a new digital camera with a 3.8x, 24-90mm zoom lens, 10 megapixel CCD sensor and HD movie recording. Successor to the popular LX3 model, Panasonic Lumix LX5 features a fully re-designed lens, CCD sensor and image processing engine, together with other improvements and upgrades.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is a new Micro Four Thirds camera boasting a 3 inch articulated touchscreen LCD that provides touch-based functions like Touch AF/AE and Touch Shutter. Other key features of the G2 include a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor, upgraded Venus Engine HD II processor, sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400, 720p HD video recording in AVCHD Lite format, a port for an optional stereo microphone and an electronic viewfinder. Powered by a proprietary Lithium-ion battery, the Lumix DMC-G2 takes SD, SDHC and SDXC cards and offers both a pop-up flash and a hot shoe for external flashguns. There’s also a built-in Optical Image Stabiliser to help combat camera-shake and a Supersonic Wave Filter to remove unwanted dust. Finished in blue, red or black, the Panasonic G2 costs £699 / $799 with the new 14-42mm kit lens.

Weighing only 185g, the all new HDC-TM35 from Panasonic is claimed as the world’s lightest Full HD camcorder. Coming in white, violet, classic gold and grey color options, this compact camcorder sports a 1/41 CCD of 3.32 MOS-megapixel sensor, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot (up to 32GB), an IA Zoom and IS, Smile Shutter and has the ability to capture both 1080p Full HD video in AVCHD mode as well as 2.9-megapixel digital still images.

Panasonic introduced the 8mm Lumix G Fisheye lens that offers a diagonal angle of view of 180-degree with the closest focusing distance as short as 0.1meter. The lens uses inner focus system, which enables a long working distance, so you do not have to come closer to the subject even for the close-up shots. The 8mm Lumix G Fisheye lens also features a stepping motor that makes the focusing action smooth and silent for use in both photo and movie recording.

Word has it that the Panasonic Lumix FX75 compact digital camera will be launched very soon. The camera has a 14-megapixel sensor, a Leica 24mm ultra-wide-angle Summicron f/2.2 lens and a 5x optical zoom. The Panasonic Lumix FX75 also supports HD video in AVCHD Lite format.

Panasonic has rolled out the firmware v1.2 for Lumix DMC-GF1, the firmware v1.2 for Lumix DMC-GH1, and the firmware v1.4 for Lumix DMC-G1. These new updates claim to improve AutoFocus performance with third-party lenses and recognition of the new 14-42mm kit zoom. The new firmware updates also provide enhanced flash performance.

Image-acquire has a brief review about the Panasonic FH22 compact digital camera. The 14MP digicam features an 8x optical zoom, a 4x digital zoom, a 3-inch LCD touchscreen display, a variety of scene and white balance modes, a nine-point AutoFocus, and a built-in flash.

Panasonic unveiled a new Skype Webcam for HDTV in the form of the Panasonic TY-CC10W. This new webcam adds a new Skype option to the HDTV’s on-screen menus so you can browse your contact lists and add new contacts directly from the UI. The Panasonic TY-CC10W is expected to be on sale by June 11, 2010 for about $194.

Panasonic has introduced their latest Full HD camcorder namely the HDC-SD600. Adopting the company’s 3MOS system, this new camcorder is equipped with a Leica Dicomar wide-angle lens (35 mm focal length), a 12x optical zoom lens, Power OIS, iA (Intelligent Auto), an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a mini HDMI port and has the ability to capture both 1920 x 1080 Full HD video at 50fps as well as 14.2-megapixel digital still images.