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Panasonic company is now introduces the top-end model of its Lumix FZ series, the DMC-FZ100,top-of-the-line of Lumix popular FZ series that packs a powerful optical zoom and creative options including manual operation, adding full HD movie recording capability.

“Panasonic is excited to be introducing its first full hybrid camera with MOS sensor – pursuing a higher level in resolution, sensitivity and speed,” commented David Briganti, Senior Product Manager for Imaging at Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “This new highly-functioning MOS sensor can record high-quality 1080 full AVCHD video, making it the ideal hybrid camera for both the casual shooter and the seasoned professional.”

The top-of-the-line Panasonic Lumix FZ100 has a new 14-megapixel CMOS sensor that allows full 1920 x 1080 HD video in the AVCHD format and a crazy fast 11 frames-per-second full resolution burst rate. That’s faster than the fastest Nikon and Canon pro digital SLRs! The lens is a 24x 25-600mm f/2.8-5.2 (35mm equivalent) Leica DC Vario-Elmarit zoom with Panasonic’s Power O.I.S. image stabilization. That’s a hell of a combination for anyone that wants a small, lightweight camera for travel, the family, a business or whatever. I’m wondering how the FZ100 would measure up against my digital SLRs for outdoor action sports shooting. I’d love to have that 600mm lens in my pack when I’m on the mountain bike or skis.

Traditionally, superzoom cameras like the Panasonic Lumix FZ100 have been “bridge” cameras for people who didn’t want or couldn’t afford a digital SLR. They were the family camera, the student camera or the office camera. The speed and video power of the FZ100 makes me wonder if we aren’t seeing the beginnings of a whole new camera category here. Panasonic has been using the word “hybrid” with this recent batch of camera announcements and with the lens and full HD video, I don’t see any reason why the FZ100 couldn’t replace the traditional camcorder for most people. Putting HD video features in the superzoom format isn’t brand-new or anything. This is just the first time that my eyes are opening to its real potential.

14.1 megapixel Panasonic Lumix FZ100 hybrid camera
The high speed MOS sensor realizes the 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 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 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. The Sonic Speed AF in the Panasonic Lumix FZ100 features its speed at the industry’s fastest level. Combined with a high-speed start-up, this gives the Lumix FZ100 an industry’s fastest level of response that helps to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities.

Panasonic DMC-FZ100 manual and automatic controls

The manual control of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 elevates the operability even higher with the incorporation of new jog dial. Focus switch is newly equipped on the lens barrel true to the system camera. User can enjoy creative shooting expressing their intention not only in photo but also in movie, utilizing a host of options including Creative Movie mode and My Color mode. The iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – an advancing hallmark of Lumix – now comprehends 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 Panasonic DMC-FZ100 thoroughly prevents any kind of blur – whether the blur is 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 now 460,000-dot high resolution to dramatically, improve 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. Recording both high quality photo and movie with super fast response at 25mm ultra wide angle to super telephoto 24x, the Panasonic Lumix FZ100 is none-the-like versatile digital compact camera with functions that satisfies users at any level of photography from beginners to high amateurs.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 lens

The Panasonic Lumix 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 Panasonic DMC-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.

Panasonic Lumix FZ100 integrates a MOS sensor

To realize the 1920×1080 full HD movie recording with high image quality, the new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor is developed for Panasonic 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 Panasonic Lumix 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 Panasonic FZ100 if electronic shutter is used- 60 fps in 3.5-megapixel. It also enables the camera to record Full HD 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.

Record HD movies with the Panasonic FZ100 camera

The Panasonic 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 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 Panasonic Lumix 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.

Panasonic Lumix FZ100 photo and video

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.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 processor

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).

Panasonic DMC-FZ100 for creative photography

The excellent manual controllability is the advantage of Panasonic Lumix 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 Panasonic 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 is also compatible with a optional remote shutter (DMW-RSL1) for advanced expression in photography.

Panasonic advanced iA mode for photo & movie

The Panasonic Lumix 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.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 photography modes

With the Panasonic Lumix 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.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 features

The Panasonic Lumix 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 202,000-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 Panasonic Lumix FZ100.

Panasonic Lumix FZ100 accessories
The Panasonic Lumix 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

Panasonic Lumix FZ100 software

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.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 review

As soon as we receive a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 test sample, we will publish a photo gallery with high resolution pictures, followed by an extensive Panasonic Lumix FZ100 review.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ100 that available in black color only will hit the market by late-August 2010 for approximately $500.

Thanks to photographyreview , letsgodigital , mydigitallife , techshout
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