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The LUMIX DMC-FZ40, a feature-packed, hybrid digital camera, combines a powerful 24x optical zoom and creative manual operations to offer photographers of all levels the opportunity to take crisp, artistic photos and High Definition (HD) videos. This 14.1-megapixel model features a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and a new image processing system which achieves high picture quality for both still images and videos….

Panasonic announced the LUMIX DMC-FZ40, a feature-packed, hybrid digital camera, combining a powerful 24x optical zoom and creative manual operations to offer photographers of all levels the opportunity to take crisp, artistic photos and High Definition (HD) videos. This 14.1-megapixel model features a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and a new image processing system which achieves high picture quality for both still images and videos. In some countries the DMC-FZ40 is known as the DMC-FZ45.

Building on the versatility and depth of the FZ-Series, the LUMIX FZ40 provides outstanding and advanced creative hybrid camera capabilities and features to photographers – giving them increased flexibility and a wide-range of features,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “In the LUMIX FZ40, consumers will find easy-to-use features they would find in super-compact point-and-shoots, but with the added 24x optical zoom and improved manual controls.

The LUMIX FZ40 features Intelligent Resolution technology which leads to optimum signal processing, giving images outstanding natural clarity, specifically focusing on the finer details. The Sonic Speed Auto Focus (AF) and high-speed start-up found on the FZ40 are at the industry’s fastest level, helping users to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities.

Panasonic’s hallmark Intelligent Auto (iA) mode automatically selects the most suitable Scene mode and remembers previously-registered faces. And the intuitive system also includes POWER Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.), featuring double the repression power compared to that of Panasonic’s previous image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S. This system helps to eliminate blur resulting from hand-shake, a common problem when pressing the shutter button while taking photos or shooting video.

Users can now enjoy easy shooting of HD movies in AVCHD Lite with double the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. Additionally, a separate and dedicated button located on the top of the camera allows users to instantly begin recording in video mode — so switching between capturing still photos and video is quick and seamless.

A jog dial has been slapped along the back of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 for fast Manual Control operation. Apparently, the log dial controls Focus, Shutter Speed, and Aperture. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 will receive Panasonic’s My Color mode, which includes our favorite lineup of image effects, such as Pin Hole, Film Grain, High Dynamic, and High Dynamic B&W. Of course, Intelligent Auto makes its way onto the FZ40, automatically selecting the proper scene based on the shooting environment. POWER O.IS. is a nice announcement as well.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 has a three-inch Intelligent LCD with 100% field of view. That’s nice, but it’s only a 230,000-pixel display, so don’t expect anything particularly crisp. Panasonic is also claiming a battery life that is capable of 580 shots (CIPA) on a single charge. Add on a Video Divide mode, which allows shooters to cut videos in-camera and a Wind Cut function that blocks background noise in Video mode, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 is starting to look fairly appetizing to the beginner circuit.

Other features of the LUMIX FZ40 include a 3.0-inch 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with 100% field of view, high energy efficiency which extends the battery life up to 580 shots (CIPA) per charge, and a new Video Divide function with which users can separate a video they’ve shot into two sections to shorten or delete any unwanted parts. Also, the LUMIX FZ40’s Wind Cut function blocks out noise from background wind when shooting in video mode.

Lumix DMC-FZ40 [specs]

• 14.1 effective Megapixel CCD
• F2.8-5.2, 24X optical zoom “Leica” lens, equivalent to 25 – 600 mm
• Power OIS image stabilization
• Venus Engine HD II processor
• 3-inch LCD display with 230,000 pixels + electronic viewfinder with 201,600 pixels
• Full manual controls, including RAW image support
• Intelligent Auto mode does just above everything for you automatically
• Face detection and recognition, with auto redeye correction
• Records 720p video with digital stereo sound; optical zoom can be used while recording
• 40MB onboard memory + SD/SDHC/SDXC card
• Can take a whopping 580 shots per charge using its DMW-BMB9 battery
• Optional conversion lenses and filters
• HDMI output

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ40 price at $399.95.

Resources :infosyncworld.com,news.ecoustics.com,dcresource.com