Capturebuzz

Panasonic has introduced two new Lumix digital cameras, each featuring a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens (equivalent to 28-280mm on a 35mm film camera). The DMC-TZ3 boasts 7.2MP and a large, 3.0-inch LCD, and the DMC-TZ2 has 6.0MP and a large, 2.5-inch LCD. The TZ3 and TZ2 are the latest members of the Lumix TZ family of digital cameras, which is renowned for packaging a remarkable 10x optical zoom lens in a compact, stylish body.

The TZ3 and TZ2 are successors to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1. The new TZ3 and TZ2 go a step beyond their predecessor by featuring a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens. While the 10x zoom lets you take close-up shots even when you cannot move closer to your subject, the wide-angle lens is helpful in situations where you cannot step back or move away from the subject.

The TZ3 and TZ2 incorporate a 1/2.35" (TZ3) or 1/2.33" (TZ2) CCD with a total of 8.50MP (TZ3) or 7.39MP (TZ2). These CCDs, larger than those in conventional 7MP and 6MP class cameras, can reproduce images shot with the lens set from 28mm to 280mm in any of three aspect ratios - 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9.

The two new models also incorporate the Intelligent Image Stabilization system introduced simultaneously with the TZ3 and TZ2. This system comprises two features - Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO Control. Now recognized as a must-have feature for digital cameras, Mega O.I.S. compensates for the effects of hand-shake, making it possible to capture clear, crisp photos indoors, at night, or when taking macro close-ups or using high powered zooming - in situations where shutter speed might not be fast enough.

Even Mega O.I.S., however, cannot suppress the motion blur caused by a subject moving as the photo is being taken. That’s where Intelligent ISO Control takes over. The camera’s Venus Engine III image-processing engine detects whether the subject is moving and, as necessary, raises the ISO setting and shutter speed according to how fast the subject is moving and the light conditions. This happens automatically, so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change.

Price and Availability

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ3 will be available in silver, black and blue, while the DMC-TZ2 will be available in silver and black only. Available from April 2007.