Digital Camera News

Panasonic Announces DMC-LX5 and Four More New LUMIX Cameras

July 21, 2010 – Panasonic added five new cameras to its LUMIX lineup today, including the DMC-LX5—the eagerly awaited successor to the popular LX3. Other cameras announced for the second half of 2010 include a new super zoom flagship, the DMC-FZ100, as well as the DMC-FZ40, DMC-FX700, and DMC-TS10. The TS10, a new tough cam from Panasonic, will be available in September, with the other four models are slated for release in late August.

These LUMIX cameras will be led by the new super zoom flagship, the DMC-FZ100. The FZ100 is one of two newly announced cameras from Panasonic that will capture full 1080/60i HD video in the AVCHD format. Previous point-and-shoot cameras from Panasonic recorded 720p video in the AVCHD Lite or MPEG-4 formats. The FZ100 and FX700 will offer stereo audio recording to accompany the 1080/60i video recording.

The FZ100 will also include three significant internal technologies: a new 25mm 24x optical zoom Leica DC Elmarit lens, a new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor, and the new Venus Engine FHD for internal processing. Panasonic expects the new Leica lens to reduce chromatic aberration, while the MOS sensor is designed to improve low light sensitivity and provide users with 11fps burst shooting. Improvements to internal processing are focused on increasing the effectiveness of noise reduction.

Though the FZ100 will lead Panasonic's point-and-shoot charge into the remainder of 2010, there's likely to be more excitement over the new LUMIX DMC-LX5. This compact camera replaces the popular LX3, announced in 2008 and comes with plenty of upgrades to keep LX3 fans happy.

The new F2.0 Leica lens has an optical zoom of 3.8x instead of the 2.5x as seen on the LX5's predecessor. The 720p video is now recorded in AVCHD Lite and the camera is equipped with more advanced Power OIS. The 10.1-megapixel sensor is the same size as the one in 2008's LX3, but it utilizes a new design for improved low light sensitivity and is coupled with the same Venus Engine FHD being introduced on the new FZ100.

Though there are a few external design changes—such as a new anti-glare filter on the LCD, instant video record button, and HDMI output—the LX5 still captures that appealing retro aesthetic and portability that made the LX3 so popular. Savvy photographers will be interested in the small port below the accessory shoe that allows for compatibility with the LVF1 viewfinder.

The three other cameras announced today will probably not generate as much buzz, but they're likely to be of interest to consumers on a budget. The DMC-FZ40 replaces last year's FZ35, while the FX700 is being introduced as a step-up model to the FX75, announced just last month. The FZ40 features a 24mm 24x optical zoom Leica lens, 720p AVCHD Lite video, and Power OIS. The FX700 has full 1080/60p AVCHD video recording, an F2.2 Leica DC Summicron lens, and 3-inch touch panel LCD.

Finally, there's the new casual tough camera from Panasonic, the DMC-TS10. This is the most affordable of the five new LUMIX cameras and is targeted toward consumers that want a rugged outdoor camera. The TS10 is waterproof up to 10ft, shockproof up to 5ft, and freeze-proof up the 14°F. It comes with an optional silicon jacket to keep away greasy fingerprints and dirt.

The TS10 is scheduled to be released in September for an estimated MSRP of $249.99 and will come in silver, red, blue, and black. The other four models are due out in late August: the FZ100 for an MSRP of $499.99, the LX5 in black or white for $499.99, the FZ40 for $399.99, and the FX700 in black or silver for $399.99.

For the full press release, see Panasonic's website.