Lancerlink, from Japan, offers the DDV-1080HD, an entry-level budet-priced HD digital camcorder. The DDV-1080HD features a 5 megapixel sensor, that can capture 1440×1080 movies at 30fps. It comes with a 3-inch LCD display,

It can also record 1280×720 HD videos clips at 60fps. Videos are encoded with H.264 video codec. This budget camcorder offers 90MB memory and a SD/SDHC/MMC memory card slot. It costs 49800 Yen.

This is Casio’s EXILIM EX-Z150 slim digital camera. The compact EXILIM EX-Z150 has a 8.1 megapixel CCD sensor, and a 28mm wide angle lens with 4x optical zoom lens. The slim camera offers up to 1600 ISO, CCD-shift anti-shake image stabilization, and face detection.

The EXILIM Z150 can record 640×480 video clips at 30fps. The Z150 provides a YouTueb mode for recording YoutTube-optimized videos. It has a 2.7-inch LCD screen. Other than 17.9MB built-in memory, the Z150 has a SD/SDHC/MMC card slot. It is available in four colors.
[Casio]

Canon presents two new AVCHD digital camcorders, the iVIS HF11 and HG21. Both camcorders are equipped with a 3.31 megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor from Canon and 12x optical zoom lens. It offers also 40x digital zoom.

Both  HF11 & HG21 come with Canon’s DIGIV DV II image processor. They can capture 1920×1080 HD images in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 formats. HF11 and HG21 has a 32GB internal flash memory and 120GB hard drive respectively and they both get a 2.7-inch LCD screen.

[Impress]

Other than the FX150, Panasonic adds another new member to the FX series, the Lumix DMC-FX37. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 is a compact digital camera with a 25mm wide angle Leica DC lens. It offers a 10.1 megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom.

The FX37 features also Face detection, Mega O.I.S image stabilization, Intelligent ISO, like other Lumix cameras. It can reocrd 1280x720p videos.

The FX37 comes with 50MB built-in memory and a SD/SDHC card slot. Priced at $349.95, the FX37 will be available in August.

[Panasonic]

Hitachi is going to launch in Japan its new Wooo DZ-BD10H, a Blu-ray/HDD bybrid digital camcorder. Wooo DZ-BD10H is equipped with a 7 megapixel CMOS image sensor, 10x optical zoom lens and Picture Master Full HD processor. It is able to capture HD 1920×1080 videos. Face Detection is also available.

The new DZ-BD10H has a internal 30GB hard drive for storing videos while users can also record on BD-R/RE media thanks to the built-in Blu-ray writer. The camcorder has also a 2.7-inch LCD screen and HDMI output.

[Hitachi]

Panasonic introduces the Lumix DMC-LX3 digital camera that comes with an enhanced CCD sensor that are designed for the LX3. The special, enhanced CCD is an ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch 10 megapixel CCD image sensor that delivers 40 percent higher sensitivity and 35 percent more saturation. The sensor can also produce 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 images.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 is equipped with a F2.0 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens and the Venus Engine IV image processor. It offers 6400 ISO, Mega OIS image stabilization and Face Detection technology.

LX3 will also be launched in August and the suggested price is $499.95.

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES MUCH-ANTICIPATED ADDITION TO ITS LX-SERIES OF LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERAS

New LUMIX DMC-LX3 Combines Enhanced CCD Technology, LEICA Lens, and a Wide-Range of Manual Shooting Controls For Increased Creativity

SECAUCUS, N.J. (July 21, 2008) – Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-LX3 digital camera, the successor to the highly-regarded and popular DMC-LX2.  Designed for easy, creative shooting, and high-performance in low-light conditions, the DMC-LX3 features a F2.0 24mm LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens, 10.1 megapixels and an ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD developed specifically for this model.  By combining a high-quality lens and sensor ready for a variety of shooting conditions with a wide-range of accessories and manual controls, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for professional photographers and serious amateurs looking for a compact digital camera that furthers their creative photography.

At the heart of the DMC-LX3, is its 1/1.63-inch CCD.  Making the intentional choice to limit the number of megapixels to 10.1 on its CCD, Panasonic was able to give more space for each pixel and also redesigned the peripheral circuits and other components to further minimize noise generation.  As a result, sensitivity is almost 40 percent higher and saturation is increased by 35 percent, when compared to Panasonic’s 10 MP digital cameras*, giving the DMC-LX3 outstanding image quality and a wide dynamic range, and meeting the demand for a camera that works optimally in low-light environments.  The CCD is also capable of reproducing images in three aspect ratios – 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9.  The new Multi Aspect mode allows the camera to take an image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously, allowing users to choose the version that best suits their needs.

“With the strong response towards the DMC-LX2, Panasonic has taken its technology a step further by upgrading several key components that we think will make the LX3 another win,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.  “With the enhanced CCD and extensive manual and automatic functions, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for photographers looking for a full-featured compact digital camera with some DSLR-like characteristics and a wide-range of optional accessories.”

Another major upgrade to the LX3 is the F2.0 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens.  The F2.0 is about twice as bright as a F2.8 lens and can shoot at higher shutter speeds to capture clear, blur-free images in dimly lit environments.  In addition, the 24mm lens captures approximately a 213% larger viewing space than a normal 35mm camera and 136% larger compared to a 28mm wide-angle lens.  The lens unit consists of eight elements in six groups with four aspherical lenses with four aspherical surfaces.  As a result of the F2.0 lens, the LX3 produces high resolution and minimal distortion and artifacts – such as chromatic aberrations, ghosting and flaring.

The LX3 also incorporates the Venus Engine IV, which provides more advanced signal processing technology for producing higher-quality images with reduced noise in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing – as compared to the Venus Engine III.

The Venus Engine IV supports high sensitivity recording enabling the DMC-LX3 to record at up to ISO 3200 at full resolution and even up to ISO 6400 when using high sensitivity mode, enough to capture subjects in low lighting without using a flash**.  The Venus Engine IV also supports a faster response time, allowing the camera to shoot 2.5 shots per second at full resolution and six shots per second in High-Speed Burst mode.

The easy-to-use joystick operation which was featured in its predecessor continues with the LX3, as its intuitive design makes selecting different settings on the camera, including focus, aperture and shutter speed – easy and quick.  Other convenient design elements include a switch on the side of the lens barrel that allows the user to quickly change the focus modes between Manual Focus, Auto Focus and Macro Auto Focus.  When choosing Manual Focus, the focus distance and the depth of field according to the zoom range and aperture is also displayed.  For setting white balance, the LX3 provides a new color temperature display function, and still includes the Two-Axis white balance adjustment settings offered in previous models.  Users can also customize and store their own personal settings of up to four unique functions and instantly recall them later using the mode dial.

Furthering its creative options, the LX3 also features a Film mode with six color types and three types of monochrome selections.  Much like selecting from different film types, this function gives the user the flexibility and creative freedom to take more expressive digital photos.  Also, when using the Multi-film mode, the LX3 produces a maximum of three images from a RAW file for the user to compare the different textures.  Another new feature is the multiple-exposure feature, which lets the user create artistic photos by overlaying up to three consecutive images; while still viewing the last image on the 3.0-inch LCD screen.  The LCD on the LX3 is new and improved with a 460,000-dot high resolution.

While the LX3 allows full manual control for more advanced photography, it also includes Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode (iA), including the new feature, AF (auto focus) Tracking.  AF Tracking automatically tracks the image subject and locks it into focus, making it easier for anyone to capture sharp, well-focused photos.  The AF Tracking technology also improves face detection accuracy, allowing for crisp, sharp-focused shots even if the subject moves or turns their face.  Other iA technologies include Intelligent Exposure, Digital Red-eye Correction, MEGA O.I.S, Intelligent ISO, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection (up to 15 faces) and Quick AF.

The DMC-LX3 has the ability to record High Definition (HD) video in 1280 x 720p at 24fps.  With the newly added HD component output capability, still and moving pictures can be viewed by connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).  In addition, the LX3 features Image Leveling, so when a captured image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, this feature rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges.

A number of accessories are also available to further expand the flexibility of the LX3 as more than just a typical point-and-shoot camera.  The optional Wide Conversion Lens (DMW-LW46) brings the maximum wide angle to 18mm.  Other optional accessories include: ND Filter (DMW-LND46)***, the new PL Filter (DMW-LPL46), the high-end aluminum External Optical Viewfinder (DMW-VF1); the GN22 Compact Flash mounts to the LX3’s hot shoe – a new feature for the LX-Series.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX3 will be available in silver and black in August 2008 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $499.95.  For more information and to download the full specs, please visit www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

*Compared with Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX35 with 1/2.33” CCD.

** In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9( recording.

*** Requires a lens adapter DMW-LA4.

[Panasonic]

Panasonic add to its Lumix FZ line the Lumix DMC-FZ28 digital camera. The Lumix FZ28 offers a 18X optical zoom and 27mm wide angle, thanks to the Leica lens. The FZ28 has 10 megapixel CCD image sensor, ISO 6400, Mega O.I.S image stabilizer, face detection technology and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. It can record HD 1280×720 clips at 30fps.

Available in August, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 costs $399.95.

Press Release

PANASONIC ADDS ULTIMATE ACTION LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERA WITH LONG ZOOM AND 27MM WIDE-ANGLE LENS

LUMIX DMC-FZ28 Features AF Tracking, Latest Addition to

Intelligent Auto Mode, Helping to Capture Moving Subjects With Clarity

SECAUCUS, N.J. (July 21, 2008) – Panasonic today unveiled the LUMIX DMC-FZ28 digital camera, which boasts a premium 27mm wide-angle LEICA lens with an 18x optical zoom, ideal for tight indoor shots and long-distance action photos.  The 10.1 megapixel digital camera also features an enhanced Intelligent Auto Mode (iA), with the new AF (auto focus) Tracking function, making it easier for photographers at any level to shoot sharp, well-focused photos, even when the subject is moving – making it ideal for action shots.

The AF Tracking function, the latest component to be added to Panasonic’s iA system, allows users to lock focus on a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the need to hold the shutter halfway down.   AF Tracking makes it easier to capture moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action shots.  The AF Tracking technology also improves Face Detection (up to 15 faces), by providing continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure, even if the face is turned away from the camera.*

“The FZ28 packs a wide-angle lens and a high-powered zoom, so shooting outdoor events or vacation adventures is easy with this powerful camera,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.  “Without sacrificing Panasonic’s reputation for high-quality lenses and innovative technologies, the FZ28 expands the Intelligent Auto Mode, allowing a user at any level to take high-quality photos.”

In addition to the AF Tracking functionality, Panasonic’s other iA technologies include:

·         Intelligent Exposure – Helps prevents photos from being under- or over-exposed by instantly analyzing the framed image and adjusting the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash. The camera will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly.

·         Digital Red-eye Correction– This feature helps to eliminate the red-eye problem that sometimes results when taking flash shots at night.  Incorporated into the camera, the built-in flash emits a small preliminary flash before the main flash, detects red-eye and will digitally correct it.

·         MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image.

·         Intelligent ISO – Determines if the photo subject is moving and changes the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.

·         Intelligent Scene Selector – Senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode.  This intuitive technology, helps the consumer use the most common scene modes that are built into the camera, but often go unused, without making any manual adjustments.

·         Face Detection – Detects faces in the frame (up to 15 faces), even if they are moving, and selects optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear.

·         Quick AF (Auto Focus) – Starts focus on the subject by just pointing the camera at the subject, thus minimizing the AF time.

The high-quality, high-performance Venus Engine IV supports a faster response time, allowing the camera to shoot 2.5 shots per second at full resolution and 13 shots per second in High-Speed Burst mode.  In High Sensitivity mode, the FZ28 can shoot up to ISO 6400 in extremely low-lit situations.  The LUMIX DMC-FZ28 also is equipped with a 2.7-inch large, high resolution LCD with 230,000 pixels, and a high resolution electric viewfinder equivalent to 201,600 pixels.

The DMC-FZ28 also features High Defintion (HD) video capabilities with a resolution of 1280 x 720p at 30fps.  Still photos can also be shot in a 16:9 aspect ratio for optimal full-screen viewing on a HDTV.  Panasonic VIERA Plasma or LCD HDTVs also feature an integrated SD Memory Card slot, allowing users to easily view photos by simply inserting the SD Memory Card into the convenient SD Card slot built into the TV.  Consumer can also enjoy watching videos in HD quality and view still images by connecting the DMC-FXZ28 via an optional Panasonic component cable (DMW-HDC2).

Additional features of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ28 include:

·         Image Leveling – When a captured image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. No computer needed!

Scene Modes – The DMC-FZ28 offers a total of 37 scene modes to respond easily to any shooting situation. The new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes add unique, film camera-like effects and ambiences to images.  Additionally, the actual effects of the scene mode can be viewed on the LCD before taking the shot.

·         Flash – Reaches a distance of 8.5 meters at the wide setting and 5.4 meters at the telephoto setting (ISO AUTO).

·         SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 SE – Software application comes bundled with the DMC-FZ28 for editing and developing images in the RAW file format.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ28 will be available in silver and black in August 2008 for a suggested retail price of $399.95.  For more information and to download the full specs, please visit www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

Panasonic introduces the new Lumix DMC-FX150 camera that offers 28mm wide angle. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 is a 14.7 megapixel camera with a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens that offers 3.6x optical zoom and 28mm wide angle.

The FX150 features also Mega O.I.S image stabilization technology, Face detection and other iA functions. It can record HD 1280×720 video clips at 30fps.

The FX150 accepts SD and SDHC memory cards. It will be released in August and has a price tag of $399.95.

iA features:

• Intelligent Exposure – Helps prevents photos from being under- or over-exposed by instantly analyzing the framed image and adjusting the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash. The camera will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly.
• Digital Red-eye Correction– Helps to eliminate the red-eye problem that sometimes results when taking flash shots at night.  Incorporated into the camera, the built-in flash emits a small preliminary flash before the main flash, detects red-eye and will digitally correct it.
• MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image.
• Intelligent ISO – Determines if the photo subject is moving and changes the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.
• Intelligent Scene Selector – Senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode.  This intuitive technology, helps the consumer use the most common scene modes that are built into the camera, but often go unused, without making any manual adjustments.
• Face Detection – Detects faces in the frame (up to 15 faces), even if they are moving, and selects optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear.

• Quick AF (Auto Focus) – Starts focus on the subject by just pointing the camera at the subject, thus minimizing the AF time.

Samsung introduces also the TL9 (known as the NV9 in Europe) digital camera. Like the NV4 and i100, the TL9 is a digicam with PMP/MP3 capability. It is a 10 megapixel camera with 5x optical zoom, dual image stabilization (Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Digital Image Stabilization (DIS), ISO up to 1600, Face detection and Blink detection.

The TL9/NV9 is able to record SVGA (800×592) MPEG-4 videos.

[letsgodigital]

Samsung announced the new TL34HD (also known as the NV34HD in the Europe market) digital camera, which is the successor of the NV24HD. The Samsung TL34HD features a 14.7 megapixel image sensor, a Schneider lens with 3.6x optical zoom and 28mm wide angle, dual image stabilization and a 3-inch LCD display.

The TL34HD is able t o capture 720p movie. It comes with Samsung’s next generation Smart Touch 2.0 user interface, which further simplifies the way users navigate through the camera’s comprehensive feature set.

[press]