Compact Camera News

Panasonic just introduced the new LUMIX compact digital camera DMC-FZ2500 (FZ2500), which features a newly developed 20x optical zoom Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, designed to get sharp shots when shooting at long distances.

According to Panasonic, an inner zoom structure of the Leica lens in the FZ2500 enhances the stability of the lens to offer smooth zooming much like a professional camcorder. By combining the built-in ND filters, four setting modes of ND filter are available with direct switch operation: -2EV(1/4), -4EV(1/16), -6EV(1/64) and AUTO^. Users can record videos while keeping the exposure level the same with a fixed shutter speed or with a fully open aperture even in high brightness. Seamless iris control with a nine-blade aperture diaphragm and new galvanometer-type actuator is also equipped.

The new Panasonic FZ2500 is designed to offer outstanding video recording capabilities, including unlimited 4K video recording (Cinema 4K: 4096x2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840x2160 / up to 30 fps) in MOV/MP4. The LUMIX FZ2500 is also capable of recording Full-HD videos with an ultrahigh bit rate of 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB) without any recording duration limit. Users can freely choose the format from MOV, MP4, AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD at a variety of frame rates according to the application. For global business by professional users, the system frequency can be flexibly selected from 59.94 Hz (23.98 Hz) / 50.00 Hz / 24.00 Hz. The LUMIX FZ2500 is also capable of live image output to the external monitor via an optional micro HDMI cable simultaneously while recording video. For more unique video expression, VFR (Variable Frame Rate), Slow & Quick motion, and Dolly Zoom are also available as well as a variety of practical functions required for professional video recording.

The large, 1-inch 20.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor lets the user capture clear images with minimum noise even when shooting at a high ISO. The Venus Engine features multiple noise reduction systems to achieve high color reproduction and high image quality with natural, true-to-life detail.

The Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 packs a host of advanced functions and technologies that let users capture the unmissable moments. The Contrast AF System features DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology and excels in both speed and accuracy by exchanging digital signals between the camera and the lens at max. 240 fps, resulting in ultrafast auto focusing of approx. 0.09 sec*². The burst shooting performance is also improved to achieve 12 fps (AFS) / 7 fps (AFC), for up to max.100 (JPEG) / 30 (RAW) images. Taking advantage of 4K technology, users can capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps to save as a 4K PHOTO.

Panasonic’s unique technologies further enrich the user's photographic experience. In addition to the Post Focus function, newly integrated Focus Stacking enables to adjust the depth of field after shooting by simply selecting the focusing area.

The LUMIX FZ2500 features an OLED LVF (Live View Finder) with 2360K-dot equivalent high resolution with approx.2.18x / 0.74x (35mm camera equivalent in 4:3) magnification capability. The large, free-angle 3.0-inch approx.1040K-dot touch-control monitor with approx. 100% field of view makes shooting easier at either a high or low angle. Wi-Fi connectivity lets users connect the camera to smartphone or tablet to expand the flexibility in shooting, storing, and sharing images.

The Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 goes on sale in December for $1199.99.