The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ72 has a 60x optical zoom, the highest of any compact camera. Offering a focal length of 20-1200mm, the 60x optical zoom of the FZ72 can be increased to an incredible 102x optical zoom using the 1.7x Tele Conversion Lens DMW-LT55, enough to capture the cratered surface of the moon. The Panasonic FZ72 also has a 16.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor, full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60i/50i videos, 9fps burst shooting, P/A/S/M modes, and a hotshoe. The Panasonic DMC-FZ72 will be available from August, price to be announced.

Panasonic UK Press Release

Panasonic’s DMC-FZ72 Super Wide-angle & Super Zoom Camera

Featuring the Industry’s Highest 60x Optical Zoom

Continuing to push the boundaries, Panasonic is pleased to announce a new addition to the award winning and well renowned FZ series of cameras. Offering an outstanding zoom range with a 20mm ultra wide-angle lens and the industry’s highest 60x optical zoom, the DMC-FZ72 is set to be a firm favourite.

Super Wide-angle & Super Zoom
The FZ72 boasts the industry’s highest 60x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 20-1200mm) making it possible to capture wild animals or birds far in the distance. Thanks to the exceptionally long zoom, users can confidently capture shots in the distance that are not possible with alternative zoom cameras. Exceptionally versatile, the FZ72 also features a stunning LUMIX DC VARIO 20mm ultra wide-angle lens, which captures approx. 140% wider angle of view compared with a 24mm lens, allowing users to capture dynamic and expressive landscapes.  With the ultra wide-angle lens and super zoom, the FZ72 covers virtually all shooting angles.

Comprising 14 elements in 12 groups, including 6 aspherical lenses with 9 aspherical surfaces and 3 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly compact body while delivering exceptional optical performance suppressing distortion at wide end and colour bleeding at tele end.

The zoom ratio can be further extended up to 120x equivalent, maintaining the picture quality even when combining a digital zoom thanks to the Intelligent Zoom and the Intelligent Resolution technology. If this wasn’t enough, the optical zoom ratio can further be extended with a 1.7x Tele Conversion Lens DMW-LT55 (sold separately). The 1.7x zoom of the DMW-LT55 telephoto lens transforms the 60x optical zoom of the FZ72 to an incredible 102x optical zoom, which is so powerful it can even capture the cratered surface of the moon clearly.

POWER O.I.S With Active Mode
The DMC-FZ72 is equipped with POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) with Active Mode – a feature enjoyed by the high-end DMC-FZ200 model.  Providing approx. twice the correction angle at the tele-end setting, and blurless zoom shots and night shots, this feature ensures stable framing and blurless shots with powerful zooming.

The Active Mode is also fully functional in video recording, allowing active video recording at wide angle such as shooting while walking without causing deterioration of image quality.

Full HD Video with Stunningly Clear Sound
The FZ72 is versatile not only in its optical performance but also in its photo/video hybrid shooting capability . The DMC-FZ72 records high-resolution full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60i (NTSC, sensor output 30p) / 50i (PAL, sensor output 25p) videos in AVCHD (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. The AVCHD format excels in the compatibility with AV equipment like HDTVs or Blu-ray Disc players and the video can be played back by simply inserting an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card or by connecting with a mini HDMI cable. Alternately, users can choose MP4 at 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL) for video recording, which has a higher compatibility with PCs.

Further highlighting its technical competence, the FZ72 boasts the highly realistic Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator for superior video sound. The FZ72 also features the newly developed Wind Shield Zoom Microphone that minimizes wind noise by approx.70% compared with the predecessor DMC-FZ62, resulting in clear sound, even if it was recorded on a windy day. With a substantial increase in volume by approx.50%, the microphone boasts better S/N ratio to suppress noise in quiet circumstances to catch the target sound.

The industry leading 60x optical zoom with POWER O.I.S. is also available in video recording, allowing recording of events in the distance.  Designed to be user friendly, a dedicated button on the top of the camera enables users to instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make any extra settings.

High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and Venus Engine for High Speed Response and High Picture Quality
The new 16.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and high performance image processing LSI Venus Engine elevate the response, sensitivity and image quality of the DMC-FZ72.  The FZ72 provides Light Speed AF, allowing users to quickly focus on moving subjects, such as when shooting sports scenes or animals. Incredibly responsive, the DMC-FZ72 shoots 9 fps in 16.1-megapixel full resolution  with mechanical shutter, and 5 fps with continuous AF.  Together with the quick start-up time of approx. 0.9 secs, the DMC-FZ72 never misses the most fleeting shooting opportunities.

Intuitive Control
Full manual control is available with DMC-FZ72 for advanced users to enjoy more creative photography. With its P/A/S/M mode, users can enjoy creative shooting, offering users unlimited ways of expression in both photo and video.

Adopting Hot Shoe and high compatibility with a host of optional accessories, the DMC-FZ72 pushes the boundaries of what a palm sizes digital compact camera can do. The DMC-FZ72 will be available from August.

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