Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ2 and DMC-LZ1 are both announced ahead of PMA 2005. Both the DMC-LZ2 and DMC-LZ1 feature 6x optical zoom lenses and an Optical Image Stabilizer to combat camera shake. The 5.0-megapixel DMC-LZ2 and 4.0-megapixel DMC-LZ1 both have Venus Engine Plus, a new image processor, which reduces power consumption and improves shutter lag and consecutive shooting performance.

Panasonic Press Release

5-Megapixel DMC-LZ2 and 4-Megapixel DMC-LZ1 Featuring Optical 6x Zoom and MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer)

Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX models 5.0-megapixel DMC-LZ2 and 4.0-megapixel DMC-LZ1, incorporating MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) and 6x optical zoom(equivalent to 37mm to 222mm on a 35mm film camera) lens, that run on 2 AA batteries. Panasonic is the first company in the industry to have succeeded in incorporating MEGA O.I.S. into a compact digital camera. Compared to the previous models, the DMC-LC80/70/50, the image processor Venus Engine has been upgraded to the newly developed Venus Engine Plus, which achieves about 50% low energy consumption while providing even higher image quality and quick response. The new models have a large 2.0 inch TRM(Transmissive with Micro Reflective) LCD display which is extremely easy to view, even outdoors on bright, sunny days. And despite the equipment of optical 6x zoom lens unit, the body size is yet as compact as ordinary AA-battery operated 3x optical zoom camera.

The optical 6x zoom is able to capture and magnify subjects located at a distance that cannot be captured enough by the 3x zoom of ordinary compact cameras. Normally, blurry pictures caused by hand shake is a major problem of compact cameras, particularly with shooting through LCD monitor, but this is solved by MEGA O.I.S. It is difficult to capture crisp and clear images in shootings with high-powered zoom or with macro mode without using a tripod. The shutter speed tends to slow when shootings in low-lit indoor or of nighttime scenery. However, MEGA O.I.S. enables you to take clear, beautiful pictures in such situations easily. In addition to a consecutive shooting function that allows you to take 3(LZ2) / 4(LZ1) frames per sec at full resolution, the newly developed Venus Engine Plus facilitates an unlimited* consecutive shooting function, which allows you to shoot successive photos until the memory card or build-in memory reaches capacity.

What’s more, the new models include 14 megabytes of built-in-memory, which enables you to take pictures even when you do not have an SD Memory Card, and allows you to always have your favorite pictures in your camera wherever you go. Also, despite the large LCD display, the battery life achieves 215 pictures for LZ1 / 235 pictures for LZ2 (CIPA) recording with included 2 AA OXYRIDE batteries.

The DMC-LZ2 and DMC-LZ1, thanks to the optical 6x zoom and MEGA O.I.S., are the perfect compact cameras for parents to easily take clear, beautiful pictures of family events such as traveling or camping and other moments worth preserving.

*The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card or built-in memory.

The number of recordable picture depends on the memory card and built-in memory size, battery life, picture size and compression.

1. Optical 6x Zoom – Top Class for Compact Cameras

The LUMIX DMC-LZ2 and LZ1 are equipped with a newly developed optical 6x zoom (equivalent to a 37 – 222 mm zoom on a 35 mm film camera) lens, while keeping the body size as compact as ordinary 3x zoom cameras. With 24x magnification when combined with 4x digital zoom, the models boast top-class performance for compact camera zooms. This powerful zooming function allows you not only to easily capture and magnify subjects in distant locations, but also to take impressionable photos with soft-focused backgrounds. In addition, the zoom lens features the crystallization of Panasonic’s optics technology, 2 aspherical lenses, which are used to achieve compactness and higher optical performance.

2. MEGA O.I.S. – The Essential Feature for Digital Cameras

Panasonic is the first company in the industry to have succeeded in incorporating MEGA O.I.S. into a compact digital camera. It also features two corrective modes, Mode 1 and Mode 2. Mode 1 constantly detects and follows movements and continuously compensates for them. In contrast, in Mode 2, the O.I.S. lens suppresses hand-shake only at the moment the shutter button is pressed. In this mode, the lens can move in all directions at the moment to maximize its effect, and higher-resolution image can be taken by capturing the image as close as to the center of the lens. In consequence, since MEGA O.I.S. enables a beautiful picture shot without blurring at slower shutter speeds of more than 3 steps compared to the conventional models without O.I.S., you can enjoy shooting clear and beautiful pictures easily even in the situations using slow shutter speeds, like indoor shots and nighttime scenery, as well as shooting with 6x zoom or macro mode.

3. The New Image Processing LSI : Venus Engine Plus Achieves Low Energy Consumption Enhancing Responsiveness and Image Quality

Venus Engine, which was used in the previous DMC-LC80/70/50, has been substantially upgraded in terms of performance in the energy consumption, responsiveness and image quality, and newly reborn as Venus Engine Plus. This newly developed image processing LSI consumes only about 50% as much power as previous Venus Engine. In terms of response, release time lag has been improved from the conventional 0.1 seconds down to industry-leading 0.008*(LZ2)/ 0.006*(LZ1) sec minimum, allowing you to precisely capture your target subject. What’s more, consecutive shooting performance has also been improved, so that you can take consecutive shots at a rate of 3(LZ2) / 4(LZ1) frames per sec at full resolution. An unlimited** consecutive shooting function has also been added. With this function, you can take photos in succession until the memory card or the built-in memory is full. In addition, by adjusting the amount of noise reduction depending on the brightness of the subject, the models have succeeded in fully preserving image resolution in bright areas and reducing noise in darker areas to as much as one-third of previous levels.

Last but not least, the auto focus consisted of 1-point and spot focus modes, you can now choose between 4 modes, 5-point, 3-point, 1-point, and spot focus. This makes the auto focusing even easier but very accurate.

* Not including the time for AF.
** The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card or built-in memory.

The number of recordable picture depends on the memory card and built-in memory size, battery life, picture size and compression.

4. 2.0 Inch Large LCD Monitor – Easy to View Even Outdoors

The large 2.0 inch size makes the display extremely easy to view when taking photos or playing back them. In addition, a TRM(Transmissive with Micro Reflective) LCD has been employed to prevent wash-out even outdoors on a bright day. This means that you are able to view crystal-clear images on the LCD monitor regardless of the circumstance.

5. Other Features Expanding the Usability

The improvements go beyond just the main functions; a number of convenient features have either been added or upgraded. With 14 megabytes of built-in memory, you can take photos without missing an chance that may suddenly arise even when you do not have an SD Memory Card. You can also store your favorite photos like an album that you can enjoy viewing or showing at any time. Additionally, you can easily copy photos from the built-in memory to the SD Memory Card and vice versa. The cameras run on 2 AA batteries, which can be purchased anywhere. And, if you use Panasonic’s OXYRIDE dry-cell batteries included with the camera, you can take up to a maximum of 215 photos with LZ1 / 235 photos with LZ2 (CIPA).

It also offers easy shooting even to the entry-level users by providing the Simple Mode, in which most settings are made automatically. You just aim at the subject, zoom in or out, and press the shutter button.

8 scene modes that meet most any shooting situation can be appropriately selected thanks to the newly installed Scene Mode Help screen. This shows the description of each mode on the LCD monitor, makes it easier to select the mode that best fits the shooting conditions.

Another new feature, Auto angle detection, records whether an image was taken horizontally or vertically. This ensures that when playing back on the LCD monitor and displaying images on your TV by connecting your LUMIX with an AV cable*, vertical images are automatically displayed vertically and horizontal images are automatically displayed horizontally.

* Video cable for LZ1