Panasonic Lumix FZ20 with Leica zoom lens

Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX model DMC-FZ20, the world-leading 5-Megapixel CCD model with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) incorporating a 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 36mm to 432mm on a 35mm film camera) with full-range F2.8 aperture. The DMC-FZ20 is the true heir to the internationally renowned DMC-FZ10, enhancing its excellence not only with the total number of pixels but also with the technical improvements in the image processing LSI, the accuracy of O.I.S and the flash performance, in addition to a basic overhaul of physical usability to assure a firm grip by redesigning its exterior.

The most remarkable advancement is the complete improvement of the image processing LSI, the brain of a digital camera which handles the image processing. In the previous Venus Engine, the luminance signal is extracted from all RGB pixels to improve the diagonal resolution by 50%. In addition to that, the newly developed Venus Engine II gains new imaging process which adds the luminance signal extracted only from the G pixels upon detecting the horizontal / vertical lines in the image. This results in the improvement of the horizontal and vertical resolution by more than 10% compared to the former Venus Engine, while maintaining the 50% in the diagonal resolution. Besides, that the amount of the noise reduction is controllable according to the brightness level of each subject in the image, which reduces the noise in the dark areas as low as 1/3 without affecting the resolution in bright areas of the image.

Thanks to the further improved multi-task image processing, response has also been accelerated, resulting in the industry-leading release time lag of approx. 0.008 sec minimum and a shutter interval*1 of approx. 0.4 sec for achieving more stress-free operation. It also boasts high consecutive shooting performance, realizing the shooting at 3 frames/second at full resolution. Newly installed Infinite Consecutive Shooting function*2 allows limit-free consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD memory card.

MEGA O.I.S., which we strongly believe indispensable for a high-magnification model, is subsumed with 2 selectable modes. In “Mode 1”, the O.I.S. lens continuously compensates the vibration, and in the all Panasonic’s own “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. Venus Engine II also encourages this advantageous performance in the point of enhancing the accuracy of hand-shake detection, which allows you to use the 1-step slower shutter speed than that of the models with previous Venus Engine. Consequently, even without using a tripod, it allows you to reduce the shutter speed 3 or 4 steps compared to the conventional cameras without O.I.S., while assuring clear images.

As with the conventional LUMIX models, the DMC-FZ20 incorporates LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens that promises high resolution and low aberration images. The use of 3 aspherical lenses, which Panasonic boasts its in-house manufacturing know-how, accomplish conspicuous downsizing even with 12x optical zoom model. The ED lens contributes to suppress the color aberration that often occurs in telephoto shots.

The LUMIX DMC-FZ20 still leaves a wide variety of faculties pursuing the manual control, including ring-operated manual focus and manual exposure, for the high-end amateurs and professionals who prefer the pure creative freedom.

See http://www.dpreview.com/news/0407/04072104panasonicfz20.asp  for complete description and specs.