Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70

Panasonic has announced the 7.2 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70. Features include: 3x zoom (equivalent to 35-105mm on a 35mm film camera), optical image stabilization, uses AA batteries, 18 scene modes, and retails for $149.95.

SECAUCUS, N.J., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ — Panasonic today announced the Lumix DMC-LS70 digital camera, to its 2007 digital camera line. The 7.2 megapixel Lumix DMC-LS70 features Intelligent Image Stabilization with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO Control, superb optical 3x zoom (equivalent to 35-105mm on a 35mm film camera), and a LUMIX DC VARIO lens. Panasonic is committed to bringing top line features — like Intelligent Image Stabilization — to all their digital cameras, making superior imaging a priority.

Panasonic’s multi-tasking Intelligent Image Stabilization system makes it easy to capture beautiful photos every time. Today, MEGA O.I.S., which is a standard feature across the entire line of Lumix cameras, compensates for the effects of hand-shake, making it possible to capture clear, crisp photos indoors, at night, or when taking macro close-ups. However, MEGA O.I.S. cannot suppress the motion blur caused by a subject moving as the photo is being snapped. In this case, the camera’s Venus Engine III image-processing engine — detects whether the subject is moving and, as necessary, raises the ISO setting and shutter speed according to how fast the subject is moving and the light conditions.

“Panasonic is committed to bringing a variety of cameras to our users to match their digital lifestyle,” said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Corporation of North America. “The DMC-LS70 is leading the charge for our 2007 Lumix line as the ideal compact camera that offers more than a consumer would expect for its features and size.”

The DMC-LS70 is powered by two simple AA batteries, which can be purchased anywhere. Each camera comes with two Panasonic Oxyride AA batteries, which lets users take approximately 60 percent more shots than available with ordinary alkaline batteries — approximately 250 images with the DMC-LS70. The camera also accepts large-capacity SDHC memory cards, giving users more flexibility in shooting and recording.

In addition to added features, Panasonic has redesigned the full exterior of the DMC-LS70, bringing a new sleek design and bright 2.0-inch LCD to their most compact models. The user friendly menu and its graphical user interface have also been redesigned, with the colors brightened for easier view ability.

The DMC-LS70 also features:

* Easy Zoom: Shifts the lens instantly to full 3x zoom power at the touch of a dedicated button.

* Extra Optical Zoom: Provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 4.5x by using the centre part of the CCD.

* Quick Setting: Lets users quickly and easily access and set the functions used most often.

* Date Stamp: Allows users to utilize the Lumix date stamp feature in three ways: (1) Simply stamp the date on photos, (2) Stamp the day of a trip or event on the photos, and (3) For those precious baby photos, stamp the child's age in months on the image itself.

* Wide-Aspect VGA Motion Images: Records standard VGA (640 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second, and the LS70 records stunning wide- aspect VGA (848 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second. These 16:9 motion pictures look extremely impressive on a wide-screen TV.

* Added Scene Modes: Offers a total of 18 scene modes, including the new Pet and Sunset modes, making it easy to get beautiful photos in a range of photographic situations.

* The Lumix DMC-LS70 will ship in February with an MSRP of $149.95.

DMC-LS70 Specifications

Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 93.7 x 62.0 x 29.7 mm (3.69 x 2.44 x 1.17 inch) Weight Approx. 135g. (0.30 lb), Approx. 181g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.40 lb) Camera Effective Pixels 7.2 Mega pixels Image Sensor 1/2.5″,7.38 Mega Total Pixels CCD Primary Color Filter Optical Zoom 3x Extra Optical Zoom 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 3.6x for 5Mega, 4.5x for 3Mega, 2Mega, 1Mega, 0.3Mega 3:2 Aspect Ratio: 4.5x for 2.5Mega 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 4.5x for 2Mega Digital Zoom 4 x (Max. 12 x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom) Max. 18x Focal Length f=5.8-17.4mm (35mm Equiv.: 35-105mm) Lens LUMIX DC VARIO 7 elements in 6 groups (3 Aspherical Lenses / 3 Aspherical surfaces) Aperture Wide: F2.8 / F8.0 (2 steps) Tele: F5.0 / F14.0 (2 steps) Optical Image Stabilizer MEGA O.I.S. (Mode1/ Mode2) Focusing Area Normal:50cm - infinity Macro / Simple mode / Intelligent ISO / Motion Picture: wide 5cm/ Tele 30cm - infinity AF Metering 1-point/1-point high speed/5-point Focus Auto Focus System, Normal/Macro (Dial) AF Assist Lamp Yes ISO Sensitivity Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1250 (High Sensitivity Mode: 3200) White Balance Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set Exposure Program AE Exposure Compensation 1/3 EV step, -2 - +2 EV Backlight Compensation Yes (at simple mode) Light Metering Intelligent Multiple Scene Mode Dial: Intelligent ISO, Normal picture, Simple, Macro SCN (Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle, Fireworks, Starry Sky, Beach, Aerial photo, Snow, High sensitivity, Baby1, Baby2, Sunset, Pet), Motion Picture, Playback, Print Shutter Speed 8-1/2000 sec Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60sec. Self Timer 2sec / 10sec Auto Review 1sec, 3sec Review 1x / 4x / 8x Color Mode Natural, Standard, Vivid, Black & White, Sepia Recording Format Still Image: JPEG(Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.21 standard), DPOF corresponding Motion images: QuickTime Motion JPEG Recording Image Size 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 3072 x 2304 pixels, 2560 x 1920 pixels, 2048 x 1536 pixels, 1600 x 1200 pixels, 1280 x 960 pixels, 640 x 480 pixels 3:2 Aspect Ratio: 3072 x 2048 pixels, 2048 x 1360 pixels 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 3072 x 1728 pixels, 1920 x 1080 pixels 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 2816 x 1584 pixels, 1920 x 1080 pixels Image Quality Fine / Standard Motion Picture 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels 30 fps, 10 fps 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 848 x 480 pixels 30 fps, 10 fps Unlimited consecutive shooting Yes Easy Zoom / Zoom Resume Yes / - Real-time histogram Yes Composition Guide line Yes Built-in-Memory 27MB Scene Mode Help Screen Yes Auto Angle Detection Yes Travel Date / World Time Yes / Yes Date Stamp Yes Built-in-Flash Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off 0.3 - 4.7m (Wide/ISO Auto), 0.3 - 2.6m (Tele/ISO Auto) LCD Monitor 2.0″ TFT LCD Display (86K Pixels) Field of View: approx. 100% High angle mode Playback mode 25-thumbnail display, 9-thumbnail display, calendar display, zoomed playback (16x max.), image rotation, Slide show (duration is adjustable, also manual controllable), Playback of favorite pictures Resizing (selectable number of pixels), trimming, protection, DPOF print setting OSD Language English, Dutch, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese Recording Media Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard Interface DC Input, Video Output (NTSC/PAL), USB Direct Print PictBridge Power AA Oxyride Battery (Included), AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery (Optional) AA Alkaline Battery (Optional), AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (Optional) Battery life (approx.) 250 pictures (CIPA standard) with included AA Oxyride Battery Included Software LUMIX Simple Viewer, PhotofunStudio -viewer- ArcSoft (PhotoImpression/PhotoBase), USB Driver Standard Accessories Battery Charger, Battery Pack, Lens Cap, Lens Hood, Lens Hood Adaptor, AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable, Strap, CD-ROM

1. Shooting conditions: 23 degrees C with 50% humidity; LCD on; using the enclosed SD Memory Card; starting to shoot 30 seconds after turning on the power; shooting once every 30 seconds with the flash in full operation for every other shot; changing the zoom setting from telephoto to wide, or wide to telephoto, for each shot; and temporarily turning the power off after each 10 shots (long enough to lower the battery temperature).Some accessories are not available in some countries.The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are used under license. QuickTime is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries.This unit is compatible with both SD Memory cards and SDHC Memory cards. You can only use SDHC Memory cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory cards. (When using a SDHC Memory card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)