mangiaphoto

Panasonic is pleased to introduce a new 8.1-megapixel Lumix digital camera, featuring a 28mm wide angle Leica DC lens with an amazingly powerful 18x optical zoom (equivalent to 28-504mm on a 35mm film camera) with f/2.8 brightness. Panasonic LUMIX FZ series has been highly evaluated across the world, for concomitant realization of both high performance and ease of use, and the new DMC-FZ18 has also been developed with no compromise of picture quality, operational ease and portability.

The newly developed 28mm wide angle 18x optical zoom lens in the DMC-FZ18 boasts notable optical performance and compactness, to open the door for the new world of expression that has ever been thought impossible with a single compact camera.
Panasonic also made an epoch in digital photography by providing all Lumix cameras with Intelligent Image Stabilization system that comprehends MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) to suppress hand-shake and Intelligent ISO control to prevent motion blur, allowing anyone to take clear, beautiful pictures with ease. Even going far beyond that, Lumix cameras pursue both the beauty of picture and the ease of operation at the same time to newly include the Intelligent Auto mode. In addition to two of the essential image stabilizing systems, this mode further features three new advanced functions. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically sets the appropriate scene mode according to the scene you’re going to take. It is selected from most frequently-used scene modes such as portrait, scenery, macro, night scenery and night portrait. The Face Detection system helps the camera to recognize a human face and focus and set AE. The Continuous AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject even without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best result out of a shutter chance by minimizing the AF time. These multi-capable functions happen automatically, so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. Lumix and its powerful Intelligent Auto Mode does all the work for you. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.
The high-speed, high-performance image processing LSI is the Venus Engine III, which boasts shooting at ISO 1600 in normal recording mode and even max. ISO 6400 in high sensitivity mode*. Effective resolution has been increased to 8.1-megapixels, which supports the Extra Optical Zoom function, that provides additional magnification - even up to 28.7x when taking photos with 3-megapixel resolution. The 2.5-inch large, high resolution LCD with 207,000 pixels, and the large, 0.44-inch Electric Viewfinder with 188,000 pixels, make it easy to see when monitoring and playing back images.
Panasonic redesigned the FZ18 to make it more stylish and enhance its operational ease. AF/AE lock button and Macro button is now independent to allow quick and direct operation. A long battery life lets the FZ18 take approximately 400 pictures (CIPA) on a single charge. And the FZ18 can save image data in the RAW file format, which can be edited and developed with included software. A metal-finished mode dial also adds further strength to the design while enhancing the grip with rubber to make it easier to hold. For users who feel that ordinary compact cameras simply do not give them the functions and control they need for full enjoyment, the Lumix DMC-FZ18 serves as a gateway to truly creative photography.

Main features:

• Venus Engine III - High image quality, high speed response, low energy consumption. The Venus Engine III is able to achieve a longer battery life of approx. 400 pictures on a single charge*.
• 28mm Wide Angle Leica DC Lens with f/2.8 Brightness and Powerful 18x Optical Zooming in a Compact Body
• Great Photography is not only from the Professional Photographer Anymore- Intelligent Auto Mode
• More Intuitive Control, More Comfortable Operation and Easy-to-see Intelligent LCD
• Viewing in Various Styles; HD Photo and Wide-Aspect Motion Images
• Quick and Smart AF and Easy Manual Focusing

Source: Panasonic Press release