Tech Shout!

On Tuesday, electronics products manufacturer Panasonic, has introduced two new digital cameras in its FX-series. Dubbed LUMIX DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33, the latest two digicams feature Panasonic’s Intelligent Image Stabilization technologies. Both the cameras offer Intelligent Auto Mode, a system which blends Mega Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S) and Intelligent ISO Control with three new features: Face Detection System, Intelligent Scene Selector and Continuous Auto Focus. Both models combine 8.1-megapixels with a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom.

The new Intelligent Auto Mode available on both the DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 incorporates Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically has the astuteness of selecting the suitable scene mode from the most frequently-used modes such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Scenery and Night Portrait; Face Detection System, which helps the camera to focus, set auto exposure and detects up to 15 human faces, capturing them clearly and brightly; and Continuous Auto-focus, making it possible for the camera to maintain focus on the subject without having to press the shutter button halfway and allowing for best results of a photo opportunity by minimizing the auto-focus time.

Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company said, “With our Intelligent Auto Modes, the DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 are the perfect combination of performance and style, giving consumers a user-friendly digital camera in a sleek and compact body that makes it easy to carry.” Adding, “Also featuring a 28-mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens and MEGA OIS, these cameras allow the on-the-go consumer to capture high-quality images with incredible features and convenience.”

Furthermore, like all other Panasonic digicams in the 2007 LUMIX range, the LUMIX DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 also include the Intelligent Image Stabilization, which enables two significant features. Firstly, the MEGA O.I.S. which tackles the usual problem of the effects of hand-shake; and secondly Intelligent ISO Control, which takes into account the photo subject is moving and adjusts the ISO setting. Thanks to these two features, photos clicked from the DMC-FX33 and DMC-FX55 turn out more clear and crisp than ever before.

Another breakthrough technology that the new Panasonic DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 digicams include is the Venus Engine III, which supports a new High Sensitivity mode that makes possible images to be shot at a setting of up to ISO 6400. This is sensitive enough to capture subjects even in low-light conditions without the need for a flash. Besides, the high-speed Burst Shooting mode enables up to seven shots to be taken per second.

Below are the other advanced features that the Panasonic DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 digicams include:

The DMC-FX55 has a 3-inch LCD screen and the DMC-FX33 comes with a 2.5-inch LCD screen.

27 MB of built-in memory, perfect for backing up SDHC/SD Memory Card recording.

The new Title Edit function allows the inputting of text to provide additional context to images. Additional functions for adding information to photos include the Text Stamp function and the Travel Date function.

Category Playback sorts images into categories, such as portraits, events, baby, etc. to allow for easy playback and creation of slideshows.

Clipboard function allows the user to hold and retrieve certain images that may be useful on a trip, such as a photo of a map or train schedule.

The DMC-FX33 is compatible with a marine case for underwater shooting.

While the DMC-FX55 comes in silver, black and pink colors, the DMC-FX33 is embellished in silver, black, blue and brown. Panasonic DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 digital camera will be available in September 2007 for an MSRP of $349.95 and $299.95 respectively.