Olympus E-510 Firmware Update
Posted on February 19, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Olympus Japan has released a firmware update for the E-510. The update addresses the same issue as the E-3 with a quick fix solution. The update enables the use of the Image Stabilization function with non-Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses by inputting a specific focal length.
E-510 Firmware Ver1.3 has incorporated the following upgrade.
[Modification]
Enabled use of the Image Stabilization function with non-Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses by inputting a specific focal length.
* Upgrade history *
– 510 Firmware Ver1.2 has incorporated the following upgrade.
– Improved the focusing accuracy when using the EC-20 Teleconverter.
– mproved image stabilization when shooting at slow shutter speeds.
– E-510 Firmware Ver1.1 has incorporated the following upgrade.
– Improved reliability of writing to high-speed Compact Flash cards.
By setting the focal length of the lens in advance, you can use the image stabilizer function with lenses
other than the Four Thirds system.
Possible focal length settings:
8 mm 10 mm 12 mm 16 mm 18 mm 21 mm 24 mm 28 mm 30 mm 35 mm
40 mm 48 mm 50 mm 55 mm 65 mm 70 mm 75 mm 80 mm 85 mm 90 mm
100 mm 105 mm 120 mm 135 mm 150 mm 180 mm 200 mm 210 mm 250 mm 300 mm
350 mm 400 mm 500 mm 600 mm 800 mm 1000 mm
Painting Provincetown
Posted on February 17, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
“Provincetown,with its wonderful quality of light, is located at the tip of Cape Cod, and has been a traditional artists’ colony for ages. The tradition still continues…”. Taken by Annie Kaye
Panasonic Launches New FS Camera Series
Posted on February 17, 2008 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Panasonic’s Lumix FS20. Click photo for more images of the three new FS series cameras.
Panasonic has launched a new line of ultracompact cameras in the lead-up to the 2008 PMA trade show in Las Vegas, NV. The Lumix FS-series cameras will offer a pared-down version of the feature set provided in the company’s FX models, and will emphasize stylish body designs. The series makes its debut with the 8.1-megapixel DMC-FS3, 10.1-megapixel DMC-FS5, and 10.1-megapixel DMC-FS20. The latter two cameras are very similar, their main differences being in the size of their LCDs, the FS5′s underwater housing compatibility, and some variations in playback functions. The FS3 is essentially a lower-resolution version of the FS5 with a slightly different optical range.
The FS20 and FS5 both feature an f/3.3-5.8, 30-120mm Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 4x zoom lens, while the FS3 provides an f/2.8-5.1, 33-100mm Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 3x zoom. All of the FS cameras have optically stabilized lenses and use Panasonic’s fourth-generation high-performance image processing LSI, the Venus Engine IV, which Panasonic says improves both image quality and operational speed over previous generations. The FS3 and FS5 both offer a 230,000-dot, 2.5-inch LCD, while the FS20 bumps the size up to 3 inches. The LCDs automatically adjust their brightness level as ambient light changes, and offer Panasonic’s High Angle mode for making the screen viewable when held above the head.
All of the new FS cameras offer 23 automatic shooting modes, including an aerial photography mode. The FS5 and FS3 add an underwater mode and white-balance fine-tuning for use with compatible Panasonic housings. The cameras’ Intelligent Auto Mode combines optical image stabilization; face detection; Panasonic’s Intelligent ISO, which uses motion detection to track subject motion and adjust ISO and shutter speed settings accordingly; Intelligent Scene Selector, which evaluates a scene and selects an appropriate scene mode; and Quick AF continuous autofocus. The FS-series cameras provide a top light-sensitivity setting of ISO 6400 and shutter speed range of 1/2000 to 8 seconds. Their Starry Sky mode extends the range up to 60 seconds.
In continuous-shooting mode, the FS5 and FS20 can capture 3 or 5 full-resolution photos (depending on the compression setting) at 2.5fps at full resolution or an unlimited series of 2-megapixel shots at 6fps. With its lower resolution, the FS3 picks up a little speed. At full resolution it shoots at 3fps and in 2-megapixel mode at 7fps. All three models also offer 848×480 widescreen video capture. The FS5 and FS3improve on the FS20 by offering a slideshow function with music in review mode, while the FS20 is the only one of the new cameras to offer a dual image playback function. Another notable feature that the FS cameras share is their Title Edit function, which allows photographers to tag photos with text.
The new FS-series cameras will be available in February 2008. The $199.95 FS3 will come in blue, pink, green, silver, and black. The $299.95 FS20 will be sold with pink, black, and silver finishes, and the $249.95 FS5 will come in red, black, and silver.
Book Review: Digital Astrophotography: A Guide To Capturing The Cosmos by Stefan Seip
Posted on February 16, 2008 - Filed Under Culture, Photo | Leave a Comment
The thought of trying to do digital astrophotography can appear to be a complex combination of expensive equipment and Herculean knowledge that goes beyond what most of us are ready or capable to undertake. Digital Astrophotography: A Guide To Capturing The Cosmos was written as a step-by-step guide to remove many of these barriers to entry.
Sure, there is some expense and some techniques you will need to work with, but by providing all the knowledge and information, it will now be easier to dip your feet in to the universal waters. Digital Astrophotography is 147 pages in length and is divided into five chapters.
Chapter 1, “Before you Start,” is provided to give you some background about what this book is all about and to provide a proper introduction to astrophotography. It is helpful for you to have some background about the celestial objects you want to photograph, as that is not the main focus of this book.
As with everything else, it is always best to start off small and work your way up. Because of the advances in technology, it is much easier to get good results even with small telescopes and inexpensive digital cameras. Here you will learn about the appropriate telescopes, interaction of camera and telescope, and how they work together.
Chapter 2, “The Digital Compact Camera,” goes into the characteristics of a digital compact camera. This chapter goes through the suitable motifs for this type of camera, how to work with and without a telescope, and what the advantages and disadvantages are to working with this type of camera. It also goes in to the kind of useful accessories for working with a digital compact camera and how to take longer exposures, as well as how to process your images.
Chapter 3, “The Webcam,” begins by describing what a webcam is; this is your standard web camera used for video conferencing and video phone calls. Ideal objects for use with a web cam are objects within our solar system. With a webcam you can quickly capture close-ups of details of the sun and moon. Please read the warnings. Chapter 3 describes how to set up the web cam, position it, and get it focused. Also discussed is how to process your images and the tools you will need.
Chapter 4, “The Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera,” discusses why the DSLR is considered one of the best types of cameras for astrophotography. It explains what can be done with and without a telescope, the advantages and disadvantages of using this type of camera, tips for buying a DSLR, and what the useful accessories are for a kind of camera.
This chapter goes into how to take astrophotos with the camera by beginning with mounting on a telescope, photographing through the telescope, focusing, and guiding the camera/telescope for longer exposures. Finally it ends with how to process your images once you collect them.
Chapter 5, “The Astronomical CCD Camera,” explains how the astronomical CDD camera is considered the Rolls-Royce of astrophotography cameras, especially with regard to deep space objects. As with the Rolls-Royce, the cost can be expensive. The camera starts at $700 and from there, pardon the pun, the sky is the limit. As with the other chapters, discussed are advantages and disadvantages, buying tips, and how to process your images.
While everyone admires the images that have been captured from space, especially deep space, most feel this is something beyond their ability no matter what their finances are able to provide. Digital Astrophotography shows that even on a modest budget, one can get into astrophotography. While there are costs involved, the results can be spectacular. Digital Astrophotography is concise, easily read, and very up to date. If you are contemplating astrophotography, this is probably the best primer on the subject.
Digital Astrophotography, unlike many books on the subject, does not overwhelm you with too much information that it becomes incomprehensible. Rather, it sticks to the basics while providing a large amount of information. If you have any interest in astrophotography, then Digital Astrophotography: A Guide To Capturing The Cosmos is highly recommended.
Panasonic DMC-LS80
Posted on February 15, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment
The Panasonic DMC-LS80 is an 8.1 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom lens.
It features a Lumix DC Vario branded 3x optical zoom lens with maximum aperture range of f/2.8 – f/5.1 as well as a 2.5 inch LCD with 230,000 pixel resolution.
The Panasonic DMC-LS80 has 24 megabytes of internal memory, will take up to 270 shots with oxyride batteries and includes a similar array of features as other cameras announced by Panasonic today with their ‘intelligent’ technologies (image stabilization, intelligent ISO, intelligent scene selection etc).
THe Panasonic DMC-LS80 will have a retail price of $149.95 when it hits stores in February and will come in pink, black and silver.
Panasonic DMC-LS80 News Release PANASONIC ADDS NEW COMPACT, AA-BATTERY POWERED DIGITAL CAMERA TO ITS 2008 LUMIX LINE
New LUMIX LS80 Sports User-Friendly Technologies to Help Digital Photographers of All Levels
Panasonic today introduced its newest LUMIX digital camera, the DMC-LS80, which features advanced, yet easy-to-use settings that help even the entry-level digital photographer take great photos. Encased in a compact design and powered by AA batteries, the LS80 offers convenience and increased usability. With a newly developed LUMIX DC VARIO lens system, 3x optical zoom and 8.1-megapixel high resolution, the LS80 is feature-rich and user-friendly digital camera, all at an affordable price.
At the core of the DMC-LS80′s easy-to-use operation is a comprehensive system of intelligent technologies that operate within the camera automatically, without any extra effort from the user. The Panasonic LUMIX LS80 integrates four distinct features aimed at making it easy to capture perfect images.
* MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and an Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) lens system shifts to compensate, preventing hand-shake from creating a blurry image and instead, providing a clear and crisp photo. * Intelligent ISO – With this feature, the digital camera can determine if the photo subject is moving and change ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus enabling a blur-free photo. * Auto Macro – The LS80 automatically switches to the Macro setting when in close proximity to the photo subject, ideal for those extreme close-up shots. * Quick AF – With the Quick AF (Auto Focus) system, the LS80 will focus on the photo subject without the user needing to press the shutter button, producing the fastest shutter speed by minimizing the AF time.
“Continuing on the success of our 2007 line of LUMIX digital cameras, all our 2008 models will also include two advanced anti-blur technologies, Intelligent ISO and MEGA O.I.S., helping all our consumers – from the beginners to the advanced DSLR-users – take high-quality photos they are proud to share,” said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Committed to the idea that digital photography should be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, our Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras offer intuitive features, like Auto Macro, that are seamlessly integrated into the photography process, so the user doesn’t need to change any settings.”
Another new intuitive technology of the LS80 includes the Intelligent LCD, which means the brightness of the LCD automatically adjusts as the ambient light level changes. With the Intelligent LCD, which comes with 230,000-dot high resolution, images are clear, bright and easy to see – regardless whether it is day or night; inside or outside.
Other features of the Panasonic DMC-LS80 include: * Venus Engine III Processor: High-quality, high-performance image processing with the Venus Engine III. With its multi-task image processing capability, the Venus Engine III boasts outstanding response time. Shutter release time lag is as short as 0.005 second*. In the consecutive shooting mode, it is possible to shoot at 2.5 frames per second in full resolution**; and in High-Speed Burst shooting mode***, the LS80 fires off an incredible 5.5 shots per second. Also, with unlimited consecutive shooting, the user can snap photos continuously until the SD Memory Card is full ****. * High Definition Compatible: With the LUMIX LS80, consumers are able to take 1920×1080 pixel photos, ideal for viewing on wide-screen (16:9) High Definition televisions. The complete Panasonic VIERA line of Plasma and LCD HDTVs comes equipped with an internal SD card slot, so viewing digital photos is as easy as taking the SD card out of the LS80 and inserting it into the front of the Panasonic VIERA. * Video Recording: In addition to recording standard VGA (640 x 480), the DMC-LS80 can also record WVGA (848 x 480) motion pictures at 30 frames per second. Fitting a wide-screen HDTV perfectly, these wide-aspect motion images make for impressive viewing.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LS80 will be available in pink, black and silver models in February 2008 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $149.95.
*Not including the time for AF. **Maximum 7 images in standard mode / 4 images in fine mode. *** In 2-megapixel(4:3), 2.5-megapixel(3:2), 2-megapixel(16:9) recording **** The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card. The number of recordable pictures depends on the memory card size, battery life, picture size and image compression.
SD-compatible GPS makes geotagging easy
Posted on February 13, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Pre-PMA 2008: Memory maker ATP has launched what it describes as: "the World’s most easy-to-use Geotagging device." The Photo Finder is a portable GPS receiver that can automatically sync its data with the photos from your digital camera, without the need for a computer.
The pocket-sized receiver keeps track of where you go and, so long as you’ve synchronized your camera with the clock on the Photo Finder, will match up your photos with where you were when you took them. Inserting an SD, SDHC, MMC or Memory Stick PRO Duo card allows the device to embed this location information into the EXIF metadata of the images on the card.
The receiver runs on two AAA batteries and is about the size of a deck of cards. Photo Finder is compatible with "most of the digital cameras on the market," the company says. The data it writes can be read by software such as Google’s Picasa 2 and Google Earth packages. The Photo Finder has a margin-of-error of around 10m and comes with 128MB of flash memory – enough for 550 hours’ worth of tracking while a pair of alkaline AA batteries will provide around 8 hours runtime.
The device is based around the recent SiRF Star III chipset. Like the majority of GPS-based devices, the Photo Finder may struggle to create location data when surrounded by tall buildings, in narrows streets, indoors or when underground. ATP also says that it may not be able to track its location at speeds above 500km/h (300 miles/hour).
Press Release:
ATP Announces a Portable Photo Organization Device – Visual and Geographical Photo Organization Made Possible by the ATP GPS Photo Finder
Sunnyvale, CA (Oct. 11th, 2007) – ATP, a leading manufacturer of DRAM and flash memory solutions, today introduced the new ATP GPS Photo Finder – a portable photo accessory that allows for the convenient ‘geotagging’ of digital photos taken by any camera. Geotagging is a new cutting edge feature of digital images which allows you to associate images with the locations where they were originally taken.
The ATP Photo Finder, unlike other new solutions on the market, is universally compatible with any camera using jpeg image files, allowing you to use this single device to geotag pictures from multiple camera brands and models. In addition, the Photo Finder can be used on the go without the need for a computer. Simply plug in your camera’s memory card into the Photo Finder’s built in card reader or USB port, and it automatically finds and tags your images without any additional software or hardware.
“The ATP GPS Photo Finder allows users to tag their photos with GPS coordinates and automatically find the locations at which the pictures were taken,” said Michael Plaksin, ATP Vice President of Sales. “Imagine tracking your trip across Europe or your cruise around the Caribbean, and to be able to visually and geographically organize your photos afterwards. With new applications such as photo enabled GPS navigation around the corner, I believe this technology will see significant growth in the next few years.”
Pictures can currently be viewed using software such as Picasa2 and Google Earth which support geotagging.
For more information on the Photo Finder and other ATP products, please visit www.atpinc.com or email flash@atpinc.com.
Pre-Columbian Soccer
Posted on February 10, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
“This pre Columbian city (Uxmal, Mexico) was at its zenith in the years from 700 to 1000 AD and was probably built by the Mayan people. The name Uxmal is said to stand for a Mayan expression which translates as ‘built three times’. There are many vast buildings here in the middle of the Yucatan jungle some 100 km from Merida the regional capital but this open arena with its stone fittings was the site of the meso-american ball game which it is thought would be played between opposing teams of warriors using a stone ball. It is thought, but there is little evidence, that the losing team was sacrificed at the end of the game – sort of ‘early bath’!”. Taken by Mike
Why We Needed Henry Froehlich
Posted on February 9, 2008 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
The photographic realm has just lost two giants with the deaths of Popular Photography’s Burt Keppler and, now, of Henry Froehlich, former head of medium-format mainstay Mamiya America. Though less visible than Burt to readers of photography magazines, Henry was just as influential in the photo industry, and in many of the same ways. Influence aside, he was a lovely, kindhearted man.
A refugee from Nazi Germany, Henry did much to promote Japanese cameras in the U.S. after World War II, distributing the Konica line. Eventually he merged that business with Berkey Photo, a key distributor that had previously absorbed the German photo importing business of Paul Klingenstein, a fellow refugee and future Mamiya partner. Henry went on to create a film-to-video conversion business with Jan Lederman, now head of the MAC Group, and the three men later founded the highly successful Mamiya America.
In his role at Mamiya, Henry was a hero and friend to some of our best photographers, including Annie Leibovitz and Douglas Kirkland. If they or other Mamiya RZ or RB users had any job-threatening trouble with their equipment, Henry would hop to it, getting stuff fixed in a flash and often loaning out replacement gear in the interim. It seemed beyond the call of corporate duty, but reflected Henry’s deep affection for photography and photographers. Yet he was a consummate businessman, famous for driving a hard bargain — with absolute pleasantness.
Henry Froehlich was, in fact, one of the gentlest, sweetest men I’ve ever known in the often rough, sometimes bitter world of photo business. Despite the horrors of his young life he was rarely without a smile on his face, ready to tell a good joke or story. And whether it was business or pleasure, Henry manifestly enjoyed the social aspect of his very full life.
That life was busy and highly social even after Henry retired from the MAC Group, into which Mamiya had expanded. He and his equally sweet wife Marian (a talented sculptor) — peas in a pod — could be counted on to show up at just about every significant photo event in the world, and everyone was always glad to see them.
I don’t have that kind of social energy even in middle age. Going out to dinner rather than just hunkering down at home seems as often as not a chore to me. But with some regularity Henry and Marian would phone us up — my wife and I live a short distance from their house — and suggest an outing. And in the Froehlichs’ case it was always something I felt like doing because I knew it would be so comfortable, and that Henry would make us all happy almost by osmosis. That infectious goodness made Henry the kind of person the world needs, the kind most missed by the living.
I’m not one for displaying personal snapshots, oddly enough. Those pictures are already in my head. The only small print I have on display sits on my night stand. It’s of me and my then-three-year-old daughter, a little far-away and cockeyed, holding hands and walking across the local beach where we sometimes ran into the Froehlichs. Henry took it, and when I look at it I’ll remember him with fondness.
Confusion over UK policy on airline battery ban after government response to Amateur Photographer magazine
Posted on February 9, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo | Leave a Comment
There is confusion over the British government’s policy as to whether airline passengers are allowed to carry spare rechargeable batteries in their checked-in luggage, after an outright ban in the United States.
Earlier this week the United States government issued a direct warning to photographers of the potential risks when rechargeable lithium-ion batteries overheat and short-circuit.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) warns that batteries can be short-circuited if their terminals are bridged by a metal object such as a coin or jewellery.
The risks have escalated lately owing to the growing consumer market for counterfeit batteries, fuelled by the launch of new electronic products such as digital cameras.
The US Department of Transportation now requires passengers to carry any loose lithium-ion batteries on board as hand luggage, for storage in the aircraft cabin where any incidents can be detected quickly and more easily than in the aircraft’s hold.
However, a Department for Transport (DfT) spokesman in the UK told that it has no plans to bring in such a ban, telling us: ‘It’s a matter for the US internally. They’ve taken their decision.’
She added: ‘This is a safety issue and so it would be for the CAA [to decide].’
Though the CAA recommends that spare batteries are stored in carry-on luggage, the DfT’s comments appear to suggest that a US-style ban is not in place.
The CAA – which is the aviation industry watchdog – told us that its recommendations constitute a ‘ban’ and has hinted that it may contact the DfT to discuss this matter further following the government’s response to .
A CAA spokesman insisted: ‘The US has been catching up with regulations in this country for some time,’ adding that its advice must be followed by airline operators. ‘Spare batteries must only be carried in carry-on baggage and not in checked-in bags.’
In advice issued last April the CAA outlined the potential danger posed by ‘inappropriately packed’ batteries following several incidents on aircraft and at airports.
According to the CAA, previous incidents have included a fire in an overhead locker on an aircraft which had just taken off from New York’s JFK airport last February.
The fire was believed to have been caused by a battery carried on board by a cameraman.
The CAA advises passengers to carry spare batteries in their original packaging or, if not available, to insulate the terminals so they cannot come into contact with other metal objects.
‘You can pack each battery in its own protective case, resealable plastic bag (e.g. sturdy freezer bag) or package, or cover the terminals with insulation tape,’ adds the CAA.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5
Posted on February 9, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 are the first models in a new range of stylish, easy to use cameras. Both the FS20 and FS5 offer a 4x, 30-120mm lens and 10.1 megapixel, 1/2.33-inch sensor. Intelligent Auto Mode has been improved and there’s also a new image-processing engine, Venus Engine IV. The DMC-FS20 features a 3 inch, 230k screen, whilst the DMC-FS5 has a smaller 2.5 inch model.
Panasonic Press Release
10.1-Megapixel LUMIX DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 with 30mm Wide-Angle 4x Optical Zoom Leica DC Lens*
Combines Simple Operation and Slim, Stylish Profile
Featuring Intelligent Auto Mode
*35mm film camera equivalent: 30-120mm
Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new 10.1-megapixel DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 cameras with 30mm wide angle Leica DC lens and 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 30mm to 120 mm on a 35mm film camera) as part of the new Lumix FS series. The FS series is similar to the world-acclaimed FX series, pursuing easy and simple operation with its high-grade profile for users at every stage to enjoy taking beautiful pictures. Despite its remarkably compact and slim body, the stylish DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 boast a 30mm wide-angle Leica DC lens which captures the subject and the wider scene at the same standpoint as the normal 35mm camera does. The DMC-FS20 incorporates a large 3-inch LCD screen whereas the DMC-FS5 sports a compact 2.5-inch LCD screen. Both have 230,000-dot high resolution and Intelligent LCD function, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, thus offering a display with the most appropriate clarity in any situation.
The DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 feature the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which comprises 5 shooting-assist functions; Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Quick AF functions. Mega O.I.S. suppresses hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control prevents motion blur. The Intelligent Scene Selector sets the appropriate scene mode by automatically selecting it from the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait and Night Scenery. The Face Detection system detects a human face to set the focus and appropriate exposure for it automatically. The Quick AF system allows the camera to start focusing on the subject even without pressing the shutter button halfway, to get the best results from every shooting opportunity by minimizing the AF time. Once you enter iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.
Panasonic’s own high performance image processor has newly entered its fourth generation, to be reborn as Venus Engine IV assuring higher-quality pictures with an advanced signal processing system. The Easy Zoom feature shifts the lens instantly to full zoom at the touch of a button. The slideshow setting now comes equipped with a musical option, allowing users to listen to music whilst viewing their images, giving emotional impact when desired.. The DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 also boast an internal 50 MB memory (approx.) giving users more flexibility when shooting.
With a metal finish, the DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 are both sleek and stylish. Offering the ability to take great snapshots with committed ease of operation, even for beginners. The DMC-FS20 will be available in silver and black, and the DMC-FS5 in silver, black and red*
*Availability of models and colours may vary depending on the sales area.
1. Newly Developed 30mm Wide Angle 4x Optical Zoom (30-120mm) Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens and 1/2.33-inch 10.1-megapixel High Resolution CCD
The 10.1-megapixel DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 come with a 30mm wide-angle* Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 4x optical zoom complementing the slim and compact body of the camera. Comprising seven elements in six groups, including three aspherical lenses with four aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit fits well with the outstandingly slim and compact body yet passes Leica’s stringent standards to deliver an exceptional optical performance. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 7.1x by using the centre part of the CCD.
The Easy Zoom** feature shifts the lens instantly to full 4x optical zoom power at a touch of a button, and with a second touch, the zoom ratio is further extended to 7.1x by activating the Extra Optical Zoom function.
*35mm film camera equivalent: 30-120mm*
**When the picture size is set to 3 megapixels or larger, the photo is automatically resized to 3 megapixels. When the lens is shifted back to the wide-end, the picture size is set to the original size automatically. The original size is maintained for photos smaller than 3 megapixels.
2. Great Photography Is Not Only from Professional Photographers Anymore—Intelligent Auto Mode
Panasonic incorporated the Intelligent Auto mode to ensure ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. The Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) compensates for hand-shake and the Intelligent ISO Control detects and suppresses motion blur., As the industry’s most advanced countermeasures against blurring, both image stabilizing technologies have been further advanced in detection accuracy and correction effect thanks to the new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV.
In addition to these two key anti-blurring technologies, Panasonic continues to reinforce the idea that anyone at any technical level of photography should be able to take beautiful pictures with ease.. Increasing the number of scene modes is one thing and taking advantage of them is another, this is where the Intelligent Scene Selector comes in. It automatically sets the appropriate scene mode according to the picture you are about to take. Most frequently used scene modes include Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery and Night Portrait mode. The Face Detection system helps the camera to recognize human faces and to focus and set the exposure automatically. Up to 15 faces can be recognized simultaneously. The Quick AF system allows the camera to continue focusing on the subject without pressing the shutter button halfway, giving the best results from every shooting opportunity 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—the 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.
3. High-Speed, High-Quality Image-Processing LSI Further Evolves into the Venus Engine IV
The new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images.
Notably, dual noise reduction for luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the preceding Venus Engine III, gains a more sophisticated process. Firstly, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be noticeable, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Secondly, the information of the change point between colours is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus colour bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity.
The Venus Engine IV also enhances the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur.
Featured in the DMC-FS20 and the DMC-FS5, the multi-task image-processor, the Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as 0.00X second and the shutter interval is as short as 0.X sec* despite high-resolution picture recording. The camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In burst shooting mode, the DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 can snap 2.5 shots per second at full resolution.** And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode,*** it delivers an incredible 6 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting,**** which lets you continue shooting until the memory card is full.
The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.*****
*Not including auto focusing time
**Max. 5 images in standard mode/ 3 images in fine mode.
*** In 2-megapixel(4:3), 2.5-megapixel(3:2), 2-megapixel(16:9) recording
****The consecutive shooting speed varies with the memory card, image size, and image compression mode. The number of shots depends on the memory card size, battery life, image size and image compression mode.
***** In 3-megapixel(4:3), 2.5-megapixel(3:2), 2-megapixel(16:9) recording
4. Advanced 3-inch (FS20) / 2.5-inch (FS5) Large Intelligent LCD with 230,000-dot High Resolution for Easy Shooting and Playback
The DMC-FS20 boasts a large, easy-to-see, 3-inch (2.5-inch for DMC-FS5) 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD screen for clear viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by a maximum of 40 percent when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine. It also adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy.
The High Angle mode makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as when shooting over a crowd.
5. Exciting Options to Expand the Fun of Photography
The Lumix camera further offers a wide variety of options to expand the fun of photography.
Both DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 now provide slideshows complete with a musical option. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing. You are then able to view your slideshow along with the chosen music, giving it an emotional touch..
All Lumix cameras can take 1920×1080 pixel high-definition quality photos that are ideal for full-screen viewing on a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV. Panasonic is focused on making photography more enjoyable and accessible by letting people view their images easily on a Panasonic Viera TV with internal SD card slot.
For the motion picture, the DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 can record WVGA (848 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second in addition to standard VGA (640 x 480). The WVGA motion picture also fits a wide-screen HDTV perfectly, to offer extremely impressive viewing.
6. Other Features
The Panasonic DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 feature a variety of functions which expand convenience and fun for users at every stage. The energy-efficient Venus Engine IV imaging engine encourages the long battery life of the DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 to shoot around 280 (FS20) / 300 (FS5) shots despite their large, bright LCDs on a single battery charge*.
With reference to design improvements, all new Lumix cameras incorporate a REC/PLAYBACK mode switch. This helps the photographer to instantly switch between recording and playback modes, while always knowing which mode the camera is in. The GUI(Graphic User Interface) has been modified to look more futuristic in terms of design and colour while maintaining the visibility of characters.
A total of 20 (FS20) / 21 (FS5) scene modes help you to take more beautiful pictures in a wide range of situations.
Another valuable function is the Title Edit* option, which allows text to be input as additional information for the picture, for example, names of children or pets, and travel places. This information, as well as dates, which can be helpful when making a photo album, can be stamped on photos with the Text Stamp function whether you print them yourself at home or have a photo shop do them. Around 50 MB of internal memory is built-in to back up the SDHC/SD Memory Card recording and copying.
The major features mentioned above can be quickly understood with the newly installed slideshow program called Demo mode.
The DMC-FS5 is compatible with an optional marine case (DMW-MCFS5) with which users can shoot underwater while scuba diving, etc.
*Based on the CIPA standard.