Panasonic has recently launched the 8.1-megapixel DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33, the newest members of its Lumix range of cameras.

The new models are equipped with the recently developed intelligent auto mode technology, as well as the 28mm wide angle Leica DC lens that features 3.6X optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 100mm on a 35mm film camera) and f/2.8 brightness to deliver exceptional optical performance.

“Despite its compact body and slim profile, the DMC-FX55/FX33 can fit more people in a photo when space is limited, or capture beautiful portraits with sweeping scenery or large structures in the background through its powerful Leica DC lens. Image viewing is also optimised with the DMC-FX55's 3-inch large LCD, while the DMC-FX33 pursues further compactness with a 2.5-inch LCD,” said the company in a statement.

“Panasonic has provided a new set of excellent features within a compact, easy-to-use and highly fashionable digital camera. The DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 allow ordinary photo enthusiasts to enjoy high-performance photography without having to confuse themselves with all the technicalities of professional imaging. The new models are loaded with powerful features that deliver best quality recording, and yet are so simple and enjoyable to use," said Panasonic Marketing Middle East product manager Yasuo Kimoto.

While all Lumix cameras are fitted with the revolutionary intelligent image stabilisation system, which enhances the camera's ability to capture perfect images, the DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 go a level higher with the new intelligent auto mode, which features three new advanced functions that further improve picture quality and ease of operation.

The intelligent scene detector automatically sets the appropriate scene mode according to the actual scene of the picture, such as portrait, sports, beach, fireworks, aerial, scenery, macro, night scenery or night portrait. The face detection system helps the camera to recognise human faces (up to 15 faces) and allow it to make necessary adjustments in focus and automatic exposure (AE). The Quick Auto-Focus (AF) System allows the camera to start focusing on the subject even without the shutter being pressed halfway, which achieves best results out of a shutter chance by minimizing auto focus time.

Panasonic's Intelligent Image Stabilization System features the Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and the Intelligent ISO Control. The Mega O.I.S. helps eliminate blurring due to hand movement – a critical feature when using high-resolution settings - and also has the ability to distinguish hand movement from natural camera movement to enhance both precision of detection and corrective effect. The Intelligent ISO Control fights motion blur by detecting if the subject moves and adjusting the ISO setting and shutter speed according to the degree of motion and light conditions.

The “intelligent” functions have been programmed to operate automatically, so users can shoot without having to worry about the settings every time conditions change. Another newly-incorporated feature is the Intelligent LCD, which allows the camera to detect the light condition and automatically boost the LCD backlighting by 40 per cent when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight, or enhance signals with pixel-mixed readout method when shooting under low-lit situations, securing clear images in all circumstances.

The DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 also feature the Venus Engine III, a high-speed, high-performance image processing large-scale integration (LSI) circuitry that renders exquisite images with minimal noise. It also realizes the newly added High-Speed Burst Shooting mode, which allows a lightning-fast seven shots per second, as well as the High Sensitivity mode, which provides a maximum ISO setting of 6400. In addition, when using High Sensitivity mode, the built-in flash reaches 16m, for clear images even in dim lighting.

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