SECAUCUS, N.J., July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic
today announced its new premium digital compact camera, the LUMIX
DMC-LX7, from the world-renowned LX series which has been long
acclaimed by photography enthusiasts for its high picture quality
and creative descriptiveness. The new LUMIX LX7 is equipped with a
fully re-designed lens, image sensor and image processing engine
for superior performance and stunning image quality.
"The Panasonic LUMIX LX-Series cameras have been extremely
popular models for both professional and enthusiast photographers,
who understand the value and superb image quality such a compact,
affordable digital camera can offer," said Marc Sorkin, Senior Product Manager, Imaging,
Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "We expect the same enthusiasm,
if not more, for the LUMIX LX7, which features major upgrades and
improvements resulting in even better image quality."
Equipped with a newly developed 24mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC
VARIO-SUMMILUX lens with 3.8x optical zoom*1, the LUMIX
LX7's supreme lens also features F1.4 brightness at wide-end and
F2.3 at tele-end. The F1.4 brightness is approximately 400%
as bright as an F2.8 lens. The extraordinarily rich amount of
light allows for the use of higher shutter speed to capture
stunningly clear, sharp, blur-free images in low light situations
and also provides impressive expression to images by reproducing
exquisite gradation and mellow defocus to elevate
photography.
The LUMIX LX7's lens unit consists of 11 elements in 10 groups
with five aspherical lenses with nine aspherical surfaces,
including the dual-sided aspherical surface ED (Extra-low
Dispersion) lens, which has never before been adopted by any
Panasonic LUMIX digital camera or interchangeable lens. This
advanced lens system makes it easy to produce beautiful photos in
high resolution with minimal distortion and a pleasing,
soft-focused background. Nano Surface Coating technology
dramatically minimizes light reflection at entire visual range
(380nm-780nm). The LX7's 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens gives
users a wider range of composition possibilities, capturing
approximately 136% larger viewing space compared to that of a 28mm
wide angle camera. Additionally, the LUMIX LX7's lens
minimizes distortion at wide end so users obtain stunning,
true-to-life images with outstanding resolution and
detail.
The LUMIX LX7 adopts a new 1/1.7-inch
10.1-megapixel*2 MOS Sensor that features an improved
S/N ratio by 1.5 dB compared with its predecessor, the LUMIX
DMC-LX5*3 which results in high resolution images with
stunning clarity in high sensitivity recording and also in low ISO,
reproducing rich gradation with wide dynamic range even when the
situation is highly contrasted. The LUMIX LX7's high
performance Venus Engine also boasts advanced signal
processing. The Intelligent NR (Noise Reduction) system keeps
resolution high by optimizing the NR process applied to each part
of an image. The Multi-process NR quickly detects brightness
in each portion of a picture and applies optimal noise reduction in
multiple steps. High-speed digital signal output has been
integrated into the LUMIX LX7 to realize high-speed consecutive
shooting at 11 fps (frames per second) in full resolution with
mechanical shutter and 5 fps with continuous AF (Auto
Focus).
Creative Control Mode offers 16 filter options including Soft
Focus*4, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point
Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect, Star Filter, Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia,
Hi Dynamic, Miniature Effect*5 and the new exclusive
Radial Defocus and Smooth Defocus modes. Radial Defocus adds
defocus effect radially from the light source while Smooth Defocus
makes defocus figuration even smoother. Photo Style is also
available to provide photos with finer expression with Standard,
Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait and Custom preset
options. The Time Lapse Shot function allows users to capture
a record of stationary observation for objects such as flowers
coming into bloom, wild animals and moving clouds.
Additionally, full manual control is available on the LUMIX LX7 so
advanced users can enjoy more creative photography.
The LUMIX LX7 features both iA (Intelligent Auto) and iA Plus
modes. In addition to the popular functions of iA- POWER
O.I.S., AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene
Selector, Face Recognition, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent
HDR (High Dynamic Range), Intelligent Handheld Night Shot and
Motion Deblur*6 modes- iA Plus mode allows users to
adjust defocusing area in the background, exposure compensation and
white balance for more flexible control.
Equipped with a new 3.0-inch 920,000-dot Intelligent LCD screen
with super high resolution and wide angle viewing, the LUMIX LX7's
screen brightness automatically adjusts in 11 steps as surrounding
brightness levels change, ensuring easy visibility at all
times. To enhance operability, the LUMIX LX7 has been
equipped with an aperture ring, internal ND filter, focus lever and
rear dial in order to control light source. The newly added
Level Gauge detects horizontal or vertical angle of view which is
helpful in keeping horizontal composition even when shooting in
high or low angle.
In addition to recording stunning still imagery, the LUMIX LX7
also records high resolution full-HD 1,920x1,080 60p videos in
AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format or 30p in MP4. The
LUMIX LX7 features a dedicated video record button on the top of
the camera body so users can instantly start recording videos while
shooting photographs without changing any settings. Along
with full-HD video capabilities with 3.8x optical zoom with step
zoom function and POWER O.I.S., the LUMIX LX7 also features
high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator to
offer highly realistic sound to images. The stereo microphone
comes with a zoom noise reduction system and an Auto Wind Cut
function blocks out most background noise from wind.
Additionally, Creative Video mode lets users set the camera shutter
speed, which can create special effects in videos, and aperture,
which is convenient when there are several subjects at different
distances, manually to create even more impressive videos.
The LUMIX LX7 offers rich accessory options for camera
expandability to match every shooting situation and style.
The hot shoe atop the camera body allows for the attachment of
advanced accessories including the optional tilt-shift Live View
Finder (DMW-LVF2) which helps monitoring even under strong daylight
with high visibility. Additional camera accessories
include:
- External Optical View Finder: DMW-VF1
- Filter Adaptor: DMW-FA1 NEW
- MC Protector: DMW-LMCH37
- ND Filter: DMW-LND37
- PL Filter: DMW-LPLA37 NEW
- External Flash: DMW-FL220 (GN22) / DMW-FL360 (GN36) / DMW-FL500
(GN50)
- Genuine Leather Case: DMW-CLX7 NEW
- Battery Pack: DMW-BCJ13
Additional features of the LUMIX LX7 include:
- RAW and RAW+JPEG data recording options
- Aspect Bracket / White Balance Bracket
- HDR mode
- Panorama Shot mode
- 3D Photo mode
- Creative Retouch
The LUMIX DMC-LX7 will be available in black and white.
Pricing and availability will be announced approximately 30 days
prior to shipping. For more information about Panasonic LUMIX
digital cameras and lenses, please visit
www.panasonic.com/lumix.
*1 35mm camera equivalent: 24-90mm
*2 Camera effective pixels
*3 Panasonic in-house comparison with the LX5
*4 For photo only
*5 Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] and
approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record
for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be
approximately 1 minute long)
*6 The picture size may be reduced.
- Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with
[AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds. (excluding when [SH] is set)
- Motion pictures in [MP4] can be recorded continuously for up
to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion picture recorded
continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.
* Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR
GmbH.
* The LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lenses are manufactured using
measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have
been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality
standards.
* "AVCHD Progressive", "AVCHD", the "AVCHD Progressive" Logo and
the "AVCHD" Logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony
Corporation.
* Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories.
* HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are
trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
* All other company and product names are trademarks of their
respective corporations.
* This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC 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 an SDHC Memory Card on
another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that
device.)
* 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.
* Design and specifications are subject to change without
notice.
About Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America
Based in Secaucus, N.J.,
Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, a Division of Panasonic
Corporation of North America, the
principal North American Subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE:
PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and
R&D operations, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in
the U.S. and Canada. The Company's portfolio of innovative
consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray
players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless
Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and
more.
Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the
earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the
company's Eco Ideas programs. Panasonic was the only Consumer
Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the
Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic
on Twitter @panasonicdirect, and additional company information for
media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
SOURCE Panasonic