The Panasonic Lumix FZ40 is a 14.1MP point and shoot superzoom camera that offers a 24x optical zoom (25-600mm equivalent). The FZ40 can capture HD video in AVCHD Lite format and features a 3-inch LCD. The FZ40 should be available in August 2010 at an initial retail price of $399.95. Check availability on Amazon.com.
More details in the press release below.
Panasonic Lumix FZ40 Press Release
SECAUCUS, NJ (July 21, 2010) – Panasonic announced today the newest addition to its popular LUMIX FZ-Series digital cameras. The LUMIX DMC-FZ40, a feature-packed, hybrid digital camera, combines a powerful 24x optical zoom*1 and creative manual operations to offer photographers of all levels the opportunity to take crisp, artistic photos and High Definition (HD) videos. This 14.1-megapixel model features a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and a new image processing system which achieves high picture quality for both still images and videos. The LUMIX FZ40 joins the Panasonic LUMIX FZ100, also introduced today.
“Building on the versatility and depth of the FZ-Series, the LUMIX FZ40 provides outstanding and advanced creative hybrid camera capabilities and features to photographers – giving them increased flexibility and a wide-range of features,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “In the LUMIX FZ40, consumers will find easy-to-use features they would find in super-compact point-and-shoots, but with the added 24x optical zoom and improved manual controls.”
The LUMIX FZ40 features Intelligent Resolution technology which leads to optimum signal processing, giving images outstanding natural clarity, specifically focusing on the finer details. The Sonic Speed Auto Focus (AF) and high-speed start-up found on the FZ40 are at the industry’s fastest level, helping users to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities.
The LUMIX FZ40 has upgraded intuitive manual and creative controls including the new jog dial which helps to elevate the camera’s operability. The jog dial is a focus button which allows users to change settings quickly including shutter speed and aperture, depending on the shooting conditions. Additionally, the new My Color mode which has been popular on LUMIX G Micro System cameras is available in both still and movie modes, and gives users creative freedom with a suite of options, including new Pin Hole, Film Grain, High Dynamic and High Dynamic B&W.
Panasonic’s hallmark Intelligent Auto (iA) mode automatically selects the most suitable Scene mode and remembers previously-registered faces. And the intuitive system also includes POWER Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.), featuring double the repression power compared to that of Panasonic’s previous image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S. This system helps to eliminate blur resulting from hand-shake, a common problem when pressing the shutter button while taking photos or shooting video.
Users can now enjoy easy shooting of HD movies in AVCHD Lite with double the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. Additionally, a separate and dedicated button located on the top of the camera allows users to instantly begin recording in video mode – so switching between capturing still photos and video is quick and seamless.
Other features of the LUMIX FZ40 include a 3.0-inch 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with 100% field of view, high energy efficiency which extends the battery life up to 580 shots (CIPA) per charge, and a new Video Divide function with which users can separate a video they’ve shot into two sections to shorten or delete any unwanted parts. Also, the LUMIX FZ40’s Wind Cut function blocks out noise from background wind when shooting in video mode.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ40 will be available in black in late-August for a suggested retail price of $399.95. For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit: www.panasonic.com/lumix.
*1 Equivalent to 35mm camera: 25-600mm.
Phiroze B. Javeri says
As a user since its introduction of the FZ50, (and the FZ20 before it, and Leica M4 system before that, before graduating to go digital), I have high hopes for the FZ100 and FZ40 (which ostensibly replaces the lighter FZ38), particularly at its killer price. One question that remains to be addressed is: What benefits will the micro four-third system cameras hold over the FZ100, besides the interchangeable lenses? Will some good (and competent) soul run through some tests and tell us that? I would personally prefer the versatility of a single lens with a wide range over several interchangeable (and costly) lenses to cover the same range, unless the latter hold a distinct quality advantage. Does such an advantage remain any more? As it is, with the introduction of the micro four-thirds system, the days of the traditional mirrored DSLR will soon be over. Will the likes of the FZ100 subsequently kill the micro four-third system down the line?
tlposcharsky says
I believe the advances in this line which include RAW will eventually doom the dslr ane the 4/3rds cameras.
Phiroze Javeri says
Wouldn’t that be nice? Who wants to lug around a bag-full of costly and heavy equipment, when one camera-lens combination can do it all? But, then, there is this issue of picture quality, which is hindered by a smaller CCD/CMOS receptor than what the DSLR’s have. If this issue can be suitably addressed, it’ll be super-zooms all the way.
AdelaideBen says
I too am tossing up whether to go to the micro 4/3 (or the Sony variant)… the multiple lenses is a pain, but the reality is that the big sensor means that you get much better photos both in terms of high ISO capabilities (NEX5 does 12800). Now, I have to say that many of the m4/3 format cameras don’t quite fit comfortably into any category. They still haven’t matured enough yet… and I’m glad that Lumix have not abandoned the superzoom capability. I’m not sure that there was a need for higher pixel count however – I’d have preferred high (useful) ISO ranking obtained from a slightly larger sensor… and 24x is most probably also more than is really needed.
Intersting to see how the lens abberations/distortion goes.