New Panasonic hybrid compact super zooms

The ultra compact zoom features a high quality LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR 25mm ultra wide-angle lens with 12x optical zoom. Comprising 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ED lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, the new lens makes use of a brand new design in a slim and compact body.

Also newly incorporated is Intelligent Resolution technology, which allows the zoom ratio to be extended by approximately 1.3x, making the 12x zoom effectively extendable to 16x. The Extra Optical Zoom function can also extend the zoom power to 23.4x (at 3 megapixel) by using the center part of the large CCD.

Intelligent Resolution technology also enhances the movie recording function, allowing for 3 areas, outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation are automatically detected. Outlines are enhanced, texture areas are moderately accentuated, while the Venus Engine HD II is applied to the softer areas for lower noise and to make it smoother.

The Venus Engine HD II makes image-processing fast. The shutter release time lag is as short as approximately 0.006 seconds, with the camera’s quick response making it easy to capture spontaneous images with the Sonic Speed AF (auto focus).

Built in GPS functionality automatically embeds the images location, along with the longitude and latitude, in the photos EXIF data, giving photographers a range of functions including displaying the images on social media internet maps and sorting the images by place.

Manual control is available on the TZ10 for more advanced users, including A(aperture priority), S(shutter speed priority), M(manual exposure) modes.

High definition video capture comes in the shape of AVCHD Lite and also features Dolby Digital Stereo Creator for high quality sound recording.

New Power O.I.S (optical image stabilisation), reduces hand shake in lower light or slow shutter speeds. Intelligent scene mode can automatically detect up to 6 different scene types, while a new Happy Mode in intelligent Auto optimises colour, saturation and brightness.

A 3 inch, super high resolution 460,000-dot intelligent LCD makes for easy playback, while an optional marine case is available for underwater photography.

Bundled with the TZ10 is Panasonic’s software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.1 HD edition.

Also released today is the DMC-ZX3, featuring an 8x optical zoom, LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR lens and Intelligent Resolution Technology. The TZ8, released today as well, is pitched at travel photographers, featuring a 14.5 Megapixel CCD sensor and Power O.I.S.

For more information, and to read full specifications of the TZ10, ZX3 and TZ8 visit the Panasonic website.