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  1. #1
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    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera - Press Release

    PANASONIC UNVEILS VERSATILE LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERA WITH
    18X OPTICAL ZOOM AND 28MM WIDE-ANGLE LEICA DC LENS


    LUMIX DMC-FZ18, a High-Zoom Camera, Introduces New Intelligent Auto Mode, Featuring Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Continuous Auto-focus

    SECAUCUS, N.J. (July 24, 2007) – Panasonic today expanded its LUMIX family of digital still cameras with the introduction of the LUMIX DMC-FZ18, an 8.1 Megapixel compact camera with an impressive 18x optical zoom. In addition to a premium 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens, the DMC-FX18 joins the LUMIX DMC-FX33 and DMC-FX55 as the first Panasonic digital cameras to offer the revolutionary Intelligent Auto Mode, which include Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Continuous Auto-focus functions, allowing users to easily capture clear, professional-quality images in any situation or setting.

    When this powerful camera, with an optical zoom up to 18x, is put into Intelligent Auto Mode, the multi-faceted functions engage automatically, so there is no need to adjust settings every time conditions change. The DMC-FZ18’s intuitive Intelligent Auto Mode is comprised of:
    • Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode from the most frequently-used modes such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Scenery and Night Portrait;
    • Face Detection System, which helps the camera to focus, set auto exposure and detects up to 15 human faces capturing them clearly and brightly; and
    • Continuous Auto-focus, which allows the camera to keep focus on the subject without having to press the shutter button halfway and allowing for the best results out of a shutter chance by minimizing the auto-focus time.


    “The Intelligent Auto Mode in the DMC-FZ18 does all the work for you, making photo-taking trouble-free,” noted Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “When taking into account the camera’s 18x optical zoom, which is among the industry’s longest zooms, and then adding 8.1 Megapixels, a 28mm wide-angle lens, MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, and Intelligent Auto Mode, the DMC-FZ18 delivers professional-level photo quality, in a powerful camera packed with advanced features that is still easy to use.”

    Similar to the entire 2007 line of LUMIX digital still cameras, the camera sports advanced countermeasures against blurring – the Intelligent Image Stabilization system, which combines MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) to compensate for hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control to detect and adjust for motion blur caused by subject movement.

    The LUMIX DMC-FZ18 also is equipped with a 2.5-inch large, high resolution LCD with 207,000 pixels, a 0.44-inch Electric Viewfinder with 188,000 pixels, f/2.8 brightness and is powered by the high-quality, high-performance, Venus Engine III, which boasts shooting at ISO 1600 in normal recording mode.

    The DMC-FZ18 has been redesigned to make the camera more stylish and easier to use. The auto focus, auto exposure lock, and Macro buttons are now independent, to allow quick and direct operation, a metal-finished mode dial adds design strength and an enhanced rubber grip makes the camera easier to hold. The redesigned body also incorporates the joystick made popular by the DMC-FZ8 model, which enables a host of settings, such as manual focusing and exposure, to be done quickly and easily.

    Other advanced features of the LUMIX DMC-FZ18 include:
    • Custom Setting Mode that memorizes your frequent setting patterns for instance use applied by simply selecting this function on the mode dial.
    • 1920 x 1080 pixel photos ideal for full-screen viewing on a wide-screen HDTV.
    • Six auto-focusing methods including: face detection, multi, three-point high-speed, one-point high-speed, one-point normal-speed, and spot. With the one-point auto-focus or spot auto-focus method, the auto-focusing area can be chosen from as many as 11 points with the joystick or cursor button.
    • Advanced Scene Modes provide users more control over some frequently-used scene modes such as, indoor and outdoor modes when selecting portrait or sports mode and nature or architecture settings when selecting portrait mode.
    • Bundled SILKYPIX Developer Studio 2.0SE software application for editing and developing images in the RAW file format.
    • 27 MB of built-in memory: Perfect for backing up SDHC/SD Memory Card recording. *
    • Extra Optical Zoom feature extends zoom power to 28.7x at 3 Megapixels.
    • Compatibility with large-capacity SDHC memory cards.
    • Title Edit Function allows inputting of text and additional picture information.
    • Picture Playback by category: Sorts images into categories such as portraits, landscapes, nightscapes, events and motion pictures. Also, allows slideshow playback of images in the same category.
    • Optional accessories including a tele-conversion lens, close-up lens, ND filter, MC protector, lens adaptor, AC adaptor, battery pack, soft case and camera Bag.
    • Available in two colors: silver and black.
    • The LUMIX DMC-FZ18 will be available in September 2007 for an MSRP of $399.95.

    * 1 MB = 1 million bytes. Usable capacity will be less.

    Related Content:
    Panasonic Digital Camera Reviews >>
    Digital Cameras Forum >>
    Summer Digital Camera Guide >>
    All Panasonic Digital Camera News >>

    About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
    Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the features on their digital cameras and produce high-quality photos. Panasonic is honored to support OUR PLACE – The World’s Heritage, a project that will create the world’s largest photographic collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites, with acclaimed photographers exclusively using LUMIX digital cameras to capture all images. Information about Panasonic LUMIX digital still cameras and its affiliated programs is available at www.panasonic.com/dsc.
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  2. #2
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    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Specs

    Dimensions (W x H x D)Approx. 117.6 x 75.3 x 88.2 mm (4.63 x 2.96 x 3.47 inch)
    WeightApprox. 360g. (0.79lb)
    Approx.407g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.90lb)
    Camera Effective Pixels8.1 Mega pixels
    Image Sensor1/2.5", 8.32 Mega Total Pixels CCD
    Primary Color Filter
    Optical Zoom18x
    Extra Optical Zoom4:3 Aspect Ratio: 23x for 5Mega, 28.7x for 3Mega, 2Mega, 0.3Mega
    3:2 Aspect Ratio: 23x for 4.5Mega, 28.7x for 2.5Mega
    16:9 Aspect Ratio: 23x for 3.5Mega, 28.7x for 2Mega
    Digital Zoom4 x
    ( Max. 72 x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom )
    (Max. 115x combined with Extra Optical Zoom)
    Focal Length4 x
    f=4.6-82.8mm (35mm Equiv.: 28-504mm)
    LensLEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT
    11 elements in 8 groups
    (3 Aspherical Lenses / 4 Aspherical surfaces)
    ApertureWide: F2.8 - F8.0 Tele:F4.2 - F8.0
    Optical Image StabilizerMEGA O.I.S. (Mode1 / Mode2)
    Conversion lens CompatibilityYes
    Focusing AreaP / A / S / M / Intelligent AUTO / Motion Picture : Normal: Wide 30cm/ Tele 200cm - infinity
    Macro: Wide 1cm/ Tele (approx. 6x-11x) 200cm - infinity
    Tele Macro (approx. 12x - 18x) : 100cm - infinity
    AF MeteringFace / 1-point / 1-point high speed / 3-point high speed / Multi-point / Spot
    FocusAF-Macro On/Off, AF/MF Switchable, Manual Focus(Joystick), One Shot AF, Continuous AF On/Off
    AF/AE LockYes
    AF Assist LampYes
    ISO SensitivityAuto /100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1250 / 1600
    (High Sensitivity Mode : Auto(1600 - 6400)
    White BalanceAuto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / Flash / White Set1/2
    White BalanceAuto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / Flash / White Set1/2
    White Balance Adjustment (2-axis adjustable, ±9steps each)
    (Selectable at Portrait(Normal, Soft Skin,Creative), Sports(Normal, Creative),
    Baby, Pet and High Sensitivity mode)
    ExposureProgram AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual, Program Shift(Program AE mode)
    Exposure Compensation1/3 EV step, +/-2 EV
    Backlight Compensation
    Auto (AE) Bracketing
    Light Metering
    Yes (at Intelligent AUTO mode)
    +/- 1/3 EV ~1EV step, 3 frames
    Intelligent Multiple/ Center Weighted/ Spot
    Scene ModeDial: Playback, Intelligent AUTO, P(Program) mode, A(AperturePriority) mode, S(Shutter Priority) mode,
    M(Manual) mode, Custom, Portrait mode, Scenery mode, Sports mode, Night Portrait mode
    SCN ( Food, Party, Candle Light, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Panning, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo)
    Motion Picture, Print
    Advanced Scene ModePortrait mode : Normal, Soft Skin, Outdoor, Indoor, Creative Scenery mode : Normal, Nature, Architecture, Creative Sports mode : Normal, Outdoor, Indoor, Creative Night Portrait : Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Illuminations, Creative
    Advanced Scene ModePortrait mode : Normal, Soft Skin, Outdoor, Indoor, Creative
    Scenery mode : Normal, Nature, Architecture, Creative
    Sports mode : Normal, Outdoor, Indoor, Creative
    Night Portrait : Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Illuminations, Creative
    Shutter SpeedProgram AE : 1-1/2000 sec
    Aperture Priority AE / Shutter Priority AE : 8-1/2000 sec
    Manual : 60-1/2000sec.
    Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60sec
    Self Timer2sec / 10sec / 10sec/3images
    Auto Review1sec, 3sec, Zoom
    Review1x / 4x / 8x
    Picture AdjustmentContrast                             ±2steps
    Sharpness                           ±2steps
    Saturation                           ±2steps
    Noise Reduction                 ±2steps
    Color Effect ModeBlack & White, Sepia, Cool, Warm
    Recording FormatStill Image: JPEG(Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.21 standard), DPOF compatible
    Image with audio: JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.21 standard)+ QuickTime
    Motion picture: QuickTime Motion JPEG
    Recording Image SizeStill Image: 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 3264 x 2448 pixels, 2560 x 1920pixels, 2048 x 1536 pixels,1600 x 1200 pixels , 640 x 480 pixels
    3:2 Aspect Ratio: 3264 x 2176 pixels , 2560 x 1712 pixels , 2048 x 1360 pixels
    16:9 Aspect Ratio: 3264 x 1840 pixels, 2560 x 1440 pixels, 1920 x 1080 pixels
    Image QualityFine / Standard / RAW / RAW+ JPEG
    Motion Picture4:3 Aspect Ratio: 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels 30 fps, 10 fps
    16:9 Aspect Ratio: 848 x 480 pixels 30 fps, 10 fps
    Burst Shooting ModeFull-Resolution Image, 3 frames/sec Max. 7 images (Standard mode), Max 4 images (Fine Mode)
    Unlimited consecutive shootingYes
    Still Image Rec. with Audio5 Seconds
    Audio DubbingMax. 10sec
    Real-time histogramYes
    Composition Guide lineYes (2 patterns)
    Built-in-Memoryapprox. 27MB
    Scene Mode Help Screen Yes
    Auto Angle DetectionYes
    Flip AnimationYes
    Travel Date / World TimeYes / Yes
    Title EditYes
    Text Stamp / Date StampYes / Yes
    Built-in-FlashAuto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction,Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
    Flash output Adjustment (1/3EV step, -2 - +2 EV)0.3 - 6.0m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 4.0m (Tele/ISO Auto)
    Viewfinder0.44" Color EVF (188K Pixels),Field of View : approx. 100%
    LCD Monitor2.5" Polycrystalline TFT LCD Display (207K Pixels)
    Field of View : approx. 100%
    Auto Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode, High angle mode
    Playback mode25-thumbnail display, 9-thumbnail display, calendar display, zoomed playback (16x max.),Playback of favorite pictures, Creating still pictures from a motion picture
    Category Playback (playback and slideshow of pictures in category)
    Slide show (duration is adjustable, also manual controllable), image rotation
    Resizing (selectable number of pixels), trimming, protection, aspect conv. DPOF print setting
    OSD languageEnglish,German,French,Italian,Spanish,Polish,Czech ,Hungarian,Russian,Chinese(Traditional),Chinese(Si mplified), Netherlandic,Thai,Korean,Turkish, Portuguese, Arabic, Persian, Japanese
    Recording MediaBuilt-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard
    MicrophoneYes
    SpeakerYes
    Direct PrintPictBridge
    InterfaceDC Input, AV Output (NTSC/PAL), USB
    PowerLi-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 710mAh) (Included)
    AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (Optional)
    Battery life (approx.)400 pictures (CIPA Standard) / 400 pictures (with EVF)
    Included SoftwareLUMIX Simple Viewer, PhotofunStudio -viewer-SILKYPIX Developer Studio 2.1SE, ArcSoft MediaImpression, ArcSoft PanoramaMaker, USB Driver
    Standard AccessoriesBattery Charger, Battery Pack, Lens Cap, Lens Hood, Lens Hood Adaptor, AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable, Strap, CD-ROM


    *1. Shooting conditions: 23°C with 50% humidity; LCD on; using the enclosed SD Memory Card; starting to shoot 30 seconds after turning on the power; shooting once every 30 seconds with the flash in full operation for every other shot; changing the zoom setting from telephoto to wide, or wide to telephoto, for each shot; and temporarily turning the power off after each 10 shots (long enough to lower the battery temperature).

    *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.

    *Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.

    *The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 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.

    *All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.

    *QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are used under license. QuickTime is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries.

    *This unit is compatible with both SD Memory cards and SDHC 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 a SDHC Memory card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
    Photo-John

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  3. #3
    Liz
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    Re: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera - Press Release

    This almost sounds too good to be true! For a point and shoot with such a large zoom, IS, Leica lens,etc. I do wonder if the sensor is too small....how the noise is, etc.

    Any thoughts?

    Liz

  4. #4
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    Re: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera - Press Release

    Take a look at the Panasonic Lumix TZ3 pro review that went up yesterday. That should give some idea about what we can expect from this camera, in terms of image quality. Overall, I've been very impressed and surprised at the image quality coming from digital cameras that have been introduced this year.

    We actually have sample photos from this camera, I think. I have an article from megan that will be up later today. And I know she had a chance to take some pictures with these new cameras. We'll see whhat she's got for us.
    Photo-John

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  5. #5
    Liz
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    Re: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera - Press Release

    Quote Originally Posted by Photo-John
    Take a look at the Panasonic Lumix TZ3 pro review that went up yesterday. That should give some idea about what we can expect from this camera, in terms of image quality. Overall, I've been very impressed and surprised at the image quality coming from digital cameras that have been introduced this year.

    We actually have sample photos from this camera, I think. I have an article from megan that will be up later today. And I know she had a chance to take some pictures with these new cameras. We'll see whhat she's got for us.
    That's awesome......you mean from the TZ3 or the FZ18? Either way, it will be good to see the images. Interesting.

    Liz

  6. #6
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    Re: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera - Press Release

    Quote Originally Posted by Liz
    That's awesome......you mean from the TZ3 or the FZ18? Either way, it will be good to see the images. Interesting.
    I believe megan has full-res photos taken with the FZ18. I'm hoping to get her to post some of the original files, if she thinks they're worthy.
    Photo-John

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  7. #7
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    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera Intro

    PhotographyREVIEW.com member, megan, attended the Panasonic Lumix intro event in New York City. She posted an in-depth, hands-on report of the three new cameras that were introduced, including a mini review of the new 8-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX18 with its 18x Leica optical zoom lens. Read about her experience with the new camera, her thoughts Panasonic's new digital camera features, and see the sample photos she took with the Lumix FX18:

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX18 Intro and Mini Review >>
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  8. #8
    Liz
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    Re: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera - Press Release

    Thanks a bunch Megan - and John for the information/review and the photos. It sounds like this just might be a winner.

    Regarding the images - when I click on the image, there are more images to be seen from the show. I'm assuming they are all from the FZ18 - and not from the other cameras since Megan posted them. Right?

    The images look good - especially considering the lighting, etc.

    I purchased an S5 - but I'm thinking it might be worth my while to return it and wait for this one. Any thoughts?

    Maria

  9. #9
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    Re: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera - Press Release

    Liz-
    There are two parts to that story. The top part and the photos beneath it are from the FZ18. The next section and the photos that follow are from the other two cameras. I'll get megan to indicate which cameras were used on the gallery posts, too. You can also refer back to the article to see where the images are placed. That will help you know which photos were taken with the FZ18.
    Photo-John

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