Pre-PMA 2008: Panasonic has upgraded its Lumix DMC-LZ6 and LZ7 with wider lenses, manual and semi-automatic exposure modes and - surprise, surprise - more megapixels to create The LZ8 and LZ10. Also new is Venus Engine IV, promising better image quality and more sophisticated noise reduction. The LCD monitors are the same size but pack twice the dots for image review that's far easier on the eye. Click through for the full story.

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Press Release:

Panasonic introduces Two New, High Performance, Compact Digital Cameras with 5x Optical Zoom Leica DC Lens and Manual Operation

Panasonic introduces the new LUMIX 10.1-megapixel DMC-LZ10 with 30mm wide angle (35 mm equivalent: 30-150mm) and the DMC-LZ8 with 32mm (35 mm equivalent: 32-160mm) 5x optical zoom Leica DC lens, combining excellent optical performance with compactness. The CCD has been upgraded to 10.1-megapixel (DMC-LZ10) and 8.1-megapixel (DMC-LZ8) high resolution, whilst the newly adopted manual control over aperture and shutter speed lets the user enjoy creative photography. The high-performance image-processing LSI has now entered its fourth generation with the Venus Engine IV, assuring higher-quality pictures with an advanced signal processing system.

The DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 feature iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, comprising 5 shooting-assist functions; Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Quick AF functions. Mega O.I.S. suppresses hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control prevents motion blur. The Intelligent Scene Selector sets the appropriate scene mode by automatically selecting it from the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Portrait and Night Scenery, whilst the Face Detection system detects a human face and automatically sets the focus and exposure for the best possible picture. The Quick AF system allows the camera to detect and start focusing on the subject even without pressing the shutter button halfway, ensuring you get the best results from every shooting opportunity by minimizing the AF time. Once you enter iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change, allowing you to enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.

The DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 boast a 230,000 pixel high-resolution LCD with Intelligent LCD function, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the display, giving you the best possible picture in any shooting condition.

The slim and compact DMC-LZ8 is available in black, while the LZ10 is available in silver and black with a sophisticated metal-finished front panel* now offer a music effect feature on slideshows of captured images so you can enjoy watching or showing your pictures with music that complements the slideshow.

The DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 offer the best solution for photographers who enjoy taking beautiful pictures successfully or for those who would like to experience creative photography.

Advanced lens unit delivers an exceptional optical performance

The 10.1-megapixel DMC-LZ10 is equipped with a 30mm* wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, whilst the 8.1-megapixel DMC-LZ8 comes with a 32mm* Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, Both feature a 5x optical zoom. Comprising seven elements in six groups, including three aspherical lenses with four aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit achieves an outstanding slimness yet passes Leica's stringent standards to deliver an exceptional optical performance. Furthermore, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 8.9x (LZ10) or 8.0x (LZ8) by using the center part of the CCD.

The Easy Zoom feature shifts the lens instantly to full 5x optical zoom power at the touch of a dedicated button, and with a second touch, the zoom ratio is further extended to 8.9x (LZ10) or 8.0x (LZ8) by activating the Extra Optical Zoom function*.

In addition, the newly adopted iris diaphragm allows the camera to have a manual control.
*35mm film camera equivalent: 30-150mm(LZ10), 32-160mm (LZ8)
*When the picture size is set to 3 megapixels or larger, the photo is automatically resized to 3 megapixels. When the lens is shifted back to the wide-end, the picture size is set to the original size automatically. The original size is maintained for photos smaller than 3 megapixels.

1. Great Photography with Intelligent Auto Mode

Panasonic incorporated the iA(Intelligent Auto) mode into its compact cameras in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to compensate for hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control to detect and suppress motion blur are built into all Lumix cameras, as the industry’s most advanced countermeasures against blurring. Both image stabilizing technologies have been further advanced in detection accuracy and correction effect thanks to the new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV.

In addition to these two key anti-blurring technologies, Panasonic continues to pursue the idea that anyone at any technical level of photography should be able to take beautiful pictures with ease, by incorporating the Intelligent Auto mode. Increasing the number of scene modes is one thing, but taking advantage of them is another, and that’s where the Intelligent Scene Selector comes in. It automatically sets the appropriate scene mode according to the scene you’re going to take from among the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Scenery and Night Portrait mode. The Face Detection system helps the camera to recognize human faces and to focus and set the exposure automatically. Up to 15 faces can be recognized simultaneously. The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focusing on the subject even without pressing the shutter button halfway, to get the best results from every shooting opportunity by minimizing the AF time.

These multi-capable functions happen automatically, so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change - the powerful Intelligent Auto Mode does all the work for you, so that you can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.

High-Speed, High-Quality Image-Processing

The DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 feature a new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, with advanced signal processing technology which produces even higher-quality images. Parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the preceding Venus Engine III, gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colours is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus colour bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity.

The Venus Engine IV also elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur.

The multi-task image-processing engine, Venus Engine IV also supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as 0.005 seconds and the camera's quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In burst shooting mode, the DMC-LZ10 and LZ8 can snap 2.5 shots per second at full resolution,** whilst in High-Speed Burst shooting mode,*** it fires off an incredible 5 (LZ10) / 5.5 (LZ8) shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting,**** which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full.

In addition, the Venus Engine IV supports a new High Sensitivity mode that lets the DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.*****
*Not including auto focusing time
**Max. 5 (LZ10) / 7 (LZ8) images in standard mode, 3 (LZ10) / 4 (LZ8) images in fine mode.
*** In 2-megapixel(4:3), 2.5-megapixel(3:2), 2-megapixel(16:9) recording
****The consecutive shooting speed varies with the memory card, image size, and image compression mode. The number of shots depends on the memory card size, battery life, image size and image compression mode.
***** In 3-megapixel(4:3), 2.5-megapixel(3:2), 2-megapixel(16:9) recording

Operational Ease

The DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 have adopted a manual control function, which is normally found on high end models, which allows users to set aperture and shutter　speed manually.; A-aperture priority, S-shutter speed priority and M-manual. Together with the powerful 5x optical zoom, this function helps the photographer take more creative control. Another additional function that broadens the fun of photography is an Advanced Scene Mode that provides the users with more control over some frequently-used scene modes; Portrait, Sports, Landscape and Night portrait. For example select the Portrait or Sports mode and you’ll then be given further options to define whether it is in outdoor or indoor. Select Landscape mode and you’ll have options to specify if you’re going to take nature or architecture. Alternatively, you can simply select the original mode or select Creative mode which adds manual controls over an aperture or a shutter speed to the optimized setting of the mode.

High-resolution LCD for Easy Shooting and Playback

The DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 incorporate an easy-to-see, 2.5-inch 230,000 pixel high-resolution LCD for comfortable viewing when monitoring shots or playing back the results. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 12 steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy.

These two cameras also feature the High Angle mode makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view from below, for example, when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd.

Exciting Options to Expand the Fun of Photography

Lumix cameras offer a wide variety of options to expand fun of photography. Both the DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 provide slideshows complete with music. Simply select the pictures you want to show and choose the music that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing.

All Lumix cameras can take 1920x1080 pixel high-definition quality photos that are ideal for full-screen viewing on a wide-screen (16:9) Panasonic Viera TV with internal SD card slot.

The DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 can also record WVGA (848 x 480) motion pictures at 30 frames per second in addition to standard VGA (640 x 480). The WVGA motion picture also fits a wide-screen (16:9) Panasonic Viera TV perfectly, offering impressive viewing.

Other Features

The DMC-LZ10 and LZ8 run on AA batteries,, and you are able to shoot 160 and 180 images respectively with the included Alkaline batteries, or 460(LZ10) /470(LZ8) images with optional Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (2600mAh)*.

All new Lumix cameras incorporate a REC/PLAYBACK mode switch. This helps the photographer to instantly switch between recording and playback modes. The GUI (Graphic User Interface) has been upgraded to look more futuristic in terms of design and colour while maintaining the visibility of characters.
Also interesting is the Title Edit* function, which allows text to be input as additional information on the picture, for example, names of children or pets, or holidays. This information, can be stamped on photos with the Text Stamp function and can be useful when making a photo album. A total of 18 scene modes and Advanced Scene Mode help you to take more beautiful pictures in a wide range of situations.

Around 20 MB of internal memory is built-in to back up the SDHC/SD Memory Card recording and copying. A newly added speaker lets you enjoy the slide show with music or a motion picture with voice on the high resolution LCD of the camera. All the major features mentioned above can be easily and quickly understood with the newly installed slideshow programme, Demo mode.
*Based on the CIPA standard.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ8 & LZ10 specifications

	LUMIX DMC-LZ8	LUMIX DMC-LZ10
Sensor	• 1/2.5" Type CCD • 8.32 million pixels total • 8.1 million effective pixels	• 1/2.33" Type CCD • 10.7 million pixels total • 10.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 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	• 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 3648 x 2736 pixels, 3072 x 2304 pixels, 2560 x 1920 pixels, 2048 x 1536 pixels, 1600 x 1200 pixels, 640 x 480 pixels • 3:2 Aspect Ratio: 3648 x 2432 pixels, 3072 x 2048 pixels, 2560 x 1712 pixels, 2048 x 1360 pixels • 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 3648 x 2056, 3072 x 1728 pixels, 2560 x 1440 pixels,1920 x 1080 pixels
Movie clips	• 4:3 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
File formats	• JPEG (EXIF 2.21) • QuickTime (Motion JPEG)
Lens	• 32 - 160mm (35mm equiv.) • 5.2 - 26mm • F3.3 - 5.9 • LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR • 7 elements in 6 groups (3 Aspherical Lenses / 4 Aspherical surfaces)	• 30 - 150mm (35mm equiv.) • 5.2 - 26mm • F3.3 - 5.9 • LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR • 7 elements in 6 groups (3 Aspherical Lenses / 4 Aspherical surfaces)
Image stabilization	MEGA O.I.S lens-shift stabilization
Conversion lenses	No
Digital zoom	Yes, up to 4x
Focus	• Normal • Macro • Quick AF On/Off
AF area modes	• Face • 9-point • 3-point high speed • 1-point high speed • 1-point • Spot
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	• Normal: Wide 50cm / Tele 100cm - infinity • Macro / Intelligent AUTO: Wide 5cm / Tele 100cm - infinity
Metering	• Intelligent Multiple • Center-Weighted • Spot
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • 100 • 200 • 400 • 800 • 1600 • High Sensitivity Mode : Auto (1600 - 6400)
Exposure compensation	± 2EV, 1/3EV steps
Exposure bracketing	± 1/3 EV ~ 1EV step, 3 frames
Shutter speed	• Program 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
Aperture	• Wide: F3.3 - F8 Tele: F5.9 - F8
Modes	• Intelligent AUTO • Program • Aperture priority • Shutter priority • Motion Picture • Scene
Scene modes	Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Self-Portrait, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo +Advanced Scene mode (Portrait 5,Scenery 4,Sports 4, Night Portrait 4)	Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Self-Portrait, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo +Advanced Scene mode (Portrait 5,Scenery 4,Sports 4, Night Portrait 4)
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Shade • Halogen • White Set
White balance fine tune	± 10steps, except for auto set
Self timer	2, 10 sec
Continuous shooting	• Full-Resolution Image 2.5 frames/sec Max. 7 images (Standard mode), Max 4 images (Fine Mode) • High-speed Burst Mode: Approx. 5.5 frames/sec (recorded in 2M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9)	• Full-Resolution Image 2.5 frames/sec Max. 5 images (Standard mode), Max 3 images (Fine Mode) • High-speed Burst Mode: Approx. 5 frames/sec (recorded in 2M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9)
Image parameters	• Standard, Natural, Vivid, Black & White, Sepia, Cool, Warm • Contrast : ±2steps • Sharpness : ±2steps • Saturation : ±2steps • Noise Reduction : ±2steps
Flash	• Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off • Range: 0.5 - 6.8m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 3.8m (Tele/ISO Auto)
Viewfinder	No
LCD monitor	• 2.5" TFT LCD Display • 230K dots • Field of View : approx. 100% • AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode, High angle mode
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 Full speed • AV Output (NTSC/PAL) • DC Input (Requires DC Coupler DMW-DCC2)
Print compliance	• PictBridge • DPOF
Storage	• SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard (Still image only) • 20MB internal memory
Power	• 2x AA batteries • Charger included • AC adaptor (optional)
Weight (no batt)	141 g (5.0 oz)
Dimensions	97.5 x 62.0 x 33.3 mm (3.84 x 2.44 x 1.31 in)