Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8

Panasonic has updated its point-and-shoot lineup, adding new models to the Lumix FH and S series, and introducing the new SZ series. Cameras marketed under the SZ banner feature stylish bodies and long zoom lenses. The S series remains Panasonic's entry-level camera, with the FH cameras positioned just above those in terms of price and features.

The entry-level Lumix S2 will feature a 14-megapixel image sensor, a 2.7-inch LCD, and a 4x (28-112mm f/3.1-6.5) Lumix DC Vario zoom lens. Despite being a low-end camera, it also supports optical image stabilization, HD video recording, and includes a rechargeable battery. The camera features what Panasonic dubs Sonic Speed AF, which promises to deliver fast and accurate autofocus.

The Lumix FH6 and FH8 share a number of features. Both cameras sport a 5x (24-120mm f/2.5-6.4) Leica zoom lens, optical image stabilization, and HD video recording. The FH6 sports a 14-megapixel sensor and a 2.7-inch LCD, while the FH8 ups the resolution to 16 megapixels and the LCD size to a full 3 inches. Both cameras support USB charging, which makes it possible to replenish their power via your computer's USB port.

The stylish Lumix SZ7 and SZ1 both pack 10x (25-250mm f/3.1-5.9) Leica DC Vario-Elmar lenses into bodies that are only 0.8 inches thick. The SZ1 uses a 16-megapixel CCD sensor, which limits its continuous shooting to 1.5 frames per second. The camera features a 230k-dot 3-inch LCD and supports 720p30 MP4 video recording with monaural sound. The SZ7 packs a 14-megapixel CMOS sensor, capable of up to 5 frames per second with continuous autofocus, or 10 frames per second without. Its autofocus system can lock on in as little as a tenth of a second, and the SZ7 records 1080i60 video with stereo sound in AVCHD or MP4 format. Its LCD doubles the resolution of the SZ1, packing 460k dots into a 3-inch format.

The SZ7 includes a number of features not found in the SZ1, including HDR, Intelligent Handheld Nightshot, Motion Deblur, and Face Recognition. The SZ7 will be available only in black, and the SZ1 will be available in black, silver, red, and blue. Pricing and availability for all cameras is not yet announced.

The company is also releasing a number of add-on lenses that can be attached to either the Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH or Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 ASPH Micro Four Thirds camera lenses. Wide, Tele, Macro, and Fisheye conversion lenses are available to change the field of view and focusing properties of either lens.

CES 2012

The Wide lens will give the 14mm (28mm equivalent) focal length an wider field of view, equivalent to 22mm in traditional 35mm photographic terms. The Tele conversion lens, which is only compatible with the 14-42mm (28-84mm equivalent), doubles the effective focal length, giving the lens a 168mm equivalent field of view on the long end.

The Macro lens reduces the minimum focus distance to a mere 0.14 meter, making it possible to capture details when shooting flowers and insects. Finally, the Fisheye conversion lens really widens your field of view–giving your 14mm lens a 120° field of view with circular distortion. Pricing for the conversion lenses will be made available approximately 30 days prior to their availability.

Rounding out the announcements are a slew of new camcorders, including a rugged model, the HX-WA2, that can be submerged in 9.75 feet of water. Also announced were a series of 1MOS Full HD camcoders, all of which can be used with an optional 3D converter lens. Finally, the HC-X900M is a 3MOS camcorders that is aimed at professionals. It is designed to perform well in lower light, and can capture 1080p60 video at an impressive 28-mbps bit rate.