Panasonic is pleased to introduce new 16.1-megapixel DMC-FH8/FS45 and 14.1-megapixel DMC-FH6/FS40 with even slimmer, more compact stylish profile.
The LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT lens 24mm ultra wide angle 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 24mm to 120mm on a 35mm camera) with F2.5 brightness has been developed to fit in the compact lens unit enhancing the slimness of camera body. The lens especially excels not only in shooting dynamic landscapes with its wide angle of view but also in capturing moving subjects even in low-lit situations such as indoors or at night with its outstanding brightness. The 5x optical zoom increases its power to 10x equivalent with the iA Zoom (Intelligent Zoom) function with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. The Sonic Speed AF and a quick start-up time offer super high speed response that helps to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities.
The high quality 720p HD video can be recorded in MP4 (FH8/FS45) or in Motion JPEG (FH6/FS40). Zooming in video recording is available with DMC-FH8/FS45*1.
The iA (Intelligent Auto) mode lets users leave everything to the camera to take beautiful images with its MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), AF Tracking*2, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure. Once you enter the iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically, so that you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change.
Also, a Variety of image effect are newly incorporated – Miniature Effect (FH8/FS45), Panorama Shot, Beauty Retouch and Auto Retuch – to add fun in the photographic experience.
3.0-inch (FH8/FS45) / 2.7-inch (FH6/FS40) large Intelligent LCD offers clear view under any lighting situations by its automatic backlight adjustment. The DMC-FH8/FS45 newly compatible with USB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power supply. Users can enjoy their communication with the LUMIX Image Uploader, which realizes instant image sharing via Facebook or YouTube with any PC on the spot.
Packing a host of functions, the new slim and compact DMC-FH8/FS45 and FH6/FS40 let any user to enjoy shooting beautiful images anytime.
*1 Digital zoom can be used in video recording.
*2 Available with DMC-FH8/FS45 only.
1. Super Bright F2.5 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT Lens
with 24mm Ultra Wide-Angle and 5x Optical Zoom
The DMC-FH8/FS45 and FH6/FS40 incorporate high quality LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT lens that boasts excellent brightness of F2.5. The F2.5 lens is even brighter by approx. 25% than the F2.8 lens which is generally considered a bright lens. It allows the use of higher shutter speed but captures stunningly clear, sharp, blur-free images even in lower lighting situation. Together with the MEGA O.I.S. in the iA mode, DMC-FH8/FS45 and FH6/FS40 powerfully suppress blur caused by the movement of subjects. Also, the 24mm (35mm camera equivalent: 24-120mm) ultra-wide-angle lens – rare on a compact camera – gives photographers a wider range of composition possibilities with approx. 213% larger viewing space compared to that of 35mm camera. The super-high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT lens minimizes distortion at the wide end.
Comprising of 6 elements in 5 groups with 3 aspherical lenses with 5 aspherical surfaces, the lens unit in DMC-FH8/FS45 and FH6/FS40 realized downsizing of both total length and diameter to fit in the slim, compact body of the camera.
This advanced lens unit passes Leica's stringent standards and delivers an exceptional optical performance with its minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations while suppressing ghosting and flaring.
The iA Zoom (Intelligent Zoom) is also available with the DMC-FH8/FS45 and FH6/FS40. It is an extensive zoom function using digital zoom, however, you can even draw the subject 2x closer than the original optical zoom with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. This means the 5x optical can virtually extend to 10x equivalent.
The multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine supports a super-fast response time which makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities together with the Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus) that lets you lock on the subject. The LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT lens, high resolution CCD and the high performance Venus Engine assures high quality image rendering.
2. HD Video Recording Taking Advantage of the Bright Lens
The new DMC-FH8/FS45 and FH6/FS40 even record dynamic HD video in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30p (NTSC) 25p (PAL) in MP4 (FH8/FS45) or Motion JPEG (FH6/FS40). The recorded videos can be directly uploaded to YouTube. Or you can enjoy high quality image playback that perfectly fits a wide-screen HDTV for full-screen viewing together with HD (High Definition) photos taken in 16:9 aspects. The DMC-FH8/FS45 newly incorporates dedicated video button to switch photo / video recording quickly. Zooming in video recording is also available with DMC-FH8/FS45*.
* Digital zoom can be used in video recording.
For DMC- FH8/FS45 [MP4]
• Motion pictures in [MP4] can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.
• Use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 4" or higher when recording videos.
* SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
For DMC-FH6/FS40 [Motion JPEG] * Recorded at 30p
• Models of VIERA TV that are capable of playing back Motion JPEG images via the SD card slot vary depending on the sales area.
• Use a card with SD Speed Class* with "Class 6" or higher when recording motion pictures.
* SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
• For Europe, motion images can be recorded continuously for up to 15 minutes.
3. iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode and Various Special Effects
for More Fun and Ease in Photography
Panasonic incorporated the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. All of thse useful, convenient shooting-assist functions – MEGA O.I.S., AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure – are automatically activated by just activating an iA mode.
DMC-FH8/FS45 and DMC-FH6/FS40 comes equipped not only with strong basic performance but also with a variety of shooting options to enhance ease and fun. DMC-FH8/FS45 features Miniature Effect mode in which the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized to look the picture like a diorama. The video recorded in this mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding making it more comical to watch*.
In both DMC- FH8/FS45 and FH6/FS40, Panorama Shot and Beauty Retouch are also available. It is possible to shoot a horizontal / vertical panoramic image with consequent shots taken by overlaying the previous picture. Beauty Retouch, which is popular on FX series, offers a variety of cosmetic effect on the portrait photos.
* Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long.)
4. Other Options for Upgrading Photographic Enjoyment
- 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with High Angle mode (FH8/FS45) / 2.7-inch LCD (FH6/FS40)
- AC / USB Power Charging (FH8/FS45)
- Auto Retouch
- LUMIX Image Uploader
DMC-FH4(FS28)
- 28mm Wide Angle 4x Optical Zoom LUMIX DC Lens (28-112mm on 35mm camera)
- 14.1-megapixel CCD Sensor
- Sonic Speed AF
- iA (Intelligent Auto) mode with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Exposure
- 720p HD Video Recording in Motion JPEG
- Auto Retouch
- Panorama Shot
- 2.7-inch 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD
- LUMIX Image Uploader
• Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
• The LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT 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.
• YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
• Facebook and the Facebook logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Facebook, Inc.
• All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
• This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC 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 an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
• SDHC Memory Cards and SDXC Memory Cards can be used only in equipment that is compatible with their respective formats.
• If the computer being used does not support SDXC Memory Cards, a message prompting you to format may appear. (Doing so will cause recorded images to be erased so do not choose to format.) If the card is not recognized, please refer to the below support site.
http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html
• 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.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
