Panasonic Expands its ZS-Series of Digital Cameras

RMN Digital | January 31, 2012 | Americas, Consumer, Regions, TVs, Cameras | No Comments

Panasonic has introduced the LUMIX DMC-ZS20, the newest member of the LUMIX ZS-Series, claimed to be the world’s slimmest digital camera with a 20x optical zoom lens.

With zoom, a 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and the ability to shoot full-High Definition (HD), the new LUMIX ZS20 is being offered as a versatile point-and-shoot model.

With a newly redesigned lens system, the LUMIX ZS20 features a new mechanical structure and optical system to further improve image quality and with Nano Surface Coating technology, the LUMIX ZS20 offers image clarity with minimized ghosting and flare.

Beyond the quality of its lens, the LUMIX ZS20 integrates an enhanced built-in GPS functionality, making it easy for users to pinpoint locations where photos were taken and share with family and friends on internet maps.

Map data can be installed onto the LUMIX ZS20 via a bundled DVD, giving the camera detailed worldwide maps of major regions on a scale of 1/25,000 or more precise.

A user can copy the map data of a designated city to an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card and get quick geographic information to know their location and if any landmarks are located nearby.

According to the company, more than one million landmarks and 82 countries/regions are covered in the bundled DVD map. Geo-tagged images are automatically sorted and can be played back along a map so that users can literally trace their photographic journey.

Many GPS cameras show only the latitude and longitude of where a photo is taken, but the LUMIX ZS20 shows the name of the Country/Region, State/Prov./County, County/Township,City/Town/Villageand Landmark – all of which is saved in the EXIF data, says the company.

It has also introduced LUMIX DMC-ZS15, which features a 24mm ultra-wide angle and 16x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens (24-383mm on 35mm camera equivalent) with 32x Intelligent Zoom.

The LUMIX ZS20 and ZS15 will be available in March 2012 for a suggested retail price of $349.99 and $279.99 respectively. The LUMIX ZS20 will be available in black, red, white, and silver options; while the LUMIX ZS15 will be available in black and silver. It was announced today, Jan. 31.

[ RMN Digital comments: As consumers are increasingly using their mobile phones for all their still images and video filming needs, mobiles are already cannibalizing the traditional cameras. ]