Panasonic Announces Lumix DMC-FZ70 60x SuperZoom Camera

The DMC-FZ70 featuers a 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensor, 16.1 Megapixels High Sensitivity MOS sensor, a 20-1,200mm f/2.8-5.9 (35mm equivalent) lens with image stabilization. Key specifications included 60x 20-1200mm F2.8-5.9 lens, 16.1MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, 1080i60 HD video and raw shooting.  Here is the official announcement:

Digital Still Camera
DMC-FZ70(FZ72)

LUMIX DMC-FZ70(FZ72) with No.1 Zoom Power in the Industry*
20mm Ultra Wide Angle Lens with Super Telephoto 60x Optical Zoom**
Realizing Handheld 1200mm Shooting and High Speed Response

* As a digital camera as of July 18, 2013
** 35mm camera equivalent: 20-1200mm

 

Panasonic is proud to introduce the new DMC-FZ70(FZ72) from the LUMIX’s popular FZ series that packs a powerful optical zoom and superior controllability including manual operation over photo and full-HD video recording. The DMC-FZ70(FZ72) features exceptionally versatile LUMIX DC VARIO 20mm ultra wide-angle lens with a 60x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 20-1200mm) making it possible to capture dynamic landscape and wild animals or birds distant away. The powerful 60x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 20-1200mm) can be increased its power to 120x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function taking advantage of the Intelligent Resolution technology maintaining the picture quality even using digital zoom. Furthermore, the Tele Conversion Lens (sold separately) extends the zoom ratio to 1.7x to pull the subject far off even closer with minimum deterioration of image quality.

Newly integrated 16.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and the advanced image processor Venus Engine feature high speed response and high quality image even in high sensitivity recording. It contributes to the high speed burst shooting at 9 fps in full resolution* and the Light Speed AF to catch the most fleeting shooting opportunities together with the quick start-up time of approx. 0.9 sec.

The DMC-FZ70(FZ72) records 1,920 x 1,080 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) full-HD video recording** in AVCHD / MP4 with highly realistic stereo sound. The sound quality is dramatically improved thanks to the newly developed Wind Shield Zoom Microphone that minimizes wind noise by approx.70%*** compared with the predecessor. The powerful 60x optical zoom and the POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) with Active Mode powerfully suppresses blur even in video recording.

A variety of special effects that add fun to shooting experience are also integrated in DMC-FZ70(FZ72) – Creative Panorama, Creative Control and Creative Retouch featuring a total of max. 15 attractive filter effects****. Combined with unique angle of view from 20-1200mm that DMC-FZ70(FZ72) offer, these creative options and the P/A/S/M mode offer users unlimited ways of expression in both photo and video.

Adopting hot shoe and high compatibility with a variety of optional accessories, the DMC-FZ70(FZ72) totally reverses the perception that a palm-sized digital compact camera can do.

* Max. 3 images.
** Sensor output is 30fps (NTSC) / 25fps (PAL).
*** In light breeze with wind speeds of 3 meters per second.
**** Some modes of Creative Control cannot be used in Creative Panorama and Creative Retouch.
- Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds in some European / Asian areas.
- Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [MP4] is 29 minutes 59 seconds or up to 4 GB.
- You can check the recordable time on the screen. (For [FHD] in [MP4] format, the file size is large and so the recordable time will drop below 29 minutes 59 seconds.)

1. 20mm Ultra Wide-Angle, Powerful 60x Optical Zoom Lens
with POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)

The DMC-FZ70(FZ72) features stunningly versatile LUMIX DC VARIO 20mm ultra wide-angle lens with a 60x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 20-1200mm) making it possible to capture dynamic landscape and wild animals or birds distant away. Comprising 14 elements in 12 groups, including 6 aspherical lenses with 9 aspherical surfaces and 3 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly compact body while delivering exceptional optical performance suppressing distortion at wide end and color bleeding at tele end. The 20mm ultra wide angle lens captures approx. 140% wider angle of view compared with a 24mm angle of view. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) effectively suppresses hand-shake vibration. The angular width that the DMC-FZ70(FZ72) can compensate is more than 200% wider than the predecessor DMC-FZ60(FZ62) at the tele-end, which realizes handheld 1200mm super telephoto shooting.

Thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the DMC- FZ70(FZ72) which extends the zoom ratio up to 120x equivalent maintaining the picture quality even combining a digital zoom. In addition, the zoom ratio can further be extended when combined this Intelligent Zoom with a Tele Conversion Lens DMW-LT55 (sold separately) which captures the cratered surface of the moon clearly.

2. Recording 1,920 x 1,080 Full-HD Video with Stunningly Clear Sound

The LUMIX DMC-FZ70(FZ72) is versatile not only in its optical performance but also its photo / video hybrid shooting capability. The DMC-FZ70(FZ72) records high-resolution full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60i (NTSC, sensor output 30fps) / 50i (PAL, sensor output 25fps) videos in AVCHD (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. The AVCHD format excels in the compatibility with AV equipment like HDTVs or Blu-ray Disc players and the video can be played back by just inserting an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card or by connecting with mini HDMI cable. A special, separate button on the top lets the user instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make any extra settings. Alternately, user can choose MP4 at 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL) for video recording, which has higher compatibility with PCs.

The recorded videos come with the highly realistic Dolby® Digital and its sound quality is further improved with DMC-FZ70(FZ72) thanks to the newly developed Wind Shield Zoom Microphone that minimizes wind noise by approx. 70% compared with the predecessor DMC-FZ60(FZ62) . Externally, the special sealed structure prevents wind from hitting the microphone directly and the draft structure suppresses retention of air internally. As a result, the sound is clear, comfortable to listen even it was recorded on a windy day. With a substantial increase in volume by approx. 50%, the microphone boasts better S/N ratio to suppress noise in quiet circumstances to catch the target sound.

In addition, the powerful 60x optical zoom with POWER O.I.S. is available in video recording, too. The Active Mode is equipped with DMC-FZ70(FZ72) that encourages active video recording at wide angle such as shooting while walking without causing deterioration of image quality. The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in video recording.

[For European PAL and Some Other Areas]
• Motion pictures can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.
[For Other Areas]
• 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.

3. New 16.1-Megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and Venus Engine
for High Speed Response and High Picture Quality

The 16.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor is newly integrated in DMC-FZ70(FZ72). Together with the high performance image processing LSI Venus Engine, it elevates the response, sensitivity and image quality of the DMC-FZ70(FZ72) even to the higher level. Integrating the high speed digital signal output technology, the DMC-FZ70(FZ72) shoot 9 fps in 16.1-megapixel full resolution* with mechanical shutter and 5 fps with continuous AF. It also contributes to the Light Speed AF. Together with the quick start-up time of approx. 0.9 sec, the DMC-FZ70(FZ72) never misses the most fleeting shooting opportunities.

* Max. 3 images.

4. Intuitive Control in Shooting-style Design

The DMC-FZ70(FZ72) is equipped with 0.2-inch EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) that features 202,000-dot equivalent high resolution, 100% field of view. Thanks to the increased frame rate from 30 fps to max. 60 fps, image lag is also minimized making it suitable for shooting fast-moving subject under strong sunlight. The 3.0-inch 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD with AR Coating and wide viewing angle assures comfortable monitoring in severe shooting position in various conditions of circumstance.

Full manual control is available with DMC-FZ70(FZ72) for advanced users to enjoy more creative photography. With its P/A/S/M mode, users can enjoy creative shooting expressing their intention not only in photo but also in video.

5. Creative Panorama, Creative Control and Creative Retouch

The DMC-FZ70(FZ72) integrates a variety of artistic functions that adds fun to digital photography. Taking advantage of the unique angle of view from 20mm to 1200mm, the way of expression is unlimited.

With the Creative Panorama function, it is possible to shoot a horizontal / vertical panoramic image with consequent shots taken by overlaying the previous picture and to put on a filter effect of Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Soft Focus, Star Filter and One Point Color.

The Creative Control and Creative Retouch features a total of 15 filter effects – Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Star Filter and One Point Color. The Creative Control lets users shoot with a filter effect while checking how it makes difference on the picture, which can be used for video recording, too*. The Creative Retouch enables applying a filter effect on the picture even after shooting in camera.

* Soft Focus and Star Filter cannot be used in video recording.

6. Rich Options for Further Expandability

For more advanced creative freedom, the DMC-FZ70(FZ72) is equipped with a hot shoe and compatibility with a variety of optional various accessories.

Tele Conversion Lens (1.7x): DMW-LT55
Close-up Lens: DMW-LC55
Conversion Lens Adaptor: DMW-LA8
MC Protector: DMW-LMCH55
ND Filter: DMW-LNDH55
PL Filter: DMW-LPL55
External Flash: DMW-FL220 (GN22) / DMW-FL360L (GN36) / DMW-FL360 (GN36) / DMW-FL500 (GN50)
Battery Pack: DMW-BMB9
Carrying Case / Bag: DMW-BAG2, DMW-CG2, DMW-CZ18

7. Other Features

- iA (Intelligent Auto) mode
- HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode
- 3D Photo mode

• The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
• Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
• 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/SDXC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC/SDXC 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.