Amongst Panasonic?s spring camera line-up are two new LZ series models, the LZ6 and LZ7. Both offer key stats of 7-megapixles, 6x optical zoom and double image stabilization modes, while the LZ7 offers a 2.5? LCD screen instead of the LZ6?s 2? version. The cameras use AA batteries and Venus III processors, and sit at the more affordable end of Panasonic?s camera line-up.

Out in May, more info about the LZ6 and LZ7 are available at www.panasonic.co.uk

PRESS RELEASE

Slim, Stylish and Highly Intuitive;
Panasonic?s DMC-LZ6 & DMC-LZ7

Adding to its award winning Lumix range of cameras, Panasonic is pleased to introduce the 7.2 megapixel DMC-LZ6 and DMC-LZ7. Incorporating Panasonic?s ever popular and indispensable Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S), 6x optical zoom lens and convenient AA battery operation, these are the perfect compact cameras to easily take clear, beautiful pictures.

Zoom in with the 6x Optical Zoom
The Lumix DMC-LZ7 and DMC-LZ6 are equipped with a 7.2 megapixel CCD and a Lumix DC VARIO lens featuring a 6x optical zoom (equivalent to 37mm to 222mm on a 35mm film camera) ? among the most powerful available in this class. This 6x zoom captures and magnifies subjects located in the distance that cannot be captured by the standard 3x zoom featured in most compact cameras. To capture those special shots even further in the distance, the 6x zoom ratio can also be extended up to 9x in 3.0 Megapixel image recording mode thanks to the Extra Optical Zoom function with minimal deterioration. By using the central part of the CCD, this zooming function extends to a remarkable 36x, when combined with digital zoom, allowing you to easily capture and magnify subjects in distant locations. The Easy Zoom feature shifts the lens instantly to full 6x zoom power at the touch of a dedicated button, with a second touch, the lens is shifted to 9x by activating the Extra Optical Zoom funtion.

Intelligent ISO Control and Mega O.I.S for Clear, Beautiful, Blur-Free Images
Panasonic is the first manufacturer to have successfully incorporated Optical Image Stabiliser (OIS) into its compact cameras ? a feature strongly appreciated worldwide and now considered to be a standard requirement of photography. O.I.S minimizes the jitter from shaky hands that causes many photos to look blurred by shifting the O.I.S lens unit to keep the optical axis aligned straight against the CCD, ensuring images are captured with supreme clarity and sharpness.

While hand-shake is the single biggest cause of blurry images, it is not the only one. Another problem is the motion blur that can occur when a subject moves as the shot is being taken ? particularly common when taking pictures of sports or young children for example. This is where Intelligent ISO Control comes into its own. This system detects whether the subject is moving and, as necessary raises the ISO setting and shutter speed according to how fast the subject is moving and the light conditions. This happens automatically, so you can effortlessly shoot without the need to adjust the settings every time the conditions change.

Panasonic Lumix offers solutions for both major causes of blurred images ? O.I.S when you are moving, and Intelligent ISO Control when the subject is moving. Thanks to Panasonic, you can now take clear and beautiful images in even the trickiest situations.

High Performance Venus Engine III
The DMC-LZ7 and DMC-LZ6 feature Panasonic?s Venus Engine III, an advanced image processing engine that can record at a sensitivity setting as high as ISO 1250 at full resolution. This engine brings the type of technology you find in a higher end camera to beginners. Noise reduction is also greatly improved, with picture noise removed in stages during image processing. Critical noise is analysed, and chromatic and luminance noise are reduced separately. The chromatic noise, which has greater effect on picture quality, is then selectively suppressed, resulting in clearer images.

These new Lumix models feature an outstanding release time lag of just 0.005 seconds ? so the time taken between you pressing the button on the camera and the picture being taken is super fast ? helping you to capture spontaneous moments. In addition, the unlimited consecutive shooting function allows you to take photos in succession up to the capacity of the memory card or built-in memory.

LCD ensures effortless playback
The DMC-LZ7 is distinguished by a large, bright 2.5 inch LCD (2.0 inch for the LZ6) for comfortable viewing while monitoring shots and playing back the results. The mixed pixel readout method used by the CCD automatically increases the brightness of the live image of the LCD, making it much easier to shoot in low lighting.

To further add to their appeal, the LZ7 and LZ6 feature the High Angle LCD function, which makes the LCD display extremely easy to view from below, for example, when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd.

Cameras that also record wide aspect motion images
Not only can you capture beautiful images ? these new additions to the Lumix range also enable you to record stunning wide aspect VGA (848 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second. Perfect for skiing holidays for example you can showcase your skiing talents in full 16:9 glory on your widescreen TV to your family and friends

Inherently easy to use
Both the LZ7 and LZ6 offer a range of features that enhance usability and add convenience. For example, the new Quick Setting function lets you quickly and easily access and set the functions most often used. Additionally, when travelling you can stamp the day of the trip on the photos you take ? ensuring your album can easily be prepared in chronological order. As with all Lumix models, the LZ7 and LZ6 feature Panasonic?s unique Baby Mode, which allows you to set the birthday of two children so the relevant child?s age at the time of image capture is automatically recorded onto the photo. Perfect for holding on even closer to the precious moments in your child?s lives.

To futher add to their appeal, the LZ7 and LZ6 feature approximately 27MB of built-in memory, which can save the day should you happen to fill up or forget your memory card. They also accept large-capacity SDHC memory cards, giving users more flexibility in shooting and recording.

To ensure convenience and user-friendliness, the DMC-LZ6 and DMC-LZ7 run on 2 AA batteries. With the included Panasonic OXYRIDE AA batteries, you can take up to 260 photos CIPA Standard (250 for DMC-LZ7) ? that?s over 37 images per day on a weeks holiday ? happy snappy! The DMC-LZ7 and DMC-LZ6 are available from March 2007. For further information, please visit www.panasonic.co.uk

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