Panasonic Lumix LZ30

Panasonic has also used CES as an opportunity to launch the new Lumix LZ30. This latest bridge compact in the Lumix lineup features a 16MP CCD sensor and a whopping 35x optical zoom that covers a 25-875mm focal length. In addition to this already impressive zoom range there’s an extra optical zoom function, making it possible to extend the zoom power to a staggering 78.8x (at 3MP resolution) by using the centre part of the 16MP sensor.

For beginners there’s the iA (Intelligent Auto) function which assist users to get the best results in their shooting situation. For photographers who’d prefer to setup the camera manually, program and manual modes are available, while HD video is recorded at 720p. The LZ30’s 3in, 460k-dot screen at the rear features a 460k-dot resolution and there a several filter effects to experiment with, including expressive, retro, low key, high key, sepia, dynamic monochrome and high dynamic.

Expected to arrive in April, the pricing of the LZ30 is yet to be confirmed.