Two successors to Panasonic?s popular FX01 camera will form part of the manufacturer?s fresh Autumn/Winter line-up. The new FX50 and FX07 models will both feature 7.2MP CCDs, 28mm wide-angle f/2.8 Leica DC lenses with 3.6x optical zoom in addition to Panasonic?s MEGA O.I.S image stabilization technology. The DMC-FX50 also newly incorporates a 3inch LCD whereas the DMC-FX07 pursues compactness with a 2.5inch display.
In addition MEGA O.I.S, the FX50 and FX07 are also equipped with the world?s first Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) and maximum ISO1250 sensitivity recording at full resolution capabilities within the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III. When set to the I.I.C., the Venus Engine III detects subject movement and adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to suit subject movement and lighting conditions automatically.
Taking advantage of its larger LCD, the DMC-FX50 enables dual image playback to see and compare any two images at a time. It is also possible to display nine sequential frames from a video clip that can then even be saved as still images. Furthermore, a print mode has been added to the mode dial to allow users to connect the camera to a PictBridge-compatible printer via an included USB cable.
The DMC-FX50 will be available this September in silver and black, the FX07 in silver, black, red and blue, each with a specially textured finish. Price details will be announced nearer to the time of release. Visit www.panasonic.co.uk for more information.

FX3 KEY FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS:

28mm Wide Angle 3.6x Optical Zoom f/2.8 LEICA DC lens
The FX50 and FX07 incorperate 28mm wide-angle 3.6x optical zoom f/2.8 LEICA DC Vario-Elmarit lenses housed in a compact body design, achieved through an EA (Extra High Refractive Index Aspherical) lens. The lens unit comprises of a Leica DC lens of seven elements in six groups, incorporating four aspherical lenses to generate optical performance while preserving the compactness of the unit.

Improved image stabilization system
In addition to MEGA O.I.S, the new compacts feature Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) and a max ISO1250. I.I.C. allows the automatic adjustment of ISO and shutter speed settings to suit shooting conditions by analyzing the speed of subject movement. Accordingly, the new Lumix models can now automatically take countermeasures against both handshake and subject movement.

Improved LCD screens
The FX50 incorporates a 3inch 230,000 pixel LCD (2.5inch 207,000 pixel LCD for FX07). Taking advantage of this larger LCD, the FX50 enables dual image playback to display any two images vertically on the LCD and compare them as well as 9-frame cutouts from a video file. Also, pixel-mixed readout performed by the CCD automatically increases the brightness level of the live image on the LCD. With the help of a Power LCD function, which boosts the backlighting of the LCD by 40%, the problems associated with viewing an LCD in bright conditions is also counteracted. High Angle mode additionally improves the LCD?s viewing angle during low angle shooting.

Wide VGA motion image recording for viewing on wide screen TV
In addition to standard VGA (640×480) at 30fps motion image recording, the FX50 and FX07 cameras can also record full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848×480) at 30fps. The brightness level of these motion images is also enhanced as a result of a pixel mixed readout method performed by the CCD.

High speed AF
Five AF methods can be selected according to the shooting environment and the position of the subject: 5-point, 3-point high-speed, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed and spot. The inclusion of an AF assist lamp provides further assistance in low light situations when focusing is difficult.

17 Scene Modes
A greater variety of scene modes are included in both cameras – 17 scene modes for FX50 and 18 for the FX07 – to assist the user in a wider range of photographic situations than previous Lumix models. A newly incorporated Beach mode is designed to aid shooting in strong sunlight while an Aerial mode assists with shooting through the windows of an aeroplane.