Panasonic has announced the TZ40 – the successor to the popular TZ30. Featuring a 20x optical zoom, which covers 24-480mm focal length, the TZ40 promises to deliver high resolution images by incorporating an 18.1MP MOS sensor. This newly designed sensor is partnered with a new Venus engine processor, which enables the camera to shoot continuously at 10fps.
Claimed to be one of the world’s slimmest compacts with a 20x optical zoom, the TZ40 becomes the first model in the TZ-series to feature integrated Wi-Fi connectivity. As well as being able to share images and videos on social media channels directly from the camera, the TZ40 fully supports remote shooting from your smartphone or tablet. To make use of this feature users will need to install Panasonic’s Lumix App that’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
The TZ40 also features a new 5 axis correction and an inclination correction capability that’s designed to counteract the most severe types of tilt or handshake at the long end of the zoom. With Panasonic’s light speed autofocus system, the TZ40 is claimed to lock onto subjects in 0.1seconds and for those interested in video, the camera supports Full HD movie recording at 50i in the AVCHD format.
At the rear, the TZ40 features a 3in, 920k touch screen and Panasonic has paid close attention to the battery, improving its stamina so users can shoot more shots per battery charge.
Pricing and availability of the TZ40 is yet to be confirmed. For anyone seeking a slightly cheaper alternative to the TZ40 there’s also the Panasonic TZ35. Adopting many of the TZ40’s features, the TZ30 has a 16.1MP MOS sensor but doesn’t support Wi-Fi connectivity.