Panasonic has just announced four new compact Lumix cameras today. First come the pair of compact super zoom cameras Lumix ZS5 and ZS7 (also known as TZ8 and TZ10 respectively in many parts of the world) which replace last year’s successful ZS3 AKA TZ7, and they now come with full manual controls among other bells and whistles. Then comes the rugged Panasonic Lumix TS2 also known as the Lumix FT2, a camera that you can literally “bring anywhere” with its compact size and waterproof, shockproof and now even freezeproof characteristics. The last camera for today is the Lumix ZR3 AKA Lumix ZX3, which is a budget compact super-zoom alternative.

Panasonic Lumix ZS5 and Lumix ZS7
also known as Lumix TZ8 and TZ10
(Compact super-zoom cameras)

• 12 effective megapixels
• 25 – 300 mm (f3.3 – f4.9) 12X optical zoom lens
• Power OIS Optical image stabilization
• ZS5: 2.7 inch LCD; ZS7: 3 inch LCD
• Full manual controls (kudos to Panasonic for finally implementing this after three generations)
• NEW: Intelligent resolution boosts overall sharpness while preserving softer tones like skin; allows use of “reduced compromise” 1.3X digital zoom
• NEW: Weirdly-named Happy mode improves contrast and saturation to make subjects ‘pop’
• ZS7/TZ10 only: Sonic Speed Autofocus claims to improve focusing speeds and camera response
• ZS7/TZ10 only: In-built GPS geotags photos with their location; auto adjusts camera clock when travelling
• ZS7/TZ10 only: New Venus Engine HD2 image processor (ZS5 uses older processor)
• ZS5/TZ8: 720p (1280 x 720) 30 FPS movie mode with mono sound in MJPEG format
  ZS7/TZ10: 720p (1280 x 720) 60 FPS movie mode with Dolby Digital stereo sound in choice of AVCHD or MJPEG formats
  Optical zoom and optical image stabilizer usable while recording in both cameras
• Takes SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards
• Uses a lithium-ion battery
• Availability and price to be announced
• ZS7/TZ10: Comes in your choice of silver, black, blue or red

Panasonic Lumix TS2
also known as Lumix FT2
(Rugged compact camera)

• 14 effective megapixels
• 28 – 128 mm (f3.3 – f5.9) 4.6X optical zoom lens
• Power OIS Optical image stabilization
• 2.7 inch LCD
• Rugged design: Waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof (latter is new, TS1 was not certified freezeproof)
• No manual controls: point-and-shoot functionality with scene modes
• NEW: Intelligent resolution boosts overall sharpness while preserving softer tones like skin; allows use of “reduced compromise” 1.3X digital zoom
• NEW: Weirdly-named Happy mode improves contrast and saturation to make subjects ‘pop’
• Sonic Speed Autofocus claims to improve focusing speeds and camera response
• New Venus Engine HD2 image processor
• 720p (1280 x 720) 30 FPS movie mode with Dolby Digital stereo sound in choice of AVCHD or MJPEG formats; Optical zoom and optical image stabilizer usable while recording
• Takes SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards
• Uses a lithium-ion battery
• Availability and price to be announced
• Comes in your choice of silver, blue, yellow or orange

Panasonic Lumix ZR3
also known as Lumix ZX3
(Compact super-zoom camera)

• 14 effective megapixels
• 25 – 200 mm (f3.3 – f5.9) 8X optical zoom lens
• Power OIS Optical image stabilization
• 2.7 inch LCD
• NEW: Intelligent resolution boosts overall sharpness while preserving softer tones like skin; allows use of “reduced compromise” 1.3X digital zoom
• NEW: Weirdly-named Happy mode improves contrast and saturation to make subjects ‘pop’
• Sonic Speed Autofocus claims to improve focusing speeds and camera response
• No manual controls: point-and-shoot functionality with scene modes
• 720p (1280 x 720) 30 FPS movie mode with mono sound
• Takes SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards
• Uses a lithium-ion battery
• Availability and price to be announced
• Comes in your choice of silver, black, red or blue

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