Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-SZ8, a lower-end alternative to its ZS/TZ travel zoom cameras. The Panasonic Lumix SZ8 is a new pocket-sized camera with a 24-288mm equivalent lens and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Lumix DMC-SZ8 features a 16 megapixel CCD sensor (a step down from the ZS-series’ CMOS chips) and a top video resolution of 720/30p. Wi-Fi connectivity is included, as is a 3.0-inch 460k-dot LCD.
Pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 12x Zoom Wi-Fi Powered Compact Camera
Press release:
The New LUMIX DMC-SZ8 Slim, Stylish Digital Camera with 12x Optical Zoom Lens
Featuring Wi-Fi® Connectivity and Creative Expression
Las Vegas, NV (January 6, 2014) – Panasonic is proud to introduce the DMC-SZ8, a new digital compact camera with a 12x optical zoom and Wi-Fi® connectivity.
The versatile 24mm ultra wide angle lens with a powerful 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 24mm to 288mm on a 35mm camera) features the Intelligent Zoom function, making it possible to extend the zoom up to 24x by combining digital zoom with less deterioration of image quality. The Optical Image Stabilizer can effectively suppress hand movement which tends to occur when shooting with a long zoom.
The image processing by the 16-megapixel CCD sensor and the Venus Engine excels not only in picture quality but also in its processing speed. It enables 1280 x 720 HD video* recording and high speed photo shooting in addition to the quick response which is available throughout the operation.
With the Wi-Fi® connectivity, users can connect the camera directly to their smartphone/tablet without a need of cabling or searching for a Wi-Fi® hotspot. In addition, users can utilize smartphone/tablet for a secondary monitor of the camera that enables setting focus, zooming or releasing the shutter remotely from the camera. With the Instant Transfer function, photos are automatically sent to the designated electronic devices such as smartphones/tablets right after shooting.
A variety of special effects that add fun to the shooting experience are integrated in DMC-SZ8 – Creative Control, Creative Retouch and Creative Panorama. For beginners, LUMIX’s popular shooting assist function, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, is also able to help shooting beautiful still / video without errors.
With a motion picture button, the 720p HD video recording can be started instantly. The iA (Intelligent Auto) mode lets users leave everything to the camera to take beautiful images with its Optical Image Stabilizer, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Exposure and Face Detection. Once you enter the iA mode, these multi-capable functions run automatically, so that you can shoot without adjusting settings every time conditions change. The DMC-SZ8 also comes with Panorama Shot to enhance the fun and convenience of photography.
Other Features:
3-inch 460K-dot Intelligent LCD, iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode, HDR(High Dynamic Range), AC / USB Power Charging
*30 fps
The SZ8 will be available on shop.panasonic.com and at select retailers.
Notice for Motion Picture Recording:
• Use a card with SD Speed Class* with “Class 6” or higher when recording motion pictures.
* SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
• Motion pictures can be recorded continuously up to 2 GB. The maximum available recording time for up to 2 GB only is displayed on the screen.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 Specifications
| Body type | Compact |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 |
| Other resolutions | 4608 x 3072, 4608 x 2592, 3456 x 3456, 3264 x 2448, 3264 x 2176, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1536 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 640 x 480 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 16 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 17 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1/2.33″ (6.08 x 4.56 mm) |
| Sensor type | CCD |
| Processor | Venus Engine |
| Color space | sRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| ISO | Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (boost to 3200/6400) |
| White balance presets | 4 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Uncompressed format | No |
| File format |
|
| Focal length (equiv.) | 24–288 mm |
| Optical zoom | 12× |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (2X) |
| Manual focus | No |
| Normal focus range | 3 cm (1.18″) |
| Number of focus points | 9 |
| Lens mount | Unknown |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 460,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Maximum aperture | F3.1 – F6.3 |
| Minimum shutter speed | 8 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 5.20 m |
| External flash | No |
| Flash modes | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
| Continuous drive | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | No |
| Format |
|
| Microphone | Mono |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p), 320 x 240 (30p) |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
| Storage included | 80MB |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11 b/g/n |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | Lithium-ion battery and USB charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 200 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 159 g (0.35 lb / 5.61 oz) |
| Dimensions | 100 x 60 x 27 mm (3.94 x 2.36 x 1.06″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
