Shutterbug Staff

Panasonic
has introduced two new Lumix digital still cameras with 12x optical zoom and
MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer). Models DMC-FZ5 and DMC-FZ4 offer 5.0-megapixel
and 4.0-megapixel resolution, respectively, and incorporate a newly developed
12x optical zoom equivalent to 36mm to 432mm (DMC-FZ5) / 35mm to 420mm (DMC-FZ4)
on a 35mm film camera lens. The 12x optical zoom combined with 4x digital zoom
magnifies images by as much as 48x, enabling users to capture images of subjects
at longer distances. Both cameras feature a high-performance LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT
lens.



Panasonic first introduced the MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer with its DMC-FZ1
digital still camera in 2003; and, in 2004, was the first to market a digital
camera with 12x zoom and MEGA O.I.S. Panasonic's MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer
automatically detects and corrects for hand movement, providing precise compensation
with no image quality degradation. This technology is especially appreciated
when taking telephoto shots or when using slow shutter speeds to capture the
atmosphere in dimly lit scenes.



Panasonic's LSI Venus Engine II handles image processing, LCD functions, and
writing to the memory card simultaneously, making these cameras responsive with
an industry-leading release time lag of 0.008 seconds minimum for the DMC-FZ5
and 0.006 seconds minimum for the DMC-FZ4; and shutter interval of approx. 0.4
seconds minimum for the DMC-FZ5 and 0.3 seconds minimum for the DMC-FZ4. The
LSI also enables fast consecutive shooting capability, capturing sequential
shots at a rate of 3 frames (DMC-FZ5) or 4 frames (DMC-FZ4) per second at full
resolution. An unlimited consecutive shooting function allows the user to take
photos in succession until the memory card is full. The LSI also improves horizontal,
vertical and diagonal resolution.



Auto angle detection, a new feature, records whether an image was taken horizontally
or vertically and displays it accordingly, whether viewed on the camera's LCD
or on a connected TV.



Other features include fast AF; selectable manual functions (such as aperture-priority
AE, shutter-priority AE and manual exposure); a Simple Mode, in which most settings
are made automatically; real-time histogram; color viewfinder; built-in flash,
and more.



www.panasonic.com



MODEL AVAILABILITY MSRP

DMC-FZ5 April 2005 $499.95

DMC-FZ4 April 2005 $449.95

...

Panasonic just announced the newest addition to its Lumix S camera series, the Lumix S1H, a full frame mirrorless camera aimed at photographers who are serious about shooting video. According to Panasonic, the SH1 is the "world’s first camera capable of video recording at 6K/24p (3:2 aspect ratio), 5.9K/30p (16:9 aspect ratio), and 10-bit 60p 4K/C4K."

Panasonic just unveiled the 20.3-megapixel Lumix DMC-GX8, which features dual I.S. (Image Stabilizer) technology and 4K Video/Photo shooting. This splash/dust-proof camera is the flagship model in Panasonic’s Lumix mirrorless camera line.

Panasonic LUMIX has announced the dates and locations of its first Digital Photo
Academy workshops in 20 cities across the United States. Digital Photo Academy
is a series of classes for all digital camera owners who want to maximize their
cameras' features and create more rewarding and enjoyable photo experiences.
The Academy courses are taught by local professional photographers, giving students
ongoing access to photo experts and tips in their own community. Furthermore,
after courses have finished, participants can enter photo contests and assignments
with other Academy students from across the country.



The Digital Photo Academy is designed for a digital camera owner, at any level,
with classes offered to accommodate the beginner, intermediate, and advanced photographer.
Students are welcome to bring whatever brand of camera they currently own and
courses will be available in the following markets: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago,
Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis,
New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa
and Washington, D.C.



In each market, courses will be taught in professional studios, museums and other
inspirational locations. To view the locations and schedule of all 20 cities visit
www.DigitalPhotoAcademy.com. Some locations and dates include*:



Atlanta

Location:

The Bonaventure

650 Bonaventure Avenue

Atlanta, GA 30306

Dates:

· Beginner: 6/21/07, 6-9pm

· Intermediate: 6/23/07, 2-6pm

· Advanced: 6/10/07, 10am-7pm



Boston

Location:

Griffin Museum of Photography

67 Shore Road

Winchester, MA 01890

Dates:

· Beginner: 6/9/07, 9am-12pm

· Intermediate: 6/9/07, 2-6pm

· Advanced: 6/10/07, 10am-7pm



Detroit

Location:

The Park Shelton

15 East Kirby

Detroit, MI 48202

Dates:

· Beginner: 6/13/07, 6-9pm

· Intermediate: 6/14/07, 6-10pm

· Advanced: 6/30/07, 10am-7pm



Initially, each level of Digital Photo Academy courses will be offered once a
month in each city. Class descriptions include:



Beginner, Three-Hour Course, $50: Targeted for the family record keeper, passionate
scrapbooker, casual point-and-shoot user, or for the person looking to choose
the right camera, the beginner class, "Discovering Digital," is perfect
for all these types of users. Instructors will address how to reduce red-eye,
better use a flash, include special effects and create better composition. Beyond
photographic techniques, the course will also teach valuable "post-capture"
skills, such as how to use Adobe® Photoshop® Elements to create a greeting
card or calendar, and send prints to friends and family via email.



Intermediate, Four-Hour Course, $65: The "Digital Endeavors" intermediate-level
course is perfect for users who are quite familiar with the settings on their
point-and-shoot and are looking to take digital photography to the next level.
Either a recent purchaser of a digital SLR, or someone considering buying one,
would benefit from this course. The class will compare point-and-shoot cameras
to SLRs, discuss the differences between the two categories, helping to ensure
a smooth transition. For those who have some experience in post-capture and Photoshop,
this class will offer more advanced techniques, such as burning and dodging and
an introduction to color management. It will also discuss printed layouts, and
how to make newsletters and brochures.



Advanced, Two-day Course, $150: At the advanced level, the "Digital Vision"
course is be divided into two parts: in-field shooting and learning post-capture
computer application skills. The four-hour in-field shooting session is held in
local parks, vibrant streets, during seasonal events like fairs and marathons
to capture newsworthy current affairs. The second component, involves six hours
of classroom time learning techniques from Adobe® Photoshop® Creative
Suite 2, such as converting and processing RAW files, using layers and masks,
working with black and white files, and more.



To sign-up for Digital Photo Academy, please visit www.DigitalPhotoAcademy.com
or call 1.877.DP.ACAD.4. Instructor biographies, additional schedules and workshop
locations are also available on the website.