Panasonic launches NEW 8MP, 18x Zoom DMC-FZ18

[imported_ghengis]

Panasonic today announced its new Lumix DMC-FZ18 which features an 8.1MP image sensor, 2.5" LCD (207k pixels) and an 18x 28-504mm LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens. In order to tackle handshake with an 18x zoom lens, Panasonic has incorporated its MEGA O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilizer) and an Intelligent ISO control which detects and suppresses motion blur.

In addition, the DMC-FZ18 features scene and face detection. The face detection system on the DMC-FZ18 can recognize up to 15 human faces simultaneously which makes it ideal when taking photos of a large group of people.

Thanks to the DMC-FZ18's Venus III engine, the camera can take pictures up to ISO 1600 and can capture sequential shots at 3FPS. The DMC-FZ18 also has the ability to save picture data in a RAW format to easily manipulate picture settings and can capture 400 shots on a single charge. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 (available in silver or black) will ship this September at a price of $399.