Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8

Last updated: Tuesday, May 10th, 2005

Panasonic has today announced an update to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX7 with the FX8. The only difference between the practically identical cameras, is that the FX8 doubles the battery life of its predecessor with a new lithium ion battery, which increases the capacity by 162% thanks to the new Venus Engine PLUS.

Press Release from Panasonic:

New Panasonic
Stylish and Compact 5-megapixel 3x Zoom DMC-FX8 with MEGA O.I.S

Affording More Than Double-Extended* Battery Life

*Panasonic in-house comparison with DMC-FX7

Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX model DMC-FX8, a true heir to the world-renowned 5.0-megapixel 3x optical zoom DMC-FX7 with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), with substantially enhanced battery life. The DMC-FX8 boasts high picture quality, large LCD, compactness and stylish design, all those desired for a compact camera. Not only that, FX8 also incorporates the highly commended MEGA O.I.S. while extending the battery life over two times as long as that of the previous FX7, by increasing the included lithium-ion battery capacity by 162% and adopting the power-saving Venus Engine PLUS. In addition, bright and clear VGA moving picture is recordable at 30 fps thanks to the 9-pixel mixed readout method of new CCD and you can enjoy playing back it with audio on the large LCD. Also, quickened AF speed and the addition of scene mode help screen and three new modes help upgrade the model allowing every user to enjoy taking high quality picture more easily and more comfortably. Like FX7, FX8 also has its color variation in silver, black, blue and pink, each with a specially coated texture pleasing to touch. DMC-FX8 is the alluring stylish and compact model that carries all the favored advantages while overcoming the weakness of FX7 to meet customers’ demands.

1. Compact and stylish model with 3x Leica DC lens and 2.5” large LCD

The 5-megapixel LUMIX DMC-FX8 is the slim and stylish model that incorporates 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35mm to 105mm on a 35mm film camera) LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and bright 2.5” LCD monitor. The combination of three aspherical lenses generates high optical performance while preserving the compactness of the unit. Power LCD mode offers 140% brighter backlighting to assure clear view even when sunny outdoors.

2. MEGA O.I.S. offers clear, sharp images in difficult situations

MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) that Panasonic thinks it indispensable for all digital cameras, especially for compact models that lack stability, is incorporated in the entire LUMIX line-up*. Every slight hand-shake movement is detected accurately with the sampling frequency at 4,000 times per second and will be compensated to render clear, sharp images.

MEGA O.I.S. is equipped with 2 selectable modes. In “Mode 1”, the O.I.S. lens continuously compensates for vibration and in “Mode 2”, the O.I.S. lens suppresses hand-shake only at the moment the shutter button is pressed. In this mode, the lens can move in all directions at the moment to maximize its effect, and higher-resolution images can be taken by capturing the image as being close as to the center of the lens. Consequently, since MEGA O.I.S. enables a beautiful picture shot without blurring at slower shutter speeds of more than three steps compared to the conventional models without O.I.S., you can enjoy shooting clear and beautiful pictures easily even in situations using slow shutter speeds, like indoor shots for portraits and nighttime scenery for illuminated objects, as well as in shootings using macro mode.
*Except for LC1.

3. More than double-extended battery life

By adopting the newly developed lithium-ion battery that increased its capacity by 162% and the Venus Engine PLUS that consumes only 70% of the power Venus Engine II does, FX8 realizes more than two times longer, compared with the previous FX7, battery life to take approx.300 pictures*.
*Based on the CIPA standard.

4. Higher quality moving images

Newly developed CCD that adopts 9-pixel mixed readout method makes it possible to record beautiful full-size movie in VGA size at 30 fps while FX7 recorded in the size of QVGA. The new CCD enhances the picture quality not only in the resolution but also in the brightness level of the image as it gains much luminous signals. On the sound front, new built-in speaker lets you enjoy playing back movies with audio on the 2.5” large LCD anytime, anywhere.

5. Faster AF and enhanced options

An AF method can be selected according to the shooting situation: 5-point, 3-point high-speed, 1 point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed and Spot. In the newly incorporated 1 point high-speed AF, the AF time has been dramatically reduced to approx. half the level* of the previous DMC-FX7.

Although screen-freeze in high-speed AF is now minimized, if you take the picture of subject with fast movement, you can select 1-point normal-speed AF which does not have any screen-freeze while focusing.

In addition, AF assist lamp is equipped for expanding the AF ability even at night or under the low-light conditions.
* Panasonic in-house comparison with DMC-FX7 at the wide-end

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