Panasonic Lumix DMCFZ100K Black
14.1 Megapixel MOS Sensor, 24x Optical Zoom Digital Still Camera
The new LUMIX DMC-FZ100, features a newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with a powerful 24x optical zoom. It is a hybrid compact digital camera with a MOS sensor that can record 1920 x 1080 Full HD video, which gives you a powerful hybrid that can shoot video and still photos with ease and professional-like quality.
25mm Wide-Angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens with 24x Optical Zoom
LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens
The FZ series feature a 25mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with 24x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 25-600mm) in a compact body. The bright, large-diameter lens with f/2.8 to 5.2 aperture has minimal distortion and captures images with corner-to-corner clarity. The lens unit comprises 14 elements in 10 groups, with 3 ED (Extra-low dispersion) lenses and 2 aspherical lenses, with 3 aspherical surfaces, to achieve high optical performance while maintaining compactness. You can also take advantage of the powerful 24x zoom in motion picture recording.
From dynamic wide-angle shots to powerful telephotos; to macro shots with the lens as close as 1 cm from your subject to beautiful portraits with softly focused backgrounds. With its high resolution and superb contrast, this high-quality lens gives you the freedom to express yourself with the finest of nuances. Go ahead, capture the world around you exactly the way you see it.
Powerful zoom (24x) / Intelligent zoom (32x) / Extended optical zoom (50.6x)
Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, Intelligent Zoom is available with the DMC-FZ100, which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x, while maintaining the picture quality and even combining a digital zoom. This means the 24x optical zoom can virtually extend to 32x equivalent and the extended optical zoom function extends zoom power to 50.6x* by using the center part of the large MOS sensor to bring subjects even closer.
* At 3-megapixel resolution or less. As digital magnification increases, resolution significantly decreases.
25mm Wide-angle shot
The 25mm wide-angle lens lets you easily capture large groups of people, architectural structures, landscapes and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from a short distance; adding convenience to all shooting situation.
1/2.33-inch 14.1-megapixel high-resolution MOS sensor
To realize the 1,920 x 1,080 full-HD movie recording with high image quality, a new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor was developed for the DMC-FZ100. For the effective concentration of light, the newly developed sensor adopts microfabrication technology to achieve even higher sensitivity. With an advanced micro light tube structure, both colour mixture and signal loss are prevented. The result is that the photo and movie shot at any sensitivity (from low to high) have outstanding clarity.
Venus Engine FHD / HD II with Intelligent Resolution Technology
Venus Engine FHD
The new Venus Engine FHD incorporated in the FZ100 features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities. By separating chromatic noise from luminance noise and applying the optimal noise reduction to each, you can capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. The Venus Engine FHD also provides precise selective noise reduction to the chromatic noise without affecting the border of colours which is judged from the brightness level of a pixel. Seamless integration with the MOS sensor, allows the Venus Engine FHD to process a large amount of signals at high speed, making it possible to record high resolution consecutive shots and full-HD movie recording.
Intelligent Resolution Technology
Tiny nuances that used to be invisible are now crisp and clear, and every part of the image is breathtakingly beautiful. LUMIX's new Intelligent Resolution Technology automatically identifies areas with outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas, and optimizes the edge emphasis on the outlines and detailed texture areas while using the Venus Engine noise reduction process to make the soft gradation areas smoother. This lets the iA mode do much more than just take great shots automatically. It adds delicate detail that exceeds even optical image quality in both photo and movie recording.
Outlines
Clearly emphasizes the outlines between subject and background.
Detailed texture areas
Heightens the intricacy of detailed areas.
Soft gradation areas
The superior noise reduction system of the Venus Engine FHD is applied to make it smoother.
Superior noise reduction without losing image details
This advanced noise reduction system detects chromatic noise and luminance noise separately. In addition, the Venus Engine™ FHD/HD II enhances this detection by effectively reducing highly noticeable low-frequency chromatic noise in advance, while delicately applying noise reduction (NR) processing to detailed areas to prevent colour bleeding that often happens when NR is used. As a result, beautiful images with minimal noise can be reproduced up to ISO 1600 high sensitivity at full resolution, while colour noise is less noticeable in shadows and other dark areas even when shooting with low sensitivity.
High-speed response for truly intuitive shooting
Enjoy high-speed start-ups, fast and accurate AF and 15 consecutive shots at 11 frames per second with full resolution.
Low energy consumption
The energy-saving Venus Engine FHD/HD II image processing engines and the efficient, rechargeable lithium-ion battery works together to extend the shooting time of the FZ series, making it possible to take approximately 410 shots on a single battery charge*.
* Based on the CIPA standard.
iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode
iA (Intelligent auto) mode
The camera will set the most appropriate settings to match the subject and the recording conditions, which is perfect for beginners or those who want to leave the settings to the camera and take pictures easily.
Continuous AF
The FZ series can be preset to either continuous AF or quick AF. Continuous AF automatically and continuously focuses on your subject, providing a clear, sharp focus even for moving subjects. Quick AF starts operating as soon as the camera is pointed toward a subject, in comparison with the ordinary AF function, which is activated when the shutter button is pressed half-way. Both Continuous AF and Quick AF dramatically reduce the shutter delay time and let you take pictures quickly. They are ideal for capturing images of animals in nature and sports or other events, and are equally handy for taking photos of children and pets. They help to ensure that pictures of sudden shooting opportunities will not be out of
Digital red-eye reduction
iA mode also helps avoid the red-eye problem you get when taking flash shots at night. Red-eye reduction for the built-in flash works by emitting a small preliminary flash before the main flash. Furthermore, thanks to the digital red-eye correction function, red-eye problems are automatically detected and corrected digitally.
Face detection
The face detection function detects faces anywhere in the frame and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure. You can take clear, beautiful portrait shots easily. It detects up to 15 faces in a photo, and automatically readjusts the settings if their positions change. In iA mode, the quick AF function automatically begins focusing without having to press the shutter button halfway, so the shooting process is smooth and easy.
Face recogntion
The FZ series expands our popular Intelligent Auto (iA) mode with the addition of Face recognition – a feature that “remembers” faces from previous shots*. When a registered face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize focus and exposure to capture it beautifully. With Face recognition, when a familiar face is recorded several times, the camera will prompt the user to register the face. Once registered, if the face appears into the frame again, the camera will display the name specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and sharply focused.
* Depending on background and facial expression, camera may not recognize a registered person. For family members with similar facial features, camera may not correctly identify the intended subject.
Light detection - Intelligent exposure
The camera instantly analyzes the framed image and adjusts the brightness in areas that are too dark due to dim lighting, backlighting or use of the flash. Adjusting the brightness of dark areas, this function produces natural images that are close to the way they actually look to the human eye.
Motion detection - Intelligent ISO control
Thanks to Intelligent ISO control, the camera can determine whether or not the subject is moving. If the subject is moving, Intelligent ISO control changes the ISO sensitivity and shutter speed accordingly. You get clear, beautiful shots without motion blur even when photographing kids who won't stay still.
Scene detection - Intelligent scene selector
When the camera is iA mode, the Intelligent scene selector senses the ambient conditions and automatically selects either Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night portrait or Night scenery mode accordingly. It makes several other advanced image settings too, so you're assured of getting beautiful results every time you shoot, no matter what the scene or subject. With the Intelligent scene selector doing all the complicated work for you, you'll find photography easier than ever to enjoy.
* In iA mode, night portrait is not identified when the flash is turned off and night scenery is not identified when the flash is set to auto.
Shake detection - POWER O.I.S.
LUMIX cameras now render nightscapes and other dark scenes, which tend to blur due to their slower shutter speeds, with even more natural beauty. The new POWER O.I.S. image stabilizer has doubled* the corrective power of previous models, making it possible to take beautiful nighttime photos with one hand. You do not need to raise the ISO sensitivity, even in dimly lit areas, so you are able to capture photos with less noise. POWER O.I.S. is an original, advanced LUMIX technology that is leading the way for some remarkable new possibilities in compact cameras.
* Panasonic comparision
Subject detection – AF tracking
Once you focus on your subject, AF tracking automatically tracks it until you press the shutter. When you're taking pictures of an active subject, like children or pets, this function eliminates the need to press the shutter button halfway down repeatedly to readjust the focus. AF tracking ensures you don't miss those once-in-a-lifetime shooting opportunities.
* In iA mode, AF tracking can be started by simply pressing the top cursor button.
Jog Dial / Manual Control
A/S/M Mode
Aperture priority AE [ A ]
Set the aperture value to a higher number when you want a sharp focus background. Set the aperture value to a lower number when you want a soft focus background.
Shutter priority AE [ S ]
When you want to take a sharp picture of a fast moving subject, set with a faster shutter speed. When you want to create a trail effect, set to a slower shutter speed.
Manual exposure [ M ]
Determine the exposure by manually setting the aperture value and the shutter speed.
Colour bracketing
In this mode, up to 3 pictures in black & white, standard, or sepia in the selected modes are automatically recorded each time the shutter button is pressed.
Full manual operation with jog dial control
You can easily operate the jog dial with your thumb while holding the camera to prevent any interruption to your shooting rhythm. Simply turn the dial to adjust the exposure in aperture-priority mode, shutter-priority mode, or manual exposure mode, and to adjust the focus during manual focus. This gives you much more flexible operation than buttons or levers.
Intelligent / Free-angle LCD
The DMC-FZ100 has a 3.0-inch, 3:2, 460,000-dot free-angle LCD that rotates 180° to the side and tilts 270° up and down, and gives you an approx. 100% field of view. This is a highly practical feature for high-angle shots, like when you need to shoot over the heads of people at a parade, and enables accurate, dynamic framing for artistic low-angle shots, like when shooting at nearly ground level. It's extremely convenient when shooting with a tripod too.
The wide-viewing angle of the LCD on the DMC-FZ100 is handy both for shooting and for viewing the results together with family and friends. Also, LUMIX's acclaimed Intelligent LCD function automatically adjusts the brightness in 11 steps according to the shooting conditions. At the highest of these 11 steps, the LCD backlight becomes approx. 1.4 times brighter than normal. In addition, the AR (anti-reflective) coating LCD minimizes glare and provides clear images, for high visibility even in outdoor brightness. This LCD provides sharp, clear images in virtually all shooting situations, from nighttime to bright daylight scenes.
Manual focus
Select manual focus with the AF/MF button on the lens barrel and use the dial for super-smooth focusing. Use this function when you want to fix the focus or when the distance between the lens and the subject is determined and you do not want to activate auto focus.
Macro mode (1 cm)
This mode allows you to take close-up pictures of a subject, e.g. when taking pictures of flowers. You can take pictures of a subject as close as 1 cm from the lens by rotating the zoom lever upmost to Wide (1x). As you rotate the zoom lever towards Tele, the distance at which you can take close-up pictures changes in steps.
RAW file format compatible / Software for editing
The FZ series records original photos in RAW file format and comes bundled with SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1SE software application, enabling the user to freely adjust RAW data settings such as exposure bias and white balance, even after shooting, for greater editing and image development.
Viewfinder
The viewfinder is large and clear, with a 0.20" size and 201,600-pixel resolution providing a field of view of about 100%. Located directly on top of the lens, it is easy use and provides fast, accurate framing.
White Balance
White balance fine adjustment settings include: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Halogen, Flash and Halogen. When there are several different light sources and it's difficult to get the exact colouration you want, you can also fine-tune the photo by adding amber to blue (horizontal axis) and green to magenta (vertical axis) tones.*
* White balance adjustment is not possible for some modes.
Networking (HD)
HD Motion picture button
Press the button and the camera starts recording right away, regardless of whether it's in Rec or Play mode. You're ready to shoot quickly when there is a sudden shooting opportunity. It automatically selects the most suitable Scene mode (POWER O.I.S, Face detection, Intelligent scene selector and Intelligent exposure), and helps to correct handshake, focus and brightness problems – making iA mode your one-stop solution to capture beautiful still and motion images. By optimizing these settings, the camera allows you to shoot stunning HD motion images.
AVCHD
The demand for digital cameras that can record higher-quality movie has grown in step with the trend toward larger HDTV screens and new technologies of movie recording. In addition to conventional Motion JPEG format, AVCHD allows longer recordings with breathtaking HD visual and audio quality. This, combined with a well-considered control interface that includes a dedicated movie recording button makes the FZ100 a hybrid model that performs admirably for both still and motion image capture. The FZ100 records HD motion images with 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution.
You can also use the iA mode to shoot motion images, and let the camera do all the work for you. This user-friendly mode automatically selects the most suitable Scene mode and helps correct blurring, focus and brightness problems. All you do is aim and shoot. iA is the easy way to capture beautiful HD movies.
Key Features
- Wide-angle 25 mm LEICA DC lens
- 24x Optical zoom (35 mm equivalent: 25-600 mm)
- 3.0” Free-angle Intelligent LCD (460K) and electronic viewfinder
- Intelligent auto mode:
- POWER O.I.S. (Optical image stabilizer)
- Intelligent ISO control
- Face detection
- Face recognition
- AF tracking
- Intelligent scene selector
- Intelligent exposure control
- Digital red-eye correction
- Venus Engine FHD processor
- Manual exposure & manual focus
- RAW file capture
- High-speed burst mode
- AVCHD Movie mode (1920 x 1080)
What's Included:
- Battery charger
- Li-ion battery pack
- Lens cap
- Lens hood
- Lens cap string
- Cables: AV & USB
- Shoulder strap
- CD-ROM