Panasonic Announces LUMIX FZ40

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40

PANASONIC LUMIX HYBRID DIGITAL CAMERA FEATURES INTUITIVE CONTROLS, HD VIDEO RECORDING AND SUPER 24X OPTICAL ZOOM WITH LEICA LENS

LUMIX FZ40 features improved HD movie recording with Creative Mode to shoot superb quality video

MISSISSAUGA, ON (July 21, 2010) – Panasonic Canada Inc. announced today a new addition to its popular LUMIX FZ-Series digital cameras. The LUMIX DMC-FZ40, a feature-packed, hybrid digital camera, combines a powerful 24x optical zoom1 and creative manual operations to offer photographers of all levels the opportunity to take crisp, artistic photos and High Definition (HD) videos. This 14.1-megapixel model features a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIOELMARIT lens and a new image processing system which achieves high picture quality for both still images and videos. The LUMIX FZ40 joins the Panasonic LUMIX FZ100, also introduced today.

“Building on the versatility and depth of the FZ-Series, the LUMIX FZ40 provides outstanding and advanced hybrid camera capabilities and features to photographers – giving them increased flexibility and a wide-range of features,” said Doug Borbath, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Canada Inc. “In the LUMIX FZ40, consumers will find easy-to-use features they would find in super-compact point-and-shoots, but with the added 24x optical zoom and improved manual controls.”

The Sonic Speed Auto Focus (AF) and high-speed start-up found on the FZ40 are at the industry’s fastest level, helping users to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities. Intelligent Resolution technology offers optimum signal processing, giving images outstanding natural clarity with a specific focus on the finer details.

The LUMIX FZ40 has also upgraded intuitive manual and creative controls including the new jog dial which helps to elevate the camera’s operability. The jog dial is a focus button which allows users to change settings quickly, including shutter speed and aperture, depending on the shooting conditions. Additionally, the new My Colour mode which has been popular on LUMIX G Micro System cameras, is available in both still and movie modes and gives users creative freedom with a suite of options, including new Pin Hole, Film Grain, High Dynamic and High Dynamic B&W.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Top View

Panasonic’s hallmark Intelligent Auto (iA) mode automatically selects the most suitable Scene mode and remembers previously-registered faces. And the intuitive system also includes POWER Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.), featuring double the repression power compared to that of Panasonic’s previous image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S. This system helps to eliminate blur resulting from hand-shake, a common problem when pressing the shutter button while taking photos or shooting video.

Users can now enjoy easy shooting of HD movies in AVCHD Lite with double the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. Additionally, a separate and dedicated button located on the top of the camera allows users to instantly begin recording in video mode – so switching between capturing still photos and video is quick and seamless.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Back View

Other features of the LUMIX FZ40 include a three-inch 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with 100 per cent field of view, high energy efficiency which extends the battery life up to 580 shots (CIPA) per charge, and a new Video Divide function with which users can separate a video they’ve shot into two sections to shorten or delete any unwanted parts. Also, the LUMIX FZ40’s Wind Cut function blocks out noise from background wind when shooting in video mode.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ40 will be available in black in late-August for a manufacturer’s suggested price of CAD $449.95.

1 Equivalent to 35mm camera: 25-600mm.
Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company’s quality standards.
The “AVCHD” is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. The “AVCHD Lite” is a subset of the “AVCHD format” for HD digital video cameras with HD video recording restricted to 720P. The new “AVCHD Lite” Logo and the “AVCHD Lite” License are restricted to devices within the AVCHD Video Camera category. Digital cameras have been added to the AVCHD Video Camera category.
The “AVCHD Lite” and the “AVCHD Lite” logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
Some accessories are not available in some countries.
The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Panasonic and LUMIX are registered trademarks of Panasonic Corporation. All other trademarks are property of the respective owners.

Panasonic products are marketed in Canada by Panasonic Canada Inc. (PCI). PCI is an affiliate of Panasonic Corporation (PC) of Japan, one of the world’s largest producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business, and industrial use. Consumers seeking more information on the company’s products can call Panasonic’s Customer Care Centre at 1-800-561-5505 or access Panasonic’s home page at www.panasonic.ca.

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