Panasonic is pleased to introduce the latest member of compact digital cameras full-HD video recording DMC-SZ7 with 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor and HD video recording DMC-SZ1 with 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor from the new LUMIX stylish zoom SZ series. Both models feature newly developed powerful 10x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 25mm ultra wide angle (equivalent to 25mm to 250mm on a 35mm camera) that fits in the slim, compact body profile. The powerful 10x optical zoom increases its power to 20x equivalent with the iA Zoom (Intelligent Zoom) function with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. The MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) effectively suppress handshake which tends to occur when shooting with high zoom.
The 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor newly adopted to DMC-SZ7 and the advanced image processor Venus Engine feature high speed, high sensitivity image recording to realize 1,920 x 1,080 full-HD video recording and high speed burst shooting in high picture quality*1. The super fast response including approx. 0.1 sec of Light Speed AF helps catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities*2.
A variety of special effects that add fun to shooting experience are newly integrated in DMC-SZ7/SZ1 – 3D Photo mode*3, Miniature Effect, Panorama Shot, Creative Retouch*3 and Auto Retouch.
Also, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode lets users leave everything to the camera to take beautiful images with its new HDR*3, Intelligent Handheld Nightshot*3 and Motion Deblur*3 mode together with AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Recognition (SZ7) / Face Detection (SZ1), Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure. Once you enter the iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically, so that you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change.
3.0-inch large Intelligent LCD offers clear view under any lighting situations by its automatic backlight adjustment. Both DMC-SZ7/SZ1 newly comply with USB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power supply. Users can enjoy their communication with the LUMIX Image Uploader, which realizes instant image sharing via Facebook or YouTube with any PC on the spot.
The DMC-SZ7 features the fashionable color design in that the lens barrel goes with the color of body. Packing a versatile lens, high performance signal processing mechanism, the DMC-SZ7/SZ1 boasts stunningly slim, compact body that conveys sophisticated look.
*1 DMC-SZ1 records video in 720p in MP4.
*2 DMC-SZ1 comes with Sonic Speed AF.
*3 Equipped with DMC-SZ7 only.
1. 25mm Ultra Wide-Angle LEICA DC Lens with 10x Powerful Optical Zoom
with New Mechanical Structure and Optical System
The new high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens system is even more versatile with 25mm ultra wide-angle to powerful 10x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-250mm). Comprising 9 elements in 7 groups including 4 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, adoption of ultra thin lens for its new structure optical system makes the unit's overall length short to fit in the slim body despite its versatile zoom range from ultra wide to telephoto. Passing Leica's stringent standards, DMC-SZ7/SZ1 boast exceptional optical performance with stunning clarity with minimum distortion and flare.
The iA Zoom (Intelligent Zoom) is also available with the DMC-SZ7/SZ1. It is an extensive zoom function using digital zoom, however, you can even draw the subject 2x closer than the original optical zoom with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. This means the 10x optical can virtually extend to 20x equivalent.
2. 14.1-Megapixel MOS Sensor and Venus Engine
for High Speed, High Sensitivity Image Recording [DMC-SZ7]
The new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor integrated in DMC-SZ7 boasts high speed signal output and high sensitivity image recording for making many advanced features possible.
The excellent S/N ratio of MOS sensor and the Intelligent Noise Reduction system in the Venus Engine makes both photo and video shot at any sensitivity from low to high boast outstanding clearness.
The high speed digital signal output technology lets the DMC-SZ7 shoot 10 fps in 14-megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter and 5 fps with continuous AF. It also enables the camera to record full-HD 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) smooth video. The frame rate, AF setting and the recording resolution can be easily selected according to the movement of the subject.
The DMC-SZ7 boasts approx.0.1 sec Light Speed AF that helps to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities together with a quick start-up.
3. 1,920 x 1,080 Full-HD Video Recording in AVCHD / MP4 Format [DMC-SZ7]
Despite its compact profile of body, the DMC-SZ7 is capable of recording full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) videos in AVCHD (MPEG-4 / H.264)* format. The AVCHD format excels in the compatibility with AV equipment like HDTVs or Blu-ray Disc players. A special, separate button on the top lets the user instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make any extra settings. Alternately, user can choose MP4 at 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL) for video recording, which has higher compatibility with PCs.
The powerful 10x optical zoom is available in video recording. With DMC-SZ7, there are always two options to record spur-of-the-moment scenes – high-quality photos or videos. The user can simply choose the one that saves precious memories most beautifully. The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in video recording.
The videos also come with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, to offer highly realistic sound to the motion images. The stereo microphone comes with zoom noise reduction system, and the Wind Cut function blocks out most of the noise from background wind.
Photos or videos recorded in AVCHD on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV by simply inserting the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD Memory Card slot) on VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player or by using mini HDMI cable to playback your contents.
In addition, with the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.0 AE Edition (SZ7), it is easy to view and edit your recorded contents. You may also choose to upload your videos to YouTube.
* Sensor output is 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL).
[For European PAL Areas]
• Motion pictures can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds in European PAL areas. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.
[For Other Areas]
• Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds. (excluding when [SH] is set)
• Motion pictures in [MP4] can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.
• Use a card with SD Speed Class* with "Class 4" or higher when recording videos.
* SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
4. Various Special Effects and iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode and for More Ease and Fun
DMC-SZ7/SZ1 comes equipped not only with strong basic performance but also with a variety of shooting options to enhance ease and fun.
Both DMC-SZ7/SZ1 feature 2 new shooting modes – Miniature Effect and Panorama Shot. The Miniature Effect mode in which the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized to look the picture like a diorama. The video recorded in this mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding making it more comical to watch*1. Panorama makes it is possible to shoot a horizontal / vertical panoramic image with consequent shots taken by overlaying the previous picture.
Furthermore, both DMC-SZ7 newly offers Creative Retouch that comprehends 6 attractive filters – Toy Effect, Soft Focus, Dynamic Monochrome, Expressive, High Key and Retro – to look the picture you shot even more artistic. DMC-SZ7/SZ1 also comes with Auto Retouch function that adjusts contrast and brightness to give different impression to the photo with just a press of a button. Appropriate retouch is automatically applied depending on the image – if the image was shot too dark, it can be clear and bright to look it nicer with this function.
Panasonic incorporated the Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. DMC-SZ7 newly integrates HDR (High Dynamic Range)*2, Intelligent Handheld Nightshot*2 and Motion Deblur*2 mode in addition to AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Recognition (SZ7) / Face Detection (SZ1), Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure. The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by just activating an iA mode. All these make the DMC-SZ7/SZ1 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.
*1 Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long.)
*2 Equipped with DMC-SZ7 only.
5. Other Options for Upgrading Photographic Enjoyment
- 3.0-inch large Intelligent LCD with High Angle Mode
- 3D Photo Mode*
- AC / USB Power Charging
- LUMIX Image Uploader
* Equipped with DMC-SZ7 only.
• Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
• The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR 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" and the "AVCHD" logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
• AVCHD motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from 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.
• Facebook and the Facebook logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Facebook, Inc.
• All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
• 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.
