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Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH5 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Panasonic FH5, FH2: Two closely-related ultracompacts
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - 18:30 EST)

Continuing its announcements for the day, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. has unveiled its new Lumix DMC-FH5 and DMC-FH2 digital cameras, two ultra-compact models that are nearly inseparable in terms of most specifications.

The differences between the Panasonic FH2 and FH5 all relate to their choice of image sensor. While the Lumix FH5 opts for a 1/2.33-inch type, primary color filtered CCD chip with 16.1 effective megapixel resolution, the Lumix FH2 opts for a 14.1 megapixel chip of similar size, type, and filtering. The Panasonic FH5's choice of a higher resolution image sensor actually causes it to lag behind the Lumix DMC-FH2 in a couple of other areas, though.

The higher-res chip used in the DMC-FH5 causes a reduction in its high definition movie frame rate, versus that of the Panasonic Lumix FH2. The frame rate when recording 720p movies on the Panasonic Lumix FH5 is fixed at 24 frames per second, while its standard--def movie modes all record at 30 frames per second. By contrast, the FH2 can capture 720p movies at 30 frames per second. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 also has slightly lower battery life, being rated at 260 shots per charge, versus 270 shots for the FH2 -- both to CIPA testing standards.

There are two other differences of particular note between the two cameras. The Panasonic DMC-FH5 will be available in silver, black, violet, and gold body colors, and is the heavier model by a slight three grams. The black color will also be available for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2, as well as blue, red, and pink versions.

In other respects, the Panasonic DMC-FH2 and FH5 are largely similar. Both cameras have the same body design, Lumix DC Vario-Elmar branded 4x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization, and 2.7" LCD display. US-market pricing and availability for both cameras will be announced approximately 30 days before their respective availability, and hence aren't available at press time. For more details, read our Panasonic FH5 preview or Panasonic FH2 preview, depending on whether you favor the 7% increase in linear resolution, or the higher movie frame rate and 4% better battery life.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH5 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerPanasonic
Model NumberNorth America: DMC-FH5
Dimensions3.7 x 2.1 x 0.7 in.
(94 x 54 x 19 mm)
Weight4.3 oz (121 g)
Image Capture
Sensor TypeCCD
1/2.33" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
16.60 megapixels (total)
16.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4608 x 3456 (15.9 megapixels)
4608 x 3072 (14.2 megapixels)
4608 x 2592 (11.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
4.4 megapixels
3.7 megapixels
3.1 megapixels
2.8 megapixels
2.1 megapixels
1.9 megapixels
0.3 megapixels
Capture SpeedContinuous: 2.0 frames per second for 9999 frames
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.7 in. diagonal
230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels)
Playback Zoom16.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeLEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR, 6 elements in 5 groups, 3 Aspherical
4x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length5.0 - 20.0mm (actual)
28 - 112mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.1 or f/9.0 (wide) / f/6.5 or f/20 (tele)
Focusing SystemContrast Detection: Face / AF Tracking / 11pt / 1pt
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityIntelligent ISO; 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; High Sensitivity Mode (1600-6400)
Shutter Speed60 - 1/1600 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesIntelligent Multiple
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, White Set
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Range: 0.4 - 3.3m (Wide/I.ISO), 1.0 - 1.6m (Tele/I.ISO)
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1/2, Pet, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial Photo, Pin Hole, Film Grain, High Dynamic, Photo Frame
Digital ZoomUp to 4x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatQuickTime Motion JPEG with audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF 2.3)
Connectivity
VideoStandard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery Type3.6V, 660mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary
Product Bundle
SoftwarePHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 Edition, QuickTime, Adobe Reader
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory70.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
NotesMEGA O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, 28 scene modes. Metallic, noble hairline finish.
More Photos
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH5 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH5 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH5 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH5 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH5 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH5 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH2 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerPanasonic
Model NumberNorth America: DMC-FH2
Dimensions3.7 x 2.1 x 0.7 in.
(94 x 54 x 19 mm)
Weight4.2 oz (118 g)
Image Capture
Sensor TypeCCD
1/2.33" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
14.50 megapixels (total)
14.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4320 x 3240 (14.0 megapixels)
4320 x 2880 (12.4 megapixels)
4320 x 2432 (10.5 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
4.4 megapixels
3.7 megapixels
3.1 megapixels
2.8 megapixels
2.1 megapixels
1.9 megapixels
0.3 megapixels
Capture SpeedContinuous: 2.0 frames per second for 9999 frames
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.7 in. diagonal
230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels)
Playback Zoom16.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeLEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR, 6 elements in 5 groups, 3 Aspherical
4x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length5.0 - 20.0mm (actual)
28 - 112mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.1 or f/9.0 (wide) / f/6.5 or f/20 (tele)
Focusing SystemContrast Detection: Face / AF Tracking / 11pt / 1pt
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityIntelligent ISO; 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; High Sensitivity Mode (1600-6400)
Shutter Speed60 - 1/1600 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesIntelligent Multiple
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, White Set
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Range: 0.4 - 3.3m (Wide/I.ISO), 1.0 - 1.6m (Tele/I.ISO)
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1/2, Pet, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial Photo, Pin Hole, Film Grain, High Dynamic, Photo Frame
Digital ZoomUp to 4x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatQuickTime Motion JPEG with audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF 2.3)
Connectivity
VideoStandard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery Type3.6V, 660mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary
Product Bundle
SoftwarePHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 Edition, QuickTime, Adobe Reader
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory70.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
NotesMEGA O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, 28 scene modes. Available in black, pink, red and blue.
More Photos
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH2 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH2 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH2 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH2 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH2 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH2 digital camera. Photo provided by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

Panasonic Adds Feature-Packed, Super-Slim LUMIX Digital Cameras With HD Recording Capabilities

New Panasonic LUMIX FH5 and LUMIX FH2 Include Advanced, Easy-To-Use Features Including Intelligent Auto Mode to Create Beautiful, High-Quality Photos and Videos

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2011) – Panasonic today introduces two slim and stylish digital cameras to its highly-successful LUMIX FH-Series. The ultra-compact 16.1 megapixel LUMIX DMC-FH5 and 14.1 megapixel LUMIX DMC-FH2 both feature newly-developed retractable, high-quality 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lenses with a 4x optical zoom. With the new retractable lens, the LUMIX FH5 and LUMIX FH2 have approximately 20% slimmer profiles than their predecessors, while still maintaining exceptional performance. Both models also record 1280 x 720p High Definition (HD) video.

“The new additions to the popular LUMIX FH-Series provide the same advanced features that consumers have come to expect from the LUMIX brand, such as Intelligent Auto mode and Intelligent Zoom, but now offer even greater speed and accuracy,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Panasonic continues to pack a variety of valuable features into slim camera bodies making shooting easier, convenient and fun.”

The newly-incorporated Venus Engine VI in the LUMIX FH5 and LUMIX FH2 elevates resolution performance, zooming capabilities, start-up speed and auto focusing. The Intelligent Resolution technology realizes optimum signal processing to give the entire image outstanding natural clarity. Taking advantage of the powerful Intelligent Resolution, the 4x optical zoom* power is increased to 5x with the Intelligent Zoom function, while still preserving photo quality.

Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically, with no setting changes needed, makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. The LUMIX FH5 and LUMIX FH2 feature two new iA functions – AF (Auto Focus) Tracking and Intelligent Exposure. AF Tracking locks onto any subject and keeps it in focus. Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights, while helping to ensure that gradation and details are reproduced flawlessly. Other features of Panasonic iA mode include:

  • MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) – Helps reduce blurry photos due to hand-shake

  • Intelligent ISO Control – Reduces blur when the subject is moving

  • Face Detection – Helps to ensure registered faces are captured in focus with appropriate exposure, and also digitally corrects unwanted red eyes

  • Intelligent Scene Selector – Selects the best option from Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset by detecting the environment

Users can also enjoy instant photo and video sharing with LUMIX Image Uploader. Simply check the photos/videos you want to share and connect the camera to a PC. Uploading starts just by following the easy on-screen guide.

Other features include:

  • Intelligent LCD – The LCD detects the lighting conditions and controls the brightness level in 11 fine steps, to display the most appropriate setting

  • Scene Modes – A total of 28 modes, such as Baby, Pet and Sports, and users can also record the name/birthday of a child or pet and embed the information in the photo

  • Built-in memory – Has increased to 70MB

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX FH5 and LUMIX FH2 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. Encased in a metallic, noble hairline finish, the LUMIX FH5 will be available in silver, black, violet and gold models and the LUMIX FH2 in black, pink, red and blue. For more on these Panasonic LUMIX models, please visit www.panasonic.com/CES.

* 35mm camera equivalent: 28-112mm

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the features on their digital cameras and produce high-quality photos. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

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