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 | | General | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | Manufacturer | Panasonic | Model Number | North America: DMC-FH5
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 2.1 x 0.7 in. (94 x 54 x 19 mm) | Weight | 4.3 oz (121 g) | Image Capture | Sensor Type | CCD 1/2.33" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal) 16.60 megapixels (total) 16.10 megapixels (effective) | Filter Type | RGBG | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | Image Dimensions | 4608 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 Speed | Continuous: 2.0 frames per second for 9999 frames | Image Preview / Review | Viewfinder | No | LCD | 2.7 in. diagonal 230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels) | Playback Zoom | 16.0x max | Lens | Lens Type | LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR, 6 elements in 5 groups, 3 Aspherical 4x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | Yes | Focal Length | 5.0 - 20.0mm (actual) 28 - 112mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/3.1 or f/9.0 (wide) / f/6.5 or f/20 (tele) | Focusing System | Contrast Detection: Face / AF Tracking / 11pt / 1pt Has AF assist lamp Manual focus possible | Focusing Range | Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity) Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Intelligent ISO; 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; High Sensitivity Mode (1600-6400) | Shutter Speed | 60 - 1/1600 second | Exposure Modes | Program | Metering Modes | Intelligent Multiple | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, White Set | Internal Flash | Modes: 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 Modes | Portrait, 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 Zoom | Up to 4x | Self Timer | Yes, 2 or 10 seconds | Movie Format | QuickTime Motion JPEG with audio | Storage | Recording Medium | SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in | File System | FAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.3) | Connectivity | Video | Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | Computer | USB 2.0 High Speed | Power | Battery Type | 3.6V, 660mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary | Product Bundle | Software | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 Edition, QuickTime, Adobe Reader | Battery / Charger | 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger | Flash Memory | 70.0MB built-in memory | Other | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | Yes | Internal Speaker | Yes | Tripod Mount | Yes | Remote Control | No | Notes | MEGA O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, 28 scene modes. Metallic, noble hairline finish. | More Photos | | | | | | | | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 | | General | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | Manufacturer | Panasonic | Model Number | North America: DMC-FH2
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 2.1 x 0.7 in. (94 x 54 x 19 mm) | Weight | 4.2 oz (118 g) | Image Capture | Sensor Type | CCD 1/2.33" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal) 14.50 megapixels (total) 14.10 megapixels (effective) | Filter Type | RGBG | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | Image Dimensions | 4320 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 Speed | Continuous: 2.0 frames per second for 9999 frames | Image Preview / Review | Viewfinder | No | LCD | 2.7 in. diagonal 230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels) | Playback Zoom | 16.0x max | Lens | Lens Type | LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR, 6 elements in 5 groups, 3 Aspherical 4x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | Yes | Focal Length | 5.0 - 20.0mm (actual) 28 - 112mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/3.1 or f/9.0 (wide) / f/6.5 or f/20 (tele) | Focusing System | Contrast Detection: Face / AF Tracking / 11pt / 1pt Has AF assist lamp Manual focus possible | Focusing Range | Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity) Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Intelligent ISO; 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; High Sensitivity Mode (1600-6400) | Shutter Speed | 60 - 1/1600 second | Exposure Modes | Program | Metering Modes | Intelligent Multiple | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, White Set | Internal Flash | Modes: 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 Modes | Portrait, 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 Zoom | Up to 4x | Self Timer | Yes, 2 or 10 seconds | Movie Format | QuickTime Motion JPEG with audio | Storage | Recording Medium | SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in | File System | FAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.3) | Connectivity | Video | Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | Computer | USB 2.0 High Speed | Power | Battery Type | 3.6V, 660mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary | Product Bundle | Software | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 Edition, QuickTime, Adobe Reader | Battery / Charger | 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger | Flash Memory | 70.0MB built-in memory | Other | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | Yes | Internal Speaker | Yes | Tripod Mount | Yes | Remote Control | No | Notes | MEGA 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 | | | | | | | |
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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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