Panasonic announces DMC-LS85 By
Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Friday, January 16, 2009 - 03:00 EST)
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. has today announced a new entry-level digital camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS85.
The Panasonic LS85 offers 8.1 megapixels and an image stabilized 4x optical zoom lens with a 33mm-equivalent wide angle. Images are framed and reviewed on the Panasonic DMC-LS85's 2.5" LCD display. The Panasonic Lumix LS85 features 9-point autofocusing with face detection, ISO sensitivity from 100 to 6400 equivalents, a generous 21 scene modes, and a four mode flash. The Panasonic LS85 stores images and movies on Secure Digital or MultiMediaCards, or in its 50MB of built-in memory. Connectivity options include USB and standard definition NTSC / PAL video output, while the Panasonic LS85 draws power from two standard AA batteries. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS85 will ship from April 2009, with expected pricing of $120 or thereabouts. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS85 | | General | Camera Type | Compact | Manufacturer | Panasonic | Model Number | DMC-LS85 | Dimensions | 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.2" 96.7 x 62.0 x 29.8mm | Weight | 176.0 g 6.2 oz | Planned Price | $119.95 | Planned Availability | 2009 | Image Capture | Sensor Type | 1/2.5" CCD 8.32 megapixels (total) 8.10 megapixels (effective) | Filter Type | RGBG | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | Image Dimensions | 3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels) 3264 x 2176 (7.1 megapixels) 3264 x 1840 (6.0 megapixels) 2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 2048 x 1360 (2.8 megapixels) 1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
| Capture Speed | Standard: 0.5 frames per second Continuous: 3.0 frames per second for 4 frames | Image Quality | 2 levels | Image Preview / Review | Viewfinder | No | LCD | 2.5", 230,000 pixels 100% field of view | Playback Zoom | 16.0x max | Lens | Lens Type | Lumix DC Vario 4x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | Yes | Focal Length | 5.5 - 22.0mm (actual) 33 - 132mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/2.8 (wide) / f/5.9 (tele) - f/8 (wide) / f/16 (tele) | Focusing System | 9-point or 1-point with face detection with AF assist lamp | Focusing Range | Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity) Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, High Sensitivity (1600 - 6400) | Shutter Speed | 60 - 1/2000 second | Exposure Modes | Program | Metering Modes | Intelligent Multiple | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, White Set, Manual | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off Range: Wide: 0.3 - 5.9m; Tele: 0.5 - 2.8m at ISO Auto | Creative | Scene Modes | Intelligent Scene, Portrait, Soft Skin, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo | Digital Zoom | 4x | Self Timer | Yes, 2 or 10 seconds | Time Lapse | No | Movie Format | QuickTime MotionJPEG with audio | Storage | Recording Medium | SD/MMC, Built-in | File System | Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.21) | Connectivity | Video | Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | Computer | USB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed | Power | Battery Type | Alkaline disposable, NiMH rechargeable | Battery Form Factor | 2 x AA | Product Bundle | Software | PHOTOfunSTUDIO v3.0 | Battery / Charger | 2 x AA alkaline disposable battery | Flash Memory | 50.0MB built-in memory | Ot her | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | Yes | Internal Speaker | Yes | Tripod Mount | Yes | Remote Control | No | More Photos | | | | | | |
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Original Source Press Release:
PANASONIC INTRODUCES DMC-LS85 AA-BATTERY POWERED DIGITAL CAMERA WITH 4x OPTICAL ZOOM AND BRIGHT F2.8 LENS New 8.1-Megapixel LUMIX Features Intelligent Auto Mode for Ultimate Ease of Operation, Suitable for Digital Photographers of All Levels SECAUCUS, N.J. (January 16, 2009) – Panasonic today introduced a new addition to its acclaimed LUMIX line of digital cameras, the 8.1-megapixel DMC-LS85. Encased in a compact design and powered by AA batteries, the DMC-LS85 offers a powerful 4x optical zoom and bright F2.8 quality LUMIX DC VARIO lens at an affordable price. Panasonic has incorporated its Intelligent Auto Mode (iA) into the DMC-LS85, a new addition to the LS series of entry-level cameras. In this model, iA is comprised of four major functions including Mega O.I.S, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection. Additionally, Panasonic’s Quick AF (auto focus) system allows the camera to automatically keep focus on a subject without the need to hold the shutter button down halfway, greatly minimizing the time needed for the camera to focus. A new enhancement for iA mode this year is a simple button located on top of the camera, which enables the user to enter the mode directly without going into the menu. “By combining intuitive, advanced technologies with a compact design and an affordable price, the DMC-LS85 is ideal for a consumer at any level. From beginner to the advanced photographer, this portable and inexpensive camera can take high-quality photos,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The wide array of easy-to-use features and the powerful LUMIX lens make the DMC-LS85 an impressive entry-level camera and further reinforces Panasonic’s goal to make digital photography a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for consumers at all levels.” The DMC-LS85 records video in WVGA (848 x 480) format at 30 frames per second in addition to standard VGA (640 x 480). The WVGA motion picture fits a wide-screen (16:9) TV perfectly. Furthermore, a 2.5-inch large LCD features 230,000-dot high resolution and Intelligent LCD function, which detects lighting conditions and controls the brightness level of the LCD to offer a display with the most appropriate clarity in any situation. Slideshows can be accompanied by music, courtesy of the newly added speaker, so users can view or show their photos with greater impact. The DMC-LS85’s internal memory has doubled in capacity, when compared to its predecessor the DMC-LS80, up to approximately 50MB. Due to the low energy consumption of the camera’s Venus Engine IV processor, battery life has also been extended to shoot more than 270 photos (CIPA) with two AA batteries. The DMC-LS85 will be available in silver, black and pink at a suggested retail price of $119.95 starting in April 2009. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix. About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company 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 honored to support OUR PLACE – The World’s Heritage, a project that will create the world’s largest photographic collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites, with acclaimed photographers exclusively using LUMIX digital cameras to capture all images. # # # |
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