Panasonic FP7, FP5: A duo of pocket-friendly ultracompacts
By
Mike Tomkins
(Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - 18:30 EST)
Next up in Panasonic's raft of digital camera announcements for the day are its new Lumix DMC-FP7 and DMC-FP5 digital cameras, a pair of pocket-friendly ultra-compact models with sliding lens barriers.
The Panasonic FP5 and FP7 designs share much, but with some important differences. While the Lumix FP5 opts for a 3.0-inch LCD display on its rear panel, the Lumix FP7 swaps this for a larger 3.5-inch panel, increasing weight just slightly by 6 grams. Although both displays have identical 230,000 dot resolution, the larger panel on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 compared to that of the FP5 should improve useability for more than just the extra real estate provided when framing and reviewing images and movies. That's because both cameras include a touch panel, making the LCD panel their main method of interacting with the camera's controls and menu system. The extra surface area on the display will translate directly to larger, easier to press controls, albeit with lower perceived screen resolution. The Panasonic FP7 also has a higher resolution image sensor, although the real-world difference in this area is very slight. The 1/2.33-inch CCD chip in the Lumix DMC-FP5 provides a resolution of 14.1 megapixels, equating to 4,320 x 3,240 pixels. By way of comparison, the DMC-FP7 has a 16.1 megapixel sensor, for an effective total of 4,608 x 3,456 pixel resolution -- a net increase of just 7% greater linear resolution than its more affordable sibling. The higher-res chip used in the DMC-FP7 causes a reduction in its high definition movie frame rate, versus that of the Panasonic Lumix FP5. The frame rate when recording 720p movies on the Panasonic Lumix FP7 is fixed at 24 frames per second, while its standard-def movie modes all record at 30 frames per second. By contrast, the FP5 can capture 720p movies at 30 frames per second. The difference in display and image sensor between the two cameras also brings with it a slight difference in rated battery life. The higher-res Panasonic Lumix FP7, with its larger LCD panel, offers around 240 shots on a charge to CIPA testing standards. The Panasonic Lumix FP5, meanwhile, yields a battery life rating of some 260 shots on a charge, a worthwhile 8% increase. One final difference between the two cameras is to be found in their available selection of body colors. The Panasonic DMC-FP7 will be available in black, blue, and red body colors. Both black and blue will also be available for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5, as well as silver and pink versions. In other respects, the Panasonic DMC-FP5 and FP7 are largely similar. Both cameras have the same body design, which includes a prism-folded, Lumix DC Vario branded 4x optical zoom lens, along with true optical image stabilization. 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 FP7 preview or Panasonic FP5 preview, depending on whether you need the extra resolution and screen size, or prefer the greater battery life and high-def movie frame rate. | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 |  | | General | | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | | Manufacturer | Panasonic | | Model Number | North America: DMC-FP7
| | Dimensions | 4.0 x 2.3 x 0.7 in.
(101 x 59 x 18 mm) | | Weight | 5.2 oz (147 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)
3456 x 3456 (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)
3.7 megapixels
3.1 megapixels
2.8 megapixels
2.1 megapixels
1.9 megapixels
0.3 megapixels
| | Capture Speed | Continuous: 1.7 frames per second for 9999 frames | | Image Preview / Review | | Viewfinder | No | | LCD | 3.5 in. diagonal
230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels) | | Playback Zoom | 16.0x max | | Lens | | Lens Type | LEICA DC VARIO, 11 elements in 10 groups, 4 Aspherical, 1 ED
4x optical zoom | | Image Stabilization | Yes | | Focal Length | 6.3 - 25.2mm (actual)
35 - 140mm (35mm equivalent) | | Aperture Range | f/3.5 - 5.6 (wide) / f/5.9 - 7.1 (tele) | | Focusing System | Contrast Detection: Face / AF Tracking / 11 pt / 1pt / Touch Area
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible | | Focusing Range | Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 4.1" - 4,082" (10 cm - 10,000 cm) | | Exposure | | ISO Sensitivity | Intelligent ISO; 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; High Sensitivity M de (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: 0.3 - 4.9m (Wide/I.ISO), 0.5 - 2.9m (Tele/I.ISO) | | Creative | | Scene Modes | Portrait, 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 | 3.5" Touchscreen LCD, MEGA O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, Beauty Retouch Mode, Esthetic Mode, Make-up Mode. Available in blue, black and red. | | More Photos |  |  |  |  |  |  | | |
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 |  | | General | | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | | Manufacturer | Panasonic | | Model Number | North America: DMC-FP5
| | Dimensions | 4.0 x 2.3 x 0.7 in.
(101 x 59 x 18 mm) | | Weight | 5.0 oz (141 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)
3232 x 3232 (10.4 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)
3.7 megapixels
3.1 megapixels
2.8 megapixels
2.1 megapixels
1.9 megapixels
0.3 megapixels
| | Capture Speed | Continuous: 1.7 frames per second for 9999 frames | | Image Preview / Review | | Viewfinder | No | | LCD | 3.0 in. diagonal
230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels) | | Playback Zoom | 16.0x max | | Lens | | Lens Type | LEICA DC VARIO, 11 elements in 10 groups, 4 Aspherical, 1 ED
4x optical zoom | | Image Stabilization | Yes | | Focal Length | 6.3 - 25.2mm (actual)
35 - 140mm (35mm equivalent) | | Aperture Range | f/3.5 - 5.6 (wide) / f/5.9 - 7.1 (tele) | | Focusing System | Contrast Detection: Face / AF Tracking / 11 pt / 1pt / Touch Area
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible | | Focusing Range | Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 4.1" - 4,082" (10 cm - 10,000 cm) | | Exposure | | ISO Sensitivity | Intelligent ISO; 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; High Sensitivity M de (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: 0.3 - 4.9m (Wide/I.ISO), 0.5 - 2.9m (Tele/I.ISO) | | Creative | | Scene Modes | Portrait, 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 | 3.0" Touchscreen LCD, MEGA O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector. Available in blue, black, pink and silver. | | More Photos |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | | |
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Original Source Press Release:
| Panasonic Introduces Ultra-Slim LUMIX FP-series Digital Cameras With Large Touch-Control LCD LUMIX FP7 and LUMIX FP5 – With a Folded Optics Design, Mirror Finish* and Advanced Features like HD Video – are the Ultimate Digital Camera Choices for Style and Performance LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2011) – Panasonic today introduced two ultra-slim LUMIX models to its 2011 line, perfect for consumers seeking a fashionable camera with loads of advanced photo and video features. The LUMIX DMC-FP7 (16.1 megapixel) and LUMIX DMC-FP5 (14.1 megapixel) maintain their slim profiles by incorporating an ultra-thin 4x optical zoom lens** with folded optics. Complete with a sleek mirror finish on the LUMIX FP7 and a matte finish on the FP5, both cameras have high-performing features that complement the design, such as 720p High Definition (HD) video recording, large touch-control LCDs and easy-to-use settings like Intelligent Auto (iA). “Panasonic’s LUMIX FP-Series is perfect for the style-conscious consumer who cares about the look of the digital camera as much as the stunning images it captures,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Panasonic is committed to incorporating user-friendly features that make taking high-quality photos easy. For example, by incorporating the popular iA setting, allowing users to have confidence that the right setting is engaged, without having to change it themselves. And we are always adding creative, interesting options like the new Beauty Retouch mode on the LUMIX FP7 which takes advantage of the popular and easy-to-use touch-control operation to retouch faces in photographs.” The LUMIX FP7 takes Panasonic’s touch-control LCD to the next level with a new 3.5-inch 16:9 LCD that offers not only a larger view of images, but also increased usability. The LUMIX FP5 features a 3.0-inch 3:2 LCD and both models include Smart Touch Screens allowing users to enable Touch Auto Focus (AF), Touch Zoom, Touch Shutter and Intelligent Scene Selector simply by touching the screen. All menu setting options are now available with touch control and in playback mode users can drag the image across the screen with their finger to browse the collection of photos, as though it is a page in a book. Additionally, the LUMIX FP7 features three new modes that let users get creative by manually (with the touch of a finger) editing their photos. These new modes include: -
Beauty Retouch mode allows users to retouch faces -
Esthetic mode creates effects on faces such as clearing skin texture and whitening teeth -
Make-up mode gives color options such as foundation, eye-shadow or coloring for the lips and cheeks The LUMIX FP7 and LUMIX FP5 are stylish, yet still full with substance thanks to the Venus Engine VI image processor with Intelligent Resolution technology. The digital cameras are fast, with shutter release lag times as short as 0.006(FP7) / 0.005 (FP5) per second and by adding Sonic Speed AF users can capture high quality spur-of-the-moment images even faster. Using a folded optics design allows the LUMIX FP7 and FP5 to remain ultra-thin, yet still have a high-quality 4x optical zoom. In addition, the new zoom button makes the LUMIX cameras look even more sleek. Also taking advantage of Intelligent Resolution, the Intelligent Zoom function on the LUMIX FP7 and LUMIX FP5 allows the powerful 4x optical zoom to increase to 5x equivalent without compromising picture quality. Panasonic’s popular iA mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically – with no setting changes needed by the user – makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. The LUMIX FP7 and LUMIX FP5 feature two new iA functions – AF Tracking and Intelligent Exposure. AF Tracking locks onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves, while the Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully. The automatic backlight compensation function activates whenever the camera detects the subject is in backlight. Other features of Panasonic iA include: -
MEGA OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) – Reduces blurry photos due to hand-shake -
Intelligent ISO Control – Reduces blur when the subject is moving -
Face Detection – Ensures registered faces are captured in focus with appropriate exposure and unwanted red eyes are digitally corrected -
Intelligent Scene Selector – Selects the best option from: Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset -
Dedicated iA button – Lets users engage easily with one click Other features of the LUMIX FP7 and LUMIX FP5 include: -
LUMIX Image Uploader – Share images via Facebook and video via YouTube -
Intelligent LCD – Detects the lighting conditions and controls the brightness level in 11 finely graduated steps, to display the most appropriate setting -
70MB of built-in memory The LUMIX FP7 will be available in blue, black and red, while the LUMIX FP5 will be available in blue, black, pink and silver. Pricing and availability for both models will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/CES. * DMC-FP7 only.
** Equivalent to 35mm. YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
Facebook is a registered trademarks of Facebook, Inc. Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. 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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