Panasonic premieres 12.2 megapixel compact
Holy high-resolution
Panasonic has announced a brand new compact digital camera boasting a massive 12.2 megapixel resolution plus the ability to record high-definition video.
Called the Lumix DMC- FX100, it can take photos in 4:3 mode, plus there are four 16:9 widescreen modes offering a quite impressive 4000 x 2248 pixel image resolution - adding something substantial to the company's current compact collection.
HD video can also be recorded at up to 1280 x 720 at 15 frames per second, but on the downside it only offers 27MB internal memory. Naturally SD card expansion is available.
The DMC- FX100 also features a "newly developed" 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom, f/2.8 brightness, 1.72in large CCD and Intelligent Image Stabilisation with Mega O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO Control. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 7x in 3-megapixel resolution mode with minimal deterioration (apparently) using something called the Extra Optical Zoom function.
In addition, there's a high-speed mode that will let you shoot eight photos per second at full resolution, plus unlimited consecutive shooting. The FX100 has a 2.5in LCD screen, weighs 150g and will be available in silver and black. Pricing details are not yet available.
COMMENTS
Overkill
No matter how many megapixels a compact has, they will never compete with an SLR with a much larger sensor.
Larger sensor means less noise, larger photo sites etc..
What's the use in having twice any many noisy pixels as before?
Re: "I do want one though."
Based only on the number "12"...without seeing the results?
Step this way, I've got a few other electronic items you might be interested in...
What kind of stabilization?
The last time I looked at a Panasonic they had mechanical stabilization which was quite good. Does this one have that feature too? If so the low light shots may be better than expected, regardless I can't judge it until I see sample shots.
Oooooooh
Sounds lovely... can't wait to find out how much it's going to be... well, I'm not going to be able to afford it, but still, we can dream!
