Panasonic expands Lumix compact camera range

Panasonic has unveiled a new portfolio of compact Lumix cameras that appeal to a wide range of consumers.

The flagship FZ Series is being heralded by Panasonic as the world’s first digital compact camera to incorporate a F2.8 aperture in 600mm lens. There are two models in the line-up, the DMC-FZ200 and DMC-FZ60.

Both cameras have a 24x optical zoom, 25mm ultra wide angle lens and High Sensitivity MOS sensor.

The FZ200 has a few extra features like a 1.312K electronic viewfinder and the ability to shot in RAW.

The DMC-FZ200 and DMC-FZ60 are available in September for $799 and $599 respectively.

The next release is the Lumix DMC-LX7 a powerful compact with a range of creative filters.

In terms of specs, the LX7 has a 10.1-megapixel high sensitivity MOS sensor, F1.4 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens and POWER optical image stabiliser.

For those creative photgraphers, Panasnic has also thrown in 16 creative control filters and time lapse features.

The DMC-LX7 is available in September for $649.

The final addition to the compact range is the Lumix DMC-SZ5. While this camera has some cool features like a 25mm ultra-wide angle lens, 10x optical zoom, creative filters and Intelligent Auto; it really stands ut for its wireless capabilities.

Thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi, the SZ5 can easily upload shots straight to social media sites Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Twitter and YouTube.

Those with an Android or iOS smartphone can also control the camera remotely with the Lumix Link application.

The DMC-SZ5 will be available in October for $249.