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Panasonic introduces new 5 Megapixel DMC-LC80
Dennis Hissink : July 21th 2004 - 03:00 CETupdated
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 Panasonic is introducing new members to the LUMIX series with the 5-Megapixel DMC-LC80 digital still cameras. Equipped with a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, the new DMC-LC80 provides beautiful images in superior quality in addition to its stylish design and compact body. Thanks to the established Venus Engine LSI, the DMC-LC80 offers highly responsive operation, with a short release time lag, approx. 0.1 second, between the time when the shutter button is pressed and the image is captured, and a reduced shutter interval time. "Mega Burst Consecutive Shooting" also enables rapid, consecutive shots. The DMC-LC80 has been designed for minimum power consumption, thus the battery life is extended, which allows the shooting of even 320 pictures.
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 The DMC-LC80 is provided with unique functions to ease and enhance your shooting creativity: LCD display guide lines and a real-time histogram. The guide lines are convenient to identify the horizontal/vertical reference and the real-time histogram indicates the exposure status.
The DMC-LC80 offers both attractive styling and outstanding performance to meet a wide range of graphic needs.
1. 5-Megapixel CCD for high-quality images
The DMC-LC80's 5-Megapixel CCD captures fine details and subtle nuances and render images that are clear and crisp. It converts even the most delicate light gradations to reproduce vivid, natural colors.
2. F2.8 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with 3x optical zoom
This compact, bright, and renowned LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens system features seven elements in six groups, including three aspherical lenses. Thanks to a multi-coating that improves image clarity by reducing the surface reflection of each lens to decrease flare and ghosting effects, this advanced lens system transmits light clearly to the CCD section, allowing the DMC-LC80 to achieve superb rendering, fine gradation, and expressive depth. The lens is equipped with 3x optical zoom equivalent to 35 mm to 105 mm on a 35-mm film camera.
3. Venus Engine LSI
Advanced Panasonic digital technologies also enabled the development of image processing circuitry that enhances the image quality and boosts the processing speed, while improving the diagonal resolution by about 50% and producing smoother edges. Fast processing allows subsequent shots to be taken immediately, no need to wait until the image data is written onto an SD Memory Card.
4. Long battery life
The DMC-LC80 comes with two AA-size Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (a battery charger is supplied) which allow the camera to shoot 320 pictures. 160 pictures can be taken with optional AA[LR6] alkaline batteries.
5. MEGA BURST consecutive shooting
The DMC- LC80's MEGA BURST consecutive shooting function captures up to 9 full-size images at 2.7 frames per second. This allows the user to snap off a series of consecutive shots when a photo opportunity arises, then select the best ones and delete the rest. Unlike conventional cameras, no film is wasted. Quick consecutive shooting is particularly helpful when shooting a moving object.
6. Unique LCD display indication of guide lines and real-time histogram
The DMC-LC80 is provided with unique functions to ease and enhance your shooting creativity. The LCD display guide lines give references to horizontal/vertical lines. The real-time histogram indication helps you confirm the exposure, such as generation of white or black washout.
7. Moving pictures and flip animations
The DMC-LC80 has a function for taking moving pictures. You can take moving pictures in 30 or 10 frames/second in QVGA size (320 x 240 pixels) as long as the memory card capacity allows.
In addition, the DMC-LC80 has a function to take short animations. With the flip animation function, you can take up to 100 frames as a QuickTime file (QVGA: 320 x 240 pixels) either at 5 frames/second for 20 seconds or at 10 frames/second for 10 seconds.
When taking moving pictures or animations, most of the advanced features for still images can be applied for optimum results.
8. Beautiful shots every time, with the easy-to-use Mode dial
The Mode dial uses icons to show the nine mode settings, consisting of Simple, Normal Picture, Economy, Macro, Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Movie and Playback modes, for quick and easy selection. In Simple mode, most settings are made automatically. You just aim at the subject, zoom in or out, and click the shutter button. In Economy mode, the LCD monitor is turned off whenever the camera is not used for 15 seconds, or when the flash is recharging, to reduce energy consumption and extend the battery life for more shooting time.
9. Other features that expand picture-shooting fun
- Color effect function lets you adjust color tones to suit personal preferences (Warm, Cool, B/W)
- Bright 1.5" 114,000-pixel color LCD
- Selectable AF Trigger that allows the camera to focus at a fixed distance. |
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