Panasonic LUMIX DMC-SZ7 and DMC-SZ1 Digital Compact Cameras

Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7

Panasonic LUMIX cameras go from strength to strength and the introduction of an entirely new range of cameras is a case in point. The new LUMIX stylish zoom SZ series is pleased to enter the market with the introduction of the DMC-SZ7 and DMC-SZ1. Offering style and compactness whilst also boasting a powerful 10x optical zoom, and full HD Video recording – the new hybrid additions are perfect for day trips, business and leisure.


Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1

25mm Ultra Wide-Angle LEICA DC Lens with 10x Powerful Optical Zoom

Belying their slim and compact design, the SZ7 and SZ1 package an impressively large 10x optical zoom into their stylish body.  The new high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens system is even more versatile as it is a 25mm ultra wide-angle lens (35mm camera equivalent: 25-250mm).  A mere 21mm in depth, including the lens barrel (18.6mm excluding the lens barrel), it’s astonishing that these new additions can house such a large zoom. This is made possible by the adoption of ultra thin lens for its new structure optical system, making the unit’s overall length short to fit in the slim body despite its versatile zoom range from ultra wide to telephoto.  The lens unit comprises of 9 elements in 7 groups including 4 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces.

Passing Leica's stringent standards, the DMC-SZ7 and SZ1 boast exceptional optical performance with stunning clarity with minimum distortion and flare.

The iA Zoom (Intelligent Zoom) is also available with the new additions. Using digital zoom you can draw the subject 2x closer than the original optical zoom, with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. This means the 10x optical can virtually extend to 20x equivalent.


Panasonic DMC-SZ7

The DMC-SZ7 Boasts a 14.1-Megapixel MOS Sensor

The new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor integrated in the DMC-SZ7 boasts high speed signal output and high sensitivity image recording for making many advanced features possible.  The excellent S/N ratio of MOS sensor and the Intelligent Noise Reduction system in the advanced image processor Venus Engine makes both photo and video shot in any lighting boast outstanding clarity.

The high speed digital signal output technology lets the DMC-SZ7 shoot 10 fps in 14-megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter and 5 fps with continuous AF. It also enables the camera to record full-HD 50i smooth video. The frame rate, AF setting and the recording resolution can be easily selected according to the movement of the subject.

The DMC-SZ7 boasts approx.0.1 sec Light Speed AF that helps to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities together with a quick start-up.

The DMC-SZ1 enjoys a 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor, new Venus Engine (VII HD) and Sonic Speed AF that will help users to catch those exciting, spur-of-the-moment photo moments before they pass you by.

Full-HD Video Recording in AVCHD / MP4 Format (DMC-SZ7)

Despite its compact profile of body, the DMC-SZ7 is capable of recording full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 50i videos1 in AVCHD (MPEG-4 / H.264)2 format. The AVCHD format excels in the compatibility with AV equipment like HDTVs or Blu-ray Disc players. A special, separate button on the top lets the user instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make any extra settings. Alternately, users can choose MP4 at 25p for video recording, which has higher compatibility with PCs.

To further add to its appeal the powerful 10x optical zoom is available in video recording. With the DMC-SZ7, there are always two options to record spur-of-the-moment scenes - high-quality photos or videos. The user can simply choose the one that saves precious memories most beautifully. The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in video recording.

The videos also come with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, to offer highly realistic sound to the motion images. The stereo microphone comes with zoom noise reduction system, and the Wind Cut function blocks out most of the noise from background wind.

Photos or videos recorded in AVCHD on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV by simply inserting the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD Memory Card slot) on VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player or by using mini HDMI cable to playback your contents.

In addition, with the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.0 AE Edition (SZ7), it is easy to view and edit your recorded contents. You may also choose to upload your videos to YouTube.

Catering for varying consumer needs, the DMC-SZ1 offers HD recording. The frame rate is smaller than full HD (1280 x 720 30p), but still offers outstanding picture quality and is perfect for those looking to upload clips to the internet for example. As with the SZ7, the 10x optical zoom is available in video recording with the SZ1. 

Other Versatile Functions Adding to the Photographic Enjoyment

The DMC-SZ7 and SZ1 enjoy a variety of shooting options to enhance ease and fun.  One of these is the Miniature Effect mode in which the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized to make the picture look like a diorama illusion. Simple to use, this mode allows a photograph of a life-size location or object to look like a photograph of a miniature scale model. Now everyone can be a creative photographer! The video recorded in this mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding making it more comical to watch.  A further new shooting mode is Panorama Shot which makes it is possible to shoot a horizontal/vertical panoramic image with consequent shots taken by overlaying the previous picture

The SZ7 and SZ1 also include Auto Retouch function that adjusts the contrast and brightness automatically with just a press of a button. Appropriate retouch is automatically applied depending on the image – if the image was shot too dark, it can be clear and bright to look at with this function.  Furthermore, the DMC-SZ7 newly offers Creative Retouch that offers 6 attractive filters -Toy Effect, Soft Focus, Dynamic Monochrome, Expressive, High Key and Retro – to make the picture look even more artistic.

Panasonic incorporated the Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. The DMC-SZ7 newly integrates HDR (High Dynamic Range), Intelligent Handheld Nightshot4 and Motion Deblur4 mode in addition to AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Recognition (SZ7) / Face Detection (SZ1), Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure. The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by selecting the iA mode. All these make the DMC-SZ7 and SZ1 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.

For greater convenience, the SZ7 and SZ1 offer AC/USB power charging so users can connect to an AC outlet or PC for battery recharging. Compact and easy to carry around, this charging function will be much appreciated. 

Combining an impressive 10x zoom with pocketable dimensions, the new SZ models are set to be firm favourites.  The DMC-SZ7 will be available in black, white and brown and the SZ1 will be available in black, silver, blue, red and violet.  Highly technically specified, yet astonishingly slim and stylish – the SZ7 and SZ1 are a photographers dream! The new SZ models will be available from March.

For more information please visit the Panasonic website.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7 Specifications

Manufacturer	Panasonic
Lens
	Max Aperture	f/3.1 - f/5.9
	35mm equivalent	25mm - 250mm
	Optical Zoom	10x
Image Sensor
	CCD pixels	14.1Mp (Megapixels)
	Pixels (W)	4320
	Pixels (H)	3240
	Sensor Type	Live MOS Sensor
	Sensor Size	1/2.33 inch
	Sensor Size (width)	6.08mm
	Sensor Size (height)	4.56mm
	Aspect Ratio	4:3 3:2 16:9 1:1
LCD Monitor
	LCD Monitor	3in
	Screen resolution	460,000 dots
	Touch Screen	No
Focusing
	Min Focus	5cm
	Focusing modes	Face Detection
Exposure Control
	Shutter speeds shortest	1/1600sec
	Shutter speeds longest	8sec
	Exp modes	Program Scene modes A
	Metering	Multi Pattern
	ISO sensitivity	100 - 6400
	White balance	Auto Manual Outdoors/Daylight Cloudy Incandescent Shade
	Exposure Comp	+/-2
Shooting Options
	Continuous shooting	10fps
Video
	Movie mode	Yes
	Video Resolution	1920x1080 1280x720 720p 640x480 VGA 320x240 QVGA
	Video FPS	25
	Stereo Sound	Yes
	Optical Zoom with Video	Yes
Other Features
	Image Stabilisation	Yes
Interface
	HDMI	Yes
	USB	USB 2
	Wi-Fi	No
Storage
	Card Type	SD SDHC SDXC
	File Type	JPG
Power Source
	Battery Type	Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, Minimum: 680mAh)
	CIPA Rating	250
Box Contents
	Box Contents	Battery Pack, AC Adapter, USB Cable, Hand Strap, CD-ROM with PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.0 Advanced Edition / Adobe Reader
Dimensions
	Weight	116g
	Width	99mm
	Height	59.4mm
	Depth	21mm

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 Specifications

Manufacturer	Panasonic
Lens
	Max Aperture	f/3.1 - f/5.9
	35mm equivalent	25mm - 250mm
	Optical Zoom	10x
Image Sensor
	CCD pixels	16.1Mp (Megapixels)
	Pixels (W)	4608
	Pixels (H)	3456
	Sensor Type	CCD
	Sensor Size	1/2.33 inch
	Sensor Size (width)	6.08mm
	Sensor Size (height)	4.56mm
	Aspect Ratio	4:3 3:2 16:9 1:1
LCD Monitor
	LCD Monitor	3in
	Screen resolution	230,000 dots
	Touch Screen	No
Focusing
	Min Focus	5cm
	Focusing modes	Autofocus Face Detection
Exposure Control
	Shutter speeds shortest	1/1600sec
	Shutter speeds longest	8sec
	Exp modes	Program Scene modes A
	Metering	Multi Pattern
	ISO sensitivity	100 - 6400
	White balance	Auto Outdoors/Daylight Cloudy Incandescent Shade
	Exposure Comp	+/-2
Shooting Options
	Continuous shooting	1.3fps
Video
	Movie mode	Yes
	Video Resolution	1280x720 720p 640x480 VGA
	Video FPS	25
	Stereo Sound	No
	Optical Zoom with Video	Yes
Other Features
	Image Stabilisation	Yes
Interface
	HDMI	No
	USB	USB 2
	Wi-Fi	No
Storage
	Card Type	SD SDHC SDXC
	File Type	JPG
Power Source
	Battery Type	Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, Minimum: 680mAh)
	CIPA Rating	250
Box Contents
	Box Contents	Battery Pack, AC Adapter, AV Cable, USB Cable, Hand Strap, CD-ROM
Dimensions
	Weight	114g
	Width	99mm
	Height	59.4mm
	Depth	21mm

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