Panasonic Lumix SZ9 SZ3 Super Zoom Announced

Panasonic has announced the new Lumix SZ9 and SZ3 updates to the Super Zoom series, with 10x optical zoom lens and optical image stabilisation. The Panasonic Lumix SZ9 offers Wi-Fi, high speed shooting at 5fps with continuous AF, full HD video recording with stereo sound, a 3 inch screen with 460k dots, while the SZ3 offers 720p video and a 2.7 inch screen.

Read our Panasonic Lumix SZ9 Hands-On Preview
Read our Panasonic Lumix SZ3 Hands-On Preview



From Panasonic: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-SZ9: The Slim, Ready To Shoot Camera for Everyone

CES, 7th January 2013 – Panasonic’s new compact LUMIX DMC-SZ9, is packed with features to cater for any photographer, whether looking to capture family and friends, holiday scenery or a night on the town. With an impressive 10x Optical Zoom LEICA DC lens, 20x digital intelligent zoom, 25mm wide angle lens, 10fps (frames per second) burst shooting, Wi-Fi connectivity and 14 creative effects, all packed into a sleek slim design, the SZ9 is every photographer’s friend.

Impressive zoom features

The Panasonic DMC-SZ9 may be small and slim, but certainly outperforms its size when zoom is required.  Fitted with a 10x Optical Zoom LEICA DC lens alongside a 20x digital intelligent zoom which keeps the shape and light of the image automatically, distant images can be brought visually closer while image quality is kept thanks to the camera’s Intelligent Resolution technology.

Incredibly clear, high quality photos and video

The 16.1 megapixel MOS sensor has increased from its predecessor’s 14.1-megapixels. It boasts high-speed signal output and high-sensitivity image recording producing superb results. The excellent signal-to-noise ratio of the MOS sensor and the Intelligent Noise Reduction system, which prioritises reducing noise in specific areas, found in the Venus Engine ensures both photo and videos shot at any sensitivity from low to high, are produced with outstanding clarity. Furthermore, the high quality of the images and video is easily viewed on the 3.0 inch LCD screen.

Small, yet mighty

The high-speed digital signal output technology lets the SZ9 shoot at 10 fps in full 16.1 megapixel resolution and 5 fps with continuous auto focus (AF). It also enables the camera to record Full HD videos smoothly. The frame rate, AF setting and the recording resolution can be easily selected according to the movement of the subject. The SZ9 boasts approx. 0.1 sec Light Speed AF that helps to catch even the most fleeting of moments in an image or video.

Instant Wi-Fi transfer and GPS

Once you’ve taken your photographs or video, you can now instantly transfer, share and back-up your material. Just select the Wi-Fi button on the camera and connect to your internet enabled device to share your images with friends online, wirelessly connect to your TV for large screen viewing, print wirelessly or store all your photos in the LUMIX club cloud. You can also tag the image with a GPS location to record exactly where it was taken.

Fully loaded with features

Equipped with 14 creative effects such as soft focus, toy effect and retro, the SZ9 puts creativity at your fingertips. With the filter effect panorama mode and beauty retouch included in this model, you can alter and modify your images as you go.

Slim and small, yet clever and mighty

Mark Robinson, Head of Imaging, Panasonic UK, comments: “Panasonic’s SZ9 may be small but it punches well above its weight. Packed full of features, from a super 10x Optical Zoom, Full HD recording and 14 creative modes including beauty retouch, the SZ9 will allow you to produce high quality images and video time and time again.”

Key features:

• Impressive intelligent zoom features: Fitted with a 10x Optical Zoom LEICA DC lens alongside a 20x intelligent zoom, best possible image quality is kept thanks to the camera’s Intelligent Resolution software functionality.  This performs precise signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way according to the area. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp.
• Incredibly clear, high quality photos and video: The SZ9 has a 16.1 megapixel MOS sensor allowing images to be shot at up to ISO3200.  When combined with the Venus Engine’s intelligent Noise Reduction system both photo and videos, shot at any sensitivity from low to high, boast outstanding clearness
• Instant Wi-Fi transfer: The built in Wi-Fi function allows you to transfer, share and back-up your images. Also, you can wirelessly connect the camera to your TV for large screen viewing and print to wireless devices
• Map your memories: The GPS functionality allows you to record your location and view the map with the associated photos directly on your camera
• Quick burst shooting: The high-speed digital signal output technology lets the SZ9 shoot 10 fps in 16.1 megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter and 5 fps with continuous AF. The frame rate, AF setting and the recording resolution can be easily selected according to the movement of the subject
• Creativity at your fingertips: Equipped with 14 creative effects such as soft focus, toy effect and retro, the LUMIX SZ9 puts creativity at your fingertips. With the filter effect panorama mode and beauty retouch included in this model, you can change and modify your images as you go

The SZ9 will be in available in the stores and online with the release date tbc.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-SZ3

The sister to Panasonic’s LUMIX SZ9, the LUMIX DMC-SZ3 retains the slim, stylish design this family of compacts is known for. Photos and videos can be captured and viewed on its slightly smaller 2.7” LCD screen, yet by packing in a serious 16.1 megapixel MOS sensor and 1280 x 720 HD video capabilities, quality is not compromised. With a 10x optical zoom LEICA DC lens and a 20x intelligent zoom, and creative functions which include miniature and beauty retouch, the SZ3 is the price friendly alternative.

The SZ3 will be in available in the stores and online with the release date tbc.

Comparison Table

		Panasonic Lumix SZ9	Panasonic Lumix SZ3
Manufacturer		Panasonic	Panasonic
Lens
	Max Aperture	f/3.1 - f/5.9	f/3.1 - f/5.9
	35mm equivalent	25mm - 250mm	25mm - 250mm
	Optical Zoom	10x	10x
Image Sensor
	CCD pixels	16.1Mp (Megapixels)	16.1Mp (Megapixels)
	Pixels (W)	4608	4608
	Pixels (H)	3456	3456
	Sensor Type	Live MOS Sensor	CCD
	Sensor Size	1/2.33	1/2.33
	Sensor Size (width)	6.16mm	6.16mm
	Sensor Size (height)	4.6mm	4.6mm
	Aspect Ratio	4:3 3:2 16:9 1:1	4:3 3:2 16:9 1:1
LCD Monitor
	LCD Monitor	3in	2.7in
	Screen resolution	460k	230k
	Touch Screen	No	No
Focusing
	Min Focus	5cm	5cm
	Focusing modes	Autofocus Spot Face Detection AF Tracking Multi Centre Zoom macro	Autofocus Spot Face Detection Multi Centre
Exposure Control
	Shutter speeds shortest	1/1600sec	1/1600sec
	Shutter speeds longest	30sec	60sec
	Exp modes	Program Scene modes	Program Scene modes
	Metering	Multi Pattern	Multi Pattern
	ISO sensitivity	100 - 3200	100 - 1600
	White balance	Auto Manual Outdoors/Daylight Cloudy Incandescent Shade	Auto Manual Outdoors/Daylight Cloudy Incandescent Shade
	Exposure Comp	+/-2	+/-2
Shooting Options
	Continuous shooting	5fps	1.4fps
Video
	Movie mode	Yes	Yes
	Video Resolution	1920x1080	1280x720 720p
	Video FPS	50i	24fps
	Stereo Sound	Yes	No
	Optical Zoom with Video	Yes	Yes
Other Features
	Image Stabilisation	Yes	Yes
Interface
	HDMI	Yes	No
	USB	USB 2	USB 2
	Wi-Fi	Yes	No
Storage
	Card Type	SD SDHC SDXC	SD SDHC SDXC
	File Type	JPG	JPG
Power Source
	Battery Type	Lithium-Ion	Lithium-Ion
	CIPA Rating	220	250
Box Contents
	Box Contents	No Data	No Data
Dimensions
	Weight	119g	111g
	Width	96.5mm	94.8mm
	Height	56.8mm	52.8mm
	Depth	21.2mm	21.9mm
		View Full Details	View Full Details