Panasonic has introduced a compact digital camera LUMIX DMC-LZ30, equipped with 35× optical zoom 25-875 mm in 35 mm camera equivalent and optical image stabilization system. 16.1 megapixel CCD sensor and high-speed LSI image processor for superior photo and video quality.
iA Intelligent Auto mode takes full control of the camera, making it easy to create beautiful photos. Once iA mode is turned on, all auxiliary functions are automatically activated: the Optical Image Stabilization system, as well as Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure – enjoy the process of shooting without being distracted by changing settings.
The DMC-LZ30 offers 720p video recording. The award-winning Creative Control and Creative Retouching are now available, with 21 new filters.
Of course, the DMC-LZ30 has such important modes as Panorama and HDR. And a 3′, 460000-dot resolution LCD screen offers high definition in all lighting conditions, so it’s perfect for both shooting and viewing.
Wide-angle lens with 25mm focal length and 35× optical zoom
The DMC-LZ30 is equipped with a wide-angle lens with a focal length of 25mm and a 35× optical zoom 25-875mm in 35mm equivalent . It comprises 14 elements in 10 groups, including three ultra-low dispersion lenses and one double-sided aspherical lens, a solution that makes the lens body incredibly compact.
What’s more, the Extended Optical Zoom function increases the zoom magnification to 78.8× at 3 megapixels . Not only does it bring you as close as possible to your subject, but its 25mm focal length gives you a wide angle of view – very useful for landscapes and group portraits.
Often when shooting at long focal lengths, pictures can get blurry due to hand shake, but the Optical Image Stabilization System compensates for this effect without reducing image quality.
iA mode and manual exposure control
In an attempt to achieve ease of use and minimize the number of failed shots, Panasonic has introduced iA Intelligent Auto mode. This mode is a combination of Optical Image Stabilization and Face Detection, Scene Intelligent Selector and Smart Exposure.
Moreover, the Face Detection feature automatically detects people in the frame and selects the appropriate exposure, which avoids the “red-eye” effect. Smart Exposure corrects the brightness of parts of the image that are too dark due to low light or flash. And the Intelligent Scene Mode Selector selects one of 6 available modes: Macro, Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Night Landscape and Sunset – according to shooting conditions.
While the iA mode is great, the DMC-LZ30 also offers a P/M mode, which is ideal for advanced amateurs who want more control over their shooting.
Capture high-quality movies at 720p and share your photos instantly
The DMC-LZ30 lets you shoot HD video at 1280×720 pixels. Start recording video by pressing the dedicated button on the back of the camera, so switching between stills and video is no problem.
Included with the camera is the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9 application.0 LE makes it easy to sort through the photos and videos you take, and share them on social networks like Facebook or YouTube.
Other advanced shooting features
The DMC-LZ30 is loaded with the award-winning Creative Control and Creative Retouching. In addition, Panorama mode makes it easy to create horizontal and vertical panoramic images by taking a series of photos, each partially overlapping the previous one.
And the new HDR mode takes multiple frames with different exposures, then combines them into a single shot that’s neither over- nor under-exposed.
Is the iA mode on the LUMIX DMC-LZ30 user-friendly and easy to use for someone with limited photography skills?
This sounds intriguing! Could you please tell me more about the iA mode featured in the compact LUMIX DMC-LZ30? How does it enhance the control and quality of photos?