BIOS: Technology Means Business

Panasonic has introduced the 6-Megapixel, 3.6x optical zoom DMC-FX01 (94x51x24mm, 132g), the next-generation model in the company’s MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer-equipped FX series.

The DMC-FX01 features a remarkable upgrade from previous FX models, with the newly incorporated 28mm wide-angle 3.6x optical zoom Leica DC lens, while still maintaining the same compact body size.

The wide angle shooting capability offers a new array of photographic opportunities, such as capturing an entire group portrait at parties, or an expansive landscape or architectural scene, to enjoy the benefit of wide panoramas with real perspectives.

In addition to MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, the DMC-FX01 features a new High Sensitivity mode, which allows shooting at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600. This mode acts as another anti-blurring measure by suppressing image blur, which can be caused by subject movement. This especially benefits indoor photography by shooting at fast shutter speeds.

The DMC-FX01 has an extended battery life, able to take 320 pictures (CIPA) on a single charge. Motion picture recording capability has also been enhanced to take clear, bright and wide aspect VGA (848x480 pixels) moving images at 30fps, in addition to the standard VGA images (640x480 pixels), so it is possible to show full screen motion pictures on a widescreen TV.

The camera incorporates the Venus Engine Plus LSI for high performance image processing, both in terms of speed and image quality, while still preserving low energy consumption. The relatively quick AF response time, especially in the 1-point high speed AF mode, means that never missing that spur-of-the-moment shot. Other features to enrich the photographic experience include a 2.5-inch LCD and a comprehensive selection of useful scene modes.

The Venus Engine Plus boasts a shutter release time lag of only 0.005 seconds and a shutter interval of 0.7 seconds, claims Panasonic. Start-up time has also been reduced by 20 per cent of the level of its predecessor, to only 1.6s, which enables easy capture of spur-of-the-moment shots. In the burst shooting mode, it is possible to shoot at 3fps in full resolution. The DMC-FX01 also allows unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD memory card.

The pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD automatically increases the brightness level of the live image on the LCD, which greatly facilitates shooting in low light situations. The new High Angle mode promises to make the display extremely easy to view from angles, for example, when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd and can be accessed easily by using a dedicated button.

With the help of the Power LCD function, which boosts the backlighting of the LCD by 40 per cent, even shooting in bright outdoors situations should not be a problem. The LCD also allows both a full display of images, up to 25 thumbnails on a multi-split screen, and also the ability to date search an image with the new Calendar Display mode.

Various AF methods can be selected according to the shooting environment and the position of the subject: 5-point, 3-point high- speed, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed and spot. The inclusion of an AF assist lamp provides further assistance in low light situations when focusing is difficult.

The camera contains a total of 16 scene modes to assist in a wide range of photographic situations. When shooting in the unique ‘Baby’ mode, a child’s age at the time of image capture is automatically recorded onto that image, determined by a programmable date of birth. In ‘Party’ mode, it becomes possible to take clear pictures by capturing the warm and rich nuances of light and atmosphere. Another new mode is the ‘Underwater’ mode for use with the Marine Case, which is available separately.

The DMC-FX01 will be available in March for an MSRP of $349 (£199).

[Best Digital Camera Pricing UK]
[Best Digital Camera Pricing US]

Got this product? Got a camcorder/mic? Let us post YOUR video/podcast review!