Panasonic introduces the new Lumix TZ20 & TZ18 cameras

A compact and versatile lens system is the hallmark of the Lumix TZ series and for the new TZ20 and TZ18 this lens system is entirely redeveloped in both optical and mechanical design. Featuring a new high-quality 24mm ultra wide angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 16x optical zoom. The newly applied Nano Surface Coating boasts an extremely low reflectance ratio compared with the conventional multi coating to suppress image ghosting. Thanks to this very latest Panasonic technology, adopted for the first time to the Lumix cameras, the images delivered through the lens of a TZ20 and TZ18 have exceptional optical performance with stunning clarity that passes Leica’s stringent standards.

Comprising 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ED lens and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit greatly suppresses chromatic aberration which tends to occur in telephoto shooting. It is also a compact design despite its higher versatility with a longer zoom range, and is made possible by a new structure of lens barrel. Thanks to Intelligent Resolution technology, Intelligent Zoom is made available which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x maintaining the picture quality even when combined with this digital zoom process. This means the 16x optical zoom can be virtually extended to a 21x (20x for TZ18) equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra Optical Zoom function extends zoom power to 33.8x (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the center part of the large MOS sensor to bring subjects even closer.

For the TZ20, a newly adopted 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor and the advanced image processor, Venus Engine FHD, feature high speed, high sensitivity image recording to realize 1920 x 1080 full-HD movie recording and high speed burst shooting. It lets the TZ20 shoot 10 fps in 14-megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter and 5 fps with continuous AF. Even higher speed burst shooting is available with TZ20 if electronic shutter is used – 60 fps in 3.5-megapixel*. While the new TZ18 takes advantage of the Venus Engine VI.

For the effective concentration of light, the newly developed sensor adopts micro fabrication technology to achieve even higher sensitivity. With an advanced micro light tube structure, both colour mixture and signal loss are prevented resulting in outstanding clearness. Furthermore, by optimizing the semiconductor production process a dramatic suppression of noise is achieved, important for the delivery of high quality photographs.

The Sonic Speed AF, which boasts approx. 49% higher speed compared with the predecessor, and a quick start-up time give the TZ20 super fast response that helps to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities.

As an advanced photographic tool for recording not only great photos also beautiful full-HD movies, the TZ20 can record high-resolution full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 50i (PAL) movies in AVCHD (MPEG-4 / H.264)* format in addition to motion JPEG images.

The AVCHD format allows almost twice the recording time in HD quality than the conventional Motion JPEG and 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 movies while shooting photos without any having to make any extra settings.

The powerful 16x optical zoom is available in movie recording along with popular iA (Intelligent Auto) functions, POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector. For more effective countermeasure against blur, an all new Active Mode is newly integrated within the TZ20 that greatly improves the effect of the image stabilizer when the photographer is walking or moving around.

Fantastic sound can also be captured thanks to Dolby Digital Stereo Creator to record high quality audio, so you can match the beautiful motion images with outstanding stereo sound plus a Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind.

For the TZ18, 720p HD movie is also available ensuring no matter what your special moment, the TZ18 can capture it.

With the included software, PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.1 HD Lite Edition, it is easy to view and edit your recorded contents. You may also choose to upload your videos to YouTube or burn them to a DVD disc for archiving.

The TZ series is acclaimed as an excellent travel companion because of a wide shooting range, hybrid recording capability of high quality photo and movie and a host of travel-friendly functions including a built-in GPS system.

The location data of where the photo was taken is embedded with its latitude and longitude automatically in the Exif data of each picture. These geo-tagged images can be pinpointed on the maps of social media internet maps to be shared with friends and families. It also shows the name of the location and Landmark using the internal data to give real-time information on the area of shooting and adds reference and fun during active travel. The area information covers 203 countries or regions for global use, plus more than 1,000,000 landmarks (information covers 78 countries or regions).