14 DAY TRIAL // After releasing quite a few successful Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens cameras, Panasonic is now returning into the point-and-shoot space with the Lumix FZ47 superzoom, which supports a new creative controls mode that is available while shooting both still and video images.
At the heart of Panasonic's latest creation stands a 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor that has the ability to shoot 1080i HD videos at 30fps and which can record up to 3.7fps at its full resolution in burst mode.
This is accompanied by a Venus Engine FHD image processor and by a new, and also faster, auto-focus system, while the 25mm ultra-wide angle Leica lens used supports a maximum optical zoom of 24x.
Impressive as this may sound, the most important feature that the FZ47 brings when compared with its competitors is the so-called “creative modes” support.
What this means is that users have the option of controlling the lens aperture and shutter speed when recording video, a feature that was originally only found in much more expensive cameras.
The rest of the specifications list includes a 3-inch rear display with a 460,000-dot resolution, a special 3D photo mode, support for Panasonic's Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) technology, and a series of in-camera effects.
"The Lumix FZ-Series is an extremely popular line for Panasonic and we expect this model to be another winner for users who not only want an impressive 24x optical zoom, but those that seek exceptional image quality, and thanks to the Leica lens and full HD video capabilities – the FZ47 delivers," said Darin Pepple, senior product manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.
"New to the FZ-Series are the improved AF speeds, 3D photo shooting and full 1080 HD video capabilities," concluded the company's rep.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ47 will be available in black for a suggested retail price of $399.99, starting in August 2011.