Panasonic showed off its Lumix DMC-FH7 last month, giving consumers a look at the 16.1 megapixel sensor, 4x optical zoom, and High-Def, 24 fps video recording features. Of course, it’s point-and-shoot size and in-camera editing options gave it an entry-level friendly feel. Thankfully, Panasonic has announced the DMC-FH7’s pricing and the pocket cam will retail for $179.99, making it an affordable option for many consumers.
The DMC-FH7 looks like your average point-and-shoot at first glance, but the camera’s inner hardware and 3-inch touchscreen bring something different to the table. For photographers that may have tired of their basic pocket cams but want to stick with simple and auto-friendly devices, the DMC-FH7 has some unique features that fit the bill. The touchscreen alone offers a few updates, giving you a new way to use your point-and-shoot altogether: You can control zoom, shutter, AF, and Intelligent Scene Selector via the touchscreen (which of course, you can also do manually). Not quite enough? Edit photos in-camera with Beauty Retouch, Makeup, and Esthetic modes with a touch of your hand. These options have effects like teeth whitening, skin texture fixes, and if you’re really desperate, a little color for the eyes and lips. Its Image Uploader software also auto-shares designated photos and videos to Facebook and YouTube.
But the DMC-FH7 isn’t all fluff and no substance. It packs Panasonic’s Venus Engine VI image processor for crisp, clear photos – not to mention speedy use with little lag. Make no mistake, there likely isn’t much here for advanced shooters, but it’s an ideal fit for those who want something outside the box (most importantly, from a reliable line) but aren’t ready or willing to invest serious time and effort into manual photography. It will be on shelves in early July. Full press release after the break.
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FOR RELEASE ON JUNE 9, 2011
PANASONIC ANNOUCES PRICING FOR ITS NEWEST STYLISH DIGITAL CAMERA FEATURING BEAUTY RETOUCH, THE LUMIX FH7
SECAUCUS, NJ (June 9, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for its new 16.1-megapixel digital camera, the LUMIX DMC–FH7, which will be available in early-July 2011 for a suggested retail price of $179.99. The LUMIX FH7, available in black, features an incredibly slim and stylish design, making this new digital camera easy to carry, and with intuitive touch-controls via a 3-inch Smart Touch Screen, it is also easy to use.
The LUMIX FH7‘s Smart Touch Screen allows users to enable Touch Auto Focus (AF), Touch Zoom, Touch Shutter and Intelligent Scene Selector simply by touching the screen. The LUMIX FH7 also features three modes that gives users creative control by manually (with a touch of a finger) editing their photos on the digital camera. These modes include: Beauty Retouch – allows users to retouch faces; Esthetic – creates effects on faces such as clearing skin texture and whitening teeth and Makeup – gives color options such as foundation, eye-shadow or coloring for the lips and cheeks.
While the LUMIX FH7 is a stylish standout, it does not compromise on performance. It features Leica DC lenses with an impressive 4x optical zoom, High Definition video recording-capabilities that record 1280 x 720p at a smooth 24 fps and Panasonic’s iA technology – making shooting photos and videos simple and intuitive – while still producing vivid and beautiful images Additionally, it features the LUMIX Image Uploader, with which you can instantly share images via Facebook© and video via YouTube™ when the digital camera is connected to a computer or the SD Memory Card is inserted.
Furthermore, the Panasonic LUMIX FH7 encompasses Panasonic’s Venus Engine VI image processor, which automatically detects outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation that results in naturally clear images. The multitasking Venus Engine VI also supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is incredibly quick, at approximately 0.006 second and its quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. For more information on all Panasonic’s LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
·Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
·The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company’s quality standards.
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About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
