Panasonic

DMC-FZ20PP-S 5.0MP 12xOpt Leic

Panasonic DMC-FZ20S Key Features

Included Accessories

• AC Adaptor/Battery Charger
• Li-Ion Battery Pack
• 16MB SD Memory Card
• Lens Cap
• Lens Hood
• Lens Hood Adaptor
• A/V Cable
• USB Cable
• Neck Strap
• Software CD-ROM: ArcSoft^? PhotoImpression^TM, ArcSoft^? Panorama Maker^TM, ArcSoft^? PhotoBase^TM, SD Viewer for DSC, USB Driver

Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens with F2.8 Brightness Across the Entire 12x Optical Zoom Range

Leica Camera AG is a camera and lens maker lauded by photographers around the world. In every aspect of precision lens optics -- from polishing techniques to coating technologies to quality standards -- Leica Camera AG remains a world leader.

Despite its hefty size, the 400mm-class F2.8 telephoto lens (for 35mm film cameras) is favored by many photographers for its brightness. Now you can get the same level of specifications in a small, remarkably lightweight camera -- the Lumix FZ20, featuring the new DC Vario-Elmarit lens. With a focal distance of 6.0-72mm (equivalent to a 36mm - 432mm lens on a 35mm camera) and F2.8 brightness across the entire 12x zoom range, this exciting new lens puts you in control of a wide variety of photo techniques. Capture broad, sweeping vistas with wide-angle shots. Take portraits that fix the subject in a clear, sharp focus while applying a softer focus to the background. Or aim way into the distance and catch dynamic 12x telephoto shots. With the DC Vario-Elmarit lens, you have a powerful tool for capturing beautiful, expressive images.

The DMC-FZ20's DC Vario-Elmarit lens features 13 elements in 8 groups including 3 aspherical lenses and an extra-low dispersion (ED) lens to minimize color aberration (color bleeding) -- a common problem in high-magnification / large aperture lenses. ED lenses are typically exchangeable lenses designed for single-lens reflex cameras and high-end, professional cameras.

12x Optical/4x Digital/48x Combined Zoom

This Panasonic Lumix digital camera is equipped with a 12x optical zoom, capable of producing close-ups with amazing detail. There is even a 4x variable digital zoom*, which, combined with the optical zoom, digitally magnifies images up to 48 times their normal size.

* As digital zoom increases, resolution significantly decreases.

1/2.5" 5.36 Total Megapixel CCD With Primary Color Filter

The 5 mega-pixel CCD (charged coupled device) converts optical data into digital information. It lets you capture crisp, clear images in high resolution, and helps bring out a full range of expressive color and detail. The DMC-FZ20's Primary Color Filter uses the primary colors (red, green and blue) to ensure the correct extraction of color information from the CCD in order to create vivid, rich color images.

Venus Engine II^TM LSI

Panasonic has improved its innovative Venus Engine LSI, the "brain" of the camera that converts the optical data into digital information. The new Venus 2 Engine LSI handles all image processing functions simultaneously -- from displaying the image on the LCD to writing data to the memory card -- as soon as the CCD captures the image signal. This simultaneous, parallel processing results in a quick start-up, increased shutter speed and reduced lag time. The improved LSI also allows faster consecutive shooting than its predecessor. If desired, the camera will keep shooting until the memory card is full.

A conventional LSI generates a luminance signal from the green component of the incoming light. Panasonic's Venus 2 Engine LSI generates the signal from the red and blue components, as well as the green. This rich information in the luminance signal helps to boost the diagonal, horizontal and vertical resolution, resulting in superb images.

The system also uses a low-pass filter to accurately handle the borders between colors and a noise-reduction circuit to help boost image sharpness and clarity. When the luminance signal is extracted from the pixels by a conventional engine, there is a tendency for colors to bleed due to false signals generated at the color borders. The Venus Engine solves this problem by applying a low pass filter to areas where colors change. The resulting images are beautifully smooth, with sharp color edges.

MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer

Especially important for a high zoom camera, Panasonic's advanced MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) enhances the camera's telephoto zoom capabilities, helping to deliver sharp, vivid images even when taking handheld telephoto shots or shooting in low light. This feature uses motion sensors, which detects even slight hand movement and integrally links the lens control to the motion of the camera to reduce jitter. Unlike digital image stabilization systems, this optical system provides precise compensation with no degradation in image quality.

Mega Burst^TM Imaging

Incredibly responsive, the DMC-FZ20 captures consecutive shots nearly as quickly as a motor-driven film camera. As soon as the camera's CCD captures the image signal, Panasonic's multi-tasking Venus Engine LSI simultaneously displays images on the LCD while writing data to the memory card, significantly reducing lag time between shots. To capture sudden events as they unfold, Panasonic's exclusive MEGA BURST recording feature enables consecutive rapid-fire shooting, capturing up to 3 frames per second with undiminished quality from frame to frame.

The DMC-FZ20 captures full-resolution images at 3 or 2 frames/second up to 7 images in Standard Mode or up to 4 images in Fine Mode.

Scene Modes to Cover A Wide Variety of Shots

• P Mode (Program AE): T You can adjust the white balance, ISO sensitivity, and other settings* to give a photo a more expressive look.
• A (Aperture Priority) Mode: You select the aperture and the camera automatically sets the shutter speed according to the subject's brightness.
• S (Shutter Priority) Mode: You select the shutter speed and the camera automatically sets the aperture according to the subject's brightness.
• Macro Mode: Enjoy dynamic close-ups. You can focus on subjects as close as about 0.16 feet (5 cm) from the lens.
• Portrait Mode: This gives the background a soft focus while capturing the subject clearly and sharply.
• Sports Mode: Uses a high shutter speed to catch moving subjects.
• Landscape Mode: Capture sweeping vistas in sharp focus.
• Panning Mode: To capture a moving subject in clear detail while the background appears to flow by, Panning mode lets the camera detect hand motion and automatically compensate for vertical jitter only. This imparts a feeling of high-speed action.
• Night Portrait Mode: The MEGA O.I.S. minimizes hand motion at slow shutter speeds, to capture people and night landscapes clearly and beautifully.
• Moving-image Mode: Records 30 or 10 frames/sec of 320 x 240-pixel moving images (QuickTime^TM Motion JPEG), complete with audio. Choosing a larger-capacity SD Memory Card lets you shoot a greater amount of footage.
• Night Landscape Mode
• Fireworks Mode
• Party Mode
• Snow Mode
• Manual Mode
• Playback Mode: 9-Thumbnail Display, Zoomed Playback (16x max), Image Rotation, Slide Show, Resizing, Trimming, Protection, DPOF Setting

Selectable Still Image Resolutions

2560 x 1920 pixels, 2048 x 1536 pixels, 1920 x 1080 pixels, 1600 x 1200 pixels, 1280 x 960 pixels and 640 x 480 pixels (Motion Image Recording is at 320 x 240 pixels).

Real-Time Histograms

The DMC-FZ20's histogram feature functions like a digital light meter, providing a graphic representation of the luminance level of the pixels composing an image. By using the histogram, users can exercise more precise exposure control for quality photos. The histogram can be displayed on the unit's large, 2-inch LCD screen while an image is being recorded and also after a shot has been taken.

Motion Image Recording with Audio

Using the QuickTime? Motion JPEG format, Panasonic Lumix digital cameras can record moving images with audio at 30 or 10 frames per second and a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The DMC-FZ20S can record motion-image clips with no limitation in length up to the capacity of the memory card.

Still Image Recording with Audio

You can take regular still pictures and add five seconds of audio to bring them to life. This way you can hear the opening notes of a band recital with an accompanying photo when you play it back on your computer. Audio can also be added to previously recorded images.

Not available motion images.

Audio Dubbing

Hot Shoe for External Flash

ISO Sensitivity Settings

Adjust light-receiving sensitivity just like with a film camera. Available settings: Auto and ISO 80, 100, 200 and 400 equivalents.

Continuous AF

The FZ20's Continuous AF function automatically tracks the focus to the camera's movement. You get a clear, sharp focus at all times -- even when shooting a moving subject. A manual focus ring and one-shot AF are also available.

White Balance Settings

Set Color tones to match the light source. Available settings include Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Halogen, Flash and White Set. White Balance adjustment is available, except when in Auto WB mode.

Intelligent Multiple Metering Mode

The FZ20's light metering system divides the image into 60 blocks, for improved accuracy in determining brightness, color temperature, and focus information. It also determines the best exposure setting in difficult shooting conditions, such as when there is backlighting. Spot Mode lets you match the exposure to a particular part of the image -- useful for subjects with large brightness variations. Center-weighted metering is also available.

Pop-Up Digital Flash

The FZ20 offers a number of flash modes, including Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction for nighttime portraits, and Forced On/Off. Flash output adjustment is available in 1/3EV steps, ?2EV.

Manual Exposure Compensation

1/3 EV steps up to ?2 EV

Shutter Speeds from 8 Seconds - 1/2,000 Second

Auto Exposure Bracketing

Automatically shoot three frames with graduated exposure, one shot overexposed, one shot at correct exposure, one shot unedrexposed. Bracketing amount can be set for 1/3 to 1 EV steps.

Picture Adjustments

Fine tune Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation and Noise Reduction to match your creative vision.

2-Second/10-Second Self-Timer

Why should you always be the photographer, and never the subject? Once you set the camera to self-time mode, you have up to ten seconds to pose for the picture.

Color Effect Mode

Alter the coloring effect to suit your taste. Available color effects include Warm, Cool and Black & White.

Image Quality Options

Choose from Fine or Standard JPEG compression or uncompressed TIFF image format.

Large-Capacity, High-Speed Storage Media -- SD Memory Card

The SD Memory Card, used as the FZ20's media for storing image data, offers both a large capacity and fast data transfer. A single 512MB SD Memory Card (sold separately) holds up to 1,209 still images (1,600 x 1,200 pixels) or up to 49 minutes of moving images. The SD Memory Card makes it easy to transfer data -- without cables -- to any television, PC, or printer equipped with an SD Memory Card slot. MultimediaCard format memory may also be used.

* The FZ20 comes with a 16MB SD Memory Card. The number of recordable images and recording time vary depending on the subject being captured.

2" Color LCD Monitor

The DMC-FZ20S features a 2" screen with 130k pixels that lets you view your photos in detail before and after you take them. Review the images you've just shot at 1x, 4x or 8x magnification.

Versatile Interfaces: USB Terminal, A/V Output Terminal (NTSC/PAL)

Faster than a standard serial interface, the USB Interface in this digital camera makes transferring images from your camera to your PC* quick and easy.

* Computer must have USB Port and included driver software.

Color Electronic Viewfinder

Adjustable Viewfinder with 100% Field of View, 114k pixels.

ArcSoft^? Editing Software Included

The DMC-FZ20S comes packed with an ArcSoft photo editing software bundle that lets you turn your home computer into a virtual photo studio::

• ArcSoft? PhotoBase^TM - Transfer images from an SD Memory Card to a PC and display them in a list
• ArcSoft? PhotoImpression^TM - Adjust colors and process images to create calendars, cards, etc.
• ArcSoft? Panorama Maker^TM - Merge separate photos to create a single image
• SD Viewer for DSC - Makes it easy to check image data on an SD Memory Card. Use it to create slide shows and save them on an SD Memory Card (For Windows?)

Each ArcSoft? program requires Microsoft? Windows? 98, Windows? 98SE, Windows? Me, Windows? 2000, Windows? XP or Macintosh? OS 9 - OS X (Classic mode).

Built-in Microphone and Speaker

The microphone allows you to record audio when using the motion and still image recording features.

Conversion Lens Compatibility

Exposure Button

AF Metering

AF Assist Lamp

Provides extra lighting as a focusing aid for slightly dark situations where AF focusing would ordinarily be difficult.

Unlimited Consecutive Shooting

Allows unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD Memory Card.

Composition Guide Lines

Displayed in the viewfinder and LCD, these thin horizontal and vertical lines make it easy for you to compose your shots or to hold the cameral level.

Flip Animation

Using up to 100 of your photos, you can create a "flip animation" clip up to 20 seconds long.

PictBridge Direct Print Compatibility

The PictBridge standard lets you print directly on a compatible digital printer. Print size, layout, date and other settings can be made with the camera.

Panasonic DMC-FZ20S Specifications

CCD (Image Sensor)

1/2.5", 5.36 Total Megapixel CCD, Primary Color Filter

Camera Effective Pixels

5.0 Megapixels

Resolution:

• 2560 x 1920
• 2048 x 1536
• 1920 x 1080
• 1600 x 1200 pixels
• 1280 x 960 pixels
• 640 x 480 pixels
• 320 x 240 pixels (Motion Image Recording)

Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens

13 elements in 8 groups (3 aspherical lenses / 3 aspherical surfaces, 1 ED Lens)

Optical Zoom

12x

Digital Zoom

4x (up to 48x Total Zoom when combined with 12x Optical Zoom)

Focal Length

f=6.0-72mm (35mm equiv: 36-432mm)

Aperture

F2.8 - F8

Focusing Area:

• Normal: Wide: 0.98 feet; Tele: 6.56 feet-Infinity
• Macro, A/S/M mode: Wide: 0.16 feet; Tele: 6.56 feet-Infinity

Focus

Auto Focus System, Normal/Macro (Dial), Continuous AF On/Off, Manual Focus (Ring), One-shot AF

ISO Sensitivity

Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400

White Balance

Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Halogen / Flash / White Set; White Balance Adjustment (except for Auto WB)

Exposure

Auto, Program AE (Program Shift (P mode)), Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual

Exposure Compensation

1/3 EV Step, ?2 EV

Auto (AE) Bracketing

1/3 EV-1 EV Step, 3 Frames

Light Metering

Intelligent Multiple / Center-weighted / Spot

Scene Modes

Dial: P(Program) Mode, A(Aperture Priority) Mode, S(Shutter Priority) Mode, M(Manual) Mode, Macro
SCN1, SCN2: Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Night Landscape, Panning, Night Portraight, Fireworks, Party, Snow, Moving Image, Playback

Shutter Speed

8 - 1/2,000 sec.

Self Timer

10 seconds/2 seconds

Picture Adjustment

Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Noise Reduction

Color Effect Mode

Cool, Warm, Black & White

Image Quality

TIFF/Fine/Standard

Motion Image Recording with Audio

Quick Time^TM Motion JPEG, 30 or 10 frames/second @ 320 x 240 pixels (maximum recording time deponds upon memory card capacity)

Still Image Recording with Audio

5 seconds

Audio Dubbing

Maximum of 10 Seconds

Mega Burst^? Shooting Mode, Full-resolution image

Standard Mode: Up to 7 images at 3 or 2 frames/sec.
Fine Mode: Up to 4 images

Built-in Flash Modes

Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced On/Off

Built-in Flash Output Adjustment

1/3EV step, -2 +2EV

Built-in Flash Range

0.98 - 22.97 feet (ISO Auto)

External Flash

Hot Shoe

LCD Monitor

2.0" Diagonal Polycrystalline TFT Color LCD with 130,000 pixels, Field of view: approx. 100%

Viewfinder

0.33" diagonol Color EVF (114k pixels), Field of view: approx. 100%

Built-in SD Card Slot

Yes

Recording Media:

• SD Memory Card (16MB Card Included)
• MultiMediaCard

Microphone

Built-in

Speaker

Built-in

Interfaces

DC Input, A/V Output (NTSC/PAL), USB

USB Port

Yes

Power Supply:

• Li-Ion Battery (680 mAh, 7.2V) (Included)
• Battery Charger/AC Adaptor (Input: 110 - 240V AC) (Included)

Battery Life

Up to 240 pictures (CIPA Standard)
Up to 270 pictures with EVF

Shooting conditions: 73.4?F with 50% humidity; LCD On; Using the included SD Memory Card; Starting to shoot 30 seconds after turning on the power; Shooting once every 30 seconds with the flash in full operation for every other shot; Changing the zoom setting from telephoto to wide, or wide to telephoto, for each shot; Temporarily turning the power off after each 10 shots (long enough to lower the battery temperature