Lee Yuan Sheng
01-06-2011, 03:00 PM
<p>I've liked Panasonic cameras for sometime now, but their budget area is, like so many other manufacturers, hopelessly crowded and, in my opinion, unnecessary. Adding another line to the mix isn't helping. Also not helping is the lack of any pricing information on these cameras at this time.</p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1294322184.usr15670.jpg" /></p><p>To start with, we have four FH-series cameras. They are the <strong>Lumx DMC-FH2</strong>, <strong>DMC-FH5</strong>, <strong>DMC-FH25</strong>, and <strong>DMC-FH27</strong>. The <strong>FH2</strong> and <strong>FH5</strong> share the same 4x 28-112mm equivalent f/3.1-6.5 (really slow) lens, 2.7" LCD screen, and 720p video mode. The former uses a 14 megapixel sensor, the latter a 14 megapixel one. The <strong>FH25</strong> and <strong>FH27 </strong>are both 16 megapixel shooters with an 8x 28-224mm equivalent f/3.3-5.9 lens (which is now Leica branded) and the now-common 720p video mode. The <strong>FH27</strong> has a 3" touchscreen instead of the 2.7" screen.</p><p><a href="http://www.dcresource.com/news/newsitem.php?id=4238" target="_blank">Lumix FH2/FH5/FH25/FH27</a></p><p>The FP-series gets an update too. The <strong>DMC-FP5</strong> features a 14 megapixel sensor, a 4x 35-140mm equivalent zoom lens packed vertically inside the camera, optical image stabilisation, a 3" touchscreen LCD, and 720p video. The <strong>DMC-FP7</strong> has a 16 megapixel sensor instead, and upsizes the touchscreen to a 3.5" one. It also has a glossy exterior instead. On that basis alone I would pick the cheaper camera.</p><p><a href="http://www.dcresource.com/news/newsitem.php?id=4237" target="_blank">Lumix FP5/FP7</a></p><p>Finally we have the new S-series cameras; cute rounded shapes ahoy! The <strong>DMC-S1</strong> has a 12 megapixel CCD (it's funny to think how 12 megapixels is now considered "budget"), an optically stabilised 4x 28-112mm equivalent f/3.1-6.5 lens not unlike the one in the FH2 and FH5, 2.7" LCD screen, and 720p video. The <strong>DMC-S3</strong> comes equipped with a 14 megapixel CCD instead.</p><p><a href="http://www.dcresource.com/news/newsitem.php?id=4236" target="_blank">Lumix S1/S3</a></p><p>One feature that would have been interesting is the Lumix Uploader, which allows you to tag photos onto the camera for social networks... but then you have to connect the camera to the computer to complete the upload. Wasted potential if you ask me.</p><p>Oh, and more pictures at the links!</p>