Panasonic Launches 60X Optical Zoom Camera

2013.07.18

Today Panasonic has revealed their latest ultra-zoom which boasts the most powerful zoom lens ever built into a digital camera. The all-new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 sports a 60X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 20-1200mm. More critical than having the longest zoom ratio is that the FZ70 sports the widest angle-of-view of any fixed-lens digital camera.

The 16 megapixels CMOS sensor of the FZ70 offers an ISO sensitivity range up to 3200 at full-resolution and can shoot continuous at up to 9 FPS for a maximum of 3 frames. Admittedly, this is not very continuous but dropping the frame-rate to 5 FPS lets the camera shoot longer and continuously focus between shots. It can also record full 1080p HD video with stereo sound. The new built-in microphone zooms with the lens and includes wind-filter which reduces recording noise by up to 70% compared to previous generations.

The FZ70, also called Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ72 in some markets, is competively priced at $399 USD and is expected to be available zoom, yet no launch date has been specified. B&H Photo and Adorama accept pre-orders, including from international customers.

Simultaneously with the FZ70, Panasonic has add the ultra-compact Lumix DMC-XS3 to its catalog. This extremely slim camera sports a 14 megapixels CMOS sensor behind a stabilized ultra-wide 5X optical zoom lens. Neither availability nor price has been announced yet. Stay tuned.

• Digital Camera