Article by: Deon Van Den Berg

For more images of the launch, click

The Panasonic Lumix Experience

Panasonic launched their new range of Lumix cameras in Queenstown, NZ, early last week. Among the group invited to join Panasonic for this event in one of the worlds most picturesque town were several journalists and publishers.

As our plane descended into Queenstown, it was clear why they chose this location for the launch. The landscape is beautiful and the weather gods must have liked Panasonic, as the weather forecast for the following three days was perfect for exploring the sites and really putting the new Lumix models to the test.

Panasonic announced no less than ten new Lumix models and a new range of camcorders that are set to be release between the end of February and April. The new range will sit directly below the current Panasonic G series. With a release of this many new models, they have ensured that they have covered almost all bases that consumers will need in a compact camera. The two headline models being announced were the Lumix TZ20 & the FT3 Tough Camera.

The TZ20 is packed with features. It is equipped with a very sharp 24mm wide-angle Leica DC lens and features an impressive 16x optical zoom with a 14.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, making this a great travel companion for most consumers. The option to shoot with manual settings is available and is a great addition for anyone who is looking to experimenting with their photography. Improved features over its predecessor are the Sonic Speed AF, which is approximately 49% faster than the TZ10. Some more features include iA (Intelligent Auto), Power O.I.S. (Optical image Stabiliser), advanced GPS, 3D photo mode, Smart Touch screen and HD video in 1280 x 1080p/50i.  The TZ20 will be available in April 2011 and is set to retail at $599.

With the FT3 Tough Camera, Panasonic has definitely hit the mark in this category. Panasonic have included many of the TZ20 features across the FT range. The FT3 features a 12.1 megapixel High Speed CCD sensor and a 28mm wide Leica DC lens. For the avid traveller and adventure-seeking photographer out there, this camera will become your best friend as it includes not only a GPS (with over 1 million landmarks) but also a compass, Altimeter and Barometer. Where this camera truly shows off its toughness is in the fact that it is waterproof up to 12 meters, shockproof up to 2 meters, freeze proof down to -10 degrees and dustproof. The FT3 will be available in March 2011 and is set to retail at $599. It will be available in silver, orange, red and blue.

Introducing such a wide range of compact cameras, Panasonic is sure to have a model to suit most consumers needs. With the retail prices ranging from $149 for the Lumix S1 to $599 for the Lumix TZ20 and FT3, it would be hard for anyone to look past this impressive new range by Panasonic.

On our first morning, we were all equipped with a TZ20 and a FT3 Tough for our activities over the next 2 days. The first day’s adventures included helicopter rides over the Alps with a few scheduled landings to explore the scenes and take photos of the amazing views that were on offer. This presented the opportunity to use both Lumix cameras and discover what makes them tick. The TZ20 received a good workout as it not only has a great optical zoom range but the Power O.I.S. ensured that even at maximum zoom, images were still sharp. Having a 24mm wide angle Leica lens meant that we could capture beautiful landscape images from the helicopter or upon landing in the Alps. The built-in GPS was tested with the co-ordinates from the pilot via the helicopter readouts and they were spot on, and with over 1 million landmarks, it just proves that this is a great and handy feature that Panasonic have got right in the new range.

 
The helicopters dropped us off at our next stop and next adventure. We were met by jet boats this time and this is where the FT3 took over. These boats travel at 80km/h and these drivers know how to get the adrenaline pumping, with 360-degree turns in the middle of the lake. With the Power O.I.S, it was very easy to take not only sharp images but steady HD video while going through all the motion. This camera was dropped, submerged in water and put through some pretty dusty and sandy situation only to prove that this is a very tough camera and will make its mark in the tough market very quickly when it’s released in March.

 
For the last day of the trip we were transported by another set of jet boats to our next location where the drivers dropped us off and showed off their skills with some more turns. This was a great opportunity to use the burst-shooting mode in the TZ20.

Following this, we went for a 4WD experience to Arrowtown. Again this was a good opportunity to shoot video and images without having to worry about them not being sharp and in focus.

Overall, this was a great launch for Panasonic. Being able to use these cameras as a tourist in Queenstown meant that we all not only got great images but it made it very hard not to recommend one of these cameras when presented with the question. We only used the TZ20 and FT3 but there are many models in-between with great features. With models that cover a range of prices, and a wide variety of needs, there is definitely a model that will suit and be loved by most consumers. Panasonic is definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with in 2011 at this segment of the camera market.

For more images of the launch, click