Panasonic announces new point-and-shoots and "X" brand lenses

Panasonic announced the DMC-FZ150, a 24x Super-Zoom Camera with Full HD Video (1080p) Recording, the DMC-FX90 point-and shoot with Wi-Fi connectivity, and two new Micro Four-Thirds lenses; a wide-angle and telephoto zoom that are small and offer improved performance.

I'm going  to skip the cameras, but the lenses may be of interest to Panasonic GH2 or AG-AF100 owners. Unfortunately, while these lenses should appeal to still shooters, and will work with any Micro Four-Thirds camera, they probably won't appeal to the video shooter. The pancake lens particularly seems to be very small, and with it's electric powered operation, and "manual focus lever" I'm thinking it might be rather difficult to operate. The longer zoom may be less finicky, but it's also not a constant aperture lens.

It's perhaps notable that they are calling these "premium" lenses, and not "professional" lenses, which is what I had thought they were going to be when I first read rumors about them.


Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm Lens
Panasonic's new LUMIX G “X” lens retracts to help minimize its size, without compromising its focal length or image quality.With electric-powered zoom operation, the retractable Power Zoom H-PS14042 lens is extremely compact, approximately 26.8mm in length, and weighs approximately 3.35oz, offering ultra-high portability.

The convenient zoom lever on the lens barrel gives users a stable way to zoom. Manual focusing is also available with a manual focus lever for even more precise control.

The LUMIX GF3X will be available in a black body and black lens or a silver body and silver lens kits options in October 2011 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $749.99. T

DPReview already has a hands on preview of this lens.

Panasonic’s New Premium LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm Lens
The LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175), is the company’s first cutting-edge digital interchangeable lens with electric-powered zoom operation. This marks the launch of the company’s premium lens brand “X” which is compatible with the Panasonic LUMIX G Series and complies with the Micro Four Thirds system standard.

A unique Nano Surface Coating technology minimizes reflections at entire visual light range (380nm-780nm) for a dramatic reduction of ghosts and light flare, resulting in outstandingly clear picture quality.

The Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175) will be available in black and silver starting September 2011 with a suggested retail price of $449.99.


Engadget: Panasonic shrinks its Micro Four Thirds lenses, launches X-series with wide-angle, telephoto zooms
DPReview: Panasonic launches Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH OIS
DPReview: Panasonic launches Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 OIS pancake
DPReview: Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS Hands-on Preview
SlashGear: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 Official



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