Panasonic launches 5 megapixel LUMIX DMC-FX8 digital camera with extended battery life in the Middle East

The camera has Panasonic's unique MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) that automatically compensates for hand shake while shooting, resulting in clear, defined images even by non-professionals. Panasonic is the first in the industry to have succeeded in incorporating MEGA O.I.S. into a compact digital camera.The latest model of Panasonic's Lumix digital still camera range; the FX8 provides extended battery life thanks to a Lithium Ion battery and the Venus Engine PLUS which minimizes power consumption.

"The FX8 has been specifically designed for extended use and is ideal for amateurs looking for a compact, easy- to-use camera, especially on long trips where batteries can't be recharged or replaced. It allows the user to take about 300 photos in a single charge which is more than two times longer than the equivalent models. The FX8's compact size also makes easy to carry - just 3.7 inches wide, 1.99 inches high and weighing only 155grams, with battery and SD memory card" said Koji Naka, Manager, Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE.

The FX8 has five auto-focus modes including one point high speed auto-focus ensuring focus time is minimal and image clarity is not sacrificed. With MEGA O.I.S, the camera can accurately detect and compensate every slight hand movement with the sampling frequency at 4000 times per second to render clear and sharp images. The MEGA O.I.S. is equipped with 2 selectable modes where it may be continually on or is activated only when the shutter button is pressed, thus allowing the lens to move in all directions at that moment.

The FX8's 2.5 inch LCD provides extra backlighting to ensure clear visibility even outdoors. Additionally, the camera is equipped with full- size VGA movie capture at 30 frames per second, while a built-in speaker provides an extra dimension to playback on the 2.5 inch LCD.

User friendly scene modes allow users to make the most of their photographs. For example, a special 'Baby Mode gives you a running record of his or her growth once you insert the baby's birthday. Other modes include 'Soft skin' mode that softens detail to produce smoother more beautiful skin. While 'Food' catches the natural colour of food regardless of the light conditions, "The 12 preset scene modes are a very attractive feature for most users. They are extremely easy to use and benefit entry level users by providing 'Simple mode' where most functions are automatically adjusted, leaving the user to just point and shoot," continued Koji Naka.

The FX8 boasts high consecutive shooting performance with 3 frames per second allowing the user to select the best of consecutive images. The unlimited consecutive shooting will continue up to the capacity of the SD memory card, while the industry leading release time lag of 0 .008 seconds allows the user to capture images instantly.

To simplify the experience, Panasonic has included the LUMIX Simple Viewer for Windows. This uncomplicated software allows users to store, print, playback, attach or email the messages via the PC. Auto angle detection records whether an image was taken horizontally or vertically.

"Apart from a host of features, including extended battery life, compact size and design, optical image stabilizer, fast auto focus and preset picture modes that endear the FX8 to buyers, the camera is also aesthetically designed and available in a range of colours to suit personal tastes," concluded Koji Naka.