Panasonic has
announced plans for a new premium digital compact camera, the Lumix DMC-LX7. Successor
to the LX5, the new model will feature a fast 24-90mm f1.4-2.3 zoom lens and a
10.1-megapixel MOS sensor.
The 1/1.7-inch
sensor (5.7 x 7.6mm) in the LX7 is slightly smaller than the LX5’s 1/1.63-inch sensor, but is MOS rather
than CCD, and Panasonic says the signal-to-noise ratio is improved by 1.5 dB,
allowing for lower noise levels at higher ISO settings.
High-speed digital
signal output has been integrated into the LUMIX LX7 to realize high-speed
consecutive shooting at 11fps with mechanical shutter and 5 fps with continuous
AF (Auto Focus).
The camera is
equipped with a 3.0-inch 920,000-dot LCD screen that automatically adjusts
screen brightness in 11 steps as surrounding brightness levels change.
To enhance
usability the LX7 has been equipped with an aperture ring, internal neutral
density (ND) filter, focus lever and rear dial. A built-in level gauge detects
horizontal or vertical angle of view which is helpful in keeping the horizon
level.
A dedicated video
record button is located on the top of the camera body and the camera can
record 1920 x 1080 60p videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264)
format or 30p in MP4.
Local pricing and
availability have not yet been announced.
