A Slim, Compact Digital Still Camera with Super Easy Operation Panasonic introduces a new Lumix digital camera, the DMC-LS80, that combines easy-to-use advanced functions and AA-battery operation convenience.
A newly developed Lumix DC VARIO lens system with 3x optical zoom
(equivalent to 33-100mm on a 35mm film camera) fits into its compact
body and gives a clear, sharp clear image right to the edge of the
picture. The CCD has been upgraded to 8.1-megapixel high resolution, so
even after cropping, you will still have a high resolution picture.
Both the external and internal design has been revised throughout to
enhance the ease of operation.
At the heart of the DMC-LS80's super-easy operation is a comprehensive
Intelligent mode that combines four distinct features aimed at making
it easy to capture perfect images. First is the Mega O.I.S. (Optical
Image Stabilizer), a system that helps eliminate blurring due to
hand-shake. Second is the Intelligent ISO Control, a system that fights
motion blur by detecting if the subject moves and adjusting the ISO
sensitivity and shutter speed setting according to the degree of motion
and light conditions. Thirdly, is the Auto Macro mode. The camera
automatically switches to the Macro mode according to its shooting
distance with the subject. The Quick AF system allows the camera to
start focusing on the subject even without pressing a shutter button
halfway, as the camera is continually detecting and focusing. All these
functions act automatically, so you don't have to think about them each
time conditions change. You enjoy effortless, trouble-free shooting in
any situation, as well as the satisfaction that comes with capturing
beautiful photos.
The DMC-LS80 also offers a range of features that enhance usability.
The Intelligent LCD function comes with a 230,000-dot high resolution
monitor, which detects lighting conditions and controls the brightness
level of the LCD allowing you to effortlessly capture and playback your
pictures in any lighting situation. The Easy Zoom feature shifts the
lens instantly to full zoom at the touch of a dedicated button, whilst
the High Sensitivity mode offers recording at max. ISO 6400* thanks to
the Venus Engine III. It also carries an internal memory of 24 MB
(approx.) and is compatible with large-capacity SDHC memory cards,
giving users more flexibility in recording.
The DMC-LS80, available in silver and pink**, offers entry-level users
an easy to use compact camera, for shooting beautiful pictures.
*In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording
**Availability of models and colours may vary depending on the sales area.
Bright, superb f2.8 Lumix DC VARIO lens with Extra Optical Zoom function
The 8.1-megapixel DMC-LS80 integrates a superb LUMIX DC VARIO lens with
3x optical zoom (35mm film camera equivalent: 33-100mm) into a compact
body. A crystallization of Panasonic’s advanced lens technologies, the
LUMIX DC VARIO lens comprises 6 elements in 5 groups, including 3
aspherical lenses with 4 aspherical surfaces, delivering outstanding
optical performance. Furthermore, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the
Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification,
extending the zoom power to 4.8x by using the centre part of the CCD.
The Easy Zoom feature shifts the lens instantly to full 3x optical zoom
power at a touch of a dedicated button, and with a second touch, the
zoom ratio is further extended to 4.8x by activating the Extra Optical
Zoom function*.
*When the picture size is set to 3-megapixel or larger, the photo is
automatically resized to 3-megapixel. When the lens is shifted back to
the wide-end, the picture size is set to the original size
automatically. The original size is maintained for photos smaller than
3-megapixel.
Making every user a photographer with Intelligent mode
Panasonic incorporates both MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to
compensate for hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control system to detect
and suppress motion blur into all Lumix cameras, which are the
industry’s most advanced countermeasures against blurring.
Whilst hand-shake is the single biggest cause of blurry images, it is
not the only one. Another problem is the motion blur that can occur
when a subject moves as the shot is being snapped. Incorporating
Panasonic's Intelligent ISO Control, Lumix cameras are the first in the
world to fight motion blur. This system detects whether or not the
subject is moving. If it is, the system
automatically raises the ISO setting accordingly, allowing the camera
to shoot at a higher shutter speed. If the subject is not moving, the
camera shoots at a low ISO setting and captures beautiful,
natural-looking images. Intelligent ISO Control is included as one of
the corrections in certain scene modes where the subjects are often
moving, such as Sports, Baby and the Pet mode. Simply select the mode
that best suits the subject, and Intelligent ISO Control provides the
optimal corrections, making it easy to capture crisp, clear photos.
One more convenient function is the Auto Macro mode which automatically
switches the camera in and out of macro mode by measuring the focusing
distance.
The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject even
without pressing a shutter button halfway, as the camera is continually
detecting and focusing.
All these intelligent functions act automatically, requiring no
additional setting so the photographer can concentrate on taking the
spur-of-the-moment, beautiful pictures.
High-quality, high-performance image processing LSI: the Venus Engine III
With its multi-task image processing capability, the Venus Engine III
boasts outstanding response time. Shutter release time lag is as short
as 0.005 second*. In the consecutive shooting mode, it is possible to
shoot at 2.5 frames per second in full resolution**. And in High-Speed
Burst shooting mode***, it fires off an incredible 5.5 shots per
second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting which lets you keep
snapping until the memory card is full ****.
The Venus Engine III also supports a new High Sensitivity mode that
lets the DMC-LS80 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive
enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a
flash*****.
*Not including the time for AF.
**Max. 7 images in standard mode / 4 images in fine mode.
*** In 2-megapixel(4:3), 2.5-megapixel(3:2), 2-megapixel(16:9) recording
**** The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the
memory card. The number of recordable pictures depends on the memory
card size, battery life, picture size and image compression.
***** In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording
2.5-inch large, 230,000-dot high-resolution Intelligent LCD for easy shooting and playback
The DMC-LS80 incorporates an easy-to-see 2.5-inch large Intelligent LCD
for comfortable viewing during both shooting and playback. The
resolution has been doubled compared to the predecessor DMC-LS75, to
boast 230,000-dot high resolution. The Intelligent LCD function detects
the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by
max. 40% when shooting outdoors under bright sunlight, and boosts
signals by the pixel-mixed readout method when shooting under low-lit
conditions. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and
automatically controls the brightness at a total of 12 steps, allowing
you to effortlessly capture and playback your pictures in any lighting
situation without using extra energy.
The High Angle mode, which can be accessed quickly and easily in Quick
Menu, makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is
held high, such as to shoot over a crowd.
Viewing in various styles; HD photo and wide-aspect motion pictures
With TV screens getting bigger and picture definition becoming higher,
consumers want to be able to view higher-quality still images and
motion pictures. Panasonic has long focused on making photography more
enjoyable by letting people view their images easily on Panasonic’s
Viera TVs, with their internal SD card slot. With the DMC-LS80, you can
shoot high-definition 1920 x 1080 pixel photos that are ideal for
full-screen viewing on a wide-screen (16:9) TV. Panasonic also offers
the DMW-SDP1 HDTV Photo Player, which makes it easy to view a slideshow
of Lumix photos in 1080i high-definition quality.
In addition to recording standard VGA (640 x 480), the DMC-LS80 can
record WVGA (848 x 480) motion pictures at 30 frames per second.
Fitting a wide-screen TV perfectly, these wide aspect motion images
make for extremely impressive viewing, plus a microphone has been added
to allow recording motion picture with voice. *
*Connect the camera to TV using AV cable (supplied) to playback audio
on TV. You can also playback the motion picture with audio on PC.
Other features
The DMC-LS80 runs on two AA [LR6] batteries, which are easily
available, so you don't have to worry about battery life wherever you
go. The DMC-LS80 shoots 180 images with the included Alkaline batteries
and 470 images with optional Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (Typical
capacity: 2600mAh / Minimum capacity: 2450mAh)*.
All new Lumix cameras incorporate a REC/PLAYBACK mode switch. This
helps the photographer to instantly switch between recording mode and
playback mode. The GUI (Graphic User Interface) has been upgraded to
look more futuristic in terms of design and colour. The view screen
also looks wider and clearer because all icons have been relocated to
the sides.
A total of 20 scene modes assist you to take more beautiful picture in
a wide range of situations. Around 24 MB of internal memory is built-in
to back up the SDHC/SD Memory Card recording and copying.
*Based on a CIPA standard.
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