Panasonic expands its LUMIX G series with the new DMC-GF5 ultra compact digital interchangeable lens camera that complies with Micro Four Thirds standard. The new model looks just the same as its brother GF3, but of course it comes with some new features. In the compact, lightweight body, the GF5 packs the new 12.1 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, redesigned Venus Engine for better image rendering and color reproduction, and even built-in Flash. It offers a maximum 12,800 ISO sensitivity, compare to 6400 provided by GF3.

Panasonic introduces two new affordable compact digital cameras, the LUMIX DMC-S5 and DMC-S2. Both models are equipped with a 4x optical zoom LUMIX DC VARIO lens with 28mm wide angle, and offers 8x intelligent zoom. The two cameras are almost identical except for the sensor. The former packs a 16.1 Megapixel CCD sensor and the S2 has a 14 Megapixel imagers. They have a stylish, compact design, and comes with a 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD display and Venus Engine image processor.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-SZ7

Panasonic launches two new 10x optical zoom ultra slim digital cameras, the LUMIX DMC-SZ7 and LUMIX DMC-SZ1. Both of them pack a 25mm wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 10x zoom in a slim, compact body. The SZ7 features a 14.1 Megapixel MOS sensor and is capable of 1920×1080/60i video, while the 16.1 Megapixel SZ1 supports 720p video recording. Each of them has a 3-inch Intelligent LCD display that automatically adjusts the backlight based on the environment’s lighting.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FH8 Violet

Panasonic launches two new slim, compact and affordable point-and-shoot cameras, the 16.1 Megapixel LUMIX DMC-FH8 (aka LUMIX DMC-FS45) and the 14.1 Megapixel LUMIX DMC-FH6 (aka LUMIX DMC-FS40). Both cameras are equipped with a 24mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT lens with 5x optical zoom and F2.5, which is ideal for low-light shooting, and the zoom range can be extended to 10x with iA Zoom (Intelligent Auto Zoom) function with minimum deterioration of image quality thanks to the help of Intelligent Resolution technology. They are capable of HD 1280x720p video recording (FH8 in MP4 format and FH6 in Motion JPEF format).

Panasonic launches a new entry-level rugged digital camera, the compact LUMIX DMC-TS20. Compare to its brother TS4, the entry-level TS20 (aka DMC-FT20) is less capable that it is waterproof to 16 feet (5 meters), shockproof to approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters), dustproof and freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14ºF. The camera is equipped with 16.1 Megapixel image sensor. While the TS4 does Full HD recording, the TS20 supports 1280x720p HD video recording. It also lacks GPS.

Panasonic introduces its latest rugged digital camera, the LUMIX DMC-TS4 (aka DMC-FT4) replacing the LUMIX TS3/FT3. In fact, not many differences can be found between the TS4 and the TS3, but Panasonic does add some new functions to the new model. The TS4, like its predecessor, is waterproof to 40 feet (12 meters), shockproof to approximately 6.6 feet (2 meters), freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14ºF, and dustproof. The shooter is capable of Full HD video recording in AVCHD and MP4 formats.

Panasonic LUMIX ZS20 Front

Panasonic updates its ZS-series of long-zoom cameras with the new LUMIX DMC-ZS20 (aka LUMIX TZ30) with 20x optical zoom, which is the follow-up to the LUMIX ZS10. The new ZS20 sports a 24mm ultra wide-angle 20x optocal zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, and it is the world’s slimmest digital camera with 20x zoom lens. The camera is equipped with a 14.1 Megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and a 3-inch Smart Touch LCD touchscreen display for easy operation that allows for Touch AF, Touch Zoom or Touch Shutter.

Panasonic releases the LUMIX DMC-FX90, a slim, compact digital camera with integrated WiFi 802.11b/g/n connectivity. Dubbed as a communication camera, the FX90 is able to upload images taken with the camera to social services such as Facebook, Flickr, Picasa or YouTube via WiFI connection. Images can also be transferred to users’ PC wirelessly. The camera has a dedicated WiFi button for instant access.

Panasonic adds to its LUMIX G Series the new GX1 Micro Four Thirds Compact System Camera. According to Panasonic, the new model is intended to please a lot of photo enthusiasts who have been eager for a technology upgrade comparable to the LUMIX DMC-GF1. The GX1 features 16.01 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, Venus Engine and a 3-inch LCD touchscreen with touch-control system for touch-based focus and shutter release.

Panasonic introduces its first true 3D digital camera, the LUMIX DMC-3D1 with two newly-developed lens units with folded optics design. With a compact body, the camera sports a twin-lens design, featuring 25mm wide angle lenses with 4x optical zoom, to capture 3D and 2D photos and videos.