Panasonic's New LUMIX DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera With 18x Optical Zoom

Panasonic has introduced the new LUMIX DMC-FZ18, 8.1 Megapixel compact camera with a generous 18x optical zoom. In line with other digital cameras from the Lumix family, this new one features a premium 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens and MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, and adds Panasonic's new Intelligent Auto Mode, which include Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Continuous Auto-focus functions. The camera's Intelligent Image Stabilization system combines MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) to compensate for hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control to detect and adjust for motion blur caused by subject movement.    

The LUMIX DMC-FZ18 has a 2.5-inch high resolution LCD with 207,000 pixels, a 0.44-inch Electric Viewfinder with 188,000 pixels, f/2.8 brightness and is powered by the high-quality, high-performance, Venus Engine III, which boasts shooting at ISO 1600 in normal recording mode. Look for the DMC-FZ18 to be available in September 2007, in silver and black for about $399.95.

When this powerful camera, with an optical zoom up to 18x, is put into Intelligent Auto Mode, the multi-faceted functions engage automatically, so there is no need to adjust settings every time conditions change. The DMC- FZ18's intuitive Intelligent Auto Mode is comprised of:    

- Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode from the most frequently-used modes such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Scenery and Night Portrait;    

- Face Detection System, which helps the camera to focus, set auto exposure and detects up to 15 human faces capturing them clearly and brightly; and    

- Continuous Auto-focus, which allows the camera to keep focus on the subject without having to press the shutter button halfway and allowing for the best results out of a shutter chance by minimizing the auto-  focus time.