The Lumix DMC-TZ19 is Panasonic’s latest travel-zoom camera, featuring a 16x, 24-384mm lens, 3D Photo Mode and a touchscreen LCD. Successor to the TZ10 model, the DMC-TZ19 has a new 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor which enables 720p HD movies in the AVCHD format and fast continuous shooting at either 10fps or 5ps with continuous auto-focus turned on. The Intelligent Resolution function can be used to digitally boost the zoom ratio to 21x without hardly any loss in quality, or to simply make still images and video look better, at least according to Panasonic. The TZ19 also implements A, S and M exposure modes for creative photographers, in addition to Intelligent Auto and a variety of scene modes for beginners. An upgraded Sonic Speed auto-focus system, high-speed and high-performance Venus Engine FHD processor, POWER O.I.S. anti-shake system and a 3-inch touch-sensitive LCD screen with 460k dots complete the headline specifications. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ19 is available in black for £229, exclusively at Currys, PCWorld and Dixons in the UK.
The Fujifilm Finepix F550 EXR is a new 16 megapixel compact camera with a 15x, 24-360mm zoom lens. Capable of auto-focusing in as little as 0.16 second, other highlights of the successor to the popular F300 EXR include an EXR Back Side Illuminated CMOS sensor, advanced GPS functionality, high-resolution 3 inch LCD screen, 8fps continuous shooting, RAW image capture, full 1080p HD movies and High Speed movie capture at 320 fps. The Fujifilm Finepix F550 EXR is available now in black or silver at a retail price of $329.95 / £329.99.
For a while, there was something about the Sony Cyber-shot DSC WX7 that we couldn’t quite put our finger on. However, now we know what it is. Look at it – at first glance it’s juat a simple, grey rectangle that would be a perfect companion for the happy snapper. But then look more closely at the specification: 16.2 million pixels sat in front of Sony’s prestigious Exmor R CMOS sensor, AVCHD Full HD video, Carl Zeiss lens, 3D sweep panorama, stereo sound, background defocus and multi shot layering. That feature-set is more at home in a prosumer model costing upwards of $600. However, at around $300, the price is tempting but it may be the unusual and advanced features that dissuades you because of their complexity. If that’s the case, we’re going to take a look at them now and hopefully put you at rest. The Sony DSC-WX7 is available in silver or black and costs around $400
Sigma has released firmware upgrades for the Sigma DP1x and DP2x large-sensor compact cameras. Both models gain the ability to record images in “raw!JPEG” mode, and both firmware updates add a new AF area mode that allows users to position the AF point more freely within the frame. Additionally, you can now change the size of the focus point. The DP1x update also adds a Capture Priority Mode and the ability to magnify into the frame while in AF mod
