Panasonic has announced the new 5 MP Lumix DMC-LZ2 and the 4 MP LZ1 digital cameras. Both have a 6x optical zoom and incorporate the MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer. Both also have 2-inch LCD displays.
The MEGA O.I.S features two modes: Mode one constantly detects and follows movements and continuously compensates for them, while in mode two the image is stabilised only in the instant the shutter button is pressed. This mode allows the lens to move in all directions at this moment to maximise its effect, allowing higher-resolution images to be taken by capturing the image as close as possible to the center of the lens.
Shutter time has been reduced to a .008 second minimum for the LZ1 and .006 for the LZ1. You can also take consecutive shots at 3 frames per second (4 for the LZ1) at full resolution up to the capacity of the built-in 14 MB memory and/or SD card.
Both cameras will be available this month.
