Introduction

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP7 is a fashionable looking point-and-shoot unit that is made for those who want a technically advanced camera with plenty of easy to use features. Your photos and videos will come alive thanks to the FP7s 16.1-megapixel resolution, super thin 4x optical zoom lens, 720p HD video recording, touch control LCD screen and its many other advanced features.

Whether you are new to the LUMIX line or have been trusting your most precious memories to Panasonic for years, you'll be impressed with just how user-friendly the FP7 is. The popular Intelligent Auto Mode makes taking incredible shots as simple as a click of the shutter button, and there are numerous enhancements including a Beauty Retouch mode that gives you even more creative control over your still photographs and videos.

The slim profile FP7 is available in a smooth mirror finish; choose from red, black or blue.

Technology

4x Optical Zoom Lens with Folded Optics Technology:

The FP7 has a 4x optical zoom LUMIX DC VARIO lens, which is equivalent to 35-140mm on a traditional 35mm camera. Despite the camera's slight profile, the folded optics helps to secure the durability of the lens unit, which comprises 11 elements and a prism unit in 10 groups including an Extra Low Dispersion lens and four aspherical lenses with seven aspherical surfaces. The FP7 delivers high resolution from corner to corner in every image, even with the folded optics system.

4x Optical Zoom / 5x Intelligent Zoom / 9x Extra Optical Zoom:

The 4x optical zoom can be extended to 5x equivalent with Intelligent Zoom, which engages Intelligent Resolution technology to help maintain picture quality even when using digital zoom. The included Extra Optical Zoom function further extends the zoom range to 9x, bringing distant subjects even closer.

16.1-megapixel High-resolution CCD:

The 1/2.33-inch CCD accommodates an impressive 16.1-megapixel image resolution. Pictures are sharp and clear at any size, from A2 (which is large enough to show a newborn baby in actual size) to 127 x 89mm and smaller.

Venus Engine:

The Venus Engine has been integrated for the FP7, providing high-speed, high-performance image processing. This higher quality signal processing includes advanced noise reduction and Intelligent Resolution technology to produce vivid images with stunning detail and clarity.

Noise reduction is applied to luminance noise and chromatic noise separately; images experience minimal noise all the way up to ISO1600 high sensitivity at full resolution. Even nighttime shots or dimly lit indoor photos are reproduced with near-perfect rendering.

Sonic Speed AF:

With Sonic Speed Auto Focus, the FP7 benefits from many redeveloped enhancements including a faster actuator, parallel software processing and optimized algorithms. The resulting AF performance is faster and more accurate than that of previous models. Focusing is faster, too, allowing for better capture of moving subjects and action scenes.

Intelligent Resolution:

Panasonic's Intelligent Resolution technology offers superior image processing technology powered by the Venus Engine. Intelligent Resolution automatically detects three distinct areas in each image:

outlines, soft gradation areas and detailed texture areas. Optimum signal processing is performed on each area pixel-by-pixel for uniform sharpness, delivering exceptionally accurate results.

Functionality

Ultra-flat, Futuristic Design:

There's no doubt that the DMC-FP7 is a stylish, sophisticated camera. The innovative slide cover helps protect the lens from dust and scratching, while maintaining that slim profile. The slide cover also serves as a quick power switch; you just slip the FP7 out of your pocket or bag and slide the cover over. You're ready to start shooting instantly.

Unlimited Consecutive Shooting:

It can be nearly impossible to capture the perfect shot when your subject is in motion. Instead of waiting and waiting for just the right opportunity (and likely missing it), use the FP7s Unlimited Consecutive Shooting function. You can snap shot after shot at approximately 1.4 frames per second until your memory card is full. Choose the best photo from a series of shots or create unique montages of an event with time-lapsed images.

iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode:

Most novice photographers are intimidated by manual camera settings, which is why the FP7s Intelligent Auto Mode is so popular. When you aren't sure how to adjust the camera's settings to get the best possible image or want greater freedom to capture moments as they happen, without having to deal with manual settings, simply engage iA Mode. Every shot that you take will be fully optimized based on six different detection and correction functions, so you will secure incredible pictures with virtually zero effort.

MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer):

The FP7 is equipped with MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, which compensates for the image blurring that can be caused by camera vibration or jostling. When the shutter is pressed, it's not uncommon for your hands to shake slightly; this can often make your photos come out blurry or streaky, with parts of a subject out of focus. MEGA O.I.S. engages a super-sensitive movement sampling at 4000 times per second; it will pick up even the smallest vibration. Along with the Venus Engine, MEGA O.I.S. corrects the shaking through a specially designed blur-stopping lens. As a result you get clear, detailed images with greater precision and crisp outlines. You can also shoot with confidence in other situations where blurring and hand-shake is common, including macro or zoom.

This also functions in the near dark with a flash, or in dimly lit rooms without ruining the ambient mood of the shot. It's never been easier to take clean, blur-free pictures in any situation.

Intelligent ISO Control:

With Intelligent ISO Control powered by the Venus Engine, the FP7 is able to detect subject movement and automatically makes adjustments to the ISO setting and shutter speed to optimize the shot based on the movement and the light conditions. When subjects are moving, Intelligent ISO automatically increases shutter speed and raises ISO settings to prevent motion blur; when subjects are still, the ISO setting is instinctively lowered for lovely natural photos. Again, there's no need to worry about complicated settings, just point and shoot. You will get beautiful images whether you're shooting your child's football game or the flowers in your garden.

Intelligent Exposure:

Another Panasonic exclusive, Intelligent Exposure, ensures that your images are always properly balanced, even when lighting conditions are not ideal. Intelligent Exposure cleverly adjusts the exposure for areas that are too-dark or too-light, by calculating brightness levels in each part of the image.

This is great for shooting indoor portraits with a flash, which can sometimes suffer from insufficient lighting, or for shooting outdoors, where the bright sky can often make your pictures look washed out. The FP7 automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture to optimize settings for smooth, balanced images no matter what the lighting conditions. You get greater versatility for indoor or outdoor shooting and the confidence that comes from knowing you are backed by Panasonic's intuitive Intelligent technology.

Face Detection AF/AE:

One of the most enjoyable parts of casual photography is capturing the faces of the people you care about. With Face Detection, you get beautiful portraits and group shots with fully automated settings so your photos of all those important moments are sure to turn out perfectly. Face Detection is capable of processing up to 15 individual faces in a single frame and automatically adjusts focus and exposure settings to optimize image quality. You can snap away knowing that your camera will always focus on the faces you want to capture, and not on any objects in front of or behind your intended subject. Faces are never too dark, even in dim lighting, and red-eye correction is performed as soon as the picture's taken. Face Detection even works with subjects in profile so you can shoot a wide variety of posed portraits, group photos and fun candid shots with fully optimized settings very easily.

Creative Retouching Options:

Have more fun with your pictures! The FP7 offers several options to help you get even more from your photos.

Cosmetic Mode lets you play with skin effects on any image. Choose from a variety of skin effects including summer look, natural skin and soft skin, or select the degree of skin detail transparency (low, standard or high). Add an attractive suntan to subjects in a winter portrait or soften lines and wrinkles to give a photo a professionally airbrushed look.

Beauty Retouch Mode gives you the power to create stunning photos with a professional look. You can erase facial blemishes, whiten the teeth and more. Your friends will love you even more if you use this feature; it really flatters.

Make-up Retouch is a great way to give your photos a makeover without compromising your subjects. This feature includes everything you need to add impressive cosmetic details to any portrait or to enhance the natural beauty of your subjects. There are several foundation shades, lip colors, eye shadows and cheek colors to choose from. These effects can be changed again and again without permanently altering your original image.

Touch-control:

The FP7 features an innovative touchscreen LCD that lets you control several camera functions with just a tap on the screen.

Touch-control Shooting:

With smooth, touch-control shooting you can capture precious images instantly just by touching the image on your screen. The LCD is intuitive and responds immediately with surprisingly little shutter lag. Shoot subjects as they enter your frame or engage Sonic Speed AF from the touchscreen and track moving subjects for that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

Touch Shutter:

Auto focus and shutter release can also be controlled right from the large LCD touchscreen. Capture fast-paced action with ease or wait for just the right moment for that one great shot. Images are always optimized so you can forget about the hassle of manually setting the focus.

Touch AF:

Set Auto Focus on any area of your framed shot for easy and accurate shot selection. Touch AF is extremely helpful when you want to focus in on a particular person or subject in a crowded frame. Imagine the possibilities for shooting crisp, optimized photos at birthday parties, weddings and kids' school functions.

Touch Operation in iA Mode:

When iA Mode is engaged, the touchscreen lets you set the best Scene Mode simply by tapping the subject you want to photograph: the FP7 does the rest.

Touch Zoom:

One of the most innovative touchscreen features on the DMC-FP7 is Touch Zoom. Zooming in on distant subjects has never been easier. Instantly go to maximum zoom by touching the T button, or adjust zoom more precisely by sliding the touch lever. Both functions are available on the LCD touchscreen, with easy to identify icons for quick and painless control on a single screen.

Touch Playback Control:

When it's time to review your photos, the Touch Playback Control makes it possible to play back images simply and with impressive clarity.

Drag your finger across the screen to browse through photos stored on the memory card or built-in hard drive, zoom in to 16x maximum and pan the zoom in any direction to confirm image details accurately and quickly. And because the 3.5-inch display screen is so generous, you can comfortably share the playback with a crowd of friends also viewing.

Battery Life:

There are few things worse than the moment you realize that you've forgotten to charge your camera battery. The FP7 virtually eliminates this problem, giving you a powerful, efficient rechargeable lithium-ion battery that's been slimmed down to fit in the FP7s thinner case. You can take as many as 240 shots on a single battery charge so you can shoot right throughout the day, while travelling, through a long graduation ceremony or wedding celebration, birthday parties, holiday gatherings and sporting events, without draining the camera battery completely.

Summary

Let's face it, a compact camera may look great, but if it doesn't have the usability features and advanced technology that makes it easy to take pictures that look incredible in any setting, then it's just not worth its cost. The solution is here! The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP7 has everything you will need to take fully automated, fully optimized photos and videos, all in a very stylish package.