Panasonic unveils new Lumix cameras with GPS, 3D

Consumer Reports News: January 26, 2011 02:51 PM

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3
Photo: Panasonic

A few weeks ago, we reported on the barrage of new cameras introduced at CES, but more models are on the way: Panasonic has just unveiled four point-and-shoots.

The most interesting are two 12-megapixel subcompacts: the rugged Lumix DMC-TS3 (pictured at right), which now includes a built-in GPS function for geotagging, and the Lumix DMC-FX78, which includes a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD and bright zoom lens.

The TS3 also includes a compass, altimeter and barometer, which may be helpful for hiking or tracking hurricanes. It's now waterproof to a depth of 40 feet (deeper than its predecessor) and can survive a 6.6-foot drop. Like many rugged models, it has a non-telescoping zoom lens, although the 4.6x zoom is a bit more than what most rugged models offer.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78
Photo: Panasonic

The Lumix DMC-FX78 is a subcompact, which has a 5x zoom with an f/2.5 aperture. This is a wider aperture than what's found on most point-and-shoots, so it should perform better in low-light conditions. We'll be sure to test this when it comes into our labs. The DMC-FX78 also has the same touchscreen auto-focusing feature that Panasonic built into some SLR-like models, which lets you select the focus point by touching the screen.

Both the TS3 and the FX78 can capture 3D photos using a special 3D burst mode that fires off 20 consecutive photos and overlays the two best to create a 3D image. Both store the image as an MPO file, which you can view on an HDTV, digital frame, or computer monitor. Both models can also capture full HD-resolution (1080i) video.

Panasonic also announced two ZS-series superzoom cameras, with 16x zoom as well. Pricing was not available on any models, but most likely the TS-series and FX-series will be in the $250-to-300 range, if not more.

—Terry Sullivan