Panasonic Announces Refreshed Compacts For 2014
If you're waiting for a 4K GH3, there's waiting left to do.
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Panasonic showed off four refreshed point-and-shoot models at CES 2014. Say hello to the ZS35, ZS40, LZ40, and SZ8.
The two ZS-series models are updated versions of current models. Both are compact-bodied cameras with plenty of optical zoom. The ZS35 combines 20x optical zoom with a 16-megapixel sensor, WiFi, and optical image stabilization. Selfie enthusiasts will be excited to hear that the ZS35 has a screen that flips up to face the front of the camera.
If you're after more zoom, the ZS40 comes with a 30x zoom lens crammed into its slim, pocket-sized body. The ZS40 can also shoot RAW and features focus peaking, which comes in handy when manually focusing with its front control ring. On the left hand side of the ZS40, you'll find an itty bitty EVF. Not only does the ZS40 come with WiFi, but you'll also get built-in GLONASS GPS for geotagging images.
If you're after a DSLR-styled superzoom, the LZ40 will give you 42x optical zoom. It's 22mm (35mm equivalent) at the wide end, with a huge range extending all the way to 924mm. While the LZ40 is still using a CCD sensor, it's been upgraded to 20 megapixels and can now capture 720p HD video. WiFi and GPS are standard.
The SZ8 is one of the last remaining low-end point-and-shoot cameras on offer from Panasonic. This 12x optical zoom pocket camera has a 16-megapixel sensor and comes with WiFi out of the box.
Pricing and availability were not made available at the time of writing. Check out all of our CES 2014 coverage for more news from Las Vegas.