Panasonic’s new Lumix DMC-FZ70 flaunts a nonsensical 60x optical zoom range, completely unaided through the use of Viagra.
In 35mm terms, the lens stretches from a 20mm wide-angle to a Hubble-like 1,200mm. If that’s not enough, the telephoto end can double to a maximum of 120x through the use of Panasonic’s “Intelligent Resolution technology,” which we’re assuming is a fancy digital zoom. As you would expect, telephoto that powerful screams for image stabilization, so that’s included too.
All that stabilized zoom is backed up by a brand-new 16.1MP sensor and drool-worthy features, including what Panasonic describes as a “unique” Dolby-equipped microphone “that eliminates ambient noise and wind sound.” The F720’s aperture is a variable F2.8-5.9; F2.8 is a large enough hole for low(ish)-light conditions, but it’s only available at the wide end.
Video format and resolution is a fairly standard 1080p in AVHCD and MP4. But what’s a little different is that Panasonic have bumped up creative control by allowing the shooter to have full control of aperture and shutter speed.
No info on when this beast is due out, or how much it’ll cost
Source: Panasonic
When he was eight, Eli Milchman came home from frolicking in the Veld one day and was given an Atari 400. Since then, his fascination with technology has made him an intrepid early adopter of whatever charming new contraption crosses his path. He calls San Francisco home, where he works as a journalist and photographer. Eli has contributed to the pages of Wired.com and BIKE Magazine, among others. Hang with him on Twitter.
