CeBIT launch for two new Lumix digicams

15th March - 2002
By Ian Burley

More on Lumix at CeBIT 2002... Lumix debut at CeBIT 2002 Lumix DMC-LC40 press release Lumix DMC LC-20 press release

The Leica/Panasonic digital camera alliance brough two new cameras to their European debut this week at CeBIT, doubling the family from two to four with the introduction of the 2 megapixel DMC-LC20 (above left) and the 4 megapixel DMC-LC40 (above right). Both models were originally launched at CES in Las Vegas in January, but the CeBIT appearance marks their European launch. Click on either picture for the official press release and technical specifications.

DPN attended the launch event in Hannover, Germany and we’ve some snaps of the new cameras, plus some comparisons with the original DMC-LC5 and DMC-FM7, launched last year.

The DMC-LC20 is the new baby of the Lumix family. Its claim to fame is its Leica DC Vario (zoom to you and me) Elmarit 3X lens and the ability to shoot at up to 5 frames per second. Why is the girl kitted out in a racing drivers’ overalls? Panasonic is sponsoring the new Toyota F1 Grand Prix racing team.
 

The DMC-LC20 is lightweight and reasonably compact, but a Canon Digital Ixus (Ixy/Elph) 300 looked smaller to us. The lens emerges quite a way from the front of the body when in use.
 

Note the trademark Lumix raised top plate of the DMC-LC20, mimicking the much larger and more expensive DMC-LC5. Available in April, the LC20 is priced €399 (about UK£250 or US$350).

The most distinctive feature of the new mid-range DMC-LC40 (above) is its chopped off left hand corner. Above you can see the flip-out flash lives there. The machined aluminium finish of the lens barrel is distinctive and the camera itself feels light despite its size. The LC40 shares the same 3X Vario Summicron f/2.0-f/2.5 lens as the range-topping LC5.
 

The angle of view above demonstrates how chunky the LC-40 is. It’s a distinctive and unusual looking design.

Panasonic says it has developed a new 4 megapixel CCD for the LC40 that minimises the gaps between the photoreceptors on the chip, so gathering more light. Another feature of the LC40 is accelerated start up and shot to shot times, with a two second burst at four frames per second possible. The LC40 has a price tag of €799 (about UK£500 or US$700) and should start shipping in April.
 

Described as an ‘ultra compact’ by Panasonic, the LC40 is nothing of the kind, unless you compare it with the enormous DMC-L5 (above left).

If you haven’t already seen it, it’s worth showing just how the huge 2.5 inch LCD view screen dominates the back of the flagship DMC-LC5.

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