Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS85 features 4x zoom lens

Another digital cam to join the new Panasonic lineup is the Lumix DMC-LS85. Like its presuccesor LS80, it’s a basic model with an improved Panasonic Venus Engine IV image processor and extended tele-end zoom lens.

The new Lumix is packed with an 8.1 MP sensor and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 230k dot resolution. Optical distance has been increased to 4x, enabling a zoom range coverage of 33-132mm (35mm equiv.), with a fast and bright Lumix DC Vario lens at F2.8 - a superior optic constructed with 6 elements in 5 groups lens structure, which includes 3 aspherical lenses and 4 aspherical sufaces to eliminate image distortions. For movies, the DMC-LS85 can record motion pictures at 848 x 480 and 640×480 resolution at 30fps.

Despite its class as an entry-level model, the camera is loaded with many advanced features such as the MEGA O.I.S and Intelligent ISO Control, both work in conjunction to battle motion blurs; an automate Face Detection technology up to 15-face recognition simultaneously; and an Intelligent Scene Selector to automatically sets the appropriate scene mode according to user setting.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS85 will ship from April 2009, with an estimated retail pricing of $120.