While Panasonic have officially stopped making Android smartphones, this hasn't stopped them from making a camera in an Android smartphone with the announcement of the Panasonic Lumix Smart Camera CM1. Slim, thin and coming with a very thin telescoping zoom lens, the black and silver CM1 looks like a very flat digital camera. Other tech specs and features include a 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 4.7-inch display with full HD 1080p resolution, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, microSD expansion slot, 4G LTE support, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, 2600 mAh battery and Android 4.4 KitKat. It measures in at 21.1mm thick and 204g while the 20MP camera sensor with f/2.8 Leica lens can record 4K video at 15fps. No specific Malaysia release dates or pricing, but the Lumix Smart Camera CM1 will be available in France around November 2014 for 899 euros (RM3748). It's closest competitior would probably be the Samsung Galaxy K Zoom which is definitely a lot more affordable, but probably not as powerful in terms of features and tech specs.

The compact, entry-level Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 digital camera offers an effective resolution of 14.1 megapixels from a 1/2.33" RGB CCD image sensor, which Panasonic has coupled to an unbranded 5x optical zoom lens with a generous 26mm-equivalent wide angle.

Panasonic DMC-LS5: Lens

Importantly, the Panasonic LS5's lens features a true optical image stabilization system with which to fight blur caused by camera shake. The Panasonic LS5's lens has a two-step aperture that offers F2.8 and F7.9 at wide angle, or a rather dim F6.5 and F18.4 at telephoto. The minimum focusing distance for the Panasonic DMC-LS5 is fifteen centimeters at wide angle, or 60 centimeters at telephoto.

Panasonic today introduces the LUMIX DMC-FZ47 or DMC-FZ48 (model number differ from country) digital camera, the newest addition to the company's super-zoom FZ-Series.  The LUMIX FZ47 packs a powerful 24x optical zoom in a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, full-High Definition 1080i video-recording capabilities and new creative controls while shooting both still and video images. The high-quality Leica lens features Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating technology to help minimize light reflection that causes ghosting and flare.

Panasonic DMC-FZ47 / FZ48: Features

Powered by a 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor, the LUMIX FZ47 can produce the high-speed, large-capacity signal processing required for 1920 x 1080 full-HD video recording in the AVCHD format, and high-speed continuous shooting. The Venus Engine FHD processor helps create superb image quality in both photo and video recording, while also powering the Intelligent Resolution technology to perform the optimum signal processing. 

Recently, Panasonic announced their Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH lens for their Micro Four Thirds systems. The lens picks up from it's 20mm f/1.7 lens which was discontinued by offering a new metallic profile that is both lighter and probably stronger than the previous version while maintaining the same levels of performance. The new lens comes a rounded pancake shape for better performance in out-of-focus areas. The lens has a metal mount with multi-coated lens elements which minimize ghosting and flaring. It will also be available in both black and silver. Tech specs for the Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II include:

• Supports Panasonic and Olympus Micro Four Thirds Lens Mounts
• Focal Length: 20mm
• Angle of View: 57°
• Aperture: f/1.7 - f/16
• Filter Size: 46mm
• 35mm equivalent: 40mm
• Min Focus: 20cm
• 63mm | 87g