Panasonic Lumix FZ200, FZ60, and LZ20 cameras (pictures)

While Panasonic's past FZ-series models have had an f2.8 maximum aperture at the wide end, the apertures get increasingly smaller as the lens is zoomed in, which lets in less and less light. Not a good thing when you're trying to use the telephoto end in less than bright lighting.

That's not the case with the FZ200, which can stay at f2.8 right out to 600mm, so there's less of a need to use high ISO settings to keep shutter speeds fast.

Backed by a new 12-megapixel high-sensitivity MOS sensor and image processor as well as Panasonic's Light Speed AF autofocus system, the camera is capable of shooting at up to 5.5 frames per second with AF or 12fps with focus and exposure set with the first shot at full resolution. Panasonic is also promising a startup time of less than a second. The FZ200 can also capture high-speed movies at 120fps and 240fps for slow-motion clips.

Also worth noting is the option to program up to three buttons for direct control over settings as well as immediate access to ISO and white balance.

Compared with the features of the FZ60, the LZ20 is extremely pared down with no EVF and a 16-megapixel CCD sensor. It does have a 3-inch 460K-dot LCD, though, and despite being loaded with mostly auto shooting options, it has a full manual mode for control over shutter speed and aperture. It will also capture 720/30p HD video in Motion JPEG format. And like the competing models I mentioned, it takes AA batteries making it more travel friendly.

No pricing or availability was announced, but I would expect it to be around the range of $250 to $300.