Panasonic Lumix LS80S announced

[David Rasnake]

Panasonic has jumped the gun on even the pre-PMA announcement field with the release of a new basic compact: the Lumix LS80S.

The release of this super-simple, user-friendly 8.1 megapixel compact hit the web today with about as much fanfare as could be expected for an entry level camera. The features set covers the basics: 1/2.5-inch CCD, ISO from 100 to 1600, 3x zoom, and 2.5-inch screen. The AA-powered digicam offers a limited range of user controls, focusing heavily on its scene and Intelligent Auto modes.

The device is capable of capturing 16:9 (848x480) video clips at 30 fps as well.

The addition of Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. optical image stabilization system is a plus, potentially previewing just how far down into many manufacturer's lineups such technology may extended this release season.

No word on pricing or expected shelf release dates, but the LS80S is already showing up on Panasonic's website. Assuming the price comes in where we think it will, the LS80S, with its IS system, could offer some serious competition to perennial low-budget thumpers like Nikon's L series.

Panasonic Lumix LS80 Specifications

Sensor	8.1 megapixel, 1/2.5" CCD
Zoom	3x (33-100mm) Leica DC vario zoom, f/2.8-f/14
LCD/Viewfinder	2.5", 230K-pixel TFT LCD
Sensitivity	ISO 100-1600
Shutter Speed	60-1/2000 seconds
Shooting Modes	Normal, Intelligent, Motion Picture, Scene, Playback
Scene Presets	Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Self-Portrait, Food, Party, Candle Light, Fireworks, Starry Sky, Beach, Aerial Photo, Snow, High Sensitivity, Baby 1&2, Pet, Sunset, Hi-Speed Burst
White Balance Settings	Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, White Set
Metering Modes	Intelligent Multiple
Focus Modes	Normal, Macro, Quick AF
Drive Modes	Normal, Continuous, Hi-Speed Burst
Flash Modes	Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	MMC, SD, SDHC
Internal Memory	32 MB
File Formats	JPEG, Motion JPEG
Max. Image Size	3264 x 2448
Max. Video Size	848x480, 30 fps
Zoom During Video	Unknown
Battery	2 AAs, 160 shots
Connections	USB, AV output, DC input
Additional Features	Face Detection, Super SteadyShot mechanical image stabilization, Red-Eye Reduction, HD shooting modes