Panasonic Announces Pricing for 2011 Lumix Cameras and Camcorders

Cameras and camcorders galore; here's what Panasonic's rolling out during the first quarter of 2011, prices and release dates included:

Cameras
The Lumix DMC-GF2 is Panasonic's newest compact system camera (CSC) offering, which will be available in mid-February. The body will cost $499.95, and Panasonic is giving customers several kit options to choose from. There is the 14-42mm GFK2 kit, which will cost $599.95 and the 14mm GF2C kit at $699.95. The new 3D G 12.5mm f/12 interchangeable lens will be available for $249.95.

Panasonic is also adding eight new point-and-shoots to the Lumix line.

The FP Series features the FP7 for $229.99 and the FP5 for $199.99. Both are thin devices with 4x optical zoom.

The FH series contains four of the new point-and-shoots. The FH27 is $229.99, and has an 8x optical zoom, as does the $199.99 FH25. The 16.1 megapixel FH5 costs $149.99, while the 14.1 MP FH2 runs $139.99. Both have 4x optical zoom.

And don't forget Panasonic's two 28mm, wide-angle, entry-level offerings. The S Series features the 14.1 MP S3 at $129.99 and the 12.1 MP S1 for $119.99. Both, along with the other point-and-shoot models, will be available in March.

Camcorders

If the cameras seemed overwhelming, take a deep breath, because Panasonic has also released details for 13 new camcorders. All will be available in March. Here’s the breakdown:

Firstly is the cream of the crop, Panasonic's HD 3MOS models, with three entries. The high-end HS900 will be available for $1,399.95. and will have a 220GB hard drive. The TM900 will be $1,099.99, and will come with 32GB of internal storage. And then there’s the SD800, that will be available for $849.99. All of them will feature 1920 x 1080 resolution, with 1080/60p recording, 20x zoom, and will have the ability to be used with the 3D conversion lens (which can be purchased for $349.99).

There are seven 1MOS models, all of which have wide-angle lenses and 1920 x 1080 resolution. Prices are as follows: $599.99 for the TM90 and HS80, $549.99 for the SD90, $499.99 for the TM80, $449.95 for the SD80, $399.99 for the TM40, and $349.99 for the TM40.

Panasonic also has three standard definition models. The H100 is $349.99 and has an 80GB hard disk drive. The T70 is $269.99, and there’s the S70 for $249.99. All have 78x optical zoom.