LUMIX DMC-FZ18

This model features a compact lens system featuring a 28mm-to-504mm(35mm equivalent) optical 18x zoom with 11 elements in 8 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses and 2 ED (extra-low dispersion) lenses. For macro shots, the wide-angle setting lets you shoot all the way down to 1 cm from your subject, and the telephoto setting can be used up to 1 m from your subject. The FZ18 also adds the Extra Optical Zoom function, which boosts　maximum zoom power to around 28.7x*. *In 3-megapixel resolution mode.

Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and an O.I.S. lens shifts to compensate, preventing hand-shake blur. LUMIX cameras have two MEGA O.I.S. modes. In Mode 1 the function is always active. In Mode 2 the function activates at the moment you press the shutter release, which　provides slightly better hand-shake compensation. The MEGA O.I.S. system featured in new LUMIX models distinguishes hand-shake from other kinds of camera movement, improving both detection MEGA O.I.S. OFF MEGA O.I.S. ON and correction.

Thanks to Intelligent ISO Control, the camera can determine whether or not the subject is moving. If it is moving, Intelligent ISO Control changes the ISO sensitivity and shutter speed accordingly. You get clear, beautiful shots with no motion blur even when photographing kids who won't stay still.

The new Face Detection function detects faces anywhere in the frame and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure. It detects up to 15 faces in a photo, and automatically readjusts the settings if their positions change. In iA mode, the camera automatically begins focusing without even having to press the shutter button halfway, so you can catch even sudden photo opportunities. *Not offered on all models

When the camera's in iA mode, the Intelligent Scene Selector senses the ambient conditions and automatically selects either Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode accordingly. It makes several other advanced image settings too, so you're assured of getting beautiful results every time you shoot, no matter what the scene or subject. With the Intelligent Scene Selector doing all the complicated work for you, you'll find photography easier than ever to enjoy. *Not offered on all previous LUMIX models; In iA mode, Night Scenery is not identified when the flash is turned off, and Night Portrait is not identified when the flash is set to Auto.