Panasonic Adds Wi-Fi And NFC To $500 Lumix LF1 Camera

It's a connected world, and we're just living in it. While the point-and-shoot camera was chalked up as dead a few years back by some -- folks who thought the evolution of the smartphone camera would do the category in -- companies are now learning to innovate the space in a way that could squeeze a few more years of life from it. Panasonic just launched a new $500 high-end pocket camera, the Lumix DMC-LF1. It's a compact shooter, but offers some pretty impressive specifications.


There's a f/2.0 Leica lens, a 7.1x optical zoom, a high-sensitivity MOS sensor, and built-in Wi-Fi + NFC. That's right; a camera with not only Wi-Fi, but also NFC. The LF1 features "Touch & Share," which allows users to connect the camera to their phone or tablet with a single touch in order to transfer images. It is also possible to use a smartphone/tablet as a multi-capable remote shutter with a monitor. With the new Instant Transfer function, photos are automatically sent to the smartphone/tablet right after shooting. On the other hand, both photo and video can be archived to the registered digital equipment such as PC automatically via the wireless access point (router) at home. For step-up users who pursue higher expressive performance, the DMC-LF1 comes equipped with a variety of manual functionalities. Newly integrated Control Ring and Composition Guide help experience advanced photography with ease. A variety of special effects that add fun to shooting experience are also integrated in DMC-LF1 – Creative Panorama, Creative Control and Creative Retouch featuring a total of max.15 attractive filter effect.

The camera can capture 1080i video, and can be yours soon for $500. Pretty tempting for a compact, huh?
Tags:  camera, WiFi, Panasonic, NFC