DMC-FZ1

Only a year after the successful launch of its LUMIX range, Panasonic made headlines again with other technical innovations.
In 2002, it presented the DMC-FZ1, the 12x optical zoom lens camera with full-range F2.8 (LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 35-420mm/F2.8).

With the DMC-FZ1, Panasonic laid the foundations for what would be its most successful range of bridge cameras for decades to come: compact digital cameras with a powerful zoom feature which are reminiscent of system cameras when it comes to feel, operation and features.

The DMC-FZ1 from Panasonic had another outstanding technical innovation for use in digital photography: MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), which remains one of the technological highlights of the LUMIX range to this day. It allows the photographer to hold the camera in their hand while taking photographs and still capture sharp images, even with low light levels, long focal lengths or slow shutter speeds.

One year later, the DMC-FX5 and DMC-FX1 stylish 3x optical zoom compact digital cameras were launched. They too featured the MEGA O.I.S.