Panasonic announces 2013 Lumix RRPs, release dates

Panasonic’s marketing department has migrated to Adelaide this week to entertain the CE media at a lavish event to launch its ‘2013 Lumix line-up‘.

Cameras announced were:
– the slimline 20x zoom TZ40. RRP $499, available in May in either black and white;
– the outdoor 18-megapixel FT5 ($499, available May) and 16-megapixel FT25 ($249, available April);
– the  slimline 10x zoom, 16-megapixel SZ9 ($299, available April);
– the 5x, 16-megapixel XS1 ($199, available March)
– the 5x, 16-megapixel FH10 ($149, available April) and
– the 5x, 14-megapixel 5x F5 (129, available May)

These cameras were earlier announced by Panasonic at CES in January, but local availability dates and prices have been added to the ‘new, improved’ announcement.

Local priciing is $100 higher in Australia than the US, sliding down to $50 for the cheaper models. These cameras are already offered on order on US websites and will all be available in March in the US.

We have re-published the full text of the five Panasonic Australia press releases below (complete with 23 footnote entries!) rather than invest valuable time in editing them. Pics have not been supplied.

The new Ultra Compact 20x Super Zoom LUMIX DMC-TZ40 with Wi-Fi® / NFC Technology and GPS

ADELAIDE, 20 March, 2013 – Panasonic has introduced the LUMIX DMC-TZ40, the latest model in the company’s popular TZ Series of Travel Zoom cameras. The world’s slimmest in its class[i], this pocketable 20x zoom camera has everything the modern globetrotter needs – from Wi-Fi connectivity to enhanced shooting performance with a new 18.1 megapixel MOS sensor and 50p Full HD video recording.

Using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the DMC-TZ40 can be connected to a NFC compatible smartphone device at a touch, and still and movie shooting can be controlled from the smartphone screen. Simply by using the ‘Panasonic Image App’ for iOS and Android smartphones, users can monitor what the camera lens is seeing live from their smartphone at 30 frames per second and set zoom, focus, shutter release, shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation, as well as shoot video remotely.

The GPS (Global Positioning System) now complies with GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) to further enhance its accuracy. The large 3.0-inch 920,000-dot Multi-Touch Screen offers Touch AF, Touch Zoom or Touch Shutter, and also allows pinching in and out, which enhances the visibility of browsing images and maps.

A rich suite of effects is available through Creative Control, Creative Retouch and new Creative Panorama.

Doug Campbell, Product Marketing Manager, LUMIX, Panasonic Australia said: “Wherever you are in the world, the TZ40 is perfect for capturing any moment with exceptional quality, no matter what your situation or surroundings. With the new Wi-Fi capability it’s even easier to capture, save, and share those amazing memories with family and friends.”

The DMC-TZ40 records Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 50p videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format.[ii] The high frame rate captures moving subjects with outstanding smoothness. The DMC-TZ40 also features the improved HYBRID OIS.+ (Optical Image Stabiliser) with five-axis correction that detects and effectively compensates for the camera’s five types of movement – horizontal, vertical, axis of rotation, vertical rotation and horizontal rotation. ‘Level Shot’, new to the TZ Series, detects the horizontal angle of view and keeps the image straight – useful for blind recording such as shooting from a high angle.

LUMIX DMC-TZ40 RRP: $499 Available (May 2013)

Black and White

Key Features

Imaging and movie technologies

The DMC-TZ40 incorporates a 24mm ultra wide angle 20x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens (35mm camera equivalent: 24-480mm). This advanced lens system, which is the hallmark of the TZ Series offers high picture quality and lens length within a slim camera body.

A new 18.1-megapixel MOS sensor provides high-quality image recording and high speed signal processing. The newly adopted Wavelet NR (Noise Reduction) system[iii] in the Venus Engine enables noise reduction without missing low-frequency noise by enlarging its detection area by approximately 64x[iv]. It allows high sensitivity image recording, even at ISO 3200.

The DMC-TZ40’s high speed digital signal output technology makes it extremely responsive. The camera shoots at 10 fps in 18.1-megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter and five fps with continuous AF. It also records smooth Full HD 50p video and high speed video at 100fps. The frame rate, AF setting and the recording resolution can be easily selected according to the movement of the subject. The camera also offers quick start-up and Light Speed AF to catch the most fleeting shooting opportunities.

The DMC-TZ40 also records MP4 at 25p for high compatibility with PCs and smartphones when editing and sharing videos. The 20x zoom and iA functions are available to further enhance movie recordings.

A stereo zoom microphone and Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator offer highly realistic sound, with suppression of the mechanical noise caused by zooming. An Auto Wind Cut function is also available to block out most background wind noise.

The included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.1 Premium Edition makes it easy to review and edit recorded content. Users may also choose to upload videos to YouTube or burn them to a DVD disc for archiving.

Wi-Fi® connectivity with NFC for convenient and instant connection with a smartphone or tablet

Using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the DMC-TZ40 can be connected to a NFC compatible smartphone device at a touch, and still and movie shooting can be controlled from the smartphone screen. ‘Instant Transfer’ allows data to be transferred automatically to the designated electronic device whenever the shutter is released. Users can also touch the image displayed on the camera to transfer it to the smartphone or tablet in playback mode.

Users can also save photos to the Panasonic exclusive cloud service ‘LUMIX CLUB’ and easily transfer still images or MP4 videos to Facebook™, Flickr™, Picasa™, Twitter™ or YouTube™.

The Wi-Fi Direct function allows direct playback of images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compliant VIERA HD TVs or Blu-ray Recorders[v] .

Advanced GPS System[vi] with World Map information

The GPS (Global Positioning System) now complies with GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) to further enhance its accuracy. The GPS function shows the name of the country, state, city and key landmarks using the internal data library, giving users real-time information to show where the photo is being taken. The area information covers over 200 countries or regions and more than a million landmarks worldwide.

With the new three inch Multi-Touch Screen, maps are scalable by pinching in and out onscreen, dramatically elevating the visibility and convenience of map browsing.

A range of features for photographic enjoyment

The DMC-TZ40 is also equipped with Creative Control and Creative Retouch with 14 filter effects: Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Star Filter, Cross Process, Soft Focus and One Point Colour. Creative Control lets users apply a filter effect while shooting[vii], while Creative Retouch allows effects to be added in camera afterwards.

The new Creative Panorama mode makes it possible to create a dramatic horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots, overlaying the images and adding filters: Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Star Filter, Cross Process, Soft Focus and One Point Colour.

When photographing scenes of very high contrast, like a bright landscape on a sunny day, detail can be lost in the highlights and shadows. In High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode, the camera takes several shots at different exposure levels and then automatically combines them to produce an image that faithfully represents the scene and preserves details in the highlights, mid-tones and shadows for a clear, sharp shot.

The camera offers manual settings for greater control, including Manual Exposure, Shutter Speed Priority and Aperture Priority. The new 1250mAh large capacity battery can be conveniently recharged either via AC or via USB.

Included accessories: Battery pack, AC adaptor, USB cable, handstrap, DVD with Map and PhotofunSTUDIO 9.0 PE software.

The new LUMIX DMC-TZ40 will be available from consumer electronics retailers and photographic specialists. For more information about the LUMIX camera range visit www.panasonic.com.au/lumix or call Panasonic on 132 600.

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MEDIA RELEASE 2 of 5

Introducing the Tough and Smart Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT5 

ADELAIDE, 20 March, 2012 – Panasonic has announced the latest addition to its popular tough range, the new LUMIX DMC-FT5, offering amazing scope for enjoying and sharing rugged outdoor adventures, making it the perfect addition for every backpack.

This smart camera combines the convenience of smartphone/tablet Wi-Fi connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. The tough features have been improved with an internal rib structure that offers 100kgf pressure resistance, and extended waterproof resistance to 13 metres. The DMC-FT5 has enhanced Full High Definition (HD) movie capture with 1920 x 1080 50p recording as well as a new 16.1 megapixel MOS sensor.

With a full range of durable outdoor functions – dustproof, shockproof to 2m, freezeproof to -10ºC, plus GPS and now Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) – the DMC-FT5 is the perfect companion for capturing activities such as snorkelling, climbing, trekking, skiing and snowboarding.

Doug Campbell, Product Marketing Manager, LUMIX, Panasonic Australia said: “The DMC-FT5 is a tough, smart all-rounder. It has the image quality and durability that allows you to take the best shot possible, regardless of the conditions. Plus Wi-Fi expands the scope of capturing and sharing your images.”

The DMC-FT5 is the first camera in Panasonic’s Tough range to be Wi-Fi capable. It boasts one-touch easy connection to Wi-Fi with NFC, allowing for remote picture capture via the LUMIX remote app, and quick and easy upload. Simply download the Panasonic Image App to a mobile device and use it as your viewfinder while the DMC-FT5 is in a tough-to-shoot location such as hanging down the side of the cliff or the back of a boat.

Furthermore, you can tag the location of the photo using the built-in GPS functionality. Other benefits from the Wi-Fi connectivity include 1GB cloud storage, upload and backup, as well as connectivity to your PC for viewing on the big screen and easy transfer for printing by wireless printers.

The DMC-FT5 is also equipped with Creative Control and Creative Retouch with 14 filter effects: Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Star Filter, Cross Process, Soft Focus and One Point Colour. Creative Control lets users apply a filter effect while shooting[viii], while Creative Retouch allows effects to be added in camera afterwards.

The new Creative Panorama mode makes it possible to create a dramatic horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots, overlaying the images and adding filters: Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Star Filter, Cross Process, Soft Focus and One Point Colour.

Time Lapse Shot is also available – where the photographer sets the start time, the interval and the number of pictures to shoot, and the camera automatically records images. Underwater Mode, with Red Colour Reproduction, compensates for the red colour that is easily lost in underwater shooting to capture the natural colour of subjects. For added convenience, the built-in LED flash can be used as a torch light.

LUMIX DMC-FT5 RRP: $499 Available (May 2013)

Orange, Blue and Silver

Key Features

Wi-Fi® connectivity with NFC for instant connection with a smartphone or tablet

Using NFC technology, the DMC-FT5 can be connected to a NFC compatible smartphone device at a touch, allowing still and movie shooting to be controlled from the smartphone screen. By simply using the ‘Panasonic Image App’ for iOS/Android smartphones, users can monitor what the camera lens is seeing live from their smartphone at 30 frames per second and set zoom, focus, shutter release, shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation, as well as shoot video remotely. ‘Instant Transfer’ allows data to be transferred automatically to the designated electronic device whenever the shutter is released. In playback mode, users can also touch the image displayed on the camera to transfer it to the smartphone/tablet.

Users can also save photos to the Panasonic exclusive cloud service ‘LUMIX CLUB’ and easily transfer still images or MP4 videos to Facebook™, Flickr™, Picasa™, Twitter™ or You Tube™.

The Wi-Fi Direct function allows direct playback of images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compliant VIERA HD TVs or Blu-ray Recorders[ix].

Tough body with rugged design and a range of features for outdoor enjoyment

In addition to being quad-proof – with waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freezeproof durability – the new DMC-FT5 incorporates pressure resistance of 100 kg thanks to the reinforced rib structure of its internal design. This allows users to safely put it in their pocket or backpack.

The DMC-FT5 is waterproof to 13 metres and dustproof equivalent to the “IPX8” waterproof and “IP6X” dustproof standard. Thanks to its minimum apertural area and the rubber padding and reinforced glass inside the camera, the DMC-FT5 features an airtight body which is protected against water immersion, dust and sand. It is also drop proof from a height up to two metres in accordance with the “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock” test standard. All components, including the lens unit, are designed so that the DMC-FT5 is freezeproof to temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. New anti-fog glass used on the lens cover prevents it from being fogged with steam.

The GPS (Global Positioning System) now complies with the GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) to further enhance its accuracy. The GPS function shows the name of the country, state, city and key landmarks using the internal data library, giving users real-time information to show where the photo is being taken. The area information covers over 200 countries or regions and more than a million landmarks worldwide.

The DMC-FT5 can show and record altitude combined with GPS data, barometric pressure including an underwater depth indicator and orientation data.[x]

Stunning results in still and video shooting

The DMC-FT5 can record high-resolution Full HD 1920 x 1080 video with stunning smoothness at 50p in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format, offering excellent compatibility with AV equipment such as HDTVs or Blu-ray Disc players[xi]. Alternatively, users can choose MP4 at 25p for high compatibility with PCs. A button on top of the camera lets the user instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make any extra settings.

The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode and the 4.6x optical zoom with POWER O.I.S. are also available in movie recording. Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator offers high-quality stereo sound. The stereo microphone has a zoom noise reduction system and the Auto Wind Cut function blocks out most of the noise from background wind.

The DMC-FT5 incorporates a 16.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor. Together with the high performance image processing LSI Venus Engine, it elevates the response, sensitivity and image quality of the DMC-FT5. Integrating high speed digital signal output technology, the camera shoots not only 50p full HD video but also burst shots at 10 fps in full resolution with mechanical shutter and 5 fps with continuous AF; and offers Light Speed AF.

The newly adopted Wavelet NR (Noise Reduction) system[xii] in the Venus Engine enables noise reduction of low-frequency noise with an enlarged detection area of approximately 64x[xiii]. It allows high sensitivity image recording, even at ISO 3200.

The high energy efficiency and the adoption of a new large capacity battery has extended battery life, allowing up to 370 pictures to be captured per single charge (CIPA).

The DMC-FT5 incorporates a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR 28mm wide-angle lens with a 4.6x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 28-128mm) in folded optics. It comprises 10 elements and a prism unit in 8 groups, including 1 ED lens and 5 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces.

Included accessories: Battery charger, battery pack, AC cable, USB cable, hand strap, silicon jacket, CD-ROM with PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.1 PE software.

An optional marine case, the DMW-MCFT5E, is priced at $449rrp and protects the camera to a depth of 45 metres.

The new LUMIX DMC-FT5 will be available from consumer electronics retailers and photographic specialists. For more information about the LUMIX camera range visit www.panasonic.com.au/lumix or call Panasonic on 132 600.

MEDIA RELEASE 3 OF 5

The go-anywhere Tough Camera: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT25

ADELAIDE, 20 March, 2013 – The versatile new LUMIX DMC-FT25 offers higher water resistance than its predecessor and a range of shooting functions to make photography even more enjoyable.

The DMC-FT25 is now waterproof to seven metres; in addition to being freezeproof to -10ºC, shockproof to 1.5 metres and dustproof.

Doug Campbell, Product Marketing Manager, LUMIX, Panasonic Australia said: “The go-anywhere DMC-FT25 is the ideal family companion. This tough camera is always ready to capture those special moments, whether it be that memorable beach holiday or the kids’ sports day.”

Get even more creative with Time Lapse shot, where the photographer sets the start time, the interval and the number of pictures to shoot, and the camera automatically records the images.

Creative Control and Creative Retouch allow you to easily add filter effects to images with 12 to choose from: Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Cross Process and One Point Colour. Creative Control lets users apply a filter effect while shooting, while Creative Retouch allows effects to be added in camera afterwards.

The new Creative Panorama mode makes it possible to create a dramatic horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots, overlaying the images and adding one of 10 filters[xiv].

Thanks to rubber padding, reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the DMC-FT25 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand. The lens unit is protected by a supplementary damper to absorb the force from shock impact.

Underwater Mode now features Red Colour Reproduction, which compensates for the red colour that is easily lost in underwater shooting, to capture the natural colour of subjects. In addition, the built in LED can be used as a torch light.

The DMC-FT25 features a 25mm ultra wide angle 4x optical zoom LUMIX lens with folded optics to ensure toughness. The lens is comprised of 11 elements and a prism unit in 10 groups, including an ED lens and five aspherical lenses with nine aspherical surfaces.

The DMC-FT25 records HD movies at 1280 x 720p at a smooth 25p in MP4 format[xv], with high compatibility with PCs or smartphones for easy sharing. A dedicated video button lets you switch between photo and video recording easily and Active Mode minimises handshake while recording. With the popular Intelligent Auto Mode (iA), taking impressive shots is even easier – just press, aim and shoot and the camera does all the work.

LUMIX DMC-FT25 RRP: $249 Available (April 2013)

Blue, Black and Red

Included accessories:

Battery charger, battery pack, AC cable, USB cable, hand strap, silicon jacket, CD-ROM with PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.0 SE software.

The new LUMIX DMC-FT25 will be available from consumer electronics retailers and photographic specialists. For more information about the LUMIX camera range visit www.panasonic.com.au/lumix or call Panasonic on 132 600.

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MEDIA RELEASE 4 OF 5

Slim LUMIX DMC-SZ9 Boasts 10x Zoom, Wi-Fi®, Full HD Video Recording and Rich  Creative Features

ADELAIDE, 20 March, 2013 – Panasonic is pleased to announce the latest addition to its slim and stylish SZ Series, the DMC-SZ9. The latest SZ Series compact camera makes capturing and sharing quality images a breeze with 10x optical zoom, 1920 x 1080 Full HD video recording and Wi-Fi® connectivity[xvi].

Wi-Fi® connectivity allows convenient connection with a smartphone device for shooting and sharing photos. Doug Campbell, Product Marketing Manager – LUMIX, Panasonic Australia, said: “The inclusion of Wi-Fi® connectivity means that you can easily share memorable moments with family and friends while the enhanced creative features add that extra element of fun into everyday photography.”

The DMC-SZ9 captures high-quality images with ease thanks to a 25mm ultra wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and powerful 10x optical zoom (equivalent to 25mm to 250mm on a 35mm camera) while MEGA OIS (Optical Image Stabiliser) suppresses any handshake which can occur when shooting with high zoom. The 16.1 megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine support 1920 x 1080 Full HD 50i smooth video recording and offer high speed shooting with fast response times.

Users can monitor what the camera lens is seeing live from their smartphone at 30 frames per second simply by using the ‘Panasonic Image App’ for iOS/Android smartphones. In addition, users can set zoom, focus and shutter release as well as adjust recording settings such as exposure compensation. ‘Instant Transfer’ allows data to be transferred automatically to the designated device when the shutter is released. Users can also tag location information to images using their smartphone GPS and share these details on social networks.

The DMC-SZ9 also features a variety of special effects, adding creative flair to the shooting experience with modes including: Creative Control, Creative Retouch, Creative Panorama and Beauty Retouch.

For beginners, LUMIX’s popular shooting assist function iA (Intelligent Auto) mode is included – just aim, press and shoot and the camera adjusts settings according to the situation for the best possible picture.

LUMIX DMC-SZ9 RRP: $299 Available (April 2013)

Black and Silver

Key Features

Imaging and Video features

The LUMIX DMC-SZ9 features a 25mm ultra wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens system with a powerful 10x optical zoom. Comprising 9 elements in 7 groups, including 4 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, the optical system has a sliding structure to ensure a compact size, and offers a versatile zoom range from ultra-wide to telephoto.

The new 16.1-megapixel MOS sensor and Venus Engine feature high speed digital signal output technology, which allows the DMC-SZ9 to shoot at 10 fps (frames per second) in high speed burst mode or at 5 fps with continuous AF. For greater shooting versatility, burst shooting with flash is also available. The frame rate and AF setting can be easily selected according to the movement of the subject. Light Speed AF captures fleeting photo opportunities and offers quick start-up.

The camera records high-quality 1920 x 1080 full-HD 50i smooth video in AVCHD[xvii]; or convenient MP4 at 25p which can be played back directly on a PC or another portable electronic device without the need to convert the file. A dedicated movie button allows users to switch quickly and easily from photo to video.

The popular iA mode and the 10x optical zoom are also available in movie recording. A stereo zoom microphone and Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator offer highly realistic sound, with suppression of the mechanical noise caused by zooming. The Auto Wind Cut function blocks out most background wind noise.

Flexible shooting, viewing and sharing with Wi-Fi® connectivity.

The DMC-SZ9 meets the needs of today’s consumers who are looking for high-quality photos that can be uploaded quickly and easily on social networking sites and shared with friends.

The camera makes it simple to archive images and video to registered digital equipment – such as a PC or compliant Panasonic AV product – automatically via a home’s wireless router when the camera’s battery is being charged.

Users can save photos to the Panasonic exclusive cloud service ‘LUMIX CLUB’ and easily transfer still images or MP4 videos to Facebook™, Flickr™, Picasa™, Twitter™ or You Tube™. The Wi-Fi Direct function allows direct playback of images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compliant VIERA HDTVs or Blu-ray Recorders[xviii].

Creative Features

The DMC-SZ9 is equipped with Creative Control and Creative Retouch with 14 filter effects: Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Star Filter, Cross Process, Soft Focus and One Point Colour. Creative Control lets users apply a filter effect while shooting[xix], while Creative Retouch allows effects to be applied from the camera after the photo has been taken.

New to the LUMIX range is Creative Panorama mode which lets users create a dramatic horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots, overlaying the images and adding filters: Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Star Filter, Cross Process, Soft Focus and One Point Colour.

Beauty Retouch allows you to apply virtual ‘makeup’ to faces to improve their appearance – including smiling, sharpening the image or making eyes brighter and bigger. One-touch Make Up mode has five selections: natural, smoky, glamour, cheerful and elegant.

When photographing scenes of very high contrast, like a bright landscape on a sunny day, detail can be lost in the highlights and shadows. In High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode, the camera takes several shots at different exposure levels and then automatically combines them to produce an image that faithfully represents the scene and preserves details in the highlights, mid tones and shadows for a clear, sharp shot.

Other convenient features offered by the DMC-SZ9 include a HDMI micro cable terminal[xx] which makes it extremely easy to play back images and video on HDMI-compliant HD TVs. The camera battery can be recharged either via AC or via USB.

Included accessories: Battery pack, AC adaptor, USB cable, hand strap and CD-ROM with PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.0 AE software.

The new LUMIX DMC-SZ9 will be available from consumer electronics retailers and photographic specialists. For more information about the LUMIX camera range visit www.panasonic.com.au/LUMIX or call Panasonic on 132 600.

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MEDIA RELEASE 5 OF 5

New Slim, Stylish LUMIX DMC-XS1 Offers Creative Freedom

ADELAIDE, 20 March, 2013 – Panasonic has introduced a range of new slim, stylish LUMIX cameras, led by the DMC-XS1, which has the world’s slimmest body profile in its class[xxi] and features an eye-catching two-tone design.

Doug Campbell, Product Marketing Manager, LUMIX, Panasonic Australia said: “The new LUMIX DMC-XS1 combines form and function; ensuring Australians capture superb quality images with ease as well as offering creative freedom in a slim and stylish profile.”

With 16.1 megapixels and a 24mm 5x optical zoom lens, the DMC-XS1 is the perfect accessory for anyone taking pictures on the go. It is available in white, violet and red, in a sleek and modern design.

The new range also includes the DMC-FH10 and the DMC-F5. The 16.1 megapixel DMC-FH10 has a 24mm wide-angle 5x optical zoom LUMIX lens and the 14.1 megapixel DMC-F5 has a 28mm 5x optical zoom lens.

Key features

Despite its small, slim and stylish design, the LUMIX DMC-XS1 is packed with a host of features that provide amazing results. A 16.1 megapixel lens housed in the camera’s slender frame means you are guaranteed incredible quality with every shot and an ultra-wide angle 24mm lens ensures that you get the most from your indoor and landscape photography.

The 5x optical zoom lets you get up close at the press of a button, and 1280 x 720 HD video recording capability makes it the perfect accessory for capturing impromptu movie moments. For both photos and movies, the DMC-XS1’s MEGA OIS optical image stabilising system makes sure that neither a shaky hand nor a bump in the road compromises your creativity.

The DMC-XS1 is designed for versatile, easy image composition, and offers a variety of special effects that add fun to the shooting experience – including Creative Control, Creative Retouch and Creative Panorama.

Creative Control and Creative Retouch allow you to easily add filter effects to your images with 13 to choose from; Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Cross Process, Soft Focus and One Point Colour. Creative Control lets users apply a filter effect during shooting[xxii], while Creative Retouch allows effects to be applied from the camera after the image has been captured. New Creative Panorama makes it possible to create a dramatic horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots, overlaying the images and adding filters from a choice of Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Soft Focus and One Point Colour.

Both the DMC-XS1 and DMC-FH10 offer Auto Retouch, which adjusts contrast and brightness to enhance the original image. The DMC-FH10 and DMC-F5 also include Panorama Shot.

Both the DMC-XS1 and DMC-FH10 have convenient Intelligent Auto (iA) features, including MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection. The DMC-F5 features Auto Scene Selector which sets the best parameters depending on the situation and subject – Macro, Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Night Landscape and Sunset.

All three cameras capture HD video in 1280 x 720p[xxiii] and incorporate a dedicated movie button in their design so that users can easily and quickly switch from still image to movie shooting. The camera battery can be conveniently recharged via either AC or USB.

The DMC-XS1 and DMC-FH10 record data onto the ultra-small micro SD/SDHC card, for compatibility with leading smartphones.

LUMIX DMC-XS1 RRP: $199 Available (March 2013)

White, Violet and Red

LUMIX DMC-FH10 RRP: $149 Available (April 2013)

Black, Silver and Violet

LUMIX DMC-F5 RRP: $129 Available (May 2013)

Black

Included accessories: Battery Pack, AC Adaptor, USB Cable, Hand Strap, CD-ROM with PHOTOfunStudio 9.0 LE software.

The new cameras will be available from consumer electronics retailers and photographic specialists. For more information about the LUMIX camera range visit www.panasonic.com.au/lumix or call Panasonic on 132 600.

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Footnotes:

[i] As a digital camera with an optical zoom lens of 20x or more, as of January 7, 2013.
[ii] Use a card with SD Speed Class* with “Class 4” or higher when recording videos. SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
[iii] Works in high sensitivity image recording at ISO 800 or higher.
[iv] Panasonic comparison with DMC-TZ30.
[v] Using [Playback on TV] of the Wi-Fi function, you can display images on a TV that supports the Digital Media Renderer (DMR) function of the DLNA standard.
[vi] GPS may not work in China or in the border regions of countries neighbouring China. Depending on the locations, it may not be possible to correctly receive the signals from the GPS satellites. In such cases, positioning may not be possible, or significant positioning discrepancy may occur. Information measured on this unit is only a rough indication. Do not use it for technical purposes.
[vii] Soft Focus and Star Filter cannot be used in video recording.
[viii] Soft Focus and Star Filter cannot be used in video recording.
[ix]Using [Playback on TV] of the Wi-Fi function, you can display images on a TV that supports the Digital Media Renderer (DMR) function of the DLNA standard.
[x]GPS may not work in China or in the border regions of countries neighboring China. Depending on the locations, it may not be possible to correctly receive the signals from the GPS satellites. In such cases, positioning may not be possible, or significant positioning discrepancy may occur. Information measured on this unit is only a rough indication. Do not use it for technical purposes. When using this unit for full-scale mountain climbing, trekking, or underwater, use the measured information (bearing, altitude, depth, atmospheric pressure) only as a rough indication, and always carry a map and purpose-built measurement tools.
[xi]Use a card with SD Speed Class* with “Class 4” or higher when recording motion pictures.SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
[xii]Works in high sensitivity image recording at ISO 800 or higher.
[xiii]Panasonic comparison with DMC-TZ30.
[xiv] When using Creative Panorama, Toy Effect and Miniature Effect are not available.
[xv] Use an SD Card with SD Speed Class with “Class 4” or higher when recording videos.
[xvi] (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n)
[xvii] Sensor output is 25p. Use a card with SD Speed Class* with “Class 4” or higher when recording videos. SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
[xviii] Using [Playback on TV] of the Wi-Fi function, you can display images on a TV that supports the Digital Media Renderer (DMR) function of the DLNA standard.
[xix] Soft Focus and Star Filter cannot be used in video recording.
[xx] HDMI micro cable is sold separately.
[xxi] For a digital camera with optical 5x retractable zoom lens and Optical Image Stabiliser, as of January 7, 2013
[xxii] Soft Focus cannot be used in video recording.
[xxiii] Use a card with SD Speed Class* with “Class 6” or higher when recording motion pictures. SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.