Panasonic Launch New LUMIX Range in Middle East

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - New Semi-Professional HD Camcorders Also Introduced Into the Market

- Full Range of Models With Unique Intelligent Auto Technology in Still and Movie Format With Face Recognition

Panasonic has launched its new range of Lumix digital cameras and HD camcorders to the Middle East.

Featuring unique Panasonic technology, including Intelligent Auto Technology (iA), still and movie compatibility, and new tough and waterproof cameras, the new Lumix range provides a sophisticated, stylish range suitable to every level of photographer.

Panasonic also announced the latest range of semi-professional camcorders to the market, which includes HD technology and an easy-to-use touch screen interface.

Intelligent Auto Technology is a revolutionary invention which makes taking pictures hassle-free, while producing excellent results. The technology activates many features at the same time to automatically focus, balance and highlight the best images.

This mode is also further advanced with the integration of digital red-eye reduction in its Face Detection. In Intelligent Auto mode, the camera does all the work, activating Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer) for blur-free images caused due to hand-shake, Intelligent ISO Control for faster shutter speeds in low-light conditions, Intelligent Scene Selector that selects the appropriate setting from the popular scene modes and Face Detection for best focus and exposure for portrait shots. This leaves the user free to compose the shot and press the shutter button, secure in the knowledge that the image will be clear, beautiful, and properly exposed.

The range of Lumix Digital Cameras now includes the top-of-the-range G1 which is a compact, inter-changeable lens Digital Single Lens Camera, through to the compact and stylish FS series which gives customers excellent pictures with hassle-free operation due to the Intelligent Auto mode.

“The Lumix range from Panasonic introduces amazing new integrated technology to make photography even more fun without compromising on picture quality for photos and video recording,” said Hitesh Ojha, Product Manager, Panasonic Marketing, Middle East. “The unique Intelligent Auto Technology will revolutionise the way people interact with a camera. The Lumix range offers a camera for every situation, and budget.”

At the high-end of the range, the new Lumix G-Series cameras incorporate Panasonic’s unique technology with a new digital interchangeable lens system that is based on new Micro Four Thirds System - a new concept jointly developed by Panasonic & Olympus which takes advantage of the compactness and light weight of the camera which is made possible by an innovative mirror-less structure.

The Lumix range also includes a new concept camera geared to active outdoor photography. The Lumix DMC-FT1 is shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof with the capability to record high-definition movie in AVCHD Lite. Featuring a 28mm wide angle lens, 4.6x optical zoom and iA mode, this versatile camera lets you capture your moments no matter the intended shooting terrain.

The latest camera in the Lumix range, the DMC-TZ7, is a powerhouse performer with enormous versatility. The DMC-TZ7 is the world’s first digital camera that records motion image in AVCHD Lite. The AVCHD Lite realizes long-time recording of high-definition motion image. The well-thought-out operational command layout including an independent movie recording button makes the DMC-TZ7 a true hybrid - a single model that performs admirably as both camera and camcorder while achieving smooth, easy operation in both modes.

The new stylish 12.1-megapixel DMC-FS25 and 10.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FS7 are the advanced entry-level digital cameras from Panasonic. The FS25 includes a 29mm wide-angle Leica DC lens with 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 29mm to 145 mm on a 35mm film camera) and 3.0-inch large LCD as a member of the Lumix new FS series. Thanks to its high-grade profile for users at every stage, the new FS series, a close relation to the popular FX series, pursues easy and simple operation - and so makes taking beautiful pictures all the more enjoyable.

Complete with an F2.8 Leica DC lens with 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 33mm to 132 mm on a 35mm film camera), the FS series pursues easy and simple operation at every stage with its high-grade profile for users who enjoy taking beautiful pictures.

Panasonic also announced it is expanding its sophisticated 2009 High Definition (HD) camcorder line with two new semi-professional full-HD models. The new models, the HDC-HS300 and HDC-TM300 feature a newly developed 3MOS chip system and incorporates the company’s first camcorder touch-screen which allow icons displayed on the LCD to be easily operated by touching them with a fingertip.

The new 3MOS system assures high image quality for both motion and still images by using three full-HD MOS sensors to provide the world’s highest total pixel count of 9,150,000 pixels (3,050,000 pixels x 3). These two semi-professional camcorders are equipped with a newly developed, large-aperture Leica Dicomar lens (filter diameter: 43 mm) and a 1/4.1-inch image sensor. They also record still images with a 10.6-megapixel resolution and feature an 8.3-megapixel resolution for still images when simultaneously recording with video. The HDC-HS300 and HDC-TM300 have a luminance of 1.6 lx, allowing them to shoot video in very low-light conditions.

The full range of HD Camcorders includes seven new High Definition models, two with HDD and three which record onto SD Card. Each camcorder comes complete with Intelligent Auto Technology making them simple to use, while remaining packed full of features for the more advanced user.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 9.07 trillion yen (US$90.7 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2008. The company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE Symbol: PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company’s website at panasonic.net

Wallis Marketing Consultants, Dubai UAE, Press contact: Jon Barber Tel: +971-(0)4-390-1950, Fax: +971-(0)367-2800 jon.barber@wallis.mc.com www.panasonic.ae

Source: Panasonic Marketing Middle East

Wallis Marketing Consultants, Dubai UAE, Press contact: Jon Barber Tel: +971-(0)4-390-1950, Fax: +971-(0)367-2800, jon.barber at wallis.mc.com