SECAUCUS, NJ (February 8, 2005) - With Panasonic’s Lumix™ digital camera, simple point-and-shoot operation does not mean sacrificing quality or performance. New model DMC-LS1 is an easy-to-use marvel that offers 4-megapixel resolution and 3x optical zoom along with sophisticated features like MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer).

The DMC-LS1 also features 14 megabytes of built-in memory, enabling users to capture those spontaneous moments even when they don’t have an SD memory card on hand.

The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS1 digital camera is slated for an April introduction, and will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $229.95.

“This model packs some of today’s most advanced digital camera technology into a fun, easy-to-use camera that anyone can enjoy, whether you’re a first-time digital camera user or an experienced photographer,” said Monica Helmer, Marketing Manager for Panasonic’s Optical Group.

The camera’s 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 37mm to 222mm on a 35mm film camera lens), combined with its 4X digital zoom1 can capture clear, crisp photos at maximum 12X magnification.

Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S. function automatically detects and optically compensates for movement, helping to ensure clear, distortion-free pictures even when taking ultra-telephoto or macro shots, or photos of distant or moving subjects

The O.I.S. function features two corrective modes to suppress jitter. Mode 1 constantly detects and follows movements and continuously compensates for them. In Mode 2, the lens is moved at the moment the shutter button is pressed, in order to capture the image as close to the center of the lens as possible.

Panasonic’s Venus Engine Plus image processing LSI provides high quality and quick response with low energy consumption. In addition to a consecutive shooting function that allows users to take 4 frames per second at full resolution, the newly developed Venus Engine Plus enables unlimited* consecutive shooting. Successive shots can be taken until the memory card or build-in memory reaches capacity.

Auto angle detection, a new feature, records whether an image was taken horizontally or vertically and displays it accordingly, whether viewed on the camera’s LCD or on a connected TV.

Other features include Burst Shooting Mode, four spot focusing modes, Simple Mode for automatic settings, built-in flash and 2.0 inch TRM (Transmissive with Micro Reflective) LCD display.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS1 runs on two AA size batteries, and comes equipped with Panasonic’s new, super-powerful Oxyride™ Extreme Power™ batteries.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom or through the company’s toll-free fax-back system at 888-734-7490.

1 As digital magnification increases, resolution significantly decreases.
* Consecutive shooting speed varies depending on the memory card or built-in memory. The number of recordable picture depends on the memory card and built-in memory size, battery life, picture size and compression.

All prices are in U.S. dollars.

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