SECAUCUS, NJ (July 21, 2004) - Joining Panasonic's celebrated Lumix™ camera line is the new DMC-LC80. Compact and lightweight, this 5-megapixel model packs some of today's most advanced digital camera technology into a fun, easy-to-use camera that anyone can enjoy.

"Sophisticated features coupled with simple operation make this camera perfect for first-time digital camera users as well as experienced photographers," said Monica Helmer, Marketing Manager for Panasonic's Optical Group.

The DMC-LC80 Lumix camera will be available beginning this August and will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $349.95.

The innovative Lumix cameras integrate superlative Leica optics with Panasonic's unsurpassed digital electronics technology, bringing a new standard of excellence to the world of digital still cameras.

The DMC-LC80 features a high-performance Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens (7 elements in 6 groups) featuring F2.8-F4.9 brightness and a focal distance of 5.8mm to 17.4mm (comparable to a 35 to 105mm lens on a 35mm film camera.)

The camera's 3x optical zoom and 3x digital zoom1 features may be used together to achieve up to 9x zoom power � corresponding to a 315mm zoom lens on a 35mm camera.

The new DMC-LC80 can also record QuickTime motion images (320 x 240 pixel JPEG) with audio.

The DMC-LC80 incorporates intuitive features to make taking high-quality digital photos easy. An Auto Focus (AF) trigger allows the user to pre-focus on a specific area of the image before taking the shot, helping to ensure that the subject is properly focused. Other smart features include auto bracketing, intelligent light metering, real-time histogram and scene mode settings like portrait mode, night portrait mode, landscape mode, moving image mode and macro mode, among others.

For added fun, the camera includes: MEGA BURST rapid-fire shooting, audio recording, self timer, image trimming and resizing, and more.

Using two AA Alkaline batteries, this power-thrifty camera can take up to 160* shots in Normal Mode, with the LCD on, or up to 420* shots, in Economy Mode 2, with the LCD turned off. It can also run on optional Ni-MH rechargeable batteries.

The DMC-LC80 also includes a 1.5" (diagonal) LCD, SD Memory Card/MultiMedia Card slot, USB port, SD card viewer, SD Memory Card, and other features.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, a division of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, markets a broad line of digital and other consumer electronics products. Based in Secaucus, N.J., Matsushita Electric Corporation of America is 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. Additional information on Matsushita Electric Corporation of America and Panasonic 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.

* Based on the CIPA standard. Using the supplied AA alkaline batteries and a Panasonic 16MB SD memory card. The CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) created standards for measuring battery life. CIPA measurement method: Switch on the power and LCD, begin shooting in 30 seconds, switch between telephoto and wide-angle every 30 seconds, fire the flash every other shot. After each series of 10 shots, turn the camera off until the battery cools. Ambient conditions: 23°C temperature and 50% humidity.

Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.

The Leica DC lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and a quality assurance system that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality standards.

QuickTime® is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. in the United States and other countries.

All prices are in U.S. dollars.

All specifications are subject to change without notice.

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