New LUMIX FP8 has a 28mm wide-angle lens, 4.6x optical zoom, and records High Definition video

Secaucus, NJ (July 27, 2009) – Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-FP8 digital camera as part of its new FP-Series, which pursues excellence in both design and function.  The LUMIX FP8, with 12.1 megapixels, features a high-quality 28mm wide-angle, 4.6x Leica DC lens with folding optics* - encased in a futuristic-looking stylish body. 

In addition to its unique design, the FP8 also features advanced functions including high-speed Auto Focus (AF) and Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) suite of technologies.  With a fast AF, combined with a high-speed start-up of only 0.95 seconds, the FP8’s fast response catches even the most fleeting shots.  Panasonic’s iA, a popular feature on LUMIX cameras, now includes POWER Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) which features double the repression power compared to the previous image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S.  The hand-shake generated when pressing the shutter button, or when shooting at night with a slow shutter speed, is significantly minimized by the improved POWER O.I.S. to help reduce blurry photos. 

“We realize that consumers are looking for fashionable and slim digital cameras that still take high-quality photos and feature advanced photo settings,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the LUMIX DMC-FP8, we are giving users that sleek and compact design, while not compromising the advanced, yet easy-to-use features and technology for which the Panasonic LUMIX line of cameras is known.”

The FP8’s design has intricate detailing which features blue LED cursor buttons that glow when pressed, and its centered back panel gives it an overall ultra-modern and unique look. Additionally, the 2.7-inch large Intelligent LCD offers a dynamic and clear view of the scenes and subjects being photographed.  In the Face Recognition** mode, up to three people can be simultaneously recognized to show their names on the monitor once registered. Additionally, the powerful battery life of the highly energy-efficient image processing LSI, Venus Engine V***, allows users to take approximately 380 pictures. 

Other features of the DMC-FP8 include:

1. HD Movies with VIERA Link Networking – Records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480)****. With HD component output capability, the user can enjoy watching photos and video in stunning HD quality by simply connecting the camera to a television via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).

2. Scene Modes – Twenty-seven scene modes are available with the FP8, including the High Dynamic mode which helps to capture a scene with moderate exposure, even though the scene may contain both bright and dark areas together.

3. PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 – Included with the FP8, this software allows users to view, edit and archive captured photos and videos with greater ease. The new PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 features dramatic speed-up of operation and also allows users to store and sort for photos by a specific, recognized face in the image.

  The LUMIX DMC-FP8 will have a suggested retail price of $299.95 and will be available in September 2009 in black, red and silver. 

* 35mm film camera equivalent: 28-128mm
**Turn Face Recognition item ON and register the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance
***Based on a CIPA standard
****In Motion Picture mode, the length of recording time depends on the capacity of the SDHC/SD Memory Card. (Up to the equivalent of 2 GB per motion-image recording.) When you set the motion picture quality to VGA 30fps, WVGA 30fps and HD (1280x720) 30/15fps, we recommend using a high-speed memory card with “10MB/s” or greater specified on the package. Some lends movement sounds may be recorded. For Europe, motion images can be recorded continuously for up to 15 minutes.

• Recognition performance varies greatly depending on shooting conditions, i.e., according to factors such as angles, facial expression and lighting, so operation under all conditions cannot be guaranteed. Because the camera searches for faces that are similar to registered faces, there are cases where the faces are not correctly recognized when the registered image and the shooting image vary significantly. When facial characteristics are similar, particularly between parents and their children or brothers and sisters, the camera may not distinguish the faces.

• Dynamic tracking function may fail to lock, lose the subject in AF Tracking, or track different subjects depending on the recording conditions.

• Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.

• The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality standards.

• All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.

• This unit is compatible with both SD Memory Cards and SDHC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using a SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)

• Some accessories are not available in some countries.

• The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.

• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

 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 Panasonic Corporation. (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the features on their digital cameras and produce high-quality photos. Panasonic is honored to support OUR PLACE – The World’s Heritage, a project that will create the world’s largest photographic collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites, with acclaimed photographers exclusively using LUMIX digital cameras to capture all images.

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