Panasonic S3, S1: Colorful, approachable compact cameras announced
By
Mike Tomkins
(Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - 18:30 EST)
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. has today announced its new Lumix DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 digital cameras, the first in a new line featuring rounded-off bodies that project a gentler, friendler image.
The Panasonic S1 and S3 are very closely related designs, with the most significant different being in the amount of built-in storage space offered by each camera. While the Lumix S3 offers a relatively generous 70MB of built-in memory with which to supplement its SD, SDHC, or SDXC card slot, the Lumix S1 provides a rather more modest 20MB of internal memory. The Panasonic S3 also has a higher resolution image sensor, although the real-world difference is slight. The Lumix DMC-S1 yields a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, equating to 4,000 x 3,000 pixels. By contrast, the DMC-S3 has a 14.1 megapixel sensor, which translates to 4,320 x 3,240 pixel resolution -- just 8% greater linear resolution than its more affordable sibling. The difference in image sensor between the two cameras also brings with it a slight difference in rated battery life. Of the two cameras, the higher-res Panasonic Lumix S3 offers the greater battery life by a slim margin, at around 250 shots on a charge to CIPA testing standards. The Panasonic Lumix S1, meanwhile, yields a battery life rating of some 240 shots on a charge. It seems likely that there will also be differences in burst shooting speed and depth between the two cameras, since both are based around an identical Venus Engine VI image processor, but we don't at this time have information as to the magnitude of the difference. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 is rated at two frames per second continuous shooting from its higher-res sensor, but no burst speed rating was available for the S1 at press time. One other difference between the two cameras is to be found in their available selection of body colors. The Panasonic DMC-S3 will be available in black, blue, red, and violet body colors. Both black and blue will also be available for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1, as well as silver, gold, and pink versions. In other respects, the Panasonic DMC-S1 and S3 are largely similar. Both cameras have the same body design, Lumix DC Vario branded 4x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization, and 2.7" LCD display. US-market pricing and availability for both cameras will be announced approximately 30 days before their respective availability, and hence aren't available at press time. For more details, read our Panasonic S3 preview or Panasonic S1 preview, as your preferences dictate. | Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 |  | | General | | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | | Manufacturer | Panasonic | | Model Number | North America: DMC-S3
| | Dimensions | 3.9 x 2.3 x 0.8 in.
(99 x 59 x 21 mm) | | Weight | 4.1 oz (117 g) | | Image Capture | | Sensor Type | CCD
1/2.33" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
14.50 megapixels (total)
14.10 megapixels (effective) | | Filter Type | RGBG | | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | | Image Dimensions | 4320 x 3240 (14.0 megapixels)
4320 x 2880 (12.4 megapixels)
4320 x 2432 (10.5 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
0.3 megapixels
3.7 megapixels
3.1 megapixels
2.8 megapixels
2.1 megapixels
1.9 megapixels
0.3 megapixels
| | Capture Speed | Continuous: 2.0 frames per second for 9999 frames | | Image Preview / Review | | Viewfinder | No | | LCD | 2.7 in. diagonal
230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels) | | Playback Zoom | 16.0x max | | Lens | | Lens Type | LEICA DC VARIO, 6 elements in 5 groups, 3 Aspherical
4x optical zoom | | Image Stabilization | Yes | | Focal Length | 5.0 - 20.0mm (actual)
28 - 112mm (35mm equivalent) | | Aperture Range | f/3.1 - 9.0 (wide) / f/6.5 - 20.0 (tele) | | Focusing System | Contrast Detection: Face / 11 pt / 1pt
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible | | Focusing Range | Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 4.1" - 4,082" (10 cm - 10,000 cm) | | Exposure | | ISO Sensitivity | Intelligent ISO; 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; High Sensitivity Mode (1600-6400) | | Shutter Speed | 8 - 1/1600 second | | Exposure Modes | Program | | Metering Modes | Intelligent Multiple | | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, White Set | | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Range: 0.4 - 3.3m (Wide/I.ISO), 1.0 - 1.6m (Tele/I.ISO) | | Creative | | Scene Modes | Portrait, Soft Skin, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Baby, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Fireworks, Beach, Snow | | Digital Zoom | Up to 4x | | Self Timer | Yes, 2 or 10 seconds | | Movie Format | QuickTime Motion JPEG with audio | | Storage | | Recording Medium | SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in | | File System | FAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) | | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.3) | | Connectivity | | Video | Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | | Computer | USB 2.0 High Speed | | Power | | Battery Type | 3.6V, 660mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable | | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary | | Product Bundle | | Software | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 Edition, QuickTime, Adobe Reader | | Battery / Charger | 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger | | Flash Memory | 70.0MB built-in memory | | Other | | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | | Internal Microphone | Yes | | Internal Speaker | Yes | | Tripod Mount | Yes | | Remote Control | No | | Notes | MEGA O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector. Available in blue, red, black and violet. | | More Photos |  |  |  |  | | |
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 |  | | General | | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | | Manufacturer | Panasonic | | Model Number | North America: DMC-S1
| | Dimensions | 3.9 x 2.3 x 0.8 in.
(99 x 59 x 21 mm) | | Weight | 4.1 oz (117 g) | | Image Capture | | Sensor Type | CCD
1/2.33" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
12.70 megapixels (total)
12.10 megapixels (effective) | | Filter Type | RGBG | | Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 | | Image Dimensions | 4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
4000 x 2672 (10.7 megapixels)
4000 x 2248 (9.0 megapixels)
3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
0.3 megapixels
3.7 megapixels
3.1 megapixels
2.8 megapixels
2.1 megapixels
1.9 megapixels
0.3 megapixels
| | Capture Speed | Continuous: 2.0 frames per second for 9999 frames | | Image Preview / Review | | Viewfinder | No | | LCD | 2.7 in. diagonal
230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels) | | Playback Zoom | 16.0x max | | Lens | | Lens Type | LEICA DC VARIO, 6 elements in 5 groups, 3 Aspherical
4x optical zoom | | Image Stabilization | Yes | | Focal Length | 5.0 - 20.0mm (actual)
28 - 112mm (35mm equivalent) | | Aperture Range | f/3.1 - 9.0 (wide) / f/6.5 - 20.0 (tele) | | Focusing System | Contrast Detection: Face / 11 pt / 1pt
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible | | Focusing Range | Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 4.1" - 4,082" (10 cm - 10,000 cm) | | Exposure | | ISO Sensitivity | Intelligent ISO; 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; High Sensitivity Mode (1600-6400) | | Shutter Speed | 8 - 1/1600 second | | Exposure Modes | Program | | Metering Modes | Intelligent Multiple | | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments | | White Balance | Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, White Set | | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Range: 0.4 - 3.3m (Wide/I.ISO), 1.0 - 1.6m (Tele/I.ISO) | | Creative | | Scene Modes | Portrait, Soft Skin, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Baby, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Fireworks, Beach, Snow | | Digital Zoom | Up to 4x | | Self Timer | Yes, 2 or 10 seconds | | Movie Format | QuickTime Motion JPEG with audio | | Storage | | Recording Medium | SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in | | File System | FAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) | | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.3) | | Connectivity | | Video | Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | | Computer | USB 2.0 High Speed | | Power | | Battery Type | 3.6V, 660mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable | | Battery Form Factor | Proprietary | | Product Bundle | | Software | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 Edition, QuickTime, Adobe Reader | | Battery / Charger | 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger | | Flash Memory | 20.0MB built-in memory | | Other | | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | | Internal Microphone | Yes | | Internal Speaker | Yes | | Tripod Mount | Yes | | Remote Control | No | | Notes | MEGA O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector. Available in blue, black, gold, pink and silver. | | More Photos |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | | |
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Original Source Press Release:
| Panasonic's New LUMIX S-Series Digital Cameras Excel In Ease Of Use With Smart Photo & Video Features New LUMIX S3 and LUMIX S1 Are the Ultimate Easy-to-Use Digital Cameras to Take High-Quality Photos & Videos and Easily Share via Social Networking Sites LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2011) – Panasonic today announced the new LUMIX S-Series digital cameras, the LUMIX DMC-S3 and LUMIX DMC-S1 – two easy-to-use models that offer smart features, making them ideal for users wanting an extremely intuitive experience for taking high-quality photos and 720p (at 30fps) High Definition videos. The 14.1-megapixel LUMIX S3 and 12.1-megapixel LUMIX S1 also feature a new design, with a distinct rounded shape that fits comfortably in the palm of the hand, to differentiate the models from the rest of the LUMIX line. With a 28mm* wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens, these entry-level LUMIX digital cameras are extremely versatile, helping consumers get superb shots both far and wide. “With Panasonic’s new LUMIX S-Series, we are giving consumers really intuitive digital cameras that provide smart features for users who simply want to take exceptional photos and videos,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “In addition to advanced features like a 28mm wide-angle lens and HD video, the S-Series also offer a simple solution for sharing videos and photos on popular sites such as YouTube and Facebook.” Both the LUMIX S3 and LUMIX S1 feature Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) mode to help ensure these models are extremely intuitive. Panasonic’s iA mode is a suite of technologies that engage automatically – with no setting changes needed by the user – makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. Features include: -
MEGA OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) – Helps reduce blurry photos due to hand-shake. -
Intelligent ISO Control – Detects the speed of the subject’s movement and determines the right combination of ISO sensitivity and shutter speed to help prevent motion blur. -
Face Detection – Helps to ensures registered faces are captured in focus with appropriate exposure and unwanted red eyes are digitally corrected**. -
Intelligent Scene Selector – Selects the best option from Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset by detecting the environment. The LUMIX S3 and LUMIX S1 are powered by the high-performing Venus Engine VI image processor, which accounts for their fast response times and image quality. The shutter release time lag is approximately .007 (S3) / 0.008 (S1) per second. Photos and videos recorded on the LUMIX S3 and LUMIX S1 can easily be shared with friends and family via the LUMIX Image Uploader. The user simply connects the camera to a computer (no software needed), checkmarks the photos they want to share and it will prompt a step-by-step menu to upload photos to Facebook. For videos, the same processes will be prompted, but will upload to YouTube. Other features of the LUMIX S3 and LUMIX S1 include: -
2.7-inch large Intelligent LCD which automatically adjusts the screen brightness as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times. -
The built-in memory of 70MB and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX S3 and LUMIX S1 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. The LUMIX S3 will be available in blue, red, black and violet while the LUMIX S1 will be available in blue, black, gold, pink and silver. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/CES. * 35mm camera equivalent.
** Digital red-eye correction is available on LUMIX DMC-S3 only. YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
Facebook is a registered trademarks of Facebook, Inc. Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), 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 pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom. # # # |
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