Three new Panasonic digicams bring long zooms, one has WiFi

Press Release

Panasonic Announces The New LUMIX SZ5 Wi-Fi®-Capable Digital Communication Camera

Slim, Stylish LUMIX SZ5 Packs Powerful Digital Performance with Flexible Shooting Style and Easy Sharing Options

July 18, 2012 (Secaucus, NJ) – Panasonic today announced the LUMIX DMC-SZ5, a slim and compact digital camera which features 10x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-250mm) and integrates Wi-Fi connectivity to allow for quick file sharing while at home or on the go.  Marrying the conventional digital camera experience with Wi-Fi capability allows users to connect the LUMIX SZ5 directly to their smartphone device and easily shoot and share photos.

“With the rise of social media and file sharing, consumers have become accustomed to capturing spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities on their smartphone device.  But, smartphones do not offer the same image quality and offer less creative control than a traditional digital camera, leaving consumers torn between capturing quick-sharing photos or capturing truly stunning photographic imagery ,” said Marc Sorkin, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America.  “Panasonic has created the LUMIX SZ5 to fill the gap between smartphone devices and traditional digital cameras.  This new camera model fulfills the needs of consumers who are looking for high-quality photos that can be uploaded easily onto their social networking sites and shared with friends quickly and seamlessly.” 

The LUMIX SZ5 integrates Wi-Fi connectivity so that users can enjoy flexible shooting style and instant imaging sharing.  The LUMIX SZ5 can be connected directly to a smartphone device by using it as a wireless router, which eliminates the need to search for a Wi-Fi hotspot.  With the LUMIX LINK application, for iOS/Android smartphone devices, users can utilize remote shooting, which allows them to place the LUMIX SZ5 at a shooting position and monitor what the lens is seeing live from their smartphone device at 30 fps (frames per second).  Users also have the ability to zoom, set focus position, shoot and playback images directly from their smartphone screen using the app.  Additionally, users can tag location information to images by utilizing the GPS (Global Positioning System) log of a smartphone.

In addition to the camera’s ease-of-use for connected consumers, the LUMIX SZ5 boasts exceptional optical performance, producing images with stunning clarity imagery in a slim and compact camera body.  A 25mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens system with powerful, 10x optical zoom excels in shooting both dynamic landscapes with wide-angle views and up-close subjects.  With Intelligent Resolution Technology, the Intelligent Zoom feature extends the cameras zoom ratio up to 20x the equivalent while maintaining crisp picture quality.  The 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor and Venus Engine processes high-quality images in both photo and video recording.  Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus) helps users capture even the most fleeting photo opportunities. 

The LUMIX SZ5 records dynamic HD video in 1280x720 at 30p in MP4^*1 format which can be played back directly on a PC or other portable electronics device without the need to convert the file.  A dedicated video button allows users to quickly switch between photo mode and video recording.

To help ensure the LUMIX SZ5 is easy to use, the digital camera features Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. In iA mode, a suite of technologies are automatically engaged and the camera chooses the best setting based on the shooting environment. For instance, iA includes Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure.  MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) helps to suppress handshake which often occurs when shooting using high zoom.  Furthermore, the Auto Retouch function automatically adjusts the contrast and brightness to give any photo a different impression with the touch of a button. 

The LUMIX SZ5 also features special effects to enhance the shooting experience and create fun photo options.  In Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized to make the picture look like a diorama. Video recorded in Miniature Effect mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding, making it comical and fun to watch^*2. Panorama Shot makes it possible to shoot a horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots and then overlaying the photos for the effect of a panoramic photo. 

The new LUMIX SZ5 makes archiving images as simple as charging the camera’s battery.  Both photo and video, in their original size, can be archived to registered digital equipment, like a PC or compliant Panasonic AV equipment, automatically via a home’s wireless router when the camera’s battery is being charged, eliminating the need to eject and re-insert the camera’s SD Memory Card or connect the camera to a computer via USB cable.  Users can also save photos to the Panasonic exclusive cloud service, “LUMIX CLUB” and easily transfer images to Facebook™, Flickr™, Picasa™, Twitter™ or YouTube™.  The LUMIX SZ5’s Wi-Fi function also allows for playback of images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance)-compliant VIERA HDTV’s^*3.

Additional features of the LUMIX SZ5 include:

• Large, 3-inch Intelligent LCD screen with High Angle Mode that automatically adjusts the backlight based on the environment’s lighting

• USB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power supply

• LUMIX Image Uploader

Pricing and availability will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping.  The LUMIX DMC-SZ5 will be available in black and silver.  For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

1. Motion pictures in [MP4] can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.

• Use an SD Memory Card with "Class 4" or higher speed when recording videos.

• SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing

2. Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long.)

3. Wireless access point (router) is required

• 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.

• Android and Google Play are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc.

• DLNA, the DLNA Logo and DLNA CERTIFIED are trademarks, service marks, or certification marks of the Digital Living Network Alliance.

• Wi-Fi is a registered trademark or trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance®.

• Facebook® is a trademark of Facebook Inc.

• Flickr is a registered trademark or trademark of Yahoo! Inc.

• Picasa is a registered trademark or trademark of Google Inc.

• The Twitter name and logos are trademarks of Twitter, Inc

• YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

• Other names of systems and products mentioned in these instructions are usually the registered trademarks or trademarks of the manufacturers who developed the system or product concerned.

• This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC 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 an 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 Marketing Company of North America
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, 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, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. and Canada.  The Company’s portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. 

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. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicdirect, and additional company information for media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

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Panasonic Announces The LUMIX LZ20, A New Compact Digital Camera With Powerful 21x Optical Zoom

LUMIX LZ20 Super Zoom Camera Offers Users Shooting Versatility and Ease-of-Use

July 18, 2012 (Secaucus, NJ) – Panasonic today announced the new LUMIX DMC-LZ20 which features a powerful 25mm ultra wide angle 21x optical zoom(35mm camera equivalent: 25-525mm) lens with Optical Image Stabilizer.  A 16-megapixel high resolution CCD sensor and advanced image processing LSI supports shooting both high quality photos and video.

“The LUMIX LX20 is an ideal digital camera for users looking to capture exceptional, high-quality images in a compact camera body,” said Marc Sorkin, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America.  “The camera’s 21x optical zoom can be extended to 48.5x^*1 with the Extra Optical Zoom function to draw in distant subjects which is helpful in shooting dynamic landscapes.”

Blurring caused by a hand movement typically occurs in shooting using a high zoom setting, however, the LUMIX LZ20’s Optical Image Stabilizer prevents blur without deterioration of image quality.  Furthermore, linking smoothly with the camera’s 16-megapixel high resolution CCD sensor, the image processor produces high quality images even in high sensitivity recording at ISO 1600 and max. ISO 6400 in High Sensitivity mode.

To provide users with the ultimate ease of operation and reduction of error, the LUMIX LZ2- is equipped with iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. A comprehensive integration of Optical Image Stabilizer, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure, iA mode lets the camera do all the work so users are free to compose shots, aim and capture the subject. Face Detection sets appropriate AF/AE on the face of people in an image while removing the unwanted red-eye. Intelligent Exposure corrects the brightness in parts of the image that are too dark due to insufficient lighting, backlighting or use of the flash. Finally, Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects one of six Scene modes - Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset - that best suits the shooting situation. The LUMIX LZ20 can also produce a dynamic panoramic image in the camera by overlaying pictures shot horizontally or vertically with the Panorama Shot function.

In addition to capturing stunning photographs, the new LUMIX LZ20 also records dynamic HD video in 1280 x 720p at 30 fps in Motion JPEG. Users can enjoy high quality image playback that perfectly fits a wide-screen HDTV for full-screen viewing together with HD (High Definition) photos taken in 16:9 aspect ratio. With the bundled software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.2 Lite Edition, videos can be easily edited and uploaded to YouTube to share with family or friends.

The LUMIX LZ20’s large, 3.0-inch 460,000-dot LCD assures high visibility in various lighting circumstances which is excellent for both shooting and playing back images.  The camera’s body design offers users a stable, comfortable grip despite it’s compact size. 

Pricing and availability will be announced 30 days prior to shipping.  For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras and lenses, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

1. At 3-megapixel resolution

• Models of VIERA TV that are capable of playing back Motion JPEG images via the SD Memory card slot vary depending on the sales area.

• Use an SD Memory Card that is "Class 6" or higher speed when recording motion pictures.

• * SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.

• YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

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

• This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC 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 an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)

• SDHC Memory Cards and SDXC Memory Cards can be used only in equipment that is compatible with their respective formats.

• If the computer being used does not support SDXC Memory Cards, a message prompting you to format may appear. (Doing so will cause recorded images to be erased so do not choose to format.) If the card is not recognized, please refer to the below support site.  http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html

• 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 Marketing Company of North America
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, 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, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. and Canada.  The Company’s portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. 

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. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicdirect, and additional company information for media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

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Panasonic Introduces The LUMIX FZ60, New Super-Zoom Digital Camera Equipped With 24x Optical Zoom Lens

The New FZ60 Features High Speed Response and Excels in Full-HD Video Recording

July 18, 2012 (Secaucus, NJ) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new LUMIX DMC-FZ60, the latest in the popular FZ series, which packs a powerful optical zoom and superior controllability including manual operation over both photo and full-HD video recording.

The LUMIX FZ60 is equipped with a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 25mm ultra wide-angle lens with a 24x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-600mm), allowing for flawless shooting of dynamic landscapes or indoor group portraits.  With the camera’s Intelligent Zoom function, zoom can be increased to 48x equivalent while Intelligent Resolution technology maintains picture quality. Nano Surface Coating technology, is dramatically minimizes light reflection for the entire visual light range (380nm-780nm) by applying the extra-low refractive index coating with nano-sized structure on the surface of the lens resulting in super clear picture with dramatic reduction of ghost and flare.  Compared of 14 elements in 10 groups, including 3 ED lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, the LUMIX FZ60’s advanced lens system fits within an outstandingly compact body while delivering exceptional optical performance and suppressing distortion at the wide-end and color bleeding at the tele-end.

The LUMIX FZ60’s newly developed 16.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor combined with the high performance image processing LSI Venus Engine results in elevated response, sensitivity and image quality.  Integrating high-speed digital signal output technology, the LUMIX FZ60 shoots 10 fps (frames per second) in 16.1-megapixel full resolution^*1 with mechanical shutter and 5 fps with continuous AF.  Combined with its quick start-up time of approximately 0.9 seconds, the LUMIX FZ60 is able to capture even the most fleeting shooting opportunities. 

“The new LUMIX FZ60 is a powerful, super-zoom camera which boasts extremely fast speed, and stellar image quality,” said Marc Sorkin, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America.  “The high energy efficiency of the camera’s Venus Engine extends the LUMIX FZ60’s battery life by about 12% as compared to its predecessor, the FZ45, making it possible to shoot 450 images per single charge making it an ideal companion for field shooting.”

The LUMIX FZ60 is an advanced photographic tool for recording not only great photos but also beautiful high-resolution full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60i (NTSC, sensor output 30p) videos in AVCHD (MPEG-4 / H.264) format or 30p in MP4.  A special, separate button on the top of the camera body allows the user to instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to change any settings.

The powerful 24x optical zoom with POWER O.I.S. is available in video recording and Active Mode encourages recording at a wide angle such as shooting while walking, without causing deterioration of image quality.  The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in video recording and Creative Video mode lets the user set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive videos. The high-quality stereo sound of Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator offers highly realistic sound to accompany the motion images. The stereo microphone comes with zoom noise reduction system and the Auto Wind Cut function blocks out most of the noise from background wind.

The LUMIX FZ60 incorporates Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of missed shots.  A comprehensive integration of POWER O.I.S. with Active Mode, AF Tracking, Face Recognition, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Handheld Night Shot, Intelligent HDR(High Dynamic Range) and Motion Deblur^*2 functions, iA mode lets the camera do all the work, leaving the user free to compose shots, aim and shoot subjects.  Additionally,  iA Plus mode is newly enhanced to enable defocus control, exposure compensation and white balance adjustment using iA mode.

While offering a convenient shooting-assist function such as iA / iA Plus, the LUMIX FZ60 is capable of full manual control for users a step beyond the beginner stage who enjoy more creative photography. With its P/A/S/M mode, users can enjoy creative shooting, expressing themselves not only in photos but also in video.

The popular Creative Control mode has been upgraded, adding eight new filter options including Soft Focus^*3, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect and Star Filter^*3 in addition to the conventional Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Miniature Effect^*4 modes .

Additional features of the LUMIX FZ60 include:

• 3.0-inch, 460,000-dot Wide Viewing Angle Intelligent LCD screen

• HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode

• Panorama Shot mode

• 3D Photo mode

• Optional Accessories including Tele Conversion Lens, Close-up Lens, Lens Adaptor, ND Filter, PL Filter, MC Protector, Battery Pack, Soft Case, Camera Bag, etc

Pricing and availability for the LUMIX DMC-FZ60 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping.  For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras and lenses, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

1. Maximum 3 images

• Motion pictures in [MP4] can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.

• Use an SD Memory Card  with "Class 4" or higher when recording videos.

• * SD Speed Class is the speed standard for continuous writing.

2. The picture size may be reduced.

3. For photo only

4. Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long)

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

• The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 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.

• The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.

• Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

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

• This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC 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 an 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 Marketing Company of North America
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, 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, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. and Canada.  The Company’s portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. 

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. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicdirect, and additional company information for media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

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