“Panasonic expects the LUMIX GX1 to please a lot of photo enthusiasts who have been eager for a technology upgrade comparable to the LUMIX DMC-GF1, which continues to be a very popular digital camera with dedicated followers who appreciate the compact size, yet high quality of photos and video,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The LUMIX GX1 is an extremely flexible and capable digital camera with fast AF speeds and outstanding image quality.  Plus with a built-in flash and a hot shoe allowing for accessories like an external view finder, the GX1 is a powerful compact system camera that is small enough to be a photographer’s everyday camera choice.”

The LUMIX GX1, like all the models in Panasonic’s LUMIX G Series of CSC, adopts Contrast AF for its focus system, so focusing is controlled by the image sensor.  When compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF achieves higher accuracy especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F value. For instance, the accuracy of Contrast AF is approximately 90% while Phase difference AF is approximately 60% at F1.4. Additionally, with the precise Contrast AF system, the LUMIX GX1 achieves high resolution through an optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction, thus producing lifelike image rendering and highly precise Auto Exposure and white balance. To further advance the Contrast AF, the LUMIX GX1?incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. With the LUMIX GX1’s 3.0-inch touch LCD screen, frame composition is intuitive and easy.

The LUMIX GX1 features an ultra high-speed Light Speed AF*, which means it can Auto Focus in approximately 0.09 second. This is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by the synchronizing the lens and sensor at 120 fps.  Plus, the newly-added focus mode AFF (AF Flexible) locks on the focus when the shutter button is half-pressed, however, if the subject moves, the focusing is reset to get the best results. Combined with the Touch AF control, setting and focusing on the subject is incredibly easy and quick.

The touch-control system of the LUMIX GX1 lets users set the focus on the subject by simply touching it on the large, 460,000-dot wide-viewing angle LCD.  Users can even release the shutter by touching the screen.  Once locked on the subject with a touch, the LUMIX GX1 tracks the subject, even when it moves, using the AF tracking function. With a touch on the screen, users can select the part and the size of the AF area, choosing from 1-area AF, Multi-area AF with 23 AF areas and Pinpoint AF, which allows extremely precise focus setting.

Despite its compact size, the LUMIX GX1 is extremely intuitive to operate, with an optimized layout of control buttons, a mode dial and dedicated function buttons. Users can customize the two external buttons and two menus tabs to settings they most frequently use so they are easily accessible.  In addition, a total of four custom setting patterns can be stored to the camera’s model dial – one on ‘C1’ and three on ‘C2.’  Furthermore, the LUMIX GX1 was designed to enhance its ergonomics, with a grip that fits naturally and comfortably in the hand, despite its flat profile and compact design.  Plus, the LUMIX GX1 has a more tactile texture and the mode dial is easy to turn and features print that is easy to read and won’t easily wear.

The LUMIX GX1 can record 1920 x 1080 at 60i, with sensor output of 30p, full-High Definition videos in the AVCHD format which excels in both compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback.  In addition to the practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing at the subject, the focus is shifted so it stands out. With a dedicated video record button on the top, users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra setting adjustments. Along with the full-HD video capabilities, the LUMIX GX1 also features high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. Videos can also be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files.

Other features of the new Panasonic LUMIX GX1 compact system camera include:

* A new Level Gauge, which lets the camera detect the horizontal/vertical angle of view with its internal level working with the sensor. In addition, photos shot in portrait aspect will be automatically displayed vertically, regardless of which lens is used.
* One Push AE adjusts exposure with a single press of the “Fn” (Function) button when it is over/under exposed, which is especially useful when shooting outdoors with open aperture or indoors with fast shutter speed.
* Dust Reduction System helps to eliminate dust or foreign matter getting inside the LUMIX GX1 when lenses are being changed.  By placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor that vibrates vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.
* Zoom operation can be controlled with touch control when either of Panasonic’s new LUMIX X Power Zoom lenses are attached.  And the zoom speed can also be adjusted in two steps for more precise control.
* Popular iA and iA Plus modes for beginners looking for automatic shooting in both still and video modes.
* Increased energy consumption and an approximately 11%** longer battery life when compared to the LUMIX DMC-G3, which also uses the same battery pack DMW-BLD10.

The LUMIX G Series is a robust system of bodies and lenses, featuring a total of 14 Micro Four Thirds lenses including the new power zoom X lens – standard zoom lens, telephoto zoom lens, single focal length lens, wide-angle lens, fish-eye lens, macro lens, and even a 3D lens – to fit a variety of shooting scenarios and occasions.

The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today’s Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GX1 can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adapter for the unlimited number of lens properties.  The LUMIX GX1 system camera offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style, including: external flashes, PL filters, ND filters, MC protectors, remote shutter, zoom level, battery packs, AC adaptor, DC coupler, straps, cases, bags and more.   Plus, with the LUMIX GX1’s hot shoe on the top, users can attach the optional tilt-shift Live View Finder (DMW-LVF2), with approximately 1.4x and 1,440,000-dot equivalent, 100% field of view.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1 will be available in black and silver bodies in mid-December and in the following kit options: DMC-GX1-X with the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) lens will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $949.99; the DMC-GX1-K with the 14-42 standard zoom for an SRP of $799.99; and the DMC-GX1, body only for an SRP of $699.99.

Panasonic also introduces today LUMIX CLUB, a cloud-based service that is accessible via a smartphone and a computer browser that allows consumers to upload photos taken with the LUMIX FX90 to the following social networks: Facebook™, Flickr™, Picasa™ or YouTube™.  Photos can even be shared with these sites simultaneously, making it easy and quick.  Additionally, once a LUMIX CLUB account is acquired, Panasonic will also provide a free, dedicated application called “LUMIX LINK”, which will be compatible with iPhone® and Android™OS smartphones, thus consumers can instantly share photos by connecting the LUMIX FX90 just once to their compatible smartphone and then using the carrier network to share photos online. After the initial set-up, sharing photos will be as simple as using the LUMIX LINK application on the smartphone.

Using the LUMIX LINK application, users can enter and store all their social network account information and will not have to log-in to individual sites after the initial set-up.  At home, users can directly upload the images to the social networks via the access point of a home router or a wireless connection. To make accessing Wi-Fi even easier, the LUMIX FX90 has a convenient dedicated Wi-Fi button that when pressed, directly opens a Wi-Fi Connection mode outside home and gets WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) connection at home. The Wi-Fi module is located on the opposite side of the grip so as not to interfere with the connection signal.

In addition to its Wi-Fi connectivity features, the LUMIX FX90 is an outstanding digital camera complete with a stylish design and sleek body.  With an ultra-wide-angle Leica lens complete with a 5x optical zoom (available also in video recording) and an F2.5 brightness, the LUMIX FX90 excels in a variety of shooting environments. Whether taking a photo of a landscape, or capturing moving subjects even in low-lit situations – the LUMIX FX90’s outstanding lens will take the photo brightly and crisply.
The LUMIX FX90 also features a 3.0-inch 460,000-dot LCD with Smart Touch, meaning all controls can be made by intuitively touching the screen. Touch operations while recording, include: Touch AF, Touch Zoom or Touch Shutter. And during playback, the Smart Touch feature can be used with the Beauty Retouch and Art Retouch modes. In addition, functions and settings used most often, such as O.I.S., AF point and white balance, can easily be customized to the user and accessed via the shortcut setting by dragging the icon to the main menu.

The LUMIX FX90’s outstanding performance is powered by a 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor and is compatible with high-speed, large-capacity signal processing required for 1920 x 1080 60i (sensor output 30p) full-HD video recording in the AVCHD format. Videos can also be recorded in MPEG4 format to easily playback on a computer and other portable electronic devices. To complement its high-quality video capabilities, the LUMIX FX90 also includes Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio. The Venus Engine powers the Sonic Speed AF, enabling extremely fast start-up times, making the LUMIX FX90 not only a powerful digital camera, but a speedy one, too. Also, the Venus Engine also provides precisely selective noise reduction to the chromatic noise without affecting the border of colors, so images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and video recording.

Like all of Panasonic’s digital cameras, the LUMIX FX90 features Intelligent Auto.  When in iA mode, the LUMIX FZ47 automatically chooses the best setting based on the shooting environment and features include: Active Mode in MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), Motion Deblur*, Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control and Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure. Even when shooting video, the LUMIX FX90 enables the following features when in iA: AF Tracking, MEGA O.I.S., Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure – all available to help take clear videos worthy of sharing with friends and family.

Access to the LUMIX CLUB is expected, be available on September 5, 2011 here: http://lumixclub.panasonic.net and will allow consumers to easily share their images on Facebook, Flickr, Picasa or YouTube.  In addition the LUMIX LINK applications for iPhone and Android OS smartphones will be also available.  The LUMIX CLUB site will available in six languages: English, Italian, German, French, Spanish and Japanese.  In the future, LUMIX CLUB plans to add the following features:

* A storage service so photos can be uploaded to an album that resides in the cloud-based networks and then viewed from smartphones, and Internet-enabled Panasonic VIERA HDTVS and Blu-ray Disc players
* An intuitive user interface with a Timeline function that has a drag-and-drop feature
* A photo sharing album function that will allow users who attended the same event, such as a wedding or party, to exchange and comment on photos and videos

Pricing and availability for the LUMIX FX90 will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping.  For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

“The LUMIX LS5 is the ideal digital camera for an entry-level user who wants an extremely easy to use digital camera that does not sacrifice image quality,” said David Fisher, Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With top-quality features like HD video and an F2.8 26mm wide-angle lens, the LS5 is giving consumers exceptional performance and value, while being easy-to-use and convenient. By adding a LUMIX model that runs on AA batteries, we are mindful that consumers have different needs and preferences.”

To further its ease-of-use, the LUMIX LS5 features Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto mode), which automatically engages the following features, without the user making any setting adjustments:

* O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) – Helps reduce blur caused by a shaky hand
* Face Detection – Finds human faces to give appropriate focus and exposure
* Intelligent Scene Selector – Detects the environment and sets the best shooting parameters based on Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Macro

The new LUMIX LS5 records HD video in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps – which is ideal for viewing on a High Definition Television. Users with a VIERA® HDTV, can simply remove the SD Memory Card from the LUMIX and insert it into the built-in SD Memory Card Slot on the VIERA HDTV to enjoy HD videos and photo slideshows.  The LUMIX LS5 can also record video in standard VGA (640 x 480) and QVGA (320 x 240). With the included YouTube and Facebook Image uploader, users can easily share their photos and videos via popular social networking sites.

The Panasonic LUMIX LS5 will be available in black in November 2011. Pricing will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping. For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit: www.panasonic.com/lumix.

“With the LUMIX G3, Panasonic offers an extremely light compact system camera that is easy to use, thanks to a touch-control LCD, yet still maintains powerful and creative features to appease the more advanced photographer,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With new features that enhance photo and video quality, the LUMIX G3 offers exceptional image quality that a photographer at any level would be excited about using to capture their experiences.”

For the camera traditionalist, the LUMIX G3 provides a traditional DSLR-like experience with an external Mode dial for quick access to common modes like Program, Shutter and Aperture Priority, Manual. Additional dial settings include two Custom Modes, Scene Modes and a Creative Control Mode. The LUMIX G3 provides a dedicated video button that can be used to switch to video capture quickly without changing modes. Like most traditional DSLRs, the LUMIX G3 provides a built-in flash and hotshoe for connecting optional LUMIX flashes. For many, a traditional eyelevel viewfinder is still a must have, so the LUMIX G3 meets this demand with an eye-level electronic viewfinder that projects a high resolution 1.44m-dot image with 100% field of view (800×600, 0.7x magnification). In addition, color breakup has been improved when compared to the LUMIX G2.

To enhance operability and ensure it’s user-friendly, the LUMIX G3 features touch-control shooting, which lets photographers focus on the subject by simply touching it on the large, 3-inch high-resolution LCD touch screen. Once locked on the subject by a touch, the LUMIX G3 tracks the subject, even if it moves, with Auto Focus (AF) tracking. In addition to its 23 Area Auto Focusing Points, the LUMIX G3 features new Pinpoint AF. Pinpoint AF allows extremely precise near–pixel-level focus point setting at the touch of a finger. For example, unlike DSLRs that limit the number of fixed hardware focus points, Panasonic’s Pinpoint AF can be set by touch control to very fine points anywhere on the LCD. With a new Precision Contrast LightSpeed AF system, the LUMIX G3 is extremely fast, measuring approximately 0.1 second (14-140mm ~0.1 sec. 14-42mm ~0.18 sec., 45-200mm ~0.15 sec.). The LightSpeed AF feature is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by doubling the Live MOS Sensor drives speed from 60 fps to 120 fps. Manual control over focus is available in the LUMIX G3 and has been greatly improved when compared to its predecessor, the LUMIX DMC-G2. When magnification is first enabled at 4x by simply touching the subject on the LCD, that subject is enlarged in a small window allowing you to keep the rest of the image in view as a framing reference. Beyond 4x, that small window fills the monitor so even more control over focus fine-tuning can be achieved. This handy feature is available from both the MF Assist (Manual Focus) and AF + MF focus modes.

The Intelligent LCD has a bright 460K dot-resolution and rotates 180° to the side and tilts 270° up and down offering approximately 100% of field of view, making it easy to operate and shoot at different angles. In addition, the touch-enabled-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also for playing back images with outstanding visibility. Users can scroll through hundreds of images on the screen, simply by thumbing through the thumbnails. Or, to play back images one-by-one, the user drags the image across the screen as though flipping a page in a book.

The LUMIX G3’s newly developed 16.0-megapixel Live MOS sensor, combined with the powerful Venus Engine FHD image processor, contribute to the high-quality photo and video images. The processor also provides selective noise reduction to create a more naturally-balanced curve without deterioration of the image. In the LUMIX G3, noise is significantly suppressed by more than 66%. Notably in shooting at high ISO settings, S/N value is improved by approximately 200% compared with the conventional 12.1-megapixel sensor. The sensor performance improves by 6db at ISO 3200 and max. 9db at ISO 6400.

For added ease of use, the LUMIX G3 features Panasonic’s iA2 and new iA Plus modes, which are enabled automatically once the iA button is pressed. Panasonic’s iA features, such as Intelligent Resolution, MEGA O.I.S. (included in several lenses), Intelligent ISO Control, and Intelligent Scene Selector are available when shooting still images. However, Panasonic’s new iA Plus mode adds greater flexibility with real-time visual feedback between automatic and manual shooting features:

* Touch-screen-slider-enabled background defocusing.
* Touch-enabled exposure control compensation.
* Touch-screen-slider-enabled white balance. A desired color balance result under difficult lighting can now be achieved visually from the LCD with a touch-enabled slider icon.

The LUMIX G3 offers rapid burst shooting control at various rates and resolutions. Image capture at full-resolution (16-megapixel) is possible at up to 4 frames per second with its mechanical shutter enabled, or an even faster 20 frames per second using the electronic shutter feature at a reduced resolution of 4 megapixels.

With an array of creative features, the LUMIX G3 offers users the opportunity to express their creativity with settings like Creative Control mode, which allows for images to be taken with popular visual effects that previously required software post processing. Effects include: Retro, High Key, Sepia and High Dynamic.  The conventional film mode has evolved with a new effect control, Photo Style, which has Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait presets that allow finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction by each.

As with many interchangeable lens cameras, dust on the sensor reduces image clarity. To eliminate this potential, the LUMIX G3 uses a Dust Reduction System that uses a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.

The LUMIX G3 utilizes the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) System mount, offering greater size and weight reduction in the lens without compromising performance and clarity. The LUMIX MFT System offers a selection of 11 high-performance fixed focal length and variable aperture G Vario zooms, including a highly-versatile 3D lens capable of capturing both 2D and 3D images at the same time. There are lens adaptors available for mounting older Leica M and Leica R lenses, including prior LUMIX full Four Thirds lenses. An innovative 14-140mm HD G Vario lens provides the best of video and still-image shooting with a long 10x range and near silent high-speed focusing. When connected to the LUMIX G3, ultra-fast focusing and auto subject track AF can be achieved. Many LUMIX MFT lenses come with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) built-in. This feature helps prevent blurring from shaky hands. Working together with this is the camera’s intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motions blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves, helping to ensure sharp images.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G3, made of aluminum, will be available in a variety of attractive colors, including black, red, white and brown, starting in June 2011. Suggested retail price of the LUMIX G3 with the 14-42mm Zoom Lens Kit will be $699.99. For more information about the Panasonic LUMIX G Series of compact system cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

The Panasonic HM-TA20 shoots in full-HD 1920 x 1080 videos, and records in the MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which is convenient for editing images with a computer and uploading files to the Internet. The HM-TA20 includes an integrated USB terminal in its compact body and after editing images within the camera, the user simply connects the camera to a computer and the built-in software, which must be installed first, will then always launch automatically upon connection. The HM-TA20 can also be used as a web camera, for online video chatting. Additionally, extended voice recording is also possible, for recording and storing sounds.

The HM-TA20 will automatically prompt the new Nigh Video Mode feature when it recognize dark shooting conditions and enable shooting at a frame rate of 1/15 with, which helps shoot high-quality video and still photos, even in dimly lit conditions.

Other features of the Panasonic HM-TA20, include:

* An included tripod stand, making it easy to take self-portraits
* 4x digital zoom
* Capability of 8-megapixel still photos
* E.I.S (Electrical Image Stabilizer) during video recording
* Panasonic’s iA model for automatic settings
* Face Detection
* One-touch button for easy recording 1-button simple operation for easy recording
* Simultaneous Voice recording (Linear PCM) with still pictures
* The ability to cut a photo from a video*3
* Three recording effects: sepia/monochrome/soft skin
* Voice recording with stereo microphones
* Direct connection to high-definition TVs with an HDMI cable

Panasonic also announces today the HM-TA2, which is also a compact and mobile camera with the same features, except it is not waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. Like the HM-TA20, the HM-TA2 features the Night View Mode, a large 3.0-inch LCD for easy and intuitive Touch Operation for controls such as, play, record, stop, zoom, and also settings such as edit and – all accessible with the touch of a finger.

The Panasonic HM-TA20 and HM-TA2 will be available in June 2011 and pricing will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping. The HM-TA20 will be available in orange, while the HM-TA2 will be available in red, white and dark grey. For more information on Panasonic camcorders, please visit: www.panasonic.com/dvc.

The beauty care range offers styling products that offer a radical makeover and salon like finish, while being extremely user friendly. Compact, easy to carry and offering a variety services from slick hair styling to basic grooming, these products offer an attractively priced grooming option which is comfortable, stylish and fashionable. Enhancing not just the beauty and grooming range, but also adding a new dimension to photography, Panasonic has introduced revolutionary new technology in its cameras.

The beauty retouch technology allows basic re-touch art finishing and stylistic elements to be added to a captured image. This in itself offers a dimension of possibilities to the way images are taken and allows users to literally put their ‘best face forward’ even with the most spontaneous photography. Also tapping into the psyche and aspirations of young consumers are the tough cameras which come with a variety of features friendly for adventure sports from deep sea diving to hiking in the hills.

The beauty care products and camera range was launched at a glittering event, which captured the brand attributes perfectly in a theme which integrated stylish, comfortable and fashionable under one roof. Three dazzling divas, Jacqeline Fernandes, Kajal Aggarwal and Koyel Mullik represented the Panasonic beauty products in a creative representation of the “Girl Next Door”, adding to the style quotient of the young consumers of today. Renowned fashion and hair stylist Jawed Habib also added a touch of glamour to the event by styling the three beauties, using the beauty care range. Panasonic announced ace photographer Atul Kasbekar as the ambassador for its unique ‘style meets substance’ Camera range. Reflective of a ‘New Lifestyle’, the celebrities are youth icons and represent the aspirations of youth from different regions of the country.

Lumix

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Daizo Ito, President Panasonic India, said, “Panasonic has rigorously researched consumer needs in order to deliver revolutionized meaningful innovations based on unique insights. Panasonic has launched the new Cameras, Beauty and Health products in its endeavor to address Gen Next consumers’ need to style, look and feel their best. This adds a further dimension to the brand which has already made inroads into the countless lifestyle aspects of the Indian consumer.”

Mr. Manish Sharma, Director, Marketing, Panasonic India revealed the Panasonic marketing strategy behind the new product launch, “We have smartened up our entire range of personal care appliances. There is a growing trend among youth to look good and their increasing spending power is some of the factors that make us focus on this category. As Panasonic is actively poised to strengthen and widen sales and distribution network in India, this event is a fantastic platform to showcase our new range of products for personal consumption to our trusted partners and industry experts”, he added further.

The three celebrities, Jacqueline, Kajal and Koyel will also be the part of a national level campaign to promote the brand and the product, reaching into the hearts and homes of millions of aspiring young girls ‘next door’.

The ‘Girl Next Door’ campaign will also be launched across the nation. This concept embodies the tribute to the ‘Girl Next Door’ who represents the essence of Panasonic’s beauty products, and is a young consumer exposed to global influences and looking for the best that technology can offer. Panasonic shall set up display and retail points by way of distribution extensively across the country for these products. A select range shall also be promoted through “alliance partners” Modicare, one of the Ieading direct selling companies in India. As a part of the strategic alliance signed early this year, Panasonics’ products will be sold through Modicare’s vast network of 40 centers spread across 2700 cities.

The new ramped up product range and distribution network aims to reach out to the young consumer truly bringing them ‘ideas for life’.

3D Shooting Capability

Canon’s 3D Assist Function facilitates the setup of two XF305 or XF300 Professional Camcorders when used together to capture 3D HD video. The new firmware includes the ability to perform OIS Lens Shift to aid in optically aligning two XF305 or XF300 camcorders and a Focal Length Guide to display the zoom position of each camera in relation to each other and help calibrate zoom settings. This adjustment can be done through the menu system while the camcorders are mounted to a rig or tripod. Once aligned, the amount of the angle-of-view change is displayed after zoom adjustment, preventing camera misalignment and simplifying adjustment. This is similar to the 3D shooting functionality found in the Company’s XF105 and XF100 model professional camcorders.
Scan Reverse

The new firmware updates the Scan Reverse functionality of XF300-series camcorders to allow for recorded images to be flipped on the horizontal axis, vertical axis, or both simultaneously to facilitate recording with 3D mirror rigs.

Double-Slot Recording

This new function allows the camcorders to record footage simultaneously to both card slots for instant backup of important footage and files. Ideal for use in production environments to ensure multiple copies are secured for each take.

Relay Recording On/Off

Relay Recording, an innovative feature where footage is seamlessly recorded to the second CF card as the first fills up, can now be turned off to prevent capture data from automatically being recorded to the second card. This allows the second card to be protected from recording and used only when designated or to allow the user to only copy or back up select takes to the card.

Professional Feature Set

The Company’s XF300-series camcorders employ Canon’s XF Codec, an MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps codec for native 1920 x 1080 HD video recording onto affordable, universally available Compact Flash (CF) cards. Uniting video, audio and metadata into a single file, the Canon XF305 and XF300 use an MXF (Material eXchange Format) File Wrapper, a widely supported open-source format, to maximize compatibility with existing industry infrastructure and non-linear editing (NLE) systems.

The Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders include a Genuine Canon 18x HD L-series lens, three Canon developed and designed native 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensors, and Canon’s own XF Codec that delivers the extreme color detail required for accurate chroma-keying, color-grading and compositing for digital filmmaking. In addition, Canon’s XF305 model features industry-standard HD-SDI output, genlock, and SMPTE time code (in/out) terminals for multi-camera, broadcasting or 3D production.

Priced under $8,000 and $6,700 per model respectively, the Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders are designed for multiple production applications including broadcast news, documentary and independent filmmaking and event videography.

The JZ Series is a palm-sized unit featuring an LCD screen and a stereo binaural headset (earphone with microphones), created for increased usability and designed to remain comfortable for long hours of wear.  The Panasonic JZ Series is ideal for individuals with dexterity challenges, impaired vision and those with situational hearing loss, such as when watching TV.  Available in red, blue, and silver colors, this digital hearing instrument features a Scene Select function that allows the user to view the listening modes on the LCD screen and select the most appropriate mode based upon the surrounding environment from the four modes available.  The JZ Series includes a rechargeable battery that can easily be charged by placing the main unit in the charging cradle, or it can use commercial AAA alkaline batteries.

“Panasonic is honored to have received the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal, which further validates the quality, convenience and comfort we strive to provide our customers with our new line of JZ Series digital hearing instruments,” said Yoshi Yuasa, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Corporation of North America. “Panasonic digital hearing instruments are high-performing, offering long battery life and exceptional quality. Furthermore, they are comfortable to wear, easy to use and have an attractive design.”

Since 1909, the Seal has been granted to products that have been submitted for and after an evaluation by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. As part of Good Housekeeping’s policy, if a product receiving the Seal proves to be defective within two years from the date it was first sold to a consumer by an authorized retailer, Good Housekeeping will replace the product or refund the purchase price.

To learn more about Panasonic digital hearing instruments, including features and specifications, please visit: www.panasonic.com/hearing.

“Panasonic understands that consumers want a camera that will easily take still and video images, but they don’t want to sacrifice quality or portability, so with the new line of Dual Cameras, we’re providing easy-to-use models that can shoot full-HD video and high-resolution photos,” said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Even more, the HX-WA10 is waterproof, and with its unique vertical design, the Dual Camera is easy to carry and hold – making it extremely versatile for all different shooting environments.”

Other features of the three new Panasonic Dual Camera models include:

- 2.6-inch wide LCD monitor for the HX-WA10, and 3.0-inch wide LCD monitor for the HX-DC10 and HX-DC1

- Electrical Image Stabilizer to help limit blurry videos

- Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode

- Face Detection

- Stereo microphones for clear audio recording

- Mini HDMI Terminal for enjoying even more beautiful Full-HD resolution

The new models will be available in June 2011 in the following color options: HX-WA10 in black, orange, blue; HX-DC10 in black; and HX-DC1 in white, pink and dark grey. Pricing will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping. For more information on Panasonic camcorders, please visit: www.panasonic.com/dvc.

The newest addition to VIERA Cast™, Panasonic’s IPTV solution, on the BDT310, BDT210 and BDT110 is Skype™ video and voice calling.  Skype, along with the freetalk conference camera , lets users easily and affordably engage in long distance video conversations with family and friends by transforming their existing TV into a two-way communications device. The freetalk conference camera, with a wide-angle lens and beam-forming microphones, provides High Definition 720p resolution and will be available in March at major retailers and on-line at www.panasonic.com, with a SRP of $99.

Panasonic has made it even easier to access Skype through the Blu-ray Disc player with a devoted Skype button on the remote control. Other features of Skype include Standby Mode, which allows users to personalize ring tones, Answering Message, which allows users to create a personalized message when away, and SD Voice Mail which automatically records messages left onto an SD card. These three models are also DLNA-certified, allowing users to enjoy content on their Blu-ray player, from a computer or other DLNA compatible device.

In addition to the inclusion of Skype, VIERA Cast provides access to such entertainment, social media and business apps as Netflix™, Amazon VOD™, CinemaNow, Vudu, YouTube™, Twitter, Pandora®, Picassa™ Web Album and Bloomberg.

“Panasonic’s 2011 Blu-ray Player lineup incorporates the successes of its 2010 line, while adding innovative features that meet the demand of consumers and new trends in technology,” said Richard Simone, Director, Panasonic, Entertainment Group. “Features such as the touchless sensor, homescreen customization and Skype allow consumers to easily personalize their entertainment experience to fit their lifestyle. And now the consumer can enjoy the benefits of Skype from any HDTV.”

The BDT310, BDT210, BDT110 and BD75 each feature a unique updated design, making operation simple with icons and text indications. They also have ultra-quick playback, the industry’s fastest, with half the booting and loading time as 2010 models.  The BDT310 and BDT210 feature a touchless sensor to open and close the disc tray for smooth operation, perfect for dark rooms. Additionally, each of these 3D Blu-ray Disc players works with an iPhone as a remote. Movies, photos and music can be loaded from a computer, to the iPhone, and then played back through the Blu-ray Disc player on your TV.

New networking capabilities are among the highlight features of the new 2011 Blu-ray Disc player lineup. All four players allow users to customize their own home screen using your favorite photo or wallpaper. Simply insert an SD card into the Blu-ray player to transfer over the image. The BDT310 and BDT210 feature a built-in WiFi System, while the BDT110 includes a wireless adaptor for local area network connections.

Energy efficiency and sustainability are also important to the overall design and functionality of these models. All four models have compact slim designs and packaging reduction (50% less from 2010 models), significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The BDT310, BDT210 and BDT110 have an energy-saving design which saves on electricity bills and natural resources with a 37 % power reduction.

The Panasonic DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT110 and DMP-BD75 are currently available, while the DMP-BDT310 ships in May.