PC Panasonic Corp.

New LUMIX FX48 Has 25mm Ultra-Wide-Angle LEICA Lens, Plus Newly Added Face Recognition in Panasonic's Advanced iA Mode MIAMI, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today expanded its popular LUMIX FX digital cameras series with the introduction of the 12.1-megapixel DMC-FX48, which features a 25mm ultra-wide-angle LEICA DC lens and a powerful 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 25mm to 125mm on a 35mm film camera), yet its slim profile makes it convenient to slip into a pocket. With a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom, users can capture nearly double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to standard 35mm cameras, thus the FX48 can photograph images with great width and depth. The FX48 also features Face Recognition, a new technology to Panasonic's proprietary advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. "With Panasonic's acclaimed FX-Series, we are pursuing high photo quality in a camera body that is sophisticated, easy-to-carry and intuitive to use," said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "With features like Face Recognition and High Definition video capability, we are packing advanced and powerful features into a small, attractive camera that can easily be carried in a pocket or purse." The FX48 features iA mode, a system of technologies, such as MEGA O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, Auto Focus (AF) tracking*1, Intelligent Exposure and Intelligent Scene Selector, that engage automatically, without the user having to adjust any settings. New in 2009, Panasonic's advanced iA adds Face Recognition, a feature that recognizes individual faces, making it a "personal verification system" in the digital camera. With the Face Recognition feature, a user can give AF and auto exposure priority to a single person in a group, ensuring that a particular person's face will be focused and exposed beautifully. With Face Recognition, when a familiar face is recorded several times, the camera will prompt the users to register the face. Once registered, if the familiar face appears in the frame again, the camera will display the name specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and sharply focused*2. During registration, the user can change the icon that indicates when the registered subject is in focus and the person's age can also be registered. When children less than three years-old are registered, the camera will automatically switch to the Baby scene mode when the child is in the frame. Furthermore, in playback, users can choose to display only photos that contain a specific registered face using Category Playback, so organizing and archiving photos by person becomes much easier. Panasonic's newly developed Venus Engine V integrates these advanced functions and controls the camera's operation with high speed, high performance, and low-power consumption. Beyond the power of the conventional imaging engine, the Venus Engine V has twin CPUs to boast approximately 2.4x processing capability. The Venus Engine V improves its energy efficiency by 16%, when compared to the Venus Engine IV, thus extending the battery life to 350 pictures (CIPA). The DMC-FX48 can also record High Definition (1280 x 720p) motion images at 30 fps. And, using the DMW-HDC2 component cable (optional accessories), the video can output directly to a television, such as a Panasonic VIERA HDTV, for easy playback. Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX48 include: -- A bright 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot resolution Intelligent LCD that provides high resolution and a wide viewing angle. -- New Panorama Assist scene mode allows users to shoot a number of consistent photos, either vertically or horizontally, by aligning them according to a guide that overlaps the screen. Then using those photos and the bundled PanoramaMaker software, users can create dramatic panoramic images. -- High-Speed Burst (Speed Priority) that fires off approx. 10 shots per second*3. -- Macro Zoom function lets users pull subjects even closer to capture dramatic close-up shots by using the 3x digital zoom in the wide-angle. -- Bundled PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 software that features a Face Recognition function that recognizes the faces in photos stored on the computer, allowing the user to easily sort files by the people photographed. Using the software, motion pictures can also be uploaded directly to YouTube. The DMC-FX48 will be available in silver and black models starting in April 2009 for a suggested retail price of $349.95. For more information, please visit http://www.panasonic.com/lumix. To download hi-res photos, please visit http://www.panasonic.com/pressroom. *1 Dynamic tracking function may fail to lock, lose the subject in AF Tracking, or track different subject depending on the recording conditions. *2 Depending on background and facial expression, camera may not recognize a registered person. For family members with similar facial features, camera may not correctly identify the intended subject. *3 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording. (10fps in Speed Priority mode / 6fps in Picture Priority mode) *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. *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 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). *When you set the picture quality to HD, WVGA or VGA, we recommend using a high-speed card with "10MB/s" or greater displayed on the package. *Continuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen. *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. Panasonic, known for innovative imaging technology that enables high-quality digital photos, introduced the world's first Micro Four Thirds digital camera. 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. DMC-FX48 Specifications S-Silver, K-Black Metrics Dimensions (W x H x D) 95.3 x 52.9 x 21.5 mm (3.75 x 2.08 x 0.85 in) Weight Approx. 128g (0.28 lb) Approx. 150g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.33 lb) Optics Pixels Camera Effective Pixels 12.1 Megapixels CCD Sensor Size / Total Pixels / Filter 1/2.33-inch / 12.7 Total Megapixels / Primary Color Filter Lens Aperture F2.8 - 5.9 / Iris Diaphragm (F2.8 - 8 (W) / F5.9 - 8 (T)) Optical Zoom 5x Focal Length f=4.4-22.0mm (25-125mm in 35mm equiv.) Extra Optical Zoom (EZ) 6.1x (4:3 / 8M), 7.8x (4:3 / 5M), 9.8x (under 3M) Lens LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 7 elements in 6 groups (4 Aspherical Lenses / 6 Aspherical surfaces, 1 EA lens) Optical Image Stabilizer MEGA O.I.S. (Auto / Mode1 / Mode2) Digital Zoom 4x (Max. 20.0 x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom ) (Max.39.2x combined with Extra Optical Zoom) Focus Focusing Area Normal: Wide 50cm/ Tele 100cm - infinity Macro / Intelligent AUTO : Wide 5cm / Tele 100cm - infinity Focus Range Display Yes AF Assist Lamp Yes Focus Normal / Macro, Touch AF/AE Tracking (On / Off), Quick AF (On / Off) AF Metering Face / AF Tracking / Multi (11pt) / 1pt HS / 1pt / Spot Shutter Shutter Speed 8-1/2000 sec (Selectable minimum shutter speed) Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60sec. Recording iA Face Recognition Photo Optical Image Stabilizer Photo & Movie Intelligent ISO Control Photo Face Detection Photo Intelligent Scene Selector Photo (Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Macro) Intelligent Exposure Photo AF Tracking Photo Digital Red Eye Correction Photo File File Format Still Image: JPEG (DCF / Exif2.21) Image with Audio: JPEG (DCF / Exif2.21) + QuickTime Motion picture: QuickTime Motion JPEG Inter- face Recording Modes Mode Switch [Recording] / [Playback] Mode Dial Intelligent AUTO, Normal Picture, SCN, Motion Picture, Clipboard Still Picture Scene Mode Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self- Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High Sensitivity, High-Speed Burst (Image Priority / Speed Priority), Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Pinhole, Film Grain, Underwater Continuous Shooting Mode Full-Resolution Image, 2.3 frames/sec Max. 5 images (Standard mode), Max. 3 images (Fine Mode) High-speed Burst Mode: approx. 6.0 frames/sec (image priority) approx. 10 frames/sec (speed priority) (recorded in 3M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9) Unlimited consecutive shooting 1.8 frames/sec Motion Picture Recording 4:3 VGA: 640 x 480 pixels, 30fps (Motion JPEG) QVGA: 320 x 240 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG) 16:9 WVGA: 848 x 480 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG) HD Movie 1280x720, 30fps (Motion JPEG) Exposure Para- meters Exposure Program AE Exposure Compensation 1/3 EV step, +/-2 EV Auto (AE) Bracketing +/- 1/3 EV ~1EV step, 3 frames Light Metering Intelligent Multiple ISO Sensitivity Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 High Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400) Image Para- meters Aspect Ratio 4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9 Still Picture Recording 4:3 4000 x 3000(12M)/ 3264 x 2448 (8M EZ) / 2560 x 1920 (5M EZ) / 2048 x 1536 (3M EZ) / 1600 x 1200 (2M EZ) / 640 x 480 (0.3M EZ) 3:2 4000 x 2672(10.5M) / 3264 x 2176 (7M EZ) / 2560 x 1712 (4.5M EZ) / 2048 x 1360 (2.5M EZ) 16:9 4000 x 2248(9M) / 3264 x 1840 (6M EZ) / 2560 x 1440 (3.5M EZ) / 1920 x 1080 (2M EZ) Image Quality Fine / Standard White Balance Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set White Balance Adjustment (+/-10steps, except for auto set) Quick Menu Yes Color Mode Standard, Natural, Vivid, Black & White, Sepia, Cool, Warm Others Still Image with Audio Recording 5 sec Audio Dubbing Max. 10sec Real-time Histogram Yes Composition Guide line Yes Auto Review 1sec, 2sec, Hold, Zoom Easy Zoom / Zoom Resume No / No Macro Zoom Yes Orientation Detector Yes Scene Mode Help Screen Yes Self Timer 2sec / 10sec Focus Icon Select Yes (in Face Recognition only) Playback Display Playback Mode Normal Playback, Slideshow, Category Playback, Favorites Playback Thumbnails / Zoomed Playback 12,30-thumbnails / Max 16x Calendar Display / Dual-Image Playback Yes / No Set Favorites / Rotate Image Yes / No Playback Still Images with Audio Yes Playback Motion Picture Yes Slideshow Mode All Still Images / Favorites / Category BGM Effect (Natural / Slow / Swing / Urban / OFF) Show Histogram Yes Delete Delete Image Single / Multi / All / All except Favorites Edit DPOF Print Setting / Set Protection Yes / Yes Resize / Trim / Aspect Conv. / Leveling Yes / Yes / No / Yes Copy / Title Edit / Text Stamp Yes / Yes / Yes PictBridge Support Single / Multi / All / Favorites / DPOF Setup OSD language English Spanish Travel Date / World Time Yes / Yes Others Monitor LCD Monitor 2.5" TFT Screen LCD Display (230K dots) Field of View : approx. 100%, Wide Viewing Angle AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode Flash Built-in- Flash Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off 0.6 - 6.0m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 2.8m (Tele/ISO Auto) External Flash - Media Recording Media Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard* (*Still image only) Built-in- Memory approx. 40MB Audio Inter- face Microphone / Speaker Mono / Yes Interface HD Component Output AV Output NTSC model (NTSC) / USB2.0 High speed, DC Input (requires DC Coupler DMW-DCC4*) *Optional Power Power ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 940mAh) (Included) AC Adaptor DMW-ACC5* (Input: 110-240V AC) via DC Coupler DMW-DCC4** *Optional Battery life (approx.) 350 pictures (CIPA Standard)* Standard Package Included Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO v3.0 ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker) USB Driver, QuickTime Standard Accessories Battery Charger, Battery Pack, Battery Case AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable Hand Strap, CD-ROM *Based on the CIPA standard. Shooting conditions: 23 degrees C with 50% humidity; LCD on; using SD Memory Card; starting to shoot 30 seconds after turning on the power; shooting once every 30 seconds with the flash in full operation for every other shot; changing the zoom setting from telephoto to wide, or wide to telephoto, for each shot; and temporarily turning the power off after each 10 shots (long enough to lower the battery temperature). **The number of recordable pictures decreases in Auto Power LCD mode or Power LCD mode. DATASOURCE: Panasonic CONTACT: MeeJin Annan-Brady of Panasonic, +1-201-392-6124, ; or Blayne Murphy of Cohn & Wolfe, +1-212-798-9763, ; or Chris De Maria of Panasonic, +1-201-348-7182, Web Site: http://www.panasonic.com/ http://www.panasonic.com/lumix

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