PC Panasonic Corp.

New LUMIX ZS3, With Impressive 12x Optical Zoom is Slimmer Than Predecessor and Adds AVCHD Lite High Definition Video Recording Capability MIAMI, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-ZS3 and DMC-ZS1, both members of the new ZS-Series, the successor to the acclaimed LUMIX TZ-Series and Panasonic's newest ultimate compact and powerful digital cameras. The LUMIX ZS3 features 10.1-megapixels, a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and 12x optical zoom, meaning it has added 2x optical zoom to the award-winning TZ-Series camera, yet reduced its size. The ZS3 also features a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and High Definition (HD) video recording ability, known as AVCHD Lite. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090127/NY62331 ) "The LUMIX ZS3 is a powerhouse performer with enormous versatility. Compared with the TZ-Series, it extends the power of the optical zoom from 10x to 12x and expands the wide-angle lens from 28mm to an ultra-wide 25mm, giving it the range for virtually any shooting situations," said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Despite its superior lens specifications and functionality, the ZS3 is remarkably smaller and lighter than its predecessors, making it easier to carry on travels and everyday shooting opportunities." The ZS3 is the world's first digital camera to feature HD video recording in "AVCHD Lite(*2)". Compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format, AVCHD Lite allows longer recordings with breathtaking HD visual and audio quality. This combined with a well-considered control interface, which includes a dedicated movie recording button on the camera's back panel, makes the ZS3 a hybrid model that performs admirably for both still and motion image capture. The ZS3 also expands Panasonic's popular Intelligent Auto (iA) mode with the addition of Face Recognition -- a feature that "remembers" faces from previous shots(*1). When a registered face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize focus and exposure to capture it 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 face appears into 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. New this year to the ZS-Series, iA mode is also available in Movie Mode. It automatically selects the most suitable Scene mode and helps to correct handshake, focus and brightness problems -- making iA mode your one-stop solution to capture beautiful still and motion images. In Movie Mode, the ZS3, Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using the high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion so it turns out perfectly. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. The imaging power of LUMIX has further evolved with the Venus Engine HD, which boasts two CPUs to provide approx. 2.4x processing capability and support for AVCHD Lite and HDMI output. It integrates all the advanced functions and camera operations with high performance and low-power consumption. In image processing, luminance noise and chromatic noise are reduced separately before and after signal processing. This is further refined by separating noise two-dimensionally into high-frequency and low-frequency noise. The circuits then effectively reduce only the low-frequency noise to minimize the unwanted noise and help produce beautiful, sharp still and motion images. Playback with the ZS-Series is also easy. Simply insert the camera's SD Memory Card into the VIERA(R) HDTV's Image Viewer SD Card slot for a photo slideshow(*3). Alternatively, connect the camera via an optional HDMI mini cable, the DMW-HDC2, to a VIERA Link(TM)-equipped Panasonic VIERA HDTV and use the television's remote control to run mixed slideshows of photos and videos. The ZS3 features a 3-inch, high resolution 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, improving visibility during recording and playback. Other features of the LUMIX ZS3 include: -- Increased Scene modes for both still and motion image shooting - optimized for a variety of situations. There are 26 scene modes for still image and 17 for motion image (Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self portrait, Scenery, Low light, Food, Party, Candle light, Sunset, High sensitivity, Beach, Snow, Aerial, Pin hole, Film grain and Underwater) -- Two new My Scene settings let users assign their two most frequently used Scene modes to the setting, and with a simple switch, allow access to either scene instantly. -- 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(*4). -- Menus are clearer and easier to navigate with the Display Size option. -- 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 Software: The latest version of PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 HD Edition allows users to view, edit and archive captured content with greater ease and fun. Still and motion images can be transferred to the computer via a USB cable for viewing and archiving. Using PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 HD Edition, users can edit and remove unwanted portions of video clips recorded in AVCHD Lite. Contents recorded in AVCHD Lite can be burned directly onto a DVD disc or the software can convert contents to MPEG2 format. The software also incorporates the Face Recognition function, which recognizes registered faces in photos stored on the computer, making organizing and archiving photos with a specific person much easier. Additionally, motion pictures can be uploaded directly to YouTube. The ZS1, like the ZS3, features a 25mm ultra-wide angle, 12x powerful optical zoom. Distinguishing it, the ZS1 features a 10.1 megapixel CCD, a standard iA mode (no Face Recognition) for still image recording and a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD. The DMC-ZS3 will be available in silver, black, blue and red for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $399.95, while the DMC-ZS1 will be available in black and silver for an SRP of $299.95. Both models will be available in April 2009. For more information, please visit http://www.panasonic.com/lumix. To download hi-res photos, please visit http://www.panasonic.com/pressroom. *1 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. *2 The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. The "AVCHD Lite" is a subset of the "AVCHD format" for HD digital video cameras with HD video recording restricted to 720P. The new "AVCHD Lite" Logo and the "AVCHD Lite" License are restricted to devices within the AVCHD Video Camera category. Digital cameras have now been added to the AVCHD Video Camera category. For more details, please refer to the "AVCHD Information Website". http://www.avchd-info.org/ *3 AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard. *4 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-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. *YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc. *The "AVCHD Lite" and the "AVCHD Lite" logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. *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 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 an 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-ZS3,ZS1 Specifications DMC-ZS3: S-Silver, K-Black, A-Blue, R-Red DMC-ZS1: S-Silver, K-Black Metrics Dimensions (W x H x D) 103.3 x 59.6 x 32.8 mm (4.07 x 2.35 x 1.29 in) Weight Approx. 206g (0.45 lb) Approx. 229g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.50 lb) Optics Pixels Camera Effective Pixels 10.1 Megapixels CCD Sensor Size / Total Pixels/Filter ZS3:1/2.33-inch / 12.7 Total Megapixels / Primary Color Filter ZS1: 1/2.5-inch / 10.3 Total Megapixels / Primary Color Filter Lens Aperture F3.3 - 4.9 / Iris Diaphragm (F3.3 - 6.3 (W)/F4.9 - 6.3 (T)) Optical Zoom 12x Focal Length f=4.1-49.2mm (25-300mm in 35mm equiv.) Extra Optical Zoom (EZ) 14.3x (4:3 / 7M), 17.1x (4:3 / 5M), 21.4x (under 3M) Lens LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR 10 elements in 8 groups (2 Aspherical Lenses / 3 Aspherical surfaces, 2 ED lens) 2-Speed Zoom Yes Optical Image Stabilizer MEGA O.I.S. (Auto / Mode1 / Mode2) Digital Zoom 4x (Max. 48.0 x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom) (Max.85.6x combined with Extra Optical Zoom) Focus Focusing Area Normal: Wide 50cm/Tele 200cm - infinity Macro / Intelligent AUTO / Clipboard : Wide 3cm / Max 200cm / Tele 100cm - infinity Focus Range Display Yes AF Assist Lamp Yes Focus Normal / Macro, AF Tracking (On / Off), Pre-AF (Off / Quick AF / Continuous AF) Continuous AF (On / Off) in motion Image recording 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 ZS3:Photo ZS1: - Optical Image Stabilizer ZS3: Photo & Movie ZS1: Photo & Movie Intelligent ISO Control ZS3: Photo ZS1: Photo Face Detection ZS3: Photo & Movie ZS1: Photo Intelligent Scene Selector ZS3: Photo (Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Macro), & Movie (Portrait, Scenery, Low Light, Macro) ZS1: Photo (Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Macro) Intelligent Exposure ZS3: Photo & Movie ZS1: 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: AVCHD Lite*, QuickTime Motion JPEG *ZS3 only AVCHD Lite REC ZS3: NTSC ZS1: - Interface Mode Switch [Recording] / [Playback] One-Touch Movie Button ZS3: Yes ZS1: - Recording Modes Mode Dial Intelligent AUTO, Normal Picture, MySCN1, MySCN2, SCN, 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, Hi- Speed Burst (Image Priority / Speed Priority), Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Pinhole, Film Grain, Underwater Movie Scene Mode ZS3: Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Low Light, Food, Party, Candle Light, Sunset, Beach, Snow, Aerial, Pinhole, Film Grain, High Sensitivity, Underwater (Activated by selecting Still Picture Scene Mode then pressing movie button. Still Picture Scene Modes without corresponding Movie Scene Mode is recorded in Normal Mode) ZS1: - Continuous Shooting Mode ZS3: 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) ZS1: Full-Resolution Image, 2.5 frames/sec Max. 5 images (Standard mode), Max 3 images (Fine Mode) High-speed Burst Mode: approx. 6.5 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 ZS3: 1.8 frames/sec ZS1: 2.0 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 ZS3: Movie 1280x720, 60P (AVCHD Lite, SH: 17Mbps / H:13Mbps / L:9Mbps )/ 30fps (Motion JPEG) ZS1: - Exposure Parameters Exposure Program AE Exposure Compensation 1/3 EV step, +/-2 EV Auto (AE) Bracketing +/- 1/3 EV ~1EV step, 3 frames Multi-Aspect ZS3: Yes ZS1: - Light Metering Intelligent Multiple/ Center Weighted/ Spot ISO Sensitivity Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 High Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400) Image Parameters Aspect Ratio 4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9 Still Picture Recording ZS3: ZS3: 4:3 3648 x 2736 (10M) / 3072 x 2304 (7M EZ) / 2560 x 1920 (5M EZ) / 2048 x 1536 (3M EZ) / 1600 x 1200 (2M EZ) / 640 x 480 (0.3M EZ) 3:2 3776 x 2520 (9.5M) / 3168x2112 (6.5M EZ) / 2656x1768 (4.5M EZ) / 2112x1408 (3M EZ) / 2048 x 1360 (2.5M EZ) 16:9 3968 x 2232 (9M) / 3328x1872 (6M EZ) / 2784x1568 (4.5M EZ) / 2208x1248 (2.5M EZ) / 1920 x 1080 (2M EZ) ZS1: 4:3 3648 x 2736 (10M) / 3072 x 2304 (7M EZ) / 2560 x 1920 (5M EZ) / 2048 x 1536 (3M EZ) / 1600 x 1200 (2M EZ) / 640 x 480 (0.3M EZ) 3:2 3648 x 2432 (9M) / 3072 x 2048 (6M EZ) / 2560 x 1712 (4.5M EZ) / 2048 x 1360 (2.5M EZ) 16:9 3648 x 2056 (7.5M) / 3072 x 1728 (5.5M 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 (2 patterns) Auto Review 1sec, 2sec, Hold, Zoom Review Yes Easy Zoom / Zoom Resume No / Yes Optical Zoom in Motion Picture Yes Zoom Macro Yes Orientation Detector Yes Scene Mode Help Screen Yes Self Timer 2sec / 10sec Focus Icon Select ZS3: Yes (in Face Recognition only) ZS1: - Playback Display Playback Mode Normal Playback, Slideshow, Mode Playback, 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 ZS3: Yes (Motion JPEG / AVCHD Lite) ZS1: Yes (Motion JPEG) Slideshow Mode All / Still Images Only / Motion Picture Only / 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 / Yes* / Yes *ZS3 only Copy / Title Edit / Text Stamp Yes / Yes / Yes PictBridge Support Single / Multi / All / Favorites / DPOF Setup OSD language English, Spanish Viera Link(TM) ZS3: Yes ZS1: - HDMI(TM) Output ZS3: Video: Auto / 1080i / 720p / 480p(NTSC) Audio: Dolby Digital Stereo Creator (Dolby AC3) ZS1: - Movie REC Guide ZS3: Yes ZS1: - Wind-Cut in Motion Picture ZS3:Yes ZS1: - Travel Date / World Time Yes / Yes Others Monitor LCD Monitor ZS3: 3.0" TFT LCD Display (460K dots) ZS1: 2.7" TFT 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 - 5.3m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 3.6m (Tele/ISO Auto) Media Recording Media Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard (Still image only) Built-in-Memory approx. 40MB Audio Microphone / Speaker ZS3: Stereo / Yes ZS1: Mono / Yes Interface Interface ZS3: HDMI (mini), USB2.0 High speed AV Output NTSC model (NTSC), DC Input (requires Multi Conversion Adapter DMW-MCA1*) ZS1: USB2.0 High speed AV Output NTSC model (NTSC) / DC Input (requires Multi Conversion Adapter DMW-MCA1*) *Optional Power Power ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 895mAh) (Included) AC Adaptor DMW-AC5** (Input: 110- 240V AC) with Multi Conversion Adapter DMW-MCA1** **Optional Battery life (approx.) ZS3: 300 pictures (CIPA Standard) ZS1: 320 pictures (CIPA Standard) Standard Package Included Software ZS3: PHOTOfunSTUDIO v3.0 HD Edition ZS1: 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. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090127/NY62331 DATASOURCE: Panasonic CONTACT: MeeJin Annan-Brady of Panasonic, +1-201-392-6124, ; or Blayne Murphy of Cohn & Wolfe, +1-212-798-9763, , for Panasonic; or Chris De Maria of Panasonic, +1-201-348-7182, Web Site: http://www.panasonic.com/

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