LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today
introduced the new LUMIX SZ-Series of digital cameras, the LUMIX
DMC-SZ7 and the LUMIX DMC-SZ1, which combine a powerful 10x optical
zoom with a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, in a
slim and compact body, making it extremely portable and easy to
carry. The LUMIX SZ7 (14.1 megapixels) can also shoot
full-High Definition, 1920 x 1080 60i videos and with Light Speed
AF, it has a super-fast focus response time of approximately 0.1
second – making it easy to capture spontaneous must-have photos.
The LUMIX SZ1 (16.1 megapixels) features 720p HD video recording
capabilities, and both models are easy to use thanks to Panasonic's
popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode which automatically chooses the
best camera settings for natural, beautiful images.
"As more and more people revert to their smartphones because of
convenience to take spur-of-the-moment digital photos, Panasonic is
introducing two digital cameras that are not only small and
compact, but also offer high-end imaging features such as a
wide-angle LEICA lens, extremely fast Auto Focus speeds, and High
Definition video, giving the consumer outstanding image quality,"
said David Briganti, Senior Product
Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of
North America. "Panasonic's SZ7
and SZ1 are extremely compact in size, but offer features that are
typically only available in much larger digital cameras, such as a
10x optical zoom, and with new features such as Panorama Shot and
Miniature Effect, the SZ-Series is also fun to use."
The LUMIX SZ7 and LUMIX SZ1 feature two new shooting modes –
Miniature Effect and Panorama Shot. In Miniature Effect mode,
the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is
emphasized to make the picture like a diorama. Video recorded in
Miniature Effect mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding, making
it comical and fun to watch(*1). 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. Furthermore, both the LUMIX SZ7 and
LUMIX SZ1 feature Creative Retouch which includes six filters -Toy
Effect, Soft Focus Dynamic Monochrome, Expressive, High Key and
Retro, each of which give the photo a more artistic look.
Both models also feature an Auto Retouch function that adjusts
contrast and brightness to give the photo a different look – all
with a single press of the button.
To help ensure the LUMIX SZ7 and SZ1 are easy to use, both
digital cameras feature 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 the new High Dynamic Range
(on the SZ7 only), Intelligent Handheld Nightshot (on the SZ7 only)
and Motion Deblur (on the SZ7 only) together with AF Tracking,
Intelligent ISO Control, MEGA O.I.S., Face Recognition (on the SZ7
only)/Face Detection (on the SZ1 only), Intelligent Scene Selector
and Intelligent Exposure.
Other features of the new LUMIX SZ-Series include:
- 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD that automatically adjusts the
backlight based on the environment's lighting
- The LUMIX SZ7 features a MOS sensor to support full-HD video,
while the LUMIX SZ1 features a CCD sensor
- USB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power
supply
- 3D Photo Mode allows the user to take 20 panning shots and then
the camera automatically selects the two most suitable images – one
for the right eye and one for the left eye – to synthesize a 3D
composite. Available on the LUMIX SZ7 only
- Dedicated video record button which lets users instantly start
recording a video without having to make any extra settings.
Additionally, the full 10x optical zoom is available in video
recording mode
- High-quality stereo sound via Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator
accompanies the realistic HD videos. The stereo zoom microphone
comes with zoom noise reduction system, and the Wind Cut function
helps to block noise from background wind
Pricing and 2012 availability will be announced approximately 30
days prior to shipping. The LUMIX SZ7 will be available in
black and the LUMIX SZ1 will be available in black, silver, red and
blue. For more information, and live coverage on January 10-11 from Panasonic at the 2012
International Consumer Electronics Show, please visit
www.panasonic.com/CES. Plus, follow Panasonic's CES activities on
Twitter @PanasonicEvents and join the conversations.
*1 Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in
Creative Control Mode 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-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.
*The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video
recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic
Corporation and Sony Corporation.
*The "AVCHD" and the "AVCHD " logo are trademarks of
Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
*AVCHD 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.
*Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories.
*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.
SOURCE Panasonic