SECAUCUS, N.J., Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic
today announced the LUMIX DMC-TS4, the company's top-of-the-line
rugged digital camera with features such as a built-in GPS(*1)
system, compass, altimeter, barometer, plus outstanding toughness,
including: waterproof(*2) to approximately 40 feet (12 meters),
shockproof(*3) to approximately 6.6 feet (2 meters), freezeproof to
temperatures as low as 14 degrees F, and dustproof(*2). Beyond its
rugged design, the LUMIX TS4 also excels in photo and video
quality, offering the best of both worlds with a LEICA DC
VARIO-ELMAR lens with a 4.6x optical zoom (35mm equivalent:
28-128mm), a 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor and the advanced
image processing LSI Venus Engine, and the ability to shoot 1,920 x
1,080 full-High Definition (HD) video in AVCHD and MP4
formats.
"The LUMIX TS4 is the latest addition to our successful line of
rugged digital cameras, which offer users the freedom to take
high-quality photos and video under a variety of conditions thanks
to a design that is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and
freezeproof. Plus, with added GPS and compass capabilities, the TS4
is the perfect travel companion," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging,
Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "Beyond its top-of-the-line
rugged features, the LUMIX TS4 captures exceptional photos and
videos, also making it the ideal 'worry-free' everyday digital
camera for those life mishaps, like an accidental drop or a spilled
drink."
The LUMIX TS4 is ideal for active outdoor use and the altimeter
works as an indicator for depth underwater. The barometer log is
available to help users forecast the climate and then log the
barometric trends. The altitude measurements can be improved when
using the camera's GPS data, which is enhanced when compared to its
predecessor, the LUMIX DMC-TS3. The new GPS system has more
than a million landmarks and 82 countries/regions covered in the
maps available on the bundled DVD. Geo-tagged images are
automatically sorted and can be played back along a map so that
users can literally trace their photographic journey. The
LUMIX TS4 shows the name of the Country/Region, State/Prov./County,
County/Township, City/Town/Village and Landmark – all which is
saved in the EXIF data.
Thanks to its high-speed, large-capacity signal processing Venus
Engine, the LUMIX TS4 is not just rugged on the outside, but
powerful from within as well. The Venus Engine integrates advanced
signal processing capabilities to power Intelligent Noise
Reduction, thus producing stunning still photos and videos.
In addition, the Venus Engine powers high-speed burst shooting and
super-fast response times, with Sonic Speed AF, allowing the user
to catch those spur-of-the-moment memories.
New to the LUMIX TS-Series, the LUMIX TS4 offers users manual
operation, allowing adjustment of shutter speed and aperture for
more creative photography. Plus, with modes such as Time Lapse
Shot, Miniature Effect, and Panorama Shot – photography is even
more fun. With the Time Lapse Shot, once the start time,
interval and the number of photos to shoot are set, the camera
automatically records the images based on the settings and the
LUMIX TS4 can be left to record stationary subjects, such as
flowers coming into bloom, clouds, or an animal. Once the data is
captured, during playback the footage is condensed to give a unique
sense of time. The Miniature Effect mode, in which the peripheries
are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized, makes
the photo look like a diorama. For videos recorded in this
mode(*4), playback is 10x fast forward, making it comical and
amusing to watch. Panorama Shot makes it is possible to shoot a
maximum 360-degree of horizontal / vertical panoramic image by
taking consecutive shots and overlaying the photos.
For those who are looking for an intuitive shooting option, the
LUMIX TS4 includes Panasonic's popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode –
a suite of technologies that are automatically engaged to
allow the camera to select the most appropriate settings to take
high-quality photos and videos.
Plus, a dedicated video record lets the user instantly start
recording videos while shooting photos without having to go through
any additional menu options.
The Panasonic LUMIX TS4 will be available in orange, blue, black
and silver options in mid-March 2012
with a suggested retail price of $399.99. For more information on Panasonic LUMIX
digital cameras, visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
(*1) GPS may not work in China
or in the border regions of countries neighboring China. Depending on the locations, it may not
be possible to correctly receive the signals from GPS satellites.
In such cases, positioning may not be possible, or a significant
positioning discrepancy may occur. Information measured on this
unit is only a rough indication. Do not use it for technical
purposes.
(*2) Waterproof/Dustproof Performance
Waterproof/dustproof rating complies with the "IPX8" and "IP6X"
ratings. Provided the care and maintenance guidelines described in
this document are strictly followed, this camera can operate
underwater, to a depth not exceeding 12 m (40 feet) for a time not
exceeding 60 minutes. This means that the camera can be used
underwater for specified time in specified pressure in accordance
with the handling method established by Panasonic. This does
not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in
all conditions.
Handling of the camera
- Waterproofing is not guaranteed if the unit is subject to an
impact as a result of being hit or dropped etc. If an impact to the
camera occurs, it should be inspected (subject to a fee) by a
Panasonic's Service Centre to verify that the waterproofing is
still effective.
- When the camera is splashed with detergent, soap, hot spring,
bath additive, sun oil, sun screen, chemicals, etc., wipe it off
immediately.
- Waterproof function of the camera is for sea water and fresh
water only.
- Any malfunction caused by customer misuse, or mishandling will
not be covered by the warranty.
- The inside of this unit is not waterproof. Water leakage will
cause malfunction.
- Supplied accessories are not waterproof (excluding Hand
Strap).
- Card and battery are not waterproof. Do not handle with a wet
hand. Also, do not insert wet card or battery into the camera.
- Do not leave the camera for a long period of time in places
where temperature is very low (at ski resorts or at high altitude
etc.) or very high [above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F)],
inside a car under strong sunlight, close to a heater, on the
beach, etc. Waterproof performance may be degraded.
(*3) Shockproof Performance
Complies with "MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock". The camera has
cleared a drop test from a height of 2 m (6.6 feet) onto 3 cm (0.1
feet) thick plywood. In most cases this camera should not sustain
any damage if dropped from a height not exceeding 2 m (6.6 feet).
However, the drop height was changed from 122 cm (4 feet) to 200 cm
(6.6 feet) dropping onto 3 cm (0.1 feet) thick plyboard.
(Disregarding appearance change such as loss of paint or distortion
of the part where drop impact is applied.)
(*4) 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. he "AVCHD" and the "AVCHD " logo
are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
*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.)
*All other company and product names are trademarks of
their respective corporations.
*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