SECAUCUS, N.J., July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today
announced the LUMIX DMC-SZ5, a slim and compact digital camera
which features 10x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-250mm)
and integrates Wi-Fi connectivity to allow for quick file sharing
while at home or on the go. Marrying the conventional digital
camera experience with Wi-Fi capability allows users to connect the
LUMIX SZ5 directly to their smartphone device and easily shoot and
share photos.
"With the rise of social media and file sharing, consumers have
become accustomed to capturing spur-of-the-moment photo
opportunities on their smartphone device. But, smartphones do
not offer the same image quality and offer less creative control
than a traditional digital camera, leaving consumers torn between
capturing quick-sharing photos or capturing truly stunning
photographic imagery," said Marc
Sorkin, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer
Marketing Company of North America. "Panasonic has created
the LUMIX SZ5 to fill the gap between smartphone devices and
traditional digital cameras. This new camera model fulfills
the needs of consumers who are looking for high-quality photos that
can be uploaded easily onto their social networking sites and
shared with friends quickly and seamlessly."
The LUMIX SZ5 integrates Wi-Fi connectivity so that users can
enjoy flexible shooting style and instant imaging sharing.
The LUMIX SZ5 can be connected directly to a smartphone device by
using it as a wireless router, which eliminates the need to search
for a Wi-Fi hotspot. With the LUMIX LINK application, for
iOS/Android smartphone devices, users can utilize remote shooting,
which allows them to place the LUMIX SZ5 at a shooting position and
monitor what the lens is seeing live from their smartphone device
at 30 fps (frames per second). Users also have the ability to
zoom, set focus position, shoot and playback images directly from
their smartphone screen using the app. Additionally, users
can tag location information to images by utilizing the GPS (Global
Positioning System) log of a smartphone.
In addition to the camera's ease-of-use for connected consumers,
the LUMIX SZ5 boasts exceptional optical performance, producing
images with stunning clarity imagery in a slim and compact camera
body. A 25mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens
system with powerful, 10x optical zoom excels in shooting both
dynamic landscapes with wide-angle views and up-close
subjects. With Intelligent Resolution Technology, the
Intelligent Zoom feature extends the cameras zoom ratio up to 20x
the equivalent while maintaining crisp picture quality. The
14.1 megapixel CCD sensor and Venus Engine processes high-quality
images in both photo and video recording. Sonic Speed AF
(Auto Focus) helps users capture even the most fleeting photo
opportunities.
The LUMIX SZ5 records dynamic HD video in 1280x720 at 30p in
MP4*(1) format which can be played back directly on a PC or other
portable electronics device without the need to convert the
file. A dedicated video button allows users to quickly switch
between photo mode and video recording.
To help ensure the LUMIX SZ5 is easy to use, the digital camera
features 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 Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent
ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent
Exposure. MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) helps to
suppress handshake which often occurs when shooting using high
zoom. Furthermore, the Auto Retouch function automatically
adjusts the contrast and brightness to give any photo a different
impression with the touch of a button.
The LUMIX SZ5 also features special effects to enhance the
shooting experience and create fun photo options. In
Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while
saturation and contrast is emphasized to make the picture look like
a diorama. Video recorded in Miniature Effect mode is played back
in 10x fast-forwarding, making it comical and fun to watch*(2).
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.
The new LUMIX SZ5 makes archiving images as simple as charging
the camera's battery. Both photo and video, in their original
size, can be archived to registered digital equipment, like a PC or
compliant Panasonic AV equipment, automatically via a home's
wireless router when the camera's battery is being charged,
eliminating the need to eject and re-insert the camera's SD Memory
Card or connect the camera to a computer via USB cable. Users
can also save photos to the Panasonic exclusive cloud service,
"LUMIX CLUB" and easily transfer images to Facebook™, Flickr™,
Picasa™, Twitter™ or YouTube™. The LUMIX SZ5's Wi-Fi function
also allows for playback of images on DLNA (Digital Living Network
Alliance)-compliant VIERA HDTV's*(3).
Additional features of the LUMIX SZ5 include:
- Large, 3-inch Intelligent LCD screen with High Angle Mode that
automatically adjusts the backlight based on the environment's
lighting
- USB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power
supply
- LUMIX Image Uploader
Pricing and availability will be announced approximately 30 days
prior to shipping. The LUMIX DMC-SZ5 will be available in
black and silver. For more information about Panasonic LUMIX
digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
*(1) Motion pictures in [MP4] can be recorded continuously
for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion picture recorded
continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.
Use an SD Memory Card with "Class 4" or higher speed when
recording videos.
SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous
writing
*(2) Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] 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.)
*(3) Wireless access point (router) is required
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.
Android and Google Play are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Google Inc.
DLNA, the DLNA Logo and DLNA CERTIFIED are trademarks,
service marks, or certification marks of the Digital Living Network
Alliance.
Wi-Fi is a registered trademark or trademark of Wi-Fi
Alliance®.
Facebook® is a trademark of Facebook Inc.
Flickr is a registered trademark or trademark of Yahoo!
Inc.
Picasa is a registered trademark or trademark of Google
Inc.
The Twitter name and logos are trademarks of Twitter,
Inc
YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
Other names of systems and products mentioned in these
instructions are usually the registered trademarks or trademarks of
the manufacturers who developed the system or product
concerned.
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