Panasonic has outed pricing information for its 2011 camera range, including the much-anticipated LUMIX GF2. The Micro Four Thirds camera will drop in the US later this month – in a choice of black, silver, red or white – with a body-only price of $499.95. Alternatively, it’ll be offered with the 14-42mm lens at $599.95, or with the 14mm pancake Prime lens at $699.95.
The GF2 is compatible with Panasonic’s 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm/F12, which be $249.95 on its own. Meanwhile there’s also pricing for the full camcorder and point-and-shoot digital camera ranges announced at CES 2011, which you can find in the press releases below.
Press Release:
PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR NEW LUMIX GF2, THE COMPANY’S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST DIGITAL INTERCHANGABLE LENS SYSTEM CAMERA WITH FLASH
Panasonic LUMIX GF2 Digital Camera Available in Mid- February 2011
SECAUCUS, NJ (February 1, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for the LUMIX GF2 – the latest addition to the company’s compact system camera (CSC) lineup. The LUMIX DMC-GF2 will be available in mid-February 2011 and will come in black, silver, red, and white models. The LUMIX GF2 (body-only) will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $499.95.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF2 is Panasonic’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera – complete with a built-in flash. The LUMIX GF2 is compatible with lenses from the Micro Four Thirds standard, meaning the system is small and compact, while not compromising ease of operation or image quality. The LUMIX GF2 is also compatible with Panasonic’s new 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12, so users can take their own 3D photos anywhere.
The LUMIX GF2K (14-42mm) lens will have an SRP of $599.95 while the GF2C (14mm) lens will have an SRP of $699.95. Also available is Panasonic’s new 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm/F12, which will have an SRP of $249.95.
For more information on the Panasonic LUMIX GF2 and all its accessories, please visit: www.panasonic.com/lumix.
PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2011 LINE OF CAMCORDERS, INCLUDING 3D-CAPABLE, FULL HD MODELS
SECAUCUS, NJ (February 1, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for its 2011 line of full-High Definition (HD) 3MOS models, the HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800; as well as its Full-High Definition 1MOS models, the HDC-TM90, HDC-SD90, HDC-TM80, HDC-HS80, HDC-SD80, HDC-SD40 and HDC-TM40; and the standard definition models, HDC-H100, HDC-T70 and HDC-S70. All 13 models, in addition to a new optional 3D conversion lens (VW-CLT1), will be available in March 2011.
The Panasonic Full-HD camcorders will be available for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $1,399.95 for the HDC-HS900; $1099.99 for the HDC-TM900 and $849.99 for the HDC-SD800. The new Full-HD camcorders feature 1920 x 1080 resolution with 1080/60p recording to create crisp, detailed videos, and can also shoot 3D videos when used with Panasonic’s optional 3D conversion lens (VW-CLT1). The 3D conversion lens has an SRP of $349.99 and can capture vivid 3D imagery, which can be played back on a Panasonic VIERA 3D TV* or AVCHD-compatible player/recorder. The HDC-TM900 and HDC-HS900 both feature a manual ring for increased creativity, a 20x zoom and an intuitive 3.5” touch-screen LCD. All three models can record to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards, while the HDC-TM900 has 32GB** of internal memory and the HDC-HS900 has a hard disk drive that holds up to 220GB.
Panasonic’s Full-HD camcorders with a 1MOS sensor will have SRPs of $599.99 for the HDC-TM90 and HDC-HS80; $549.99 for the HDC-SD90; $499.99 for the HDC-TM80; $449.95 for the HDC-SD80; $399.99 for the HDC-TM40 and $349.99 for the HDC-SD40. These camcorders have 1920 x 1080 resolution with wide-angle lenses. The HDC-TM90 and HDC-SD90 are capable of shooting Full-HD video with 1080/60p recording and can also record 3D video with the optional 3D conversion lens. The HDC-TM80 and HDC-HS80 both feature exceptional zooming power with a 42x Intelligent Zoom. The HDC-TM40 and HDC-SD40 are Panasonic’s lightest Full-HD camcorders, weighing approximately 0.39lbs. All seven models can record to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards, while the HDC-TM90, HDC-TM80 and HDC-TM50 also have 16GB of internal memory, and the HDC-HS80 has a 120GB hard disk drive.
Panasonic’s standard definition cameras will have SRPs of $349.99 for the SDR-H100; $269.99 for the SDR-T70 and $249.99 for the SDR-S70. These camcorders pack advanced features including a 33mm wide-angle*** and a powerful Enhanced Optical Zoom of 78x. Like the HD camcorder models, all three models can record to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards, while the SDR-H100 has an 80GB hard disk drive and the SDR-T70 has 4GB of built-in memory.
For more information on all Panasonic camcorder models, please visit www.panasonic.com/dvc.
PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR LUMIX POINT-AND-SHOOT MODELS INTRODUCED AT 2011 CES
SECAUCUS, NJ (February 1, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for the eight LUMIX digital camera models the company introduced last month at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show, which includes the LUMIX DMC-PF7, LUMIX DMC-FP5, the LUMIX DMC-FH27, LUMIX DMC-FH25, LUMIX DMC-FH5, LUMIX DMC-FH2, LUMIX DMC-S3, and the LUMIX DMC-S1. All eight digital camera models, available in March 2011, feature Optical Image Stabilization, High Definition video recording capabilities and Panasonic’s iA mode, which makes them extremely easy-to-use to help take high-quality photos.
Panasonic’s ultra-slim LUMIX and fashionable FP-Series will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $229.99 for the LUMIX FP7 and $199.99 for the LUMIX FP5. Both models maintain their slim profiles by incorporating an ultra-thin 4x optical zoom lens with folded optics. The LUMIX FP7 features a new 3.5-inch 16:9 touch-screen LCD.
The Panasonic LUMIX FH-Series are sleek and stylish digital cameras that feature a 28mm-wide-angle lenses. The LUMIX FH27 has a 3-inch touch-screen LCD with an SRP of $229.99 while the LUMIX FH25 has an SRP of $199.99. Both the LUMIX FH27 and LUMIX FH25 also feature an 8x optical zoom. The 16.1-megapixel LUMIX FH5 (SRP: $149.99) and the 14.1-megapixel LUMIX FH2 (SRP $139.99) feature a 4x optical zoom with a new retractable lens.
Finally, the company’s entry-level digital camera models, the LUMIX S-Series, are extremely easy to use, making them ideal for consumers wanting an extremely intuitive experience. The 14.1-megapixel LUMIX S3 has an SRP of $129.99 and the 12.1-megapixel LUMIX S1 has an SRP of $119.99. Both models have a 28mm* wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens.
Since we reported that the Tegra 2-based LG Optimus 2X was slated to hit Korea and Europe this month, we’ve been dying to check out its 1080p video recording capability. Lucky for us, someone in Greece has uploaded a video to YouTube that was apparently recorded on the smartphone, and the results, well, decide for yourself. While we’re impressed by the video quality (digital zoom excepted) the subject matter leaves something to be desired: a shaky camera slowly pans a port full of docked fishing boats. Sure, we’d like to see some more action, but this sample still has us excited about getting our hands on our very own Optimus 2X. HD video after the jump.
Liquid Image has been making goggles for scuba drivers for a long time now that have an integrated video camera in them to film the underwater wonders divers see for us land locked folks to enjoy. The company has announced a new line of goggles aimed at the off roader that wants to record their riding or skiing prowess.
The goggles are in the Impact series and come in black or red offerings. A small 1080p resolution video camera sits in the middle of the goggles right above the bridge of the nose. The camera has a 136-degree field of view and the thing can take still shots at 12MP resolution as well.
The video recording in 1080p resolution is at 30 fps and if you cut back to 720p resolution, the camera can record at 60 fps for slow motion playback. Video is stored to a microSD card up to 32GB and it includes a microSD card with 4GB of storage.
I have a Go Pro HD camera that I use for recording things in a car and for a few other purposes. The camera is a waterproof sports camera, but for it to be waterproof it has to be inside a plastic shell. V.I.O. has unveiled new sports camera called the POV.HD that is waterproof and doesn’t need a plastic shell to survive the rough world of sports recording.
The camera is up for pre-order right now and it’s not cheap at $599.95. The camera records in 1080p HD resolution and can be mounted on helmets, goggles, and in other places. When in 1080p mode the camera has a 142-degree field of view and in 720p 60fps slow motion mode the camera has a 95-degree field of view.
The camera comes with a small control box that allows the viewing of video in the field, which is something the cheaper Go Pro camera lacks. That box has a TI Da Vinci processor inside. The processor allows for automatic lens distortion correction, vignetting correction, and lens softness correction. The camera also has a wireless remote for controlling the functions that can be mounted as well. The cam can survive submersion in 1 meter of water for half an hour and has an environmental rating of IP67. Video is stored to SD cards.
Sony’s 3D pocket camcorder, the MHS-FS3 3D Bloggie Touch, has gone up for pre-order at Amazon. Priced at $249.99, the 3D Bloggie Touch packs a pair of lenses capable of recording 1080p HD video or 5-megapixel stills, while on the back is a glasses-free 3D 2.4-inch display for previewing footage.
Sony is promising up to 4hrs of video on the 8GB of internal storage, and there’s a flip-out USB arm and an HDMI port for getting content off the camcorder. The 3D Bloggie also supports face detection and auto-macro in photography mode, along with image stabilization and an LED flashlight.
As technology progresses, users are not only looking for ways to capture and share special moments, but they’re looking for easier and higher quality ways to do so. Samsung has always been a key player in the HD camcorder market, and they are continuing their push into the market with the newly announced HMX-H300.
The H300 itself is designed to automatically capture the best looking crystal-clear HD video without the end user having to worry about settings and complex features.
The device boasts 30x Optical Zoom, and will allow users to take 5 Megapixel stills. The device feels incredibly sturdy and it’s video output, when viewed on the onboard LCD was very impressive. Battery life on the device is said to be up to 3 hours and when needed, it will charge via USB.
The HMX-H300 will retail for $599 when it’s made available this February.
JVC president Yuta Ito has confirmed to SlashGear that the company’s first 4k2k consumer camcorder is “just around the corner,” bringing super high-resolution video capture to mainstream levels. The new model will be based on the same exclusive JVC Falconbird image processor as in the 3D Everio GS-TD1 camcorder.
Ito could not say exactly what specifications the camcorder would offer, nor the price point JVC expects to hit with the new model. Falconbird is able to record 3840 x 2160/60p video, or of course the Full HD 3D the GS-TD1 is capable of, and is billed as being 2.7x as fast as JVC’s previous processing chips.
JVC’s new Everio GS-TD1 camcorder isn’t the first 3D example we’ve seen, but it is the first to manage Full HD 3D recording. The new JVC Falconbird image processing engine is paired with two 3.32-megapixel CMOS sensors, each capable of 1920 x 1080i, while even the preview display is 3D-capable. Check out our hands-on impressions after the cut.
The Everio GS-TD1 looks bulky, but it’s actually relatively lightweight. Unlike Panasonic’s HDC-TC750 it’s not designed to lose the 3D lens section, but the weight has been well balanced along the length of the camcorder and it doesn’t feel front-heavy. Storage and connectivity are hidden behind the flip-out LCD display. That has a touchscreen layer for control over most of the settings, and it’s crystal clear and responsive. Most importantly, though, is that it uses glasses-free 3D so that you can see exactly what 3D effect you’re getting while recording, rather than – as with the TC750 – having to wait until reviewing footage later. The 3.5-inch panel uses a parallax barrier to split up the left and right images.
Falconbird is a JVC exclusive, and supposedly doubles the power from previous chips. It debuts in the GS-TD1, but will be spreading through the company’s 3D-capable line-up; the same sensor, Kari Bearnarth, senior VP of America JVC marketing told us, is powerful enough to handle 4k2k recording.
It’s obviously tricky to judge image quality from a brief hands-on play, but what we saw in JVC’s booth impressed us. There’s no compromise to the 3D element – you still get HD, unlike other systems which split the resolution of a single sensor – and it looks crisp and bright when viewed full-screen. The JVC Everio GS-TD1 will go on sale in March 2011. For $2,000, it comes equipped with 64GB of internal flash storage space, image stabilizer, 3D sound and a pair of ultra fast, high res, extra-low-dispersion glasses, and a round-iris diaphragm HD GT F1.2 lens.
JVC has unveiled a new consumer 3D camcorder with full HD resolution at CES called the GS-TD1. The new camcorder is the world’s first consumer offering with full HD 3D capability. The camera uses a pair of lenses with 3.32MP CMOS sensors in each lens to capture the 3D images the same way human eyes work.
The camera has 5x optical zoom and promises dynamic 3D sound as well with JVC Biphonic technology for improved audio. A 3.5-inch touch panel is offered on the side of the camera and the screen allows the user to view the 3D video recorded without needing glasses.
The camera uses a new high speed imaging engine dubbed Falconbird by JVC. The lens is rated at F1.2 for brighter video and the CMOS sensors are back illuminated. Other features include time-lapse 3D recording, 3D still shots, and the video is stored to 64GB of internal memory and can be expanded with SD cards. The camera will sell for $1999.95 in March.
Kodak will be unveiling a lot of new gear at CES 2011 in the coming week. The gear will include several new cameras and a digital photo frame among other stuff. The stuff that Kodak has announced includes the new Easyshare Touch camera with a $149.99 MSRP in the US. The camera has a 3-inch touchscreen on the back and can shoot 720p video. It has 14MP resolution and 5x optical zoom.
The Easyshare mini is a $99.95 camera that is about the size of a credit card with 10MP resolution, 3x optical zoom, and a mirrored front for self-shots. The rear LCD is a 2.5-inch unit and it has video recording and more. The Easyshare Sport will sell for $79.95 and is waterproof to ten feet and dustproof as well. It has a 12MP resolution and a 2.4-inch LCD.
The Playful Video Camera will sell for $149.99 and can record in 1080p resolution and shoot 5MP still shots. The camera is aimed at sharing video online and has an easy to use Share button for uploading. The Playsport Video Camera will sell for $179.95 and is waterproof to ten feet and shockproof as well with 1080p video and 5MP stills.
The digital photo frame is the Pulse and is has a 7-inch screen version for $129.95 and a 10-inch version for $199.95 and will turn itself off when it sense no one is in the room. It also has an email address so friends can send pics to the frame. Kodak has also announced that it is launching 3D photo prints from Kodak AIO printers with software and printing solutions.
