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.
It’s been confirmed, Super Bowl XLV will not be the first one with a full HD 3D broadcast (no gimmicky 3D commercials this year either, you can put the paper glasses away) despite featuring a halftime show by James Cameron’s BFFs, the Black Eyed Peas. Still, considering what happened the last time they tried 3D at the House That Jerry Jones Built it’s probably for the best. Still, just because you don’t have one of Cowboys Stadium’s record breaking HD screens you should still enjoy the game in style. In 2011 that means going beyond just the screen, the sounds and the seats — we’ll tell you how after the break.
Panasonic‘s rugged TS3 and Full HD ZS10 and ZS8 digicams aren’t the only new models from the company today; there’s also the ultracompact Panasonic LUMIX FX78. Built around a 24mm ultra-wide angle Leica lens with a 5x optical zoom and a 12.1-megapixel sensor, the FX78 is controlled via a 3.5-inch touchscreen display and supports Panasonic’s 3D Photo mode.
Despite only having a single lens, 3D Photo creates 3D stills by taking 20 consecutive photos and overlaying the two best to create an image that can then be played on a Panasonic VIERA 3D HDTV. There’s also Full HD video recording and optical image stabilization.
Various in-camera editing and retouching options round out the main specs; more details in the press release below. The Panasonic LUMIX FX78 will go on sale in March 2011 in black, gold and white; pricing will be confirmed closer to the time.
Press Release:
PANASONIC INTRODUCES STYLISH AND ULTRA-COMPACT LUMIX FX78 DIGITAL CAMERA WITH FULL-HD VIDEO CAPABILITIES
The LUMIX FX78 Features a F2.5 Super-Bright 24mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Leica Lens for Superb Photo and Video Quality and a Large 3.5-inch Smart Touch LCD for Intuitive Operation
SECAUCUS, NJ (January 25, 2011) – Panasonic today expands its LUMIX FX-Series of stylish and compact digital cameras, with the LUMIX FX78, which features a new Smart Touch operation on the large 3.5-inch 16:9 aspect LCD, allowing for intuitive touch operation, including Touch AF, Touch Zoom, Touch Shutter, and Touch Playback. The LUMIX FX78 also incorporates a new LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT, 24mm ultra-wide angle lens that has a 5x optical zoom with F2.5 aperture. The 24mm wide-angle lens offers approximately 213% larger viewing space when compared to a traditional 35mm camera. This high-performing lens has been designed to fit the slim body while still offering exceptional photo and video quality. With its wide and bright lens, the LUMIX FX78 excels when shooting dynamic landscapes and in low-lit situations.
The LUMIX FX78’s Smart Touch Screen allows for the Auto Focus (AF) to be set by simply touching the subject on the LCD and a touch can even release the shutter. Once locked on the subject, the LUMIX FX78 tracks the subject with the AF tracking function even if it moves. With the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, the FX78 automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode, and a touch on the background or a landscape changes to the Scenery mode, while a touch on the subject close in the foreground changes to Macro mode. All menu settings are now available with touch control. The touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting, but also in playback, allowing the user to drag the images across the screen with a finger and browse the collection of photos as though flipping the pages of the book.
“With its super-bright and wide-angle lens, the LUMIX FX78 is a high-performing digital camera that excels in image quality, producing exceptional full-HD videos and still photos,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the new touch-screen operation, the FX78 is intuitive to use and allows the user to take a photo, track a subject and even touch-up a face with just the touch of the finger.”
The LUMIX FX78 also features the Panasonic 3D Photo mode, which produces a realistic 3D photo by taking 20 consecutive photos and overlaying the two best to create a 3D image that can then be played on a Panasonic VIERA 3D HDTV. The format of 3D images is compatible with MPO, and can also be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment such as a televisions, digital photo frames and printers. Panasonic also adds the LUMIX Image Uploader, for seamless and instant sharing via Facebook (for digital photos) or YouTube (for videos). Users can checkmark the photo or video files they want to share, connect the camera to a PC with the included USB cable or by inserting the SD Memory Card directly into the PC’s SD Card slot, and then the uploading automatically launches with an easy-to-follow menu option.
Incorporating a newly developed 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor, the DMC-LUMIX FX78 is compatible with high-speed, large-capacity signal processing required for 1920 x 1080 full-HD video recording in AVCHD and high speed continuous shooting. The AVCHD format almost doubles the recording time in HD quality, when compared with the conventional Motion JPEG. The LUMIX FX78 also boasts Dolby Dolby® Digital Creator to record high quality audio.
The advanced image processing LSI, the Venus Engine FHD, assures high picture quality in both photo and movie recording. It also incorporates the Intelligent Resolution technology to perform the optimum signal processing to give the entire image outstandingly natural clearness with fine details. The LUMIX FX78’s 5x optical zoom is available when shooting video. Thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the LUMIX FX78 which extends the zoom ratio by approximately 1.3x maintaining the picture quality and extending it to a 6.5x zoom equivalent. The Sonic Speed AF, which gains approximately 33% higher speed compared with its predecessor DMC-FX75, has a quick shutter release time lag as short as approximately 0.005 second.
The LUMIX FX78 is not only a high-performing digital camera when it concerns image quality, but it also includes a host of entertaining features that brings photography to a new level of fun with features such as Art Retouch and Beauty Retouch. The Art Retouch function lets the user change the original photo in brightness and color saturation. The Beauty Retouch mode allows users to digitally touch-up faces by applying different effects, such as skin texture, lifting up the face and whitening of teeth. In addition, the Make-up mode gives the user the option to change the face’s complexion, lips, cheeks or eye-shadow coloring.
Panasonic’s iA Mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically, has evolved for more powerful image stabilization while video recording and taking still photos with Active Mode which boosts MEGA OIS to excel in suppressing blur when recording videos at wide angle while walking. Other features of iA include: Motion Deblur, MEGA OIS, Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure. With iA, taking beautiful photos is possible for users at any level. In addition, the Intelligent Resolution technology is always activated in the iA mode, which helps produce even clearer photos by precisely performing signal processing pixel by pixel to help ensure clear and sharp images.
The LUMIX FX78 will be available in March 2011 in black, gold and white models and pricing will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping date. For more on these Panasonic LUMIX models, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
Panasonic expanded its digital camera line up for 2011 today with the addition of the new Lumix DMC-ZS10 digital camera. The camera has a versatile lens that can shoot ultra wide-angle to long zoom shots. The total optical zoom range of the camera is 16x and the lens has 24mm wide angle as well.
The ZS10 is crammed with features that will make the camera interesting to many people like a 3-inch rear LCD that allows touch zoom, touch autofocus, touch shutter, and touch playback. That means you can just touch the screen rather than wading through deep menus and lots of buttons.
The camera is also 3D image compatible and it has a 14.1MP resolution. Video recording in 1080p resolution is supported and the camera uses the Panasonic Venus Engine FHD. The cam has integrated GPS for geo tagging images and uses internal data to tag the photos with information on landmarks and the city or town the photo was taken in. Pricing is unannounced at this time but the camera will land in March.
Sanwa has recently unveiled a pair of brand new 3D glasses that the company claims are universal. However, Sanwa’s definition of universal seems to be a bit more “defined,” then some might imagine. The company has announced that these new universal 3D glasses will work with a wide range of 3D TVs, but here’s the kicker: they have to be from a Japanese company.
Sanwa points out Sony, Sharp, Toshiba, and Panasonic as manufacturers that their new universal 3D glasses will work with just fine. Companies like LG, Samsung, and Vizio are apparently being left out in the cold. The glasses are available right now through Sanwa’s online store, and cost around $7,800 yen, or about $95. You’ll be able to charge the classes through USB, though. And they’re probably better than not having any glasses to watch your 3D entertainment.
Verizon has demonstrated streaming Full HD 3D 1080p video over FiOS fiber-optic networks. The system promises double the quality of some rival systems, and uses a Panasonic Blu-ray player on the receiving end.
Video demo after the cut
Verizon claims it was able to stream at 18 Mbps, double what many cable systems can handle, and good enough for 1080p HD as you’d find on 3D Blu-ray discs. Unfortunately, there’s no firm date on when the service will actually be available to FiOS subscribers, but with Verizon switching its FiOS broadcast backbone to IP it’s possible this could be part of the company’s upgrade for later in the year.
Press Release:
Panasonic and Verizon Demonstrate an Industry-First at the International Consumer Electronics Show: Full HD 3D Video Over Verizon’s FiOS All-Fiber-Optic Network
NEW YORK – Full-resolution high-definition 3D transmission via a premium TV service provider became a reality at this year’s 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show. Verizon and Panasonic, a leader in Full HD 3D technology, are streaming Full HD 3D, currently the highest-possible resolution of 3D video, via Verizon’s 100 percent fiber-optic FiOS TV service.
The first-of-its-kind demonstration (in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center Room S228) was made possible through a technical collaboration between the two companies, with content streaming over Verizon’s future-proof network to a Panasonic Blu-ray 3D player. Engineers from both companies worked closely to co-develop the required network, software and user-interface enhancements that make Full HD 3D possible over the bandwidth-rich FiOS service.
“We’re proud of our work with Verizon to develop this Full HD 3D streaming capability,” said EisukeTsuyuzaki, chief technology officer, Panasonic Corporation of North America. “Panasonic has always believed that the best way to view 3D is via a Full HD, 1080p resolution image, but until now the only option available has been on Blu-ray DiscTM media. Over Verizon’s high-bandwidth FiOS network, we’ve now shown that this kind of innovation can be accomplished by a premium television service like FiOS as well.”
Unlike some competing technologies, Full HD 3D transmissions preserve the complete 1080p picture resolution that consumers have come to expect from their HDTVs. Other solutions degrade the 3D image, typically reducing resolution by half. In a demonstration at the Verizon-sponsored Blogger Lounge, FiOS engineers showed a selection of 3D content streaming to a Panasonic Full HD Blu-ray 3D DiscTM player at a bit rate of up to 18 Mbps (megabits per second) — double the bit rate currently used by most cable providers.
Tony Melone, chief technology officer for Verizon, said, “Delivering full-resolution 3D content is a natural fit for Verizon’s FiOS network. Built with the future in mind, FiOS was designed with the bandwidth headroom to grow along with consumer demand for the latest technologies. Verizon continues to deliver the future of TV and is once again redefining the consumer’s at home-entertainment experience.”
Last year, Verizon televised the first National Football League game in 3D, the New York Giants versus the New England Patriots, as well as the first Major League Baseball games in 3D, between the New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners.
Verizon continues to drive the future of TV, with more than 140 HD channels and next-generation interactive services like social networking, DVR management via broadband or mobile phone, and an interactive media guide.
Withings seems obsessed with shaming us into sharing our weight with whoever might be interested; their WiFi scales tweeted out our chubby readings last year, and now you can bypass the latest sports game and put your weight on the big screen instead. If you’ve a Panasonic VIERA Connect HDTV, you can now access the Withings health dashboard as a widget.
That means you can check body weight, lean & fat mass and calculated body mass index (BMI), all from the comfort of your couch. Of course, if you want to do something about those numbers, you’ll have to get up and stop watching television.
Press Release:
Withings and Panasonic Connect Your Body Scale with Your Television
Now, users of the Withings Scale can access their Health Dashboard directly on their Panasonic VIERA Connect™- enabled VIERA® HDTVs
Las Vegas, Nevada – January 6, 2011- CES / North Hall / Booth #3619- Today, what seems like an unlikely pair, your body scale and your television, comes together seamlessly with the partnership between Withings and Panasonic – a leader in high definition and connected TV entertainment — as users of both innovative devices can now access their Withings health dashboard right on their VIERA ConnectTM-enabled VIERA HDTV screen with the touch of a button.
The WiFi Body Scale is a revolutionary product that transforms an ordinary bathroom scale into an automatic weight tracking device for up to 8 people. It wirelessly records a user’s body weight, lean & fat mass, and calculated body mass index (BMI) onto his/her own secure webpage and/or free Withings iPhone application, WiScale. Now, this data dashboard can be easily accessed directly from the VIERA CAST™ menu page.
“Withings is working towards a new era in connected health devices and this partnership is yet another move in that direction, said Co-Founder of Withings Cedric Hutchings. “Making your health data as easily accessible as possible is a key feature of the WiFi Body Scale. Now, you can access all your information via your MAC, PC, mobile device or television.”
Panasonic’s VIERA Connect IPTV feature allows owners of VIERA ConnectTM-enabled 2011 VIERA HDTVs to enjoy internet content directly on their television with the push of a button and without the need for a PC. VIERA Connect offers a robust collection of applications including expanded video streaming, and two-way interactive features from gaming to social networking, and fitness programs.
“We are very excited to have Withings as part of our VIERA Connect IPTV offerings in 2011,” said Panasonic Corporation of North America Vice President Merwan Mereby. “VIERA Connect is taking connected TV to a whole new level of interactivity for consumers to deliver an unprecedented, more robust, two-way interactive set of features such as Withings’ WiFi Body Scale for consumers to interact with directly through their Panasonic VIERA® HDTVs.”
For more information, contact PR representatives below or visit www.withings.com/press.
Panasonic has unveiled a new set of earphones for the music fan that likes some tunes with exercise. The new headphones use a clip-type connection method to the user’s ears to keep them in place no matter how hard you work out or how much you sweat. The headphones are called the RP-HSC200.
They have clips that go over the ears with a soft elastomer hanger for comfort. The earphones are sweat and water-resistant and the hangers are designed to help eliminate cord noise. The earpieces are offered in small, medium, and large sizes.
The headphones have 12.4mm speakers and a frequency response of 10Hz to 22 kHz. They will ship in March with a MSRP of $59.99. The color of the headphones is black with silver accents.
If you are a fan of chatting with your friends and family, using Skype you will have access to the service on a couple more platforms really soon according to Skype. Skype reports that its service will hit the Sony Bravia line of HDTVs and the Vizio Via line of HDTVs “soon.”
Exactly how soon that will be is unknown. The announcement was made today at CES 2011 in Las Vegas and the new Sony and Vizio sets will go along with the sets already available from Panasonic and Samsung that support Skype.
Skype also notes that it is working with Sony and Panasonic to bring Skype to TVs that people already have in their living rooms via new connected Blu-ray players. The goal is to integrate the service with the Blu-ray players when they are connected with a webcam for video.
A new Olympus compact camera has leaked ahead of its official release at CES 2011 next week, along with details on a new range of Sony shooters. The Olympus XZ-1, so 43rumors sources say, has the same 1:1.63 size 10.1-megapixel sensor as the Panasonic LX5 but paired with a 28-112mm f/1.8-2.5 lens.
Meanwhile, according to Sony Alpha Rumors, Sony will bring along compact cameras capable of 1080p60 recording in AVCHD format, while contrast auto-focus is tipped to be as fast as that on the Panasonic LUMIX GH2. In fact, the new models are expected to focus in just 0.1s.
Among the new Sony cameras will be a Cybershot DSC-HX1 successor together with a range of new Bloggie cameras with larger displays. There’ll also be 3D-capable models. Sweep Panorama and AVCHD are both tipped to make the transition to the compact range from Sony’s NEX line-up.
Finally, Panasonic will apparently out a range of new S-series compacts, including the DMC-S1 and DMC-S3. No specs, but there’s also talk of the Panasonic DMC-TS3, Panasonic DMC-FH2 and the Panasonic FH5.
A new Olympus compact camera has leaked ahead of its official release at 