Audio/video

Panasonic today introduced the new LUMIX 6-megapixel, f/2.8 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35 mm to 105 mm on a 35 mm film camera) LEICA DC lens DMC-FX3 featuring MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and max. ISO 1600 high sensitivity mode*.

Panasonic has long led the industry with its incorporation of an optical image stabilization system - MEGA O.I.S. - into even its compact range of cameras. This system produces no deterioration of picture quality and has now become a standard feature for all digital cameras in the market. Now the new DMC-FX3 also benefits from a High Sensitivity mode* which allows shooting at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600*. This mode acts as another anti-blurring measure, in addition to the MEGA O.I.S. system, by suppressing image blur which can be caused by the movement of subjects, and especially benefits indoor photography of children and pets at fast shutter speeds.

For the image processor, the Venus Engine Plus LSI is incorporated for high performance image processing, both in terms of speed and image quality, while still preserving low energy consumption. Another feature that elevates the DMC-FX3 is the incorporation of 13.5 MB of built-in memory while the battery life is long enough to shoot up to 320 pictures(CIPA( on one charging, in order to ensure that you do not miss those great spur-of-the-moment shots. In addition, motion images can be taken in even wide VGA in addition to the normal VGA format so that you can enjoy dynamic viewing on wide aspect TVs.

The LUMIX DMC-FX3 is not just a compact and stylish camera but a special model having a winning combination of MEGA O.I.S. which conquers the blur due to hand-shake and High Sensitivity which suppresses the other major cause of blurred image resulting from the subject’ s movement, enabling every type of user to take clear, beautiful and blur-free pictures. The FX3 will be available in silver and black. The new FX3 is a step above the average stylish & compact models and can be confidently recommended for saving those precious memories of your family and friends.
*Resolution significantly decreases in High Sensitivity mode.

Panasonic today introduced the new LUMIX 7.2-megapixel, 28mm wide angle f/2.8 LEICA DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 102mm on a 35mm film camera) DMC-FX50 and DMC-FX07 cameras, both featuring an Intelligent Image Stabilizer by MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO control. The DMC-FX50 also newly incorporates a 3-inch large LCD whereas the DMC-FX07 pursues further compactness with a 2.5-inch LCD.

Inheriting the highly valued 28mm LEICA DC lens in a compact body from its their predecessor, the DMC-FX50/FX07 cameras allow users to enjoy the benefit of a wide angle lens when shooting indoor group portraits, expansive landscapes, or architectural scenes.

To fight against the major cause of blurred images, Panasonic invented the MEGA O.I.S. system taking advantage of its superior lens technology to compensate for handshake- a feature which has long been incorporated into the LUMIX range of cameras. In addition, to also compensate for the other major cause of blurred images- movement of the subject- the FX50/FX07 cameras are also equipped with the world’s first* Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) and max. ISO 1250 high sensitivity recording at full resolution capabilities within the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III. When set to the I.I.C., the Venus Engine III detects the subject’s movement and adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit the subject movement and the light condition automatically. Panasonic’s excellent image stabilizing system allows users to take clear, crisp images in any situation, leaving everything to the camera.
DMC-FX50

Taking advantage of the newly incorporated 3-inch large LCD, the DMC-FX50 allows dual image playback to see and compare any two images at a time. It is also possible to select 9 sequential frames from a captured motion image file and display them as thumbnails which can then even be saved as still images. Furthermore, a print mode has been added to the mode dial to allow users to connect the camera to a Pictbridge-corresponding printer via an included USB cable to get the printouts.

When shooting indoor group portraits, it sometimes occurs that the room is not large enough to allow the photographer to get everyone in the frame, or the light is insufficient forcing the photographer to use a flash. However the winning combination of 28mm LEICA DC lens and the Intelligent Image stabilizer enable every type of user to take ideal beautiful images with everyone in the frame and without having to use the flash which would spoil the ambience of the picture.

The DMC-FX50 will be available in silver and black, the FX07 in silver, black, red and blue, each with a specially textured finish.

The new LUMIX DMC-FX50/FX07 are beautifully designed and featured -packed digital cameras, ideal for recording and preserving all those precious moments that life gives.

*?On a 35mm film camera, at wide-angle.
** Not available in some countries.
*?On a 35mm film camera, at wide-angle.
** Not available in some countries.

28mm Wide Angle 3.6x Optical Zoom f/2.8 LEICA DC lens in a Compact Body
The 7.2-megapixel LUMIX DMC-FX50/FX07 cameras both have a 28mm* wide angle 3.6x optical zoom f/2.8 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens housed in a compact and slim body, achieved thanks to the incorporation of a EA (Extra High Refractive Index Aspherical) lens. This wide angle lens enables easy capture of large indoor group subjects or expansive architectural structures and sceneries with dynamic width and a rich perspective. The lens unit comprises of a LEICA DC lens of seven elements in six groups, incorporating four aspherical lenses to generate high optical performance while preserving the compactness of the unit. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 5.5x in 3-megapixel resolution mode thanks to the Extra Optical Zoom function which gives extra magnification (and minimal image deterioration) by intentionally using the centre part of the CCD.
*On a 35mm film camera.

More than just a MEGA O.I.S., LUMIX’s image stabilizing system further evolves
Taking advantage of its superior lens technology, Panasonic invented the MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) system to fight against the major cause of blurred images. It compensates for handshake and is now featured on the entire LUMIX range and has been highly evaluated and appreciated by the users across the world. Every slight hand-shake movement is detected accurately with the sampling frequency at 4,000 times per second and will be compensated to render clear, sharp images. In addition, movement of the subject, the other major cause of blurred images, is suppressed by the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III with the Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) and max.ISO1250 high sensitivity recording capabilities. The world’s first incorporation* of this I.I.C. allows the automatic adjustment of the suitable ISO setting and shutter speed that best suits the situation by analyzing the speed of subject movement. If the subject is moving, the ISO setting would automatically rise to allow a higher shutter speed. On the other hand, if the subject is still and no movement is detected, you can take beautiful natural images with a low ISO setting.

Accordingly the new LUMIX automatically takes the best countermeasures against any causes of blurred images with MEGA O.I.S. compensating for hand-shake and the I.I.C. compensating for movement of the subject. Thus Image stabilizing systems are further evolving with LUMIX.

*For a digital still camera, as of July 19, 2006.
DMC-FX7

High Picture Quality, Quick Response Image Processing LSI: The Venus Engine III
The DMC-FX50/FX07 cameras both adopt the Venus Engine III to realize high sensitivity recording at max. ISO 1250 at full resolution. The noise reduction system is greatly improved by removing noise at the processing stages in series. First, critical noise is roughly undraped and the chromatic noise and the luminance noise are separated to respectively go through the supplemental noise reduction process so that the remaining noise is appropriately minimised.

With its multi-task image processing capability, the Venus Engine III also boasts outstanding response time with a shutter release time lag of as short as 0.005 sec. minimum and the shutter interval of 0.5 sec. Together with the fast startup time of approx. 1.3 sec., the quick response of DMC-FX50/FX07 enable easy capture of those spur-of-the-moment shots. In the burst shooting mode, it is possible to shoot at three frames per second in full resolution**. The DMC-FX50/FX07 cameras also allow unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD/SDHC memory card***.

Despite the large, bright LCD, the DMC-FX50/FX07 cameras achieve long battery life to shoot approx. 300(FX50) / 320(FX07) pictures (CIPA) on a single charge thanks to the energy-efficient Venus Engine III.

* Not including the time for AF.
**Max. eight images in standard mode/ six images in fine mode.
*** The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card.
The number of recordable pictures depends on the memory card size, battery life, picture size and image compression

Advanced?3-inch (FX50) / 2.5-inch (FX07) Large LCD for Easy Shooting and Playback
The FX50 newly incorporates an easy-to-see 3-inch large 230 k high resolution LCD (2.5-inch 207k pixels high resolution LCD for FX07). Taking advantage of this large, high resolution LCD, the FX50 enables dual image playback to display any 2 images vertically in the LCD and compare them as well as the 9-frame cutouts from a motion image. Furthermore, it becomes possible. Also, the pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD automatically increases the brightness level of the live image on the LCD, which greatly facilitates shooting in low light situations.?With the help of the Power LCD function, which boosts the backlighting of the LCD by 40%, even shooting in bright outdoors situations is no longer a problem. The High Angle mode makes the display extremely easy to view from low angles, for example, when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd and can be accessed easily and quickly by using the dedicated button.

Clear, bright, wide VGA motion image recording for viewing on wide screen TV
In addition to standard VGA (640×480) at 30 fps motion image recording, the DMC-FX50/FX07 cameras can also record stunning full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848×480) at 30 fps. Shooting is one thing but viewing is another, and users will be suitably impressed by the 16:9 moving image when it is displayed on a wide screen TV. The brightness level of these motion images is also enhanced as a result of the pixel mixed readout method performed by the CCD.

An exceptional function is that it is possible to select and display as thumbnails 9 sequential frames from a motion image, which would be helpful to see the how you swing a racket or golf club.

Unimpeded, high speed AF
The various AF mode can be selected according to the shooting environment and the position of the subject: 9-point, 3-point high speed, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed and spot. In the 1-point normal speed AF, the AF time is reduced by one third of the time compared to the predecessor, to provide a quick and smooth AF without screen-freeze. The inclusion of an AF assist lamp provides further assistance in low light situations when focusing is difficult. The result is stress free photography with never a moment missed.

A Variety of Scene Modes and Other Features to Enrich Your Photography
An even greater variety of scene modes are included: seventeen scene modes for FX50 and eighteen for FX07 to assist the user in a wide range of photographic situations. The newly incorporated ?Beach? mode is perfect for shooting in strong sunlight and the ?Aerial? mode assists with shooting through the windows of an aeroplane. ?High Sensitivity**? mode, made possible by the pixel-mixed readout method by the CCD, is ideal for shooting moving subjects clearly without blurring at a sensitivity as high as ISO 3200. On the other hand, in the Simple mode, almost all adjustments can be automatically set even including the backlight compensation, allowing even entry-level users to take beautiful images easily.

An additional improvement is the addition of a print mode onto the mode dial for the FX50 so that users can make prints by just connecting the camera to the Pictbridge-corresponding printer via an included USB cable. Of course users can get plural prints of a image or print only those they have selected as favourites.

The FX07 is compatible with a marine case*** with which users can shoot underwater while scuba diving etc. Both DMC-FX50/FX07 cameras include ?World Time Setting?, which was featured on other recently released LUMIX models and much appreciated, allowing users to set the time and date of 74 locations across the world.?

*Not including Macro Mode.
**Resolution significantly decreases in high sensitivity mode.
***Optional
For more information, please call 08705 357357 or view the products on our website.

Panasonic today introduced the 10.1-megapixel LUMIX DMC-FZ50 with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) featuring powerful 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 35 mm to 420 mm on a 35 mm film camera) f/2.8 LEICA DC lens, as a successor to the DMC-FZ30, which has received high acclaim worldwide.

The DMC-FZ50 boasts a 10.1-megapixel high resolution CCD for its image sensor and Venus Engine III for the image processing LSI, making it possible to record a image at max. ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution. Furthermore, by dramatically reducing the noise levels that challenged its predecessor, the DMC-FZ50 is able to capture 10.1-megapixel full resolution images even in high sensitivity recording.

To fight against the major cause of blurred images, Panasonic invented the MEGA O.I.S. system taking advantage of its superior lens technology to compensate for handshake - a feature which has long been incorporated into the LUMIX range of cameras. In addition, to also compensate for the other major cause of blurred images ? movement of the subject - the FZ50 is also equipped with the world?s first* Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C. ) within the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III. When set to the I.I.C, the Venus Engine III detects the subject?s movement and adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit the subject movement and the light condition automatically. Panasonic’s excellent image stabilizing system allows users to take clear, crisp images in any situation automatically, leaving everything to the camera.

From a point of view of further improving the usability of its predecessor, the DMC-FZ50 is equipped with a new Function Button which serves as a shortcut to quickly set frequently-used settings such as recording image size, light metering, AF area, white balance, and ISO sensitivity. Also, thanks to the newly incorporated custom setting function, your frequent setting patterns can be memorized and it can be instantly applied by simply selecting this function with the mode dial. The 2-inch LCD flips out to 180 degrees, making it easier to view even when shooting from high or low angles. As for optional accessories, the DMC-FZ50 is now compatible with TTL external flashes. Finally, the battery life is greatly extended by approx. 29% compared with its predecessor allowing the FZ50 to shoot approx. 360 images on one charge (CIPA).

The LUMIX DMC-FZ50 faithfully inherits the well received basic specifications from its predecessor FZ30 such as the manual focus ring and manual zoom ring, yet enhances the image sensor up to 10.1-megapixel. Noise is drastically reduced with this new FZ50 achieving a rendition of even higher quality images. The DMC-FZ50 is bound to spark the imagination of high-end users and join the Panasonic LUMIX high-end model lineup.
* Based on the CIPA standard.

1. 10.1-megapixel CCD and f/2.8 12x optical zoom LEICA DC lens
The DMC-FZ50 includes a 10.1-megapixel high resolution CCD and the f/2.8 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 35 mm to 420 mm with a 35 mm film camera) lens. The lens unit is comprised of fourteen elements in ten groups including three aspherical lenses and an ED lens, All these are incorporated to generate low distortion and high optical performance while preserving the compactness of the unit. The Extra Optical Zoom, made possible by using the center part of the 10.1-megapixel high resolution CCD, further extends the powerful 12x optical zoom to up to 21.4x for 3-megapixel image recording (17.1x for 5-megapixel and13.4x for 8-megapixel recording). High resolution images with richer gradation are always assured with these LEICA DC 12x optical zoom lens and the 10.1-Megapixel CCD. .

2. More than just a MEGA O.I.S., LUMIX’s image stabilizing system further evolves
Taking advantage of its superior lens technology, Panasonic invented the MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer( system to fight against the major cause of blurred images. It compensates for handshake and is now featured on the entire LUMIX range, and has been highly evaluated and appreciated by the users across the world. Every slight hand-shake movement is detected accurately with the sampling frequency at 4,000 times per second and will be compensated to render clear, sharp images. In addition, movement of the subject, the other major cause of blurred images, is suppressed by the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III with the Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C. ) and max.ISO1600 high sensitivity recording capabilities. The world’s first incorporation of this I.I.C. allows the automatic adjustment of the suitable ISO setting and shutter speed that best suits the situation by analyzing the speed of subject movement. If the subject is moving, the ISO setting would automatically rise to allow high shutter speed. On the other hand, if the subject is still and no movement is detected, you can take beautiful natural images with a low ISO setting.
Accordingly the new LUMIX automatically takes the best countermeasures against any causes of blurred images with MEGA O.I.S. compensating for hand-shake and the I.I.C. compensating for movement of the subject. Image stabilizing system is further evolving with LUMIX.

3. Dramatically reduced noise with Venus Engine III
The DMC-FZ50 adopts the Venus Engine III to realize high sensitivity recording at max. ISO 1600 at full resolution. The noise reduction system is greatly improved by removing noise at the processing stages in series. First, critical noise is roughly undraped and the chromatic noise and the luminance noise are separated to respectively go through the supplemental noise reduction process so that the remaining noise is appropriately minimised. In addition, chromatic aberration is also reduced so beautiful images are assured even in telephoto shooting.

Despite the significantly increased performance of the camera, the Venus Engine III consumes only 80% of the power utilized by the Venus Engine II and is able to achieve a longer battery life of approx. 360 pictures (CIPA) on a single charge. With its multi-task image processing capability, the Venus Engine III also boasts outstanding response time with an industry-leading level of shutter release time lag of as short as 0.009 sec*. minimum and the shutter interval of 0.8 sec*. Together with the fast startup time of approx. 0.7 sec., the quick response of DMC-FZ50 enables easy capture of those spur-of-the-moment shots. The DMC-FZ50 also allows unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD/SDHC memory card* * * * Not including the time for AF. * *The number of recordable pictures depends on the memory card size, battery life, picture size and image compression.
DMC-FZ50

4. Intensifying functionality in pursuit of full manual controllability
The DMC-FZ50 succeeds the high operational ease and the good design that have been highly acclaimed with its predecessor DMC-FZ30. Two exclusive rings on the lens barrel provide manual control of zooming and focusing, allowing quick and fine control that cannot be achieved with button or lever operation. This feature will be highly valued by high-end users not only for its precise controllability but also for the feeling of manual operation. With the two dials located under the index finger and the thumb, you can compensate the exposure directly in addition to the shutter speed and the aperture smoothly and naturally. The newly added Function Button serves as a shortcut exclusively for the commonly used settings such as recording image size, light metering, AF area, white balance, and ISO sensitivity, allowing them to be set easily.

For further improvement, your frequent setting patterns can be memorized and can be instantly applied by just selecting the newly incorporated custom setting function. White balance now can be finely adjusted with a reference to the horizontal axis for amber to blue and vertical axis for green to magenta. Furthermore two composition guideline patterns can be overlaid on the normal shooting screen.

5. Free-angle LCD and high resolution EVF to extend shooting potential
The 2.0-inch flip-out 207k high resolution LCD is adjustable to 180 degrees both vertically and horizontally. This assists smooth shooting even in high- and low-angle shooting positions. The pixel mixed readout method performed at the CCD achieves high sensitivity to offer sufficient brightness for easy shooting even in low-lit situations. The Power LCD function boosts the brightness level by 40% to secure clear view even in sunny outdoors. The DMC-FZ50 is also equipped with the 235 k pixels high resolution EVF to encourage active shooting. Not OVF but EVF can provide the benefit of being able to check white balance, real-time histogram and the DOF (depth of field) before shooting.

6. Faster AF
The AF mode can be selected according to the shooting situation: 9-point, 3-point high speed, 1-point high speed, 1-point normal speed and Spot. In the 1-point and 1-point high speed AF mode, the AF area is selectable from the nine focusing areas with the joystick to best fit the composition of the subjects. Also, the AF assist lamp facilitates quick, accurate focusing in situations where focusing is difficult due to the lack of light.

7. Clear, bright, wide VGA motion image recording for viewing on wide screen TV
In addition to standard VGA (640×480) at 30 fps motion image recording, the DMC-FZ50 also records stunning full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848×480) at 30 fps. Shooting is one thing but viewing is another, and you will be suitably impressed by the 16:9 moving image when it is displayed on a wide screen TV. The brightness level of these motion images is also enhanced as a result of the pixel mixed readout method performed by the CCD. Zooming in while recording motion images is also possible with the manual zoom ring, while image clarity is secured by the Optical Image Stabilizer.

8. Included software and optional accessories
To edit and develop RAW files, the “SILKYPIX Developer Studio 2.0SE” software application is bundled with the DMC-FZ50. Using this software, you can freely adjust various setting such as exposure, white balance, and so on afterward with the RAW files to take maximum advantage of digital camera photography enjoyment.,

The DMC-FZ50 is compatible with all the same accessories as the FZ30. In addition to those, the DMC-FZ50 is also compatible with the TTL external flash (GN50 or GN36). This expandability enhances the potential of shooting to make DMC-FZ50 a true high end camera.

The DMC-FZ50 will be available from September 2006.

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 8, 2006 – Whether you walk or run, Sony’s new digital music player can provide the appropriate soundtrack for your workout. The newest S2 Sports® Walkman® devices, which are jam-packed with features for your preferred exercise program, are available today for pre-order online at SonyStyle.com.

Since the first Sports Walkman was introduced in 1984, Sony has built a legacy of durable, water resistant music players for active lifestyles, and these devices are no exception. The flash-based S2 Sports Series Walkman music players include popular components that Sony customers have come to expect, plus new tools specifically designed to enhance your workout program.

Based on Sony’s G-Sensor technology, the Music Pacer feature integrates music into the workout experience. With the Music Pacer feature, the player gauges your tempo, automatically switching to the appropriate personalized walking or running playlist to match your stride. The Shuffle Shake feature lets you easily and quickly switch to shuffle mode by shaking the player three times within two seconds.

Pick Up the Pace

If you want to increase intensity when walking or running, the step, distance and calorie counter features enable you to track the number of steps taken, the distance traveled and the calories burned. The set target feature allows you to input the amount of time, calories or distance you want to achieve for your workout, so the music will play until the target is accomplished.

The player will record the step count, distance and calories burned history from your last seven workouts, so you can track your progress. You can also use it as a stopwatch to time yourself.

Ode to Gym Rats

For life at the gym, the FM tuner and quick charge features are essential. The built-in FM tuner not only lets you listen to your favorite radio stations and sets the most visited stations so you can easily and quickly find them, but it can also be used to tune into TV programs playing in many gyms. If you’re running late but still want to fit in your workout, all you need is three minutes to charge your player to get up to three hours of playback. At full battery capacity, enjoy up to 18 hours of listening.

The MP3 player is cylindrical in design and fits into the included armband, which straps securely and comfortably around your arm. About the size of a tube of lipstick, the device is water resistant and made of aluminum, weighs less than one ounce, and won’t weigh you down. Though compact, the players can store up to 1,350 songs on the 2GB model and 685 songs on the 1GB model.

“This is a runner’s best friend. You don’t need a running buddy because it makes your workout fly by,” said Allan Jason, vice president at Sony Electronics. “Research shows that music motivates people to stick to their exercise schedules and lose more weight. With this player, you’ll look forward to your next walk or run.”

Music Management 101

To simplify the music management process, these new devices support AAC (non-DRM), MP3, WMA (non-DRM), and ATRAC® music files. They are compatible with CONNECT™ Music, the Sony CONNECT online music service and include SonicStage® CP software to import, manage and transfer music collections. To make it as easy as possible to quickly download a running and a walking playlist, CONNECT™ Music offers themed music mixes, including the fast-paced “Sizzling Summer.” These playlists are located in the Essential Mixtapes section of the site, available from the home page at www.connect.com.

For added flexibility, the new Walkman player’s distinctive one-line organic electroluminescence (OEL) display accommodates both left-handed and right-handed users alike. With its ability to rotate the orientation of the display, track and title names, the time and date, plus other information can now be viewed how ever you prefer.

The devices come with black, sports style headphones and an armband. To enhance the sound, you can set the equalizer to match the type of music you are listening to (jazz, pop, heavy or custom) or simply turn it off.

Pricing and Availability

The S2 Sports Walkman music players come in two different capacities:

·      The NW-S203F player has a total capacity of 1GB and will cost around $120, and

·      The NW-S205F player has a total capacity of 2GB and will cost around $150 dollars.

The players will be available in September at www.sonystyle.com, in Sony Style retail stores nationwide, and at authorized dealers across the country.