Panasonic expanded their LUMIX line of digital cameras on Monday with the introduction of three new models including the LUMIX DMC-FZ35, LUMIX DMC-FP8, and LUMIX DMC-ZR1. The DMC-FZ35 is the successor to the FZ28 and features AVCHD Lite, HD video recording, and a 27mm wide-angle, 18x optical zoom LEICA lens while the DMC-FP8 comes with a 12.1 megapixel resolution, and a 28mm wide-angle 4.6x Leica DC lens with folding optics. Finally, the DMC-ZR1 features the world’s first 0.3mm thin aspherical lens which allows for a super compact body while still yielding a 25mm ultra-wide-angle 8x optical zoom.  Here’s the low down on the new digicams:

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ35:

• Creative Movie Mode – allows you to set the shutter speed and aperture manually for movie capture
• My Color Mode – manually adjust the color, brightness, and saturation parameters while seeing how the adjustments change the picture live on the display
• High Dynamic Mode – helps capture a scene with moderate exposure even though the scene contains both bright and dark areas
• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens
• Upgraded POWER Optical Image Stabilizer
• MEGA OIS
• Ultra high-speed Auto Focus (AF)
• 18x optical zoom lens
• Venus Engine HD
• Battery life of around 470 pictures
• Intelligent Auto Mode with features such as Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Exposure, and Face Recognition
• Face Recognition that recognizes up three faces simultaneously while taking pictures
• Available in September for a suggested retail price of $399.99
• Available in black

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP8:

• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• LEICA DC Vario-Elmar lens
• High-speed Auto Focus(AF)
• Intelligent Auto (iA) suite of technologies
• POWER Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
• MEGA OIS
• Blue LED cursor buttons that glow when pressed
• 2.7 inch large Intelligent LCD
• Face Recognition recognizes up to three faces simultaneously
• Venus Engine V
• HD movies with VIERA Link Networking – record in 1280 x 720 at 30fps or 848 x 480 or 640 x 480
• 27 scene modes including a new High Dynamic Mode which takes a scene in moderate exposure even though there are dark or bright areas in the scene
• PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 software
• Available in September for $299.95
• Available in black, red, and silver

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZR1:

• Has the world’s first 0.3 mm thin aspherical lens providing a 25mm ultra-wide angle 8x optical zoom lens in an ultra-compact body
• Zoom range of 25-200mm
• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens
• High speed Auto Focus
• High speed startup of 1.1 seconds
• 2.7 inch Intelligent LCD
• Venus Engine V
• Intelligent Auto (iA) technologies including hand-shake component, and a face recognition feature – up to 6 faces registered and three detected simultaneously
• POWER Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS)
• Travel Mode – organize information related to travel including destination, date, and time. Allows for simply playback of pictures
• High Dynamic Mode (see above)
• PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 software included
• Available in September for a suggested price of $279.95
• Available in black, red, blue, and silver

[Check out the DMC-FZ35 Press Release]

[Check out the DMC-FP8 Press Release]

[Check out the DMC-ZR1 Press Release]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic, LUMIX DMC-FZ35, LUMIX DMC-FP8, LUMIX DMC-ZR1, digital cameras

Panasonic earlier in the week launched what they’re calling “two of the world’s lightest” HD camcorders – the HDC-SD10 and the HDC-TM10. The HDC-SD10 stores video clips on SD/SDHC memory cards while the HDC-TM10 utilizes both its built-in 8GB storage capacity as well as SD/SDHC memory cards for storing recorded video clips.

Common features of both camcorders include:

• Weighs 0.5 pounds
• Captures full 1920 x 1080 resolution video
• Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS)
• Face Detection – adjusts exposure so faces are captured “perfectly”
• Intelligent Contrast Control – helps ensure proper contrast
• Intelligent Scene Selector – selects the best scene given the surrounding conditions
• Auto Focus/Auto Exposure Tracking
• SD/SDHDC memory card recording
• Touch-Screen and Handy function buttons
• 1.9 second quick power-on
• Pre-Rec – camcorder continuously records three seconds of images into an internal buffer memory. When the Record button is pressed, the three seconds are added to the beginning of the clip
• Auto Power LCD
• Built-in video light and flash
• Highlight playback
• One-touch copy of videos to DVD and easy playback with BN1 DVD burner

As mentioned in the opening paragraph, the HDC-TM10 records on both the built-in memory and an SD/SDHC memory card. When the built-in memory gets full, the camcorder automatically starts recording video onto the SD card. Video recorded on both media formats can then be merged within the camcorder and stored onto an SD/SDHC memory card.

What I love about these new HD camcorders – the price. The HDC-SD10 will be priced at $549.95 while the HDC-TM10 at $599.95. The TM10 will be available in black and silver while the SD10 will be available in black only. Both camcorders are expected in September of this yeawr.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic HDC-SD10, Panasonic HDC-TM10, HD camcorder

No it’s not a new netbook system – it is in fact a new Panasonic 10.4 inch notebook for the Japanese market called the Let’s Note Light R8 CF-R8WWLAJP.  Features include:

• 1.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 Processor
• 2GB RAM upgradable to 4GB
• 64GB SSD
• 9 hour battery life
• Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet

The new Panasonic notebook will run ya around $1750 dollars each.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic Lets Note Light R8 CF-R8WWLAJP notebook

Feel like entering a contest? Check out Panasonic’s new “Living in HD 30×30 contest” which gives you a daily opportunity to win one of three gadgets – a Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS3 digital camera, LUMIX DMC-TS1 digital camera, or a HDC-TM20 1080p HD camcorder. Simply go to http://www.livinginhd.com/go/promo/30×30entry and check out the details – you’ll need to register and become a member of the LivingInHD community.  The official press release from Panasonic is below. Good luck!

(more…)

Technorati Tags: Panasonic, Panasonic Living In HD contest

Looking for an all-inclusive 7.1 channel home theater Blu-ray system? Panasonic has two new offerings for you to consider – the SC-BT200 and SC-BT300 – each of which feature seven speakers, support for VIERA Cast Internet technology, and include a Universal Dock for iPod.

The front and center channel speakers for both systems are made with a bamboo diaphragm, while the subs feature a Kelton system with a dual diameter structure.

Content wise, both systems support Panasonic’s VIERA Cast functionality which provides access to Internet content such as Amazon VOD, YouTube, Google Picasa etc.

Specific features of the SC-BT200 include:

• 7.1 channel system with 1000 watts of power
• Smart Setup Guide for easy home theater settings
• BD/DVD/CD player
• 1080p DVD upconversion
• Wireless ready for rear speakers
• iPod dock for audio and video playback
• VIERA Cast support
• SD card slot for AVCHD video and JPEG playback
• Six matching speakers

Specific features of the SC-BT300 include:

• 7.1 channel system with 1250 watts of power
• Smart Setup Guide for easy home theater settings
• BD/DVD/CD player
• 1080p DVD upconversion
• Wireless ready for rear speakers
• iPod dock for audio and video playback
• VIERA Cast support
• SD card slot for AVCHD video and JPEG playback
• Two front tower speakers and four matching surround speakers

The SC-BT200 will have a suggested retail price of $599.95 while the SC-BT300 will have a suggested retail price of $699.95. Both models will be coming out next month.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic SC-BT200, Panasonic SC-BT300, Blu-ray Home Theater Systems

Panasonic expanded their 2009 Blu-ray product lineup this week with the announcement of three new models (one of which happens to be the world’s first Blu-ray/VHS dual deck player) – the DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80, and DMP-BD70V. All three models incorporate VIERA Cast internet functionality (which  includes support for Amazon’s Video On Demand (VOD) service) as well as support for VIERA Link which allows customers to control/operate their A/V equipment via HDMI using a single remote.

Common features across all three new models include:

• PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus image processing technology
• HD audio decoder with support for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio Essential
• VIERA CAST provides access to Internet content from providers such as Amazon VOD, YouTube, Google Picassa Web Album, Bloomberg, and others
• Built-in SD memory card slot
• USB slot
• 1080/24p output support
• 96kHz surround re-master enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources
• Auto Power Stand-by which automatically turns off the player when you return to TV operation using VIERA Link menu

Specific features of the three new models are as follows.

DMP-BD60:

• Consumes 16% less power in standby mode than previous DMP-BD35 model
• The suggested retail price will be $299.95

DMP-BD80:

• 7.1 channel analog out
• Includes playback information window used to display detailed image information while a movie is playing
• The suggested retail price will be $399.95

DMP-BD70V:

• World’s first dual deck VHS-Blu-ray player – play back VHS, CD, DVD  and of course Blu-ray
• 1080p upconversion for all video formats
• The suggested retail price will be $399.95

All three new models will be available in April.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic, DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80, DMP-BD70V, Blu-ray players

If you’re into plasma panels then you’ll want to check out the upcoming Panasonic TC-P54Z1 (otherwise known as the Z1) – the company’s most advanced plasma HDTV model to date. First off, the unit comes with a 54 inch panel, and features a form factor that measures a mere one inch thick. Other slick capabilities include:

• 40,000:1 contrast ratio
• Neo PDP panel technology
• Swivel table stand
• Digital Cinema Color gamut
• THX certification
• 1080 lines of horizontal resolution
• 24 Hz Cinematic Playback
• Built-in speakers

The Z1 is also great for those of you into mounting displays on the wall. The system features a wireless HDMI solution thanks to a bundled transmitter/receiver system. The transmitter box has a built in SD card reader and supports VIERA Link Internet.

According to HD Guru, the TC-P54Z1 will be shipping in June for a price of $5999.95.

[Check it out via DVICE.com]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic Z1, Panasonic TC-P54Z1, Plasma TV

Panasonic announced two new network cameras today – the BL-C101A and the BL-C121A – both of which are ideal for home or business usage. The two models differ only by network connectivity with the BL-C101A featuring wired connectivity and the BL-C121A featuring 802.11b/g wireless connectivity. These cameras can simultaneously capture MPEG-4 video and JPEG images which users can remotely monitor by utilizing a free web address which comes with the products. Other features include:

• Digital input for camera triggering
• 1 Lux Color Night View Mode
• Up to 30 fps CMOS image sensor
• Full screen monitorin
• Remote view from a cell phone
• 4 up, 9 up, and 16 up multi-camera pages
• Image transfer by motion detection/timer
• SSL support
• Digital output for alarm triggering (on the CL121 model only)

The BL-C101A has an MSRP of $129.95 while the BL-C121A has an MSRP of $199.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic, BL-C101A, BL-C121A, Network Cameras

Finally the last new digicam for today (with a sigh of relief here), Panasonic introduces their top-of-the-line FS-Series model – the LUMIX DMC-FS25. Featuring a slim, sleek design, the DMC-FS25 features a 12.1 megapixel resolution, 5x optical zoom, and a 29mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens. Other features and specs for the LUMIX DMC-FS25 include:

• 3 inch Intelligent LCD
• Intelligent Auto (iA) mode includes AF tracking, Intelligent Exposure functions, MEGA O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, and Face Detection
• Dedicated iA button on top of the camera
• Venus Engine IV image processor
• Shutter release time lag of 0.006 seconds
• Supports up to ISO 6400
• Records in WVGA (848 x 480) motion pictures at 30 fps
• Macro Zoom function

The top of the line DMC-FS25 will be available in silver, black, or gold for a price of $249.95. Expect the model to come out in April.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FS25, digital camera

Panasonic brings its 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens to their latest touch-screen LUMIX digital camera – the DMC-FX580. A successor to the DMC-FX500, the DMC-FX580 features a 5x optical zoom lens, a 12.1 megapixel resolution, and a large 3.0 inch touch-screen LCD display.

The DMC-FX580 employs a “hybrid operation system” which combines a touch-screen interface and conventional operation system with a cursor key for intuitive control.  As an example, users can set both Auto Focus and Auto Exposure settings at the desired part of the frame simply by touching the subject on the screen while recording. Nice. Other niceties with the touch-screen system include

• Able to adjust the aperture and shutter speed simply by moving a slider in manual exposure mode
• Making fine adjustments to white balance and color temperature with the touch-screen
• Sliding a finger across the screen to activate touch scroll for viewing images

Other features of the DMC-FX580 include:

• Intelligent Auto (iA) mode including MEGA O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent Exposure, Intelligent Scene Selection, and Face Recognition
• Venus Engine V processor
• Record up to ISO 6400
• Record 720p motion images at 30fps
• Panorama Assist scene mode
• Aluminum body

The LUMIX DMC-FX580 will be available in either silver or black for a price of $399.95. Expect the DMC-FX580 in April.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX580, digital camera