Panasonic introduces new digital still, video cameras

In a move to further consolidate its efforts to position itself as a major player in the local photography market, Panasonic recently launched a bevy of new digital still and video cameras that boast heavy-hitting features that bring professional-quality imaging to consumers.

On the digital still camera side, Panasonic introduced the new generation of its highly acclaimed Lumix digital still cameras with Dual Image Stabilization, which is a combination of the company’s highly effective Mega OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) and the new High-Sensitivity Mode.

The new High-Sensitivity Mode allows shooting at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600. It acts as another anti-blurring measure by suppressing image blur which can be caused by the movement of subjects such as children and pets. It also especially benefits indoor photography by shooting at fast shutter speeds.

This feature complements the MEGA OIS, which compensates for hand shake to ensure no picture deterioration. Together, this powerful combination of image stabilization technologies effectively compensates for both hand shake and subject movement, the two major causes of image blur. Result? Nothing but picture-perfect images.

Another superior Lumix feature is the 28mm wide-angle lens, which Panasonic was able to integrate into a compact and slim camera. The 28mm lens now makes it easier to take indoor group shots as well as architecture or scenery photos with dynamic width and rich perspective. With the wide-angle lens, you can get more people into a shot unlike the usual three or four you can usually get into the frame.

The new Lumix series of digital still cameras features six new models: the DMC-FX01, which is the world’s smallest camera with a 23mm wide-angle lens; the DMC-FZ7 with 12x optical zoom; the DMC-LS2 with a 5-megapixel resolution and 3x optical zoom running on 2 AA batteries; the 2-AA-powered, 6-megapixel DMC-LZ5; the 5-MP DMC-LZ3 with 6x optical zoom; and the Traveler Zoom DMC-TZ1, the world’s smallest 10x optical zoom digital camera.

The retail prices of the Lumix line start at P12,999 for the LS2 and top out at P39,999 for the full-featured model.

On the camcorder side, Panasonic expanded its line of world-renowned, high-quality 3CCD (charge-coupled device) digital video cameras in both miniDV and DVD categories.

Since 1992, Panasonic 3CCD video cameras have received extraordinary praise for their superior picture quality, gaining an outstanding reputation for exceptional pictures and ease of use, not just from household consumers but from professionals and video journalists alike.

A camera’s CCD plays a critical role in picture quality, which is why Panasonic uses the 3CCD system found in professional video cameras. Having three CCDs reduces picture noise by 30 percent, gains horizontal resolution in colors by 50 percent and dynamic range to express luminous gradation by 30 percent to render greater beauty in color, detail and gradation. Panasonic equips its E.CAM model with this advanced 3CCD so that household users can enjoy pro-quality technology.

For 2006, Panasonic adds six new models to the miniDV range: the NV-GS500, NV-GS300 and NV-GS180 with 3CCD and OIS; and the NV-GS69, NV-GS39 and NV-GS29, equipped with a powerful 30x optical zoom.

These products are matched by three new DVD video camera models: the world’s first 3CCD and OIS-equipped VDR-D300 and VDR-D200, and the powerful 30x optical zoom-equipped VDR-D100.

The E.CAM line starts at P24,999 for the GS29 and tops out at P79,999 for the top-of-the-line GS500.