Panasonic launches Lumix DMC-LX3 digital camera with 10.1 megapixels

New LUMIX DMC-LX3 Combines Enhanced CCD Technology, LEICA Lens, and a Wide-Range of Manual Shooting Controls For Increased Creativity

 

Panasonic just introduced the LUMIX DMC-LX3 digital camera, the successor to the highly-regarded and popular DMC-LX2.  Designed for easy, creative shooting, and high-performance in low-light conditions, the DMC-LX3 features a F2.0 24mm LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens, 10.1 megapixels and an ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD developed specifically for this model.  By combining a high-quality lens and sensor ready for a variety of shooting conditions with a wide-range of accessories and manual controls, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for professional photographers and serious amateurs looking for a compact digital camera that furthers their creative photography.

 

At the heart of the DMC-LX3, is its 1/1.63-inch CCD.  Making the intentional choice to limit the number of megapixels to 10.1 on its CCD, Panasonic was able to give more space for each pixel and also redesigned the peripheral circuits and other components to further minimize noise generation.  As a result, sensitivity is almost 40 percent higher and saturation is increased by 35 percent, when compared to Panasonic’s 10 MP digital cameras*, giving the DMC-LX3 outstanding image quality and a wide dynamic range, and meeting the demand for a camera that works optimally in low-light environments.  The CCD is also capable of reproducing images in three aspect ratios – 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9.  The new Multi Aspect mode allows the camera to take an image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously, allowing users to choose the version that best suits their needs.

 

“With the strong response towards the DMC-LX2, Panasonic has taken its technology a step further by upgrading several key components that we think will make the LX3 another win,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.  “With the enhanced CCD and extensive manual and automatic functions, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for photographers looking for a full-featured compact digital camera with some DSLR-like characteristics and a wide-range of optional accessories.”

 

Another major upgrade to the LX3 is the F2.0 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens.  The F2.0 is about twice as bright as a F2.8 lens and can shoot at higher shutter speeds to capture clear, blur-free images in dimly lit environments.  In addition, the 24mm lens captures approximately a 213% larger viewing space than a normal 35mm camera and 136% larger compared to a 28mm wide-angle lens.  The lens unit consists of eight elements in six groups with four aspherical lenses with four aspherical surfaces.  As a result of the F2.0 lens, the LX3 produces high resolution and minimal distortion and artifacts – such as chromatic aberrations, ghosting and flaring. 

 

The LX3 also incorporates the Venus Engine IV, which provides more advanced signal processing technology for producing higher-quality images with reduced noise in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing – as compared to the Venus Engine III. 

The Venus Engine IV supports high sensitivity recording enabling the DMC-LX3 to record at up to ISO 3200 at full resolution and even up to ISO 6400 when using high sensitivity mode, enough to capture subjects in low lighting without using a flash**.  The Venus Engine IV also supports a faster response time, allowing the camera to shoot 2.5 shots per second at full resolution and six shots per second in High-Speed Burst mode. 

 

The easy-to-use joystick operation which was featured in its predecessor continues with the LX3, as its intuitive design makes selecting different settings on the camera, including focus, aperture and shutter speed – easy and quick.  Other convenient design elements include a switch on the side of the lens barrel that allows the user to quickly change the focus modes between Manual Focus, Auto Focus and Macro Auto Focus.  When choosing Manual Focus, the focus distance and the depth of field according to the zoom range and aperture is also displayed.  For setting white balance, the LX3 provides a new color temperature display function, and still includes the Two-Axis white balance adjustment settings offered in previous models.  Users can also customize and store their own personal settings of up to four unique functions and instantly recall them later using the mode dial. 

 

Furthering its creative options, the LX3 also features a Film mode with six color types and three types of monochrome selections.  Much like selecting from different film types, this function gives the user the flexibility and creative freedom to take more expressive digital photos.  Also, when using the Multi-film mode, the LX3 produces a maximum of three images from a RAW file for the user to compare the different textures.  Another new feature is the multiple-exposure feature, which lets the user create artistic photos by overlaying up to three consecutive images; while still viewing the last image on the 3.0-inch LCD screen.  The LCD on the LX3 is new and improved with a 460,000-dot high resolution.

 

While the LX3 allows full manual control for more advanced photography, it also includes Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode (iA), including the new feature, AF (auto focus) Tracking.  AF Tracking automatically tracks the image subject and locks it into focus, making it easier for anyone to capture sharp, well-focused photos.  The AF Tracking technology also improves face detection accuracy, allowing for crisp, sharp-focused shots even if the subject moves or turns their face.  Other iA technologies include Intelligent Exposure, Digital Red-eye Correction, MEGA O.I.S, Intelligent ISO, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection (up to 15 faces) and Quick AF.

 

The DMC-LX3 has the ability to record High Definition (HD) video in 1280 x 720p at 24fps.  With the newly added HD component output capability, still and moving pictures can be viewed by connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).  In addition, the LX3 features Image Leveling, so when a captured image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, this feature rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges.

 

A number of accessories are also available to further expand the flexibility of the LX3 as more than just a typical point-and-shoot camera.  The optional Wide Conversion Lens (DMW-LW46) brings the maximum wide angle to 18mm.  Other optional accessories include: ND Filter (DMW-LND46)***, the new PL Filter (DMW-LPL46), the high-end aluminum External Optical Viewfinder (DMW-VF1); the GN22 Compact Flash mounts to the LX3’s hot shoe – a new feature for the LX-Series.

 

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX3 will be available in silver and black in August 2008 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $499.95.

 

*Compared with Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX35 with 1/2.33” CCD.

** In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9( recording.

*** Requires a lens adapter DMW-LA4.

New 6GB & 12GB SDHC memory cards from Panasonic, used in HD recorders

New SDHC Memory Cards Offer Optimum Performance with 6GB and 12GB Storage Capacities*

 

Panasonic just announced a new line of SD High Capacity (SDHC)** Memory Cards – in 6GB and 12GB storage capacities, which are ideal for video recording with High Definition (HD) camcorders, and are capable of recording 90 minutes and 180 minutes of 1920×1080 Full HD content, respectively. The new cards, RP-SDM06G (6GB) and RP-SDM12G (12GB) record with Class 4 specification.

 

“The SD Card-based HD camcorder market is growing, and Panasonic, which has the number one share in SD memory card camcorders worldwide, now provides the most suitable options for recording HD video,” said Zoe Susice, Group Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Since Panasonic manufactures both HD camcorder hardware and media, we can offer highly reliable products that offer superb performance with AVCHD recording.”

 

When used with Panasonic’s newly-introduced HDC-SD100 High Definition camcorder, the new SDHC Memory Cards can record 90 minutes (6GB) and 180 minutes (12GB) of 1920 x 1080 Full HD video, while in HX mode (9Mbps). Users can also select other HD recording modes from HE (6Mbps) to HA (17Mbps), the recording time varies according to the modes chosen.  With HE mode, users can enjoy up to 135 minutes (6GB) or 270 minutes (12GB) of 1440x 1080 High Definition video recording. The cards can also be used for standard definition video recording.

 

Beyond their high-performance capabilities when paired with HD camcorders, the new Panasonic SDHC Memory Cards are designed to be resistant to bending and twisting, thereby protecting important data stored on the card.  Also, since the cards employ industrial-grade flash memory, they are extremely reliable even under severe temperature conditions. They can function in temperatures ranging from -13°F - 185°F, thus assuring consistent performance even when used in extreme cold or hot environments***. In addition, the cards preserve data, even when power is turned off during access. 

 

The RP-SDM06G (6GB) and RP-SDM12G (12GB) SDHC Memory Cards also incorporate user-friendly features, such as memo-labels, which allow users to write directly on the front of the card, making it easy to organize and file according to content. Also, the approximate recording time on each mode is shown on the package so that users easily choose most suitable card or modes for their video shooting needs.

 

*1GB=1,073,741,824 bytes. Usable capacity will be less

** SDHC (SD High Capacity) Memory Cards can only be used in SDHC host devices, which support the SDHC Memory Card format. 

***Panasonic recommends that you never leave any electronic product sitting in direct sunlight or under other severe heat conditions.

 

Heres the specifications for RP-SDM06G and RP-SDM12G are :

 

Panasonic repair service now in 2 days for LCD and HDTV

Newly Renamed VIERA Concierge Service Links All HDTV Customers with

Technical Experts to Answer Vital Questions

Panasonic just extended its unique and successful Plasma Concierge  free customer support program to both Panasonic Plasma and LCD HDTV owners and renamed it Panasonic VIERA Concierge. Previously only available for Panasonic HD Plasma owners, the exceptional service, which includes a toll-free customer support line,  provides Panasonic HDTV owners with quick access to technical experts via phone, web or in-home service for answers to a broad range of questions. One unique privilege is access to Panasonic’s HDTV loaner program, which makes HDTV loaners available at no charge to customers who have a Plasma or LCD undergoing repair.

Panasonic VIERA Concierge customers can get advice on set-up, operation, integration of their VIERA HDTV with other home entertainment components and support-related activities including troubleshooting issues.  The VIERA Concierge service also includes priority scheduling for in-home service visits, if necessary, with most repairs completed in two days.

 “As a maker of highly rated Plasma and LCD flat panels, Panasonic is equally committed to all of our VIERA HDTV products,” said Robert Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Display Group.   “By extending the VIERA Concierge Service to include our LCD displays, all of our HDTV customers can benefit from the award-winning technical support that distinguishes Panasonic from its competitors.”

As part of the VIERA Concierge service program, Panasonic HDTV owners receive a Concierge Benefits Card providing a customer ID and dedicated toll-free telephone number which entitles them to a range of valuable privileges within the United States. 

Launched in June 2006, the VIERA Concierge program is administered by Panasonic’s Customer Call Center in Chesapeake, VA which has been recognized as a Certified “Center of Excellence” by the Center for Customer-Driven Quality™ at Purdue University. This highly respected certification ranked Panasonic’s Call Center in the top 10 percent of the 20,000 call centers studied throughout North America.

  “The Panasonic VIERA Concierge program is an industry first and has provided tremendous value to our Plasma customers,” said Mr. Perry.  “By constantly speaking with consumers to understand their lifestyle needs and concerns, Panasonic’s VIERA Concierge experts continuously improve their abilities to solve the needs of our customers while providing peace of mind that Panasonic is standing behind its products.

Now both our Plasma and LCD customers have access to our experts and advanced support capabilities, and have a chance to experience Panasonic’s commitment to their satisfaction firsthand.”