Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS6

The 14.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix LS6 is an AA battery powered entry-level camera featuring a 26-130mm equivalent lens, optical image stabilisation and 720p HD video recording. Other features include Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Auto, as well as a large LCD screen and a built-in slimline flash. The bundled PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 software allows users to sort and archive their photos and videos, and upload the best ones to Facebook and YouTube. The Panasonic LS6 will be available in a choice of black, silver and pink. Price to be announced.

Panasonic Press Release

The Smart and Easy 14.1-megapixel LUMIX DMC-LS6

Featuring O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode

Taking pictures has never been so simple thanks to Panasonic’s new 14.1-megapixel LUMIX DMC-LS6 that features a high quality 26mm wide angle, 5x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equiv: 26-130mm) with F2.8 brightness and O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer). Running on AA batteries, the DMC-LS6 offers an easy-to-hold grip and is fashionably styled with the colour of the lens ring matching the body colour.

Impressive Specification, Yet Still Inherently Easy To Use
The DMC-LS6 boasts a 26mm wide angle, 5x optical zoom high quality lens. The 26mm wide angle lens captures approx. 181% larger viewing space compared with that of standard 35mm camera, which excels in shooting vast landscapes or many subjects even at a short distance indoors. The 5x optical zoom draws subjects close without deterioration of image quality unlike using a digital zoom. A lens with F2.8 brightness is notable in this class of camera, and helpful to capture clear images even in dimly lit situations like nighttime or indoors.

The 14.1-megapixel large image sensor offers high resolution images so that it is still possible to crop the part you want to enlarge out of the picture even after shooting.

O.I.S. and iA Mode for Maximum Results and Minimum Fuss
For those looking for their first digital camera, Panasonic’s LS6 is the perfect option. Packed with features, such as Panasonic’s Optical Image Stabiliser (O.I.S) that is renowned for its high correction performance against blur caused by a hand-shake, the LS6 really has been designed with users in mind.  With the most frequent cause of misshot in any camera being handshake, Panasonic believes that O.I.S is indispensable for any LUMIX camera – whether it’s a high end, mind range or entry level camera.  In contrast with the digital image stabilizer which is often found in this class of cameras, the optical image stabilizer compensates for the hand-shake more effectively without deterioration of image quality.

In addition to this O.I.S., LUMIX’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) powerfully assists in any shooting situation to get the best result. For example, human faces are captured in focus and appropriate exposure with the Face Detection. Unwanted red-eyes are digitally corrected and backlight compensation automatically activates if they happen. Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects whichever of 5 Scene Modes - Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery - that best suits the shooting situation.  Every user can get all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions at a time to enjoy capturing clear, beautiful photos with ultimate ease.

Enjoy HD Video Recording and Share it Effortlessly
The new DMC-LS6 even records dynamic HD video in 1,280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to the standard VGA (640 x 480) and QVGA (320 x 240). It is enjoyable to view the video footage as well as the photos on the wide-screen HDTV. Those recorded on the SD Memory Card are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV by simply inserting it into the “VIERA Image Viewer”, a built-in SD Memory Card slot on VIERA TV, to playback your contents.

Designed with users in mind, it is also possible to sort and archive the images via a bundled software PHOTOfunSTUDIO Ver. 6.0 and upload them to the social networking services Facebook or YouTube on the sideways.

With the LS6, users can have confidence that they can capture the moments that matter with ease. The perfect camera for everyday use, the DMC-LS6 will be available in a choice of black, silver and pink.

 

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Slim Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 / DMC-SZ7 ultra zooms announced

Date posted: Monday, January 9, 2012 Panasonic has several new cameras being introduced at CES, and the first ones that I'm going to talk about are in the new SZ-series of compact ultra zooms. Here are the details:
Lumix DMC-SZ1 [specs]
16.1 Megapixel CCDF3.1-5.9, 10X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 27 - 270 mmOptical image stabilization (of the Mega OIS variety)Ultra-compact body (less than 1-inch thick), comes in black, silver, red, and blue3-inch LCD display with 230,000 pixelsPoint-and-shoot operation, with Intelligent Auto modePlenty of special effects, including new miniature effect and panorama shot modesRecords 720p video at 30 frames/second using the MPEG-4 codec70MB onboard memory + SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot250 shots per charge using included lithium-ion battery; battery is charged internally via the USB connector (new for Panasonic cameras)Price and availability TBA
Lumix DMC-SZ7 [specs] - changes:
14.1 Megapixel MOS sensor3-inch LCD has 460,000 pixelsHDR, Handheld Nightshot, Motion Deblur, and 3D photo featuresShoots at 10 frames/second (for only four photos, though)Records Full HD video at 1920 x 1080 / 60i (sensor output is 30p) with stereo sound, using the AVCHD codecHDMI port220 shots per chargeOnly available in black
ADDITIONAL IMAGES:



PRESS RELEASE: PANASONIC INTRODUCES ULTRA-SLIM LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERAS WITH 10X OPTICAL ZOOM AND WIDE-ANGLE LEICA LENS
New LUMIX SZ7 and SZ1 Digital Cameras Offer HD Video and 25mm Wide-Angle Lens in a Compact Body Designed to be Portable and Easy-To-Use

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 9, 2012) – Panasonic today introduced the new LUMIX SZ-Series of digital cameras, the LUMIX DMC-SZ7 and the LUMIX DMC-SZ1, which combine a powerful 10x optical zoom with a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, in a slim and compact body, making it extremely portable and easy to carry.  The LUMIX SZ7 (14.1 megapixels) can also shoot full-High Definition, 1920 x 1080 60i videos and with Light Speed AF, it has a super-fast focus response time of approximately 0.1 second – making it easy to capture spontaneous must-have photos. The LUMIX SZ1 (16.1 megapixels) features 720p HD video recording capabilities, and both models are easy to use thanks to Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode which automatically chooses the best camera settings for natural, beautiful images. 

“As more and more people revert to their smartphones because of convenience to take spur-of-the-moment digital photos, Panasonic is introducing two digital cameras that are not only small and compact, but also offer high-end imaging features such as a wide-angle LEICA lens, extremely fast Auto Focus speeds, and High Definition video, giving the consumer outstanding image quality,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. “Panasonic’s SZ7 and SZ1 are extremely compact in size, but offer features that are typically only available in much larger digital cameras, such as a 10x optical zoom, and with new features such as Panorama Shot and Miniature Effect, the SZ-Series is also fun to use.”

The LUMIX SZ7 and LUMIX SZ1 feature two new shooting modes – Miniature Effect and Panorama Shot.  In Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized to make the picture like a diorama. Video recorded in Miniature Effect mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding, making it comical and fun to watch*1. Panorama Shot makes it possible to shoot a horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots and then overlaying the photos for the effect of a panoramic photo.   Furthermore, both the LUMIX SZ7 and LUMIX SZ1 feature Creative Retouch which includes six filters -Toy Effect, Soft Focus Dynamic Monochrome, Expressive, High Key and Retro, each of which give the photo a more artistic look.  Both models also feature an Auto Retouch function that adjusts contrast and brightness to give the photo a different look – all with a single press of the button. 

To help ensure the LUMIX SZ7 and SZ1 are easy to use, both digital cameras feature Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. In iA mode, a suite of technologies are automatically engaged and the camera chooses the best setting based on the shooting environment. For instance, iA includes the new High Dynamic Range (on the SZ7 only), Intelligent Handheld Nightshot (on the SZ7 only) and Motion Deblur (on the SZ7 only) together with AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, MEGA O.I.S., Face Recognition (on the SZ7 only)/Face Detection (on the SZ1 only), Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure.

Other features of the new LUMIX SZ-Series include:
3.0-inch Intelligent LCD that automatically adjusts the backlight based on the environment’s lightingThe LUMIX SZ7 features a MOS sensor to support full-HD video, while the LUMIX SZ1 features a CCD sensorUSB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power supply 3D Photo Mode allows the user to take 20 panning shots and then the camera automatically selects the two most suitable images – one for the right eye and one for the left eye – to synthesize a 3D composite.  Available on the LUMIX SZ7 onlyDedicated video record button which lets users instantly start recording a video without having to make any extra settings. Additionally, the full 10x optical zoom is available in video recording modeHigh-quality stereo sound via Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator accompanies the realistic HD videos. The stereo zoom microphone comes with zoom noise reduction system, and the Wind Cut function helps to block noise from background wind
Pricing and 2012 availability will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping.  The LUMIX SZ7 will be available in black and the LUMIX SZ1 will be available in black, silver, red and blue.  For more information, and live coverage on January 10-11 from Panasonic at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show, please visit www.panasonic.com/CES. Plus, follow Panasonic’s CES activities on Twitter @PanasonicEvents and join the conversations.

*1 Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long)

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Sony intros three entry-level Cyber-shots

Date posted: Monday, January 9, 2012 Sony is announcing a trio of entry-level cameras at CES, as well. They include:

Cyber-shot DSC-W610 [specs]

14.1 Megapixel CCDF2.8-5.9, 4X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 26 - 105 mm2.7" LCD display with 230,000 pixelsPoint-and-shoot operation, with scene-selecting Intelligent Auto modeNew 360 degree Sweep Panorama featureVGA movie mode21MB onboard memory + Memory Stick Pro Duo / SD card slotUses NP-BN1 lithium-ion battery, 250 shots per chargeComes in silver, black, pink, green, and blueAvailable this month for $110

Cyber-shot DSC-W620 [specs] - changes:

F3.2-6.5, 5X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28 - 140 mmFour Picture Effects: toy camera, partial color, pop color, and soft high key720p movie mode using M-JPEG codec28MB onboard memory220 shots per chargeAvailable in silver, black, and redShips next month for $120

Cyber-shot DSC-W650 [specs] - changes:

16.1 Megapixel CCDF2.6-6.3, 5X optical zoom lens, equivalent 25 - 125 mm; unlike the previous models, this lens carries the Carl Zeiss labelOptical image stabilizationUses MPEG-4 codec for movies27MB onboard memoryAlso available in silver, black, and redShips next month for $140 (price corrected from original news item)

ADDITIONAL IMAGES:

PRESS RELEASE: SONY BRINGS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, IMAGE QUALITY AND CREATIVITY TO CYBER-SHOT® LINEUP

Three New Entry-Level Compact Cameras Offer Enhanced Point and Shoot Flexibility

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 9, 2012 – The newest additions to Sony’s Cyber-shot® line of point-and-shoot cameras deliver powerful new features for consumers, ranging from 360° Sweep Panorama™ and image stabilization technologies to creative picture effects. These new entry-level cameras pack high performance into a compact body, allowing users to take high-quality, creative photos with ease.

The stylish and compact new lineup include the DSC-W610, DSC-W620 and DSC-W650 models.

Small Cameras, Big Features

The compact DSC-W610, DSC-W620 and DSC-W650 cameras feature Sony’s new 360° Sweep Panorama™ mode. Users can now capture beautiful, seamless 360 degree panoramic images of the entire surrounding landscape with one easy “press and sweep” motion. Multiple images are automatically stitched together to create one stunning, detailed panoramic photo.

Additionally, the “Intelligent Auto” mode allows the cameras to automatically optimize camera settings based on the external environment. They analyze focus, lighting, subjects and more, selecting the appropriate scene mode to realize a clear, high-quality image output with ease. Further, in order to reduce image blur often caused by camera shake and subject motion, the DSC-W610 and DSC-W620 cameras feature SteadyShot® image stabilization. The DSC-W650 model offers enhanced Optical SteadyShot™ functionality and also boasts a 16.1 mega pixel Super HAD™ CCD image sensor.

The new DSC-W620 and W650 cameras also feature HD Movie mode (720p) as well as four “Picture Effect” options which can be used to create customized, artistic images. The full list of effects includes Toy Camera, Partial Color, Pop Color and Soft High-key.

Product Specs, Pricing and Availability

The cameras and an expanded range of stylish accessories, including the new LCS-CS1, LCS-CS2, LCS-TWM and LCM-CSVH carrying cases, will be sold at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network. New camera specs are below:

The DSC-W610 camera will be available in silver, black, pink, green and blue later this month for approximately $110.  Features include:14.1 MP Super HAD CCD image sensor26mm equivalent lens with 4x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen Capture breathtaking images with new 360° Sweep Panorama modeSteadyShot image stabilization reduces blurIntelligent Auto mode automatically optimizes camera settings based on outside shooting environmentThe DSC-W620 camera will be available in silver, black and red this February for approximately $120. Features include:14.1 MP Super HAD CCD image sensor28mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 2.7 inch LCD screen4 total “Picture Effects”, allowing for creative, custom styled photographs Capture your videos in HD Movie mode (720p) Capture breathtaking images with new 360° Sweep Panorama modeIntelligent Auto mode with 33 scene recognition patterns, SteadyShot image stabilizationThe DSC-W650 camera will be available in silver, black and red this February for approximately $150. Features include:16.1 MP Super HAD CCD image sensor25mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 3.0-inch LCD screen4 total “Picture Effects”, allowing for creative, custom styled photographs Capture your videos in HD Movie mode (720p) enhanced with Optical SteadyShot Active Mode Intelligent Auto mode with 33 scene recognition patterns, 360° Sweep Panorama mode, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization

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Samsung's new trio of Wi-Fi cameras

Samsung revolutionizes travel photography with Wi-Fi-enabled long-zoom series
Las Vegas – Jan 9, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of a new range of Wi-Fi enabled travel zoom cameras. The WB850F, WB150F, and ST200F cameras enhance the advanced optical zoom and image quality that the WB line of cameras are known for, with Wi-Fi capability to facilitate sharing and saving images – wherever users are in the world. Housed in compact, light and durable bodies, the new zoom series from Samsung make the perfect travel companions.
Samsung’s innovative new SMART Wi-Fi technology aims to change the way consumers take pictures, share and store them. With the new Samsung SMART long-zoom cameras, users no longer have to worry about unearthing a tangle of cables to transfer their images over to their hard drive by using the Auto Backup function. They can also take advantage of integrated free storage space from Samsung’s AllShare Play and Microsoft® Sky Drive® to make their photo accessible anywhere.
Of course, one of the best parts of discovering new places and cultures is sharing experiences with friends and family back home. With the Wi-Fi capability of the new Samsung SMART long-zoom cameras, sharing is quicker and easier than ever. From any Wi-Fi hotspot, users can email photos or share them on social networks such as Facebook and Picasa or post videos to YouTube in a few simple steps. The WB850F also uses GPS features and Live Landmark to enhance the user’s journeys, enabling them to download maps and find out information on nearby locations with the touch of a button. The camera’s Digital Compass can also give users their location and tell them how far they are from certain locations, while the MapView function allows users to download maps and use their camera to help explore new cities.
Similar to their WB predecessors, the WB850F, WB150F and ST200F make it easy to capture incredible detail through their zoom lenses, making it simple to get up-close shots that were once out of reach. The WB850F features a 21x optical zoom – Samsung’s best yet. The WB150F features an impressive 18x optical super zoom and the ST200F includes a 10x optical zoom lens. In order to capture the detail at its best, all travel zoom models feature upwards of 12 Megapixel sensors (16.2 Megapixels on the WB850F and 14.2 Megapixels on the WB150F). The WB850F also features pioneering BSI CMOS sensor technology to reduce image noise and distortion, even in low light conditions. This crystal-clear detail can then be experienced in all its clarity on the 3.0” VGA AMOLED screen featured on both models.
“Taking photographs and sharing them with friends and family is one of the most enjoyable aspects of travelling,” said Mr. Myoung Sup Han, senior vice president and head of the digital imaging business at Samsung Electronics. “It’s about more than simply capturing memories – it’s an integral part of the experience itself. Listening to our customers, we discovered that being able to conserve memory and share images instantly was what was missing from the high-quality cameras that they trust. With this in mind, we added ground-breaking Wi-Fi functions to our travel zoom series, building on the brilliant image quality that high-quality sensors and zoom lenses provide with the ability to store and share like never before.”
Share unforgettable scenes in Full HD
Whether filming at the carnival in Rio de Janeiro or from a vantage point atop the world’s highest buildings, Samsung travel zoom cameras mean users can share their video in HD. The WB850F captures awesome detail in 1080/30p Full HD and 1080/60i for spectacular scenery shots. The WB150F and ST200F feature fantastic 720/30p HD recording, ensuring that once-in-a-lifetime experiences are captured in the same color and vibrancy that existed in real life.
Make any picture come to life with Motion Photo
With Motion Photo, users can make one element of a normal photograph come to life and keep moving while the rest of the frame stays still, such as a friend walking through a crowd of what appear to be statues or a solitary tree bending in the breeze. And with the ST200F, instant in-camera editing along with Wi-Fi allow users to share images immediately without ever needing a computer.
Making it easy to get the best shot
With the new travel zoom cameras, it’s up to the user how to get the best shot. On the WB850F and WB150F, one can explore their own photographic skills with the Full Manual Control setting, also taking advantage of the optical image stabilization (OIS) (available on all models - WB850F, WB150F and ST200F). Alternatively, the Smart Auto setting, available on all the new models, identifies and automatically selects the most appropriate of its scene modes to provide users with the best possible result every time. From a fireworks display to a dimly-lit party, scene detection technology identifies the shooting conditions and automatically tailors the settings to help achieve standout results.
Live Panorama to get everyone in the shot!
Live Panorama, featured on the WB850F, WB150F and ST200F, allows consumers to capture even more of the action, facilitating wide panoramic shots which don’t miss any of the detail, from sprawling mountain peaks through to large groups of friends. The function allows the easy capture of large scenes by simply holding down the shutter button and sweeping the camera across. Users can even preview the whole scene they’ve just captured via the LCD screen.
Fun features to add a twist to your travels
With Split Shot, camera users can divide the screen into three separate shots and create up to three different photographs by simply blending them together to create a whole new view of their travels. Using Magic Frame they can also position their target in the middle of a fun background – either choose from one of the many pre-designed backgrounds like movie billboards or posters or erase part of an existing picture to get even more creative! Or use the Picture-in-Picture feature to insert a photo – whether an eye-catching monument or personal portrait into another image or video so users can combine their favorite shots to make a memorable collage. Finally, users can also bend, stretch, and warp pictures of friends and family for big laughs — with the Funny Face feature. Simply press the 5-direction key to enlarge heads or noses, or create hilarious distortions. When they move the camera, Face Tracking preserves the funny looks just the way they want them.

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