Panasonic, the leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics, announced today (Monday, May 8, 2006), the launch of six new models from its LUMIX range of digital cameras, for the Middle East market. The announcement was made at a press conference held in Hotel Intercontinental, Dubai.
The six new digital cameras launched by Panasonic include DMC-FX01, DMC-TZ1, DMC-FZ7, DMC-LZ5, DMC-LZ3 and DMC-LS2, each with a host of unique and innovative features to meet varied requirements of semi-professional and amateur photographers in the region.
Speaking at the press conference, Koji Naka, Product Manager, Panasonic, said, “With the popularity of digital photography in the region sky rocketing in the recent years, the market is witnessing an unprecedented demand for digital cameras. Consumers today are looking for cameras that offer a complete package in terms of performance, styling and ease-of-use, and with Panasonic’s commitment to adopt the most advanced technology in its products, we have been able to constantly meet consumer demands in tune with market trends.”
“These latest ranges of LUMIX cameras have been designed to offer unmatched performance under different operating conditions. We are certain that these cameras will be hot-sellers in the Middle East, as they are loaded with features to further enhance the experience of digital photography. Not only will these cameras be a benchmark for performance and styling, it will also be a value-for-money offering to consumers in the region,” he added.
Panasonic’s DMC-FX01 is the world’s smallest 6-megapixel digital camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens camera and 3.6x optical zoom, is housed in a compact body and features dual image stabilization that allows shooting at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600. It is the next generation model of the internationally acclaimed, stylish and compact MEGA Optical stabilizer, equipped FX series.
The DMC-FX01 also incorporates the Venus Engine Plus LSI for high performance image processing, both in terms of speed and image quality, while still preserving low energy consumption. Other features include a high resolution 2.5” LCD, remarkably quick AF response time, and a comprehensive selection of useful scene modes.
The 5-megapixel DMC-TZ1 is the world’s smallest digital camera with a 10x optical zoom. The LEICA DC lens of the camera is incorporated into a compact, easy-to-carry body, made possible by the world’s first example of the integration of a retractable lens system with folded optics technology.
Like other models in the LUMIX series, the TZ1, also features MEGA O.I.S to help users take clear images without any picture quality deterioration. Dual stabilization with MEGA O.I.S. and high sensitivity (ISO 1600) recording helps overcome all types of image blur in a variety of photographic situations.
Panasonic’s 6-megapixel DMC-FZ7 has a 12x optical zoom LEICA DC lens, and comes with MEGA O.I.S that compensates the hand-shake. The FZ7 is a compact and easy-to- carry camera that incorporates a joystick which allows easy manual control on focusing, in addition to the manual exposure setting. The camera has a 2.5 inch LCD display and is also equipped with the High Sensitivity mode that allows shooting at maximum ISO 1600 setting to ensure top quality pictures even while shooting with high zoom, shooting indoor or night time.
Panasonic also launched the DMC-LS2, DMC-LZ5 and DMC LZ3. The LS2 is a 5-megapixel camera incorporating MEGA O.I.S. and 3x optical zoom lens. The LZ3 is a 5-megapixel camera with a 6x optical zoom lens, while LZ5 is a 6-megapixel camera, also fitted with a 6x optical zoom lens. The LZ3 and LZ5 incorporate both MEGA O.I.S. and high sensitivity modes for excellent picture quality.
Panasonic also showcased their latest three new DVD video cameras models, the VDR-D300, VDR-D250 and VDR-D150. The flagship model VDR-D300 is the first DVD video camera in the world to be equipped with both 3CCD and Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S) technology, while its sister model, the VDR-D250, is also equipped with the 3CCD system. The VRD-D150 comes proudly equipped with the remarkable 30 optical zoom.
“The demand for digital cameras in the Middle East will continue to see an upward growth in the coming years, with the region emerging as a leading business and tourism hub, which has contributed to a significant surge in population. Panasonic is keen on capitalizing on the potential of this market by introducing world first technology in digital cameras that are technologically superior and guarantee top-notch performance at competitive prices,” concluded Naka.
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (MEI) best known for its Panasonic brand, is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronics products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company posted consolidated sales of US$81.44 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. For more information, visit the Matsushita web site at http://www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html. Panasonic Gulf FZE (PGF) is MEI’s first subsidiary company in the Middle East, followed by Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE (PMM), which is the regional marketing headquarters of MEI for operations in the Middle East and African countries.
