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Press Release:
New LUMIX TS3 is Waterproof*1, Shockproof*2, Freezeproof, Dustproof*1, and Adds Full-HD Video Recording, a New 3D Photo Mode & Easy Facebook and YouTube Uploads
SECAUCUS, NJ (January 25, 2011) – Panasonic today introduces the LUMIX DMC-TS3, specifically designed for active users who want to capture high-quality photos and 1920 x 1080 full-High Definition videos, incorporating a powerful rugged design and new outdoor-friendly features, such as a built-in GPS function, a compass, altimeter and barometer. The new 12.1-megapixel LUMIX TS3 further strengthens its toughness, when compared to its LUMIX TS2 predecessor, and is now waterproof to approximately 40 feet (12m)*1; shockproof to approximately 6.6 feet (2m) *2; freezeproof to 14?F (-10 degrees C); and dustproof*1.
The Panasonic LUMIX TS3 also features the new Panasonic 3D Photo mode, which produces a realistic 3D photo by taking 20 consecutive photos and overlays the two best to create a 3D image that can then be played on a Panasonic VIERA 3D HDTV. The format of 3D images is compatible with MPO, and can also be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment such as a televisions, digital photo frames and printers. Panasonic also adds the LUMIX Image Uploader, for seamless and instant sharing via Facebook (for digital photos) or YouTube (for videos). Users can checkmark the photo or video files they want to share, connect it to a PC with the included USB cable or by inserting the SD Memory Card directly into the PC’s SD Card slot, and then the uploading automatically launches with an easy-to-follow menu option.
“The LUMIX TS3 is Panasonic’s ‘take anywhere’ digital camera – whether it is for carefree, everyday shooting with its easy-to-use features, high-quality lens and video capabilities, or for the active user who will appreciate the rugged design in any season – for activities such as hiking, skiing, camping, diving, snorkeling,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Last year’s LUMIX TS2 was a highly-regarded rugged camera and with the TS3, we just built on its success with new features, like GPS, a compass, altimeter and barometer, making this the ultimate camera for the outdoor user.”
The Panasonic LUMIX TS3 features a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, complete with a folded optics design. With an optical zoom up to 4.6x, the LUMIX TS3 works even while shooting video – giving the user the flexibility for a variety of different scenes – especially underwater, where movement is often restricted and the angle of view becomes important for composing shots. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available and extends the zoom to 6x equivalent.
Empowered by a newly developed 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor, the LUMIX TS3 is compatible with high-speed, large-capacity signal processing required for 1920 x 1080 full-HD AVCHD video recording and high speed continuous shooting. The advanced image processor, the Venus Engine FHD, powers Panasonic’s Intelligent Resolution and the Sonic Speed AF, allows for a shutter release time lag as short as approximately 0.005 second.
Beyond full-HD video recording capabilities, LUMIX TS3 excels in shooting videos with a Dolby? Digital Creator so audio quality is also high. The built-in LED light greatly supports shooting in dark situations. The LUMIX TS3 also features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD screen with wide-viewing angle and Anti-Reflection coating.
Panasonic’s iA Mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically, has evolved for more powerful image stabilization while video recording and taking still photos with Active Mode which boosts POWER OIS to excel in suppressing blur when recording videos at wide angle while walking. Other features of iA include: POWER OIS, Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure. With iA, taking beautiful photos is possible for users at any skill level. In addition, the Intelligent Resolution technology is always activated in the iA mode, which helps produce even clearer photos by precisely performing signal processing pixel by pixel to help ensure clear and sharp images.
The newly-integrated GPS function, shows the name of the Country/Region, State/Prov./County, County/Township, City/Town/Village and Landmark by using the internal data to give users details on where the photos or videos were taken. The area information covers 203 countries or regions for global users. Plus, more than 1,000,000 landmarks over 78 countries or regions are in the database. Using the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.1 HD Lite Edition, photos and videos can be searched by location and names. The LUMIX TS3 also features an internal clock that automatically adjusts to the local time when GPS is enabled – a handy feature for travelers.
The LUMIX TS3 will be available in March 2011 and pricing will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping date. The LUMIX TS3 will be available in red, orange, silver, and blue.
*1 Waterproof/dustproof performance complies with the “IPX8” and “IP6X” ratings. Provided the care and maintenance guidelines described in this document are strictly followed, this camera can operate underwater, to a depth not exceeding 12 m for a time not exceeding 60 minutes. This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.
*2 Anti-shock performance complies with “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock” of the U.S. Defense Department, which specifies performing drop tests from a height of 122 cm, at 26 orientations (8 corners, 12 ridges, 6 faces) using 5 sets of devices, and passing the 26 orientation drops within 5 devices. (If failure occurs during the test, a new set is used to pass the drop orientation test within a total of 5 devices). The camera has cleared a drop test from a height of 2 m onto 3 cm thick plywood. In most cases this camera should not sustain any damage if dropped from a height not exceeding 2 m. This drop test was passed. (Disregarding appearance change such as loss of paint or distortion of the part where drop impact is applied). This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.
• 1/2.33" Type CCD
• 12.5 million total pixels
• 12.1 million effective pixels
• Primary colour filter (RGB)
4:3 Aspect Ratio:
• 4000 x 3000(12M)
• 3264 x 2448 (8M)
• 2560 x 1920(5M)
• 2048 x 1536 (3M)
• 1600 x 1200 (2M)
• 640 x 480 (0.3M)
3:2 Aspect Ratio
• 4000 x 2672 (10.5M)
• 3264 x 2176 (7M)
• 2560 x 1712 (4.5M)
• 2048 x 1360 (2.5M)
• 640 x 424 (0.3M)
16:9 Aspect Ratio:
• 4000 x 2248 (9M)
• 3264 x 1840 (6M)
• 2560 x 1440 (3.5M)
• 1920 x 1080 (2M)
• 640 x 360 (0.2M)
1:1 Aspect Ratio:
• 2992 x 2992 (9M)
• 2448 x 2448 (6M)
• 1920 x 1920 (3.5M)
• 1536 x 1536 (2.5M)
• 480 x 480 (0.2M)
• Full HD: 1920 x 1080 pixels, 60i (Sensor output is 30p)
(FSH:17Mbps, GFS:17Mbps/ AVCHD)
• HD Movie: 1280 x 720 pixels, 60p (Sensor output is 30p)
(GS:17Mbps, SH:17Mbps/ AVCHD )
• HD Movie: 1280 x 720 pixels, 30fps Motion Jpeg
• VGA: 640 x 480 pixels, 30fps (Motion JPEG)
• QVGA: 320 x 240 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG)
• 3D Image: MPO
• AVCHD, QuickTime Motion JPEG Lens• 4.6x Optical zoom
• 28-128mm (35mm equiv.)
• f = 4.9-22.8mm
• F3.3- 5.9
• LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR
• 10 elements in 8 groups (5 Aspherical surfaces)Image stabilizationPower O.I.S. Lens-shift stabilizationFocus
• Normal
• Macro
• Zoom Macro
• Quick AF
• AF Tracking
• Continuous AF (only for motion picture)
• Macro / Intelligent AUTO/ movie recording: Wide 5 cm - infinity / Tele 30cm - infinityISO sensitivity• Auto
• i.ISO
• 100
• 200
• 400
• 800
• 1600
• High Sensitivity Mode : Auto (1600 - 6400)Shutter speed• Still :8 - 1/1300 sec
• Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60secAperture• F3.3 - 5.9 (F3.3 - 10(W) / F5.9 - 18(T))
• Iris Diagram Modes• Intelligent AUTO
• Normal Picture
• Sports
• Snow
• Beach & Snorkeling
• Under Water
• SCN
• 3D PhotoScene modes Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Handheld Night Shot, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst (Image priority, Speed priority), Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Aerial, Pinhole, Film Grain, High Dynamic (standard/ art/ B&W), PhotoframeColor Mode• Standard
• Natural
• Vivid
• Black & White
• Sepia
• Cool
• Warm
• HappyWhite balance• Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Shade
• Incandescent
• White SetFlash
• Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
• 0.3 - 5.6m (Wide/ISO Auto), 0.3 - 3.1m (Tele/ISO Auto)
• 230K pixels
• Power LCD mode, Auto Power LCD modeGPSYes, + Barometer, altimeter and compassConnectivity• USB 2.0 Full speed
• AV Output (NTSC/PAL)
• Micro HDMIStorage• Approximately 19MB built-in memory
• SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory CardPower• ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack
• Charger includedDimensions104 x 64 x 27 mm
(4.07 x 2.52 x 1.04 in)
Panasonic has released the DMC-ZS10 and DMC-ZS8 compact superzooms. The latest image-stabilized cameras increase their zoom ranges to 16x, starting at a very useful 24mm equivalent. The ZS10 (TZ20 in Europe) incorporates a 14.1MP MOS sensor that can record Full 1080i AVCHD format movies, generate 3D images and full resoltion 10fps continous shooting and a built-in GPS. The simpler ZS8 (TZ18) comes with a 14.1 MP CCD sensor, shoots 720p HD movies in Motion JPEG, does not come with a 3D mode and leaves out the GPS.
Panasonic has released the Lumix DMC-FX78 ultra-compact with an F2.5-5.9 5x zoom lens starting at 24mm. The 12.1MP camera features a large 3.5" touch screen LCD with Touch zoom, AF tracking, shutter and playback capabilities. It also offers full 1080 HD recording in AVCHD format and a 3D Mode that produces a 3D photo in .MPO format by taking 20 consecutive photos and overlaying the two best into a 3D image. This can be played back on MPO-compatible equipment such as a televisions, digital photo frames and printers. 
The G2 alongside one of its current nearest competitors - the Canon EOS 60D. The considerably smaller size and bulk of the GH2 is obvious in this view - one of the advantages of a mirrorless design. The GH2 might look very similar to a casual glance but there are some major differences between the two models. Let's have a look at the main changes:New sensor - multi-aspect Live MOS with 18.3 million total pixelsISO range 160 - 12800 (vs 100-3200)Sensor capable of 1080p at 60 or 50 fps (rather than 24 or 25 fps), still output as 60i/50iFaster sensor read-out promises faster AF and smoother viewfinder image (less tearing)Larger EVF coverage to match multi-aspect shooting (852 x 600 rather than 800 x 600 pixels)Touch-sensitive LCD screen (same as G2)New, more modern looking menu screensG2-style combined AF mode/pattern control on top plateDirect movie shooting button moved to top plate from rear of cameraControl dial moved from front of handgrip to rear of cameraDedicated metering and 'film mode' buttons replaced by highly customizable Fn buttonsQ menu button moved from top plate to rear of cameraNew battery (DMW-BLC12E) with fractionally smaller capacity (1200mAh vs 1250mAh)Slightly heavier (394g compared to 385g body only)Like the GH1, the GH2 is distinguished from its G-series contemporaries by its video shooting capabilities. The GH2 is a far more serious video shooting tool than the G2, and indeed the majority of its competitors - both mirrorless and DSLR. The GH2 offers a similar video specification to the GH1 but with one important difference - the sensor no longer doubles-up its sensor output in order to create its highest-speed video (the GH1 sensor could capture at 24 or 25 fps, which was then put out as 60i or 50i footage). Instead, the latest sensor can capture progressive (whole frames) at 60 or 50 fps. Its output is still limited to 60i or 50i because there are no common ways to distribute 60p or 50p footage, but this should certainly improve the output quality. The GH2 also has the ability to save footage at a different frame rate from the one captured - allowing slow-motion or high-speed effects.From a still photography point of view the GH2 brings very little that is 'new' to the G-series apart from its increased resolution - up to 16 from 12.1MP. This makes the GH2 the highest resolution camera in Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds range, and a maximum ISO of 12,800 makes it (at least on paper) the most versatile too. Like the G2, the GH2's LCD screen is touch-sensitive, but also like the G2, it is not 'mandatory'. In other words, GH1 users upgrading to the GH2 with no interest in experimenting with the touch technology can more or less ignore it if they wish.
From the front, the main difference between the GH2 and G2 is that the former is slightly taller, and more of a 'classic' SLR shape. The G2 is a noticeably squatter when viewed in direct comparison, but the family resemblance is unmistakable. 
From the top, the GH2 is very similar to the G2. The most obvious difference is the stereo microphone which dominates the top of the flash housing of the GH2 (the G2 makes do with a single, tiny mic aperture just forward of the AF mode switch). Both cameras have a button for direct movie shooting, but whereas the G2 has a dedicated iA mode button, in its place the GH2 has a customizable 'Fn' button.Sensor• 4/3 type MOS ('Live MOS sensor')
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The total resolution of the LX5's CCD sensor is never used to create a single image. The LX5 only ever uses a crop from it, depending on aspect ratio. Although this may seem perverse, the result is that the lens offers the same diagonal angle of view in 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2 formats, making it much easier to get a feel for the behavior of the lens. It also means you make the most of the sensor's area, getting similar pixel counts in all modes, rather than losing a lot of resolution to cropping.In terms of ergonomics, the S95 and LX5 are less 'boxy' than Nikon's P7000, primarily because they lack built-in optical viewfinders. None of them feature articulated LCD screens, but in keeping with their high-end credentials, all have DSLR-styled exposure mode dials. 
