Panasonic expands popular consumer Camcorder range

Panasonic expands popular consumer Camcorder range with new 4K and Full-HD models

11 January 2016 – Panasonic has expanded their popular range of consumer Camcorders with a new line-up of 4K Ultra-High Definition Camcorders including HC-WXF990M and HC-VX980M and Full-HD Camcorder models HC-V380 and HC-V180.

As a leader in 4K technology, Panasonic’s new consumer 4K Camcorder models, HC-WXF990M and HC-VX980M, have a wealth of advanced imaging technologies including LEICA DICOMAR Lens, BSI Sensor and Crystal Engine 4K, to produce stunning 4K images with four times the resolution of Full-HD.

HC-WXF990M and HC-VX980M are equipped with high-speed, high-precision auto focus technologies to capture sharp, crisp images, critical for 4K shooting. Furthermore, with these two Camcorder models, users can capture those once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, and save them as an 8-megapixel still image with 4K Photo Mode.

Panasonic’s new 4K cropping function can be used on HC-WXF990M and HC-VX980M. It lets users cut out Full-HD images from 4K footage and effects, such as zooming, panning, tracking and stabilising, can be added to a recorded video.

Additionally, the high-end HC-WXF990M Camcorder model is packed with advanced functions and features to satisfy the needs of both professional and amateur users. With a new tiltable Viewfinder, it’s easier to capture subjects more accurately. Cinema-like effects are a new feature, allowing the user to use shooting techniques seen in cinema, such as Slow & Quick Video, Slow Zoom, and Dolly Zoom.

HC-WXF990M, HC-VX980M and HC-V380 feature Panasonic’s new Wireless Multi Camera function, which enables picture-in-picture recording using a Wi-Fi connected smartphone as a sub-camera. This lets users shoot from a variety of angles and viewpoints. They also feature ‘Twin Camera’ which allows simultaneous recording of images from two different angles through a pan/tilt sub-camera located on the edge of the camcorders LCD monitor.

These Camcorder models also include a Baby Monitor feature. Users can views video footage of their sleeping baby in another room via their smartphone, call out of their baby using their smartphone, be notified when the baby makes a sound, and watch live video streaming over the Internet using USTREAM.

Panasonic’s new consumer Full-HD Camcorder range features 50x Optical Zoom and Intelligent Resolution technology for shooting at high zoom rates while preserving image resolution. This allows up to 90x intelligent zoom with images that are sharp and highly-detailed, without blurred edges.

All new models feature Panasonic’s popular Level Shot function, which detects and corrects the tilting of captured images, as well as 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S.+ system which detects blurring caused by handshake, and automatically corrects images that may be unnoticed by the camera user while recording.

Andrew Reid, consumer Camcorder Product Manager at Panasonic New Zealand said, The 2016 range of Panasonic Camcorders offers something for every filmmaker, from entry-level “point and shoot” models, to more sophisticated enthusiast models. Each Camcorder in the new range has an amazing zoom performance to get you closer to the action and wide-angle shooting so you can include more people and background in the frame for a truly cinematic result.”

“We are incredibly excited to introduce more 4K consumer Camcorders this year. HC-WXF990 and HC-VX980 both feature Ultra HD 4K recording, and users will enjoy a fabulous new level of creative freedom with 4K Photo Mode, High Dynamic Range Movie Mode, built-in Twin Camera and Wireless Multi Camera features.”

Panasonic’s HC-WXF990M, HC-VX980M, HC-V380 and HC-V180 Camcorders are available from Harvey Norman and specialist Camera retailers from March 2016.

About Panasonic New Zealand
For almost a century, Panasonic's diverse range of products, technology systems and services have delighted customers and businesses in New Zealand and abroad.

At Panasonic, they understand how products can impact people’s lives and this drives them to develop technology which is “clever made easy.” They’re passionate about staying true to their brand promise and making your everyday life better – at home, work, or on-the-go.

Recognised as one of the most trusted brands in New Zealand and abroad, Panasonic's reputation is backed up by award-winning levels of customer service and market-leading product innovation. Customers can always count on Panasonic for reliability and superior quality.

Panasonic unveils new telephoto zoom lens for LUMIX G Camera range

11 January 2016 – Panasonic has unveiled H-RS100400, a new compact and lightweight telephoto zoom lens with POWER O.I.S. for LUMIX’s G Series Camera range.

Joining the LUMIX G digital interchangeable lens family, H-RS100400 complies with the Micro Four Thirds System standard which LUMIX G is a part of, and is optimised to work with LUMIX’s new Dual I.S. Stabilisation. This new LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR ultra-telephoto lens offers 100-400mm (35mm camera equivalent: 200-800mm).

The weather-sealed H-RS100400 LEICA lens has a splash/dust-proof and rugged design, ideal for heavy field use such as wildlife photography. It is incredibly compact in size, with an overall length of 171.5 mm, and weighing only 985g, making it fantastically portable for a lens with such exceptional zoom.

H-RS100400E has an inner focus drive system and linear motor, and it is capable of smooth, silent operation, working perfectly with the cameras high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system for both photo and video recording. It is also compatible with the sensor drive at max.240 fps to take maximum advantage of camera models with high-speed AF. This stunning AF performance is remarkable enough to record 4K video, where precise focusing is required.

The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) effectively compensates for handshake movements, making it easy to shoot, even without a tripod. The lens works with Dual I.S. (Image Stabiliser) system when mounted on LUMIX’s Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera DMC-GX8 to give an even more stable platform for shooting.

The rounded-shape aperture produces an attractively smooth defocus effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. The Zoom Ring Lock keeps the zoom position secure, and a rotatable tripod mount attached to the lens helps quick changes of horizontal/vertical composition.

Clearing the tough quality standard of LEICA, the H-RS100400 lens system includes 20 elements in 13 groups, featuring two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses, an UED (Ultra Extra-low Dispersion) lens and an aspherical ED lens. The use of UED and aspherical ED lens achieves high resolution and high contrast image from corner to corner. Using an aspherical ED lens also helps dramatic downsizing despite its powerful 800mm (35mm camera equiv.) optical zoom. It also features 0.5x (35mm camera equiv.) capability for impressive macro shots.

The sophisticated metallic finish of the H-RS100400 LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR lens perfectly suits the profile of stylish camera body of LUMIX G.

Andrew Reid, LUMIX Product Manager at Panasonic New Zealand commented, “Although compact in size, photographers will enjoy an exceptional optical performance with the new LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR ultra-telephoto lens. Its compact, lightweight and rugged design makes it the perfect lens for adventures.”

“LUMIX is widely acclaimed for its cutting-edge development of lens technology. Our Optical Image Stabilisation corrects any jolts of the light axis by shifting the lens unit to offset movements, such as handshakes. This technology is now combined with our body stabilisation to give Dual I.S. Stabilisation which is extraordinarily stable especially at the telephoto end.”

LUMIX’s H-RS100400 lens will be available from Harvey Norman and specialist camera retailers from March 2016.

About LUMIX G

Since launching the world’s first Mirrorless Camera in 2008, Panasonic has expanded the boundaries of photography with their LUMIX G Mirrorless Camera series.
To this day LUMIX G remains renowned for high picture quality, advanced features and functions for exceptional shooting performance and creative control, their compact size, and ease-of-use.
From their acclaimed DMC-GH4, adored by professional videographers around the globe, to the stylish retro design and user-friendly features of the DMC-GF7, there’s a camera for all types of photographers in the LUMIX G series.

Panasonic launches popular “Travel Zoom” LUMIX TZ110 and TZ80 Cameras

11 January 2016 – Panasonic has launched DMC-TZ110 and DMC-TZ80, the latest LUMIX compact camera models in the popular “Travel Zoom” TZ series.

Pocket-sized and user-friendly, TZ110 and TZ80 go beyond the limits of a compact digital camera. The premium 20.1-megapixel LUMIX TZ110 has a 1-inch MOS Sensor which is four times larger than the sensor found on a conventional compact digital camera, and the TZ80 has an 18.1-megapixel High Sensitivity half-inch MOS Sensor. Both models can capture wonderfully clear images with minimal noise.

The MOS Sensor works hand-in-hand with LUMIX’s newly developed Venus Engine image processor to achieve stunning colour and picture quality, even in low-light shooting situations.

Both models are equipped with LUMIX’s prestigious LEICA ultra-wide angle lenses. Photographers can get closer to the action with the TZ110’s 25mm, 10x optical zoom lens and the TZ80’s 24mm, 30x optical zoom lens. LUMIX’s LEICA DC VARIO lenses offer photographers exceptional optical performance with stunning clarity and minimal distortion and flare. Meanwhile, the 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ (Optical Image Stabiliser Plus) system compensates for blurring in photo and video caused by handshake.

Both models can record photos and videos in stunningly smooth ultra-high definition 4K resolution and photographers can also take advantage of 4K Photo Mode which allows the photographer to capture fleeting photo opportunities, by recording 8MP video at 30 fps and allowing the selection of key moments after. There are three modes which can be used to take advantage of the 4K Photo function including 4K Burst mode, 4K Burst S/S (Start/Stop) mode and 4K Pre-Burst mode which captures 60 shots at the press of a button, 30 from before the shutter is pressed.

Photographers can also utilise the Post Focus function which allows users to choose their desired focal point after shooting. Photographers can get multiple shots with different focus points, and while in Post Focus mode photographers can also use fine adjustment, 5x enlarged view and Focus Peaking options.

Both the LUMIX TZ110 and TZ80 include a 0.2-inch 1,166K-dot LVF (Live View Finder) and a 3.0-inch 1,040K-dot rear monitor, and both cameras have a newly integrated touch control system. The Control Ring and independent dials located on the lens barrel provide user-friendly operation and more control over exposure and zoom. It also provides easier access to frequently-used settings such as aperture, shutter speed, focus, filter effects and scene mode.

In addition, Wi-Fi® connectivity means that users can connect TZ110 and TZ80 to their smartphone or tablet to expand the flexibility in shooting, storing and sharing images.

Andrew Reid, LUMIX Product Manager, Panasonic New Zealand commented, “Compact and incredibly easy to use, the new Panasonic LUMIX TZ110 and TZ80 cameras are designed to combine both large MOS sensors and powerful optical zoom without compromising versatility. They are the ultimate travel zoom camera for users who enjoy high-quality photo, video and creative freedom.”

Both LUMIX DMC-TZ80 and DMC-TZ110 cameras will be available from Harvey Norman and specialist camera retailers from March 2016.

About Panasonic LUMIX

Since launching their first digital still camera under the LUMIX brand in 2001, Panasonic has expanded the boundaries of photography and creative freedom with their compact digital cameras.

With years of compact digital camera development, combined with optical design of LEICA lenses and LUMIX’s Mirrorless Camera series, Panasonic cameras remain renowned for exceptional picture quality, advanced features and functions for high-quality shooting performance, and ease-of-use.

LUMIX has introduced fresh ideas and created new trends in the digital compact camera market for top-level photo quality, innovation and unique features, such as POWER O.I.S., wide angle lens, MOS Sensor and Venus Engine image processor.

About Panasonic New Zealand
For almost a century, Panasonic's diverse range of products, technology systems and services have delighted customers and businesses in New Zealand and abroad.

At Panasonic, they understand how products can impact people’s lives and this drives them to develop technology which is “clever made easy.” They’re passionate about staying true to their brand promise and making your everyday life better – at home, work, or on-the-go.

Recognised as one of the most trusted brands in New Zealand and abroad, Panasonic's reputation is backed up by award-winning levels of customer service and market-leading product innovation. Customers can always count on Panasonic for reliability and superior quality.

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