DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Panasonic's 3CCD Digital Camcorders Create New Standard in Digital Video Performance

New Line Includes Model With 1/4.7” CCDs, Leica Optics, And Optical Image Stabilization

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 4, 2006) - Building on the success of last year’s highly-acclaimed 3CCD camcorders, Panasonic this year introduces three new 3CCD models with more advanced features and affordable price points.

New models PV-GS180, PV-GS300 and PV-GS500 incorporate the same type of 3CCD imaging system used in Panasonic’s professional broadcast equipment, resulting in 540 lines of breathtaking resolution. Individual CCDs are used to capture the red, green and blue colors that compose an image for vivid, true-to-life pictures with remarkable color reproduction.

“This year’s line offers the advantages of 3CCD technology starting with a suggested retail price of $599.95,” said Rudy Vitti, national marketing manager, Panasonic Optical Group. “And topping the list is model PV-GS500, which gives consumers true pro-sumer performance at a suggested retail price of under $1000.00.”

Model PV-GS180 features 2.3 mega-pixel still image recording, 10x optical zoom and 700x digital zoom1, color viewfinder, 2.5” LCD, joystick control for easy, one-finger navigation, DV output (firewire) for easy digital connection to compatible PCs, SD Memory Card slot and high-speed USB 2.0 for high quality full-motion video transfer.

Model PV-GS300 features Optical Image Stabilization and adds 3.1 mega-pixel still image recording, a high-performance Leica lens, 16:9 widescreen format recording, and 2.7” LCD.

The PV-GS500 offers enhanced low-light sensitivity with a bright F1.6 Leica lens and large 1/4.7” CCDs. It features 4 mega-pixel still image recording, 12x optical zoom, Optical Image Stabilization, manual focus ring and Pro Cinema mode (30 fps progressive recording) for capturing images with film-like quality.

“Judging by consumer reaction to the award-winning GV-GS400, we responded to the demand for more high-resolution, 3CCD products,” said Vitti. “We believe the 2006 line delivers beyond their expectations.”

2006 Panasonic 3CCD Digital Camcorders

MODEL	FEATURES	EXPECTED SHIP DATE	SRP*
PV-GS180	2.5” LCD, color viewfinder, 10x optical zoom, 700 digital zoom1, 2.3 mega-pixel still image recording, DV output, SD Memory Card slot, high-speed USB 2.0 plus USB cable and MotionDV Studio video editing software.	February	$599.95
PV-GS300	2.7” 16:9 LCD, 16:9 widescreen format recording, 3.1 mega-pixel still image recording, Leica lens, OIS, DV output, SD Memory Card slot, SD card USB reader/writer, IR remote, USB 2.0 plus USB cable and MotionDV Studio video editing software.	March	$699.95
PV-GS500	2.7” 16:9 LCD, 16:9 widescreen format recording, bright F1.6 Leica lens, large 1/4.7” CCDs, 12x optical zoom, OIS, DV output, SD Memory Card slot, high-speed USB 2.0 plus USB cable and MotionDV Studio video editing software.	March	$999.95