DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Panasonic Introduces PV-GS29, PV-GS39, and PV-GS59 DV Camcorders

LAS VEGAS (January 4, 2006) - Combining digital imaging versatility, ergonomic design, powerful zoom and enhanced PC connection options, the new Panasonic digital camcorder line offers point-and-shoot ease with high-performance features.

“Digital camcorders should be fun, versatile and easy to use,” said Panasonic’s Rudy Vitti, national marketing manager, Optical Group.

“Panasonic believes that state-of-the-art digital technology should be accessible and user-friendly, whether you’re a beginner or an accomplished videographer. This new line-up offers a multitude of advanced functions, features and easy-to-use navigation that will appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers who will appreciate how Panasonic makes it easy to capture life’s precious moments.”

The 2006 camcorders feature a new, low-height, compact design with a practical side-load mechanism for inserting and removing tapes. The three new models, PV-GS29, PV-GS39 and PV-GS59feature DV output (firewire) for easy digital connection to compatible PCs or digital video editing equipment; color viewfinder; 30x optical zoom and 1000 digital zoom1. And all feature easy-to-use one-finger navigation with joystick control.

“With a suggested retail price of $299.95, the PV-GS29 offers advanced features and the quality consumers expect from Panasonic at a very affordable price point,” noted Vitti.

Model PV-GS39 adds true 16:9 widescreen format recording, SD Memory Card slot and SD card USB reader/writer. “The widescreen video recording format integrates perfectly with the way a growing number of consumers are viewing HD content on television,“ said Vitti. “With the PV-GS39, consumers can capture their own widescreen images and view them on a widescreen display. Movies and many TV shows are in the16:9 format. Now your personal videos and still shots can be, too.”

Model PV-GS59 additionally features high-speed USB 2.0 for high quality full-motion video transfer, and includes a USB cable and MotionDV software for editing, converting to MPEG4 (e-mail), or archiving to recordable DVD “The PV-GS59 is a great camcorder for those who love creating multimedia projects or e-mailing video to friends and family,” added Vitti.

2006 Panasonic Digital Camcorders

MODEL	FEATURES	EXPECTED SHIP DATE	SRP*
PV-GS29	2.5” LCD, color viewfinder, Built-in LED light,  30x optical zoom, 1000x digital zoom.1	February	$299.95
PV-GS39	2.7” 16:9 LCD, 16:9 widescreen format recording, SD Memory Card slot, SD card USB reader/writer.	February	$349.95
PV-GS59	2.7” 16:9 LCD, 16:9 widescreen format recording, SD Memory Card slot, high-speed USB 2.0 plus USB cable and MotionDV Studio video editing software.	March	$379.95