DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 Digital Camera Introduction

SECAUCUS, N.J. (Feb. 14, 2006) Panasonic introduces the new 6-megapixel, 3.6x optical zoom DMC-FX01, the next-generation model of the stylish and compact MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer-equipped FX series. The FX series boasts high picture quality, a large LCD and a slim, stylish design.

The DMC-FX01 features a remarkable upgrade from previous FX models, with the newly incorporated 28mm wide angle 3.6x optical zoom LEICA DC lens, while still maintaining the same compact body size. The wide angle shooting capability offers a new array of photographic opportunities, such as capturing an entire group portrait at parties, or an expansive landscape or architectural scene, to enjoy the benefit of wide panoramas with real perspectives.

"The Panasonic DMC-FX01 is a compact and stylish camera, so MEGA Optical Image Stabilization is vital since most people hold small cameras out in front of their bodies, in an unsteady position," says Monica Helmer, national marketing manager for Panasonic's Digital Imaging Group. "This would typically lead to blurry photos, but with the FX01, the result is beautiful, clear wide-angle pictures."

In addition to MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, the FX01 features a new High Sensitivity mode3, which allows shooting at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600. This mode acts as another anti-blurring measure by suppressing image blur, which can be caused by subject movement. This especially benefits indoor photography by shooting at fast shutter speeds.

The FX01 has an extended battery life, able to take 320 pictures (CIPA) on a single charge. Motion picture recording capability has also been enhanced to take clear, bright and wide aspect VGA (848 x 480) moving images at 30 fps, in addition to the standard VGA images (640 x 480), so it is possible to show full screen motion pictures on a wide screen TV, such as one of Panasonic's award-winning Plasma TVs.

The DMC-FX01 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. The remarkably quick AF response time, especially in the 1-point high speed AF mode, means that never missing that spur-of-the-moment shot. Other features to enrich the photographic experience include a large, bright, high resolution 2.5" LCD and a comprehensive selection of useful scene modes.

The FX01 has a 28mm wide angle 3.6x optical zoom f/2.8 LEICA DC lens housed in a compact body as slim as its predecessors. This is achieved thanks to the incorporation of an Extra High Refractive Index Aspherical Lens. The lens part consists of a LEICA DC lens of seven elements in six groups, incorporating four aspherical lenses to generate high optical performance while preserving the compactness of the unit.

The Venus Engine Plus boasts excellent response time with a shutter release time lag of only 0.005 seconds and a shutter interval of 0.7 seconds4. Start-up time has also been reduced by 20% of the level of its predecessor, to only 1.6 sec., which enables easy capture of spur-of-the-moment shots. In the burst shooting mode, it is possible to shoot at three frames per second in full resolution5. The FX01 also allows unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD memory card6.

The FX01 has a high resolution (207K pixels), 2.5 inch large LCD. The pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD automatically increases the brightness level of the live image on the LCD, which greatly facilitates shooting in low light situations. The new High Angle mode makes the display extremely easy to view from angles, for example, when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd and can be accessed easily by using a dedicated button. With the help of the Power LCD function, which boosts the backlighting of the LCD by 40%, even shooting in bright outdoors situations is not a problem. This high-resolution LCD also allows both a full display of images, up to 25 thumbnails on a multi-split screen, and also the ability to date search an image with the new Calendar Display mode.

Various AF methods can be selected according to the shooting environment and the position of the subject: 5-point, 3-point high-speed, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed and spot. As with the DMC-FX9, the 1-point high-speed AF mode, in particular, achieves outstanding focusing with both speed and precision. The inclusion of an AF assist lamp provides further assistance in low light situations when focusing is difficult.

The FX01 contains a total of sixteen scene modes7 to assist in a wide range of photographic situations. When shooting in the unique "Baby" mode, a child's age at the time of image capture is automatically recorded onto that image, determined by a programmable date of birth. This much-loved mode, which was also featured on other recently released Panasonic digital still cameras models, has now doubled its appeal with the ability to set two birthdays for two children. In "Party" mode, it becomes possible to take clear, beautiful pictures by capturing the warm and rich nuances of light and atmosphere. Another new mode is the "Underwater" mode for use with the Marine Case, which is available separately.

The DMC-FX01 will be available in March for an MSRP of $349.95.

1. For a digital still camera with optical zoom, as of February 14, 2006.
2. 35mm film camera equivalent, at wide angle
3. Resolution significantly decreases in High Sensitivity mode.
4. Not including the time for AF.
5. Max. eight images in standard mode / six images in fine mode.
6. The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card.
7. Not including Macro Mode.

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U.K. Press Release

Panasonic launches the Lumix DMC-FX01- the world's smallest camera with 28mm wide angle lens

The world renowned Panasonic Lumix range offers sophistication in technology and style, evidence of which lies in the new 6.0 megapixel DMC-FX01. The latest addition to the award winning FX series boasts a whole host of features including a 28mm wide angle LEICA DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom, all encompassed within a beautifully slim and compact design - thanks to the incorporation of an Extra High Refractive Index Lens.

The bigger picture with the LEICA DC wide angle lens
This new lens allows photographers to easily capture a large group of people, or expansive architectural structures and landscapes with dynamic width and rich perspective. The lens part of the DMC-FX01 comprises of seven elements in six groups, incorporating four aspherical lenses to generate high optical performance. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 5x in 3megapixel resolution mode with minimal deterioration thanks to the Extra Optical Zoom. By using the central part of the CCD, this powerful zooming function allows you to easily capture and magnify distant subjects.

Shaken, not blurred
Panasonic is the first manufacturer to have successfully incorporated Optical Image Stabiliser (OIS) into its compact cameras - a feature strongly appreciated worldwide and now considered to be a standard requirement of photography. O.I.S minimizes the jitter from shaky hands that causes many photos to look blurred by shifting the O.I.S lens unit to keep the optical axis aligned straight against the CCD, to ensure images are captured with supreme clarity and sharpness.

Not one to rest on its laurels, Panasonic has enabled the DMC-FX01 to shoot at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600, with its new High Sensitivity Mode. This ingenious mode reduces image blur caused by subject movement - particularly indoors - by shooting at fast shutter speeds. Made possible by the mixed-pixel read out method of the CCD, users can now enjoy good quality 4x6 prints of moments that would otherwise be lost. Whilst the resolution will not be as high in this mode, High Sensitivity is the difference between getting a shot or not at all.

Panasonic Lumix offers solutions for both major causes of blurred images - O.I.S when you are moving, and High Sensitivity when the subject is moving. Thanks to Panasonic, you can now take clear and beautiful images in various situations.

The Venus Engine Plus LSI: High performance at low energy consumption
The DMC-FX01 incorporates the Venus Engine Plus LSI which allows you to take 320 pictures on one charge, providing high performance image processing while consuming only 70% of the energy compared with the Venus Engine II. Spontaneous moments can easily be captured thanks to a 1.6 second start up time (20% less than the predecessor DMC-FX9) and a 0.005 second shutter release time lag (the time taken between pressing the button on the camera and the photo being taken.)

Additionally, the consecutive shooting performance boasts the capability of sequential shots at a rate of 3 frames per second at full resolution . The unlimited consecutive shooting function allows you to take photos in succession up to the capacity of the memory card or built in memory. The speed in which photos are taken is dependent on the memory card.

Auto focus ...fast
The DMC-FX01 really will work hard to ensure you capture every moment important to you. The various AF methods can be selected according to the shooting environment and the position of the subject: 5 point, 3 point high-speed, 1-point high speed, 1-point normal-speed and spot. The remarkably quick AF response time, especially in the 1-point high speed AF mode, achieves outstanding focusing with both speed and precision. Panasonic has also included an AF assist lamp, providing further assistance in low light situations where focusing can be difficult.

Motion pictures at your fingertips
In addition to standard VGA(640x480) motion image recording, as featured on the DMC-FX9, the DMC-FX01 also records stunning full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (840x480) at 30fps, enabling you to view your recordings on a widescreen television.

Create a scene with two new scene modes
The DMC-FX01 boasts two new scene modes to ensure your photos look the way you intended, in addition to the fourteen available on the predecessor DMC-FX9 . The first is the previously mentioned High Sensitivity Mode, great for taking photos of moving subjects, for example young children and pets who may not quite grasp the concept of sitting still! The DMC-FX01 is also perfect for underwater photography, for use with the Marine case (available separately), thanks to the new 'underwater' mode. Panasonic's existing fourteen modes are portrait, soft skin, scenery, sport, night portrait, night scenery, food, party, candle, fireworks, starry sky, snow and baby mode. Panasonic's unique 'baby' mode has now doubled its appeal with the ability to set two birthdays for two children. When shooting in Baby mode 1 or 2, the relevant child's age at the time of image capture is automatically recorded onto the image, allowing you to hold on even closer to the precious moments in your children's lives.

Stand out from the crowd with the large LCD's new High Angle Mode
The Lumix DMC-FX01 boasts a 207K pixel high resolution, 2.5" large LCD. The pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD automatically increases the brightness level of the live image on the LCD, which greatly facilitates shooting in low light situations.

Panasonic is the first manufacturer to offer the new High Angle LCD function to a digital still camera LCD. This new mode makes the FX01's LCD display extremely easy to view from low angles, for example, when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd. The difficulties faced when shooting in bright outdoors situations are also overcome by the Power LCD function, which boosts the backlighting of the LCD by 40%.

The high resolution LCD also allows both a full display of your images in up to 25 thumbnails on a multi-split screen and the ability to date search an image with the new Calender Display Mode.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01, the world's smallest camera with 28mm wide angle lens is superior in technology and superior in style.

Available for Sale in March.

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