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Panasonic's CES 2011 camcorder launch: 3D, HD, 3MOS and 1MOS all present


Panasonic already rolled out the red carpet to issue a gaggle of new cameras, but now it's time to tickle the fancy of those who prefer full motion video. The company is introducing a metric ton (we checked, trust us) of new camcorders here at CES in Las Vegas, so we'll be giving you the highlights just below. For those that yearn for more, the press releases can be peeked in full after the break.

  • Panny's "full roster" of Full HD camcorders includes a half-dozen newcomers: the HDC-SD40, HDC-TM40, HDC-HS80, HDC-TM80, HDC-TM90 and HDC-SD9, all of which are stacked with a 1MOS sensor capable of capturing clips at 1920 x 1080. The SD90 and TM90 are even capable of shooting at 1080/60p, and if you toss on the optional CW-CLT1, you'll instantly gain the ability to record in 3D. The whole lot is designed to handle low-light scenarios like a champ, and the each feature a 28m wide-angle lens. The aforementioned power duo also have a 40x intelligent zoom, and we're told that these can withstand up to 135 minutes of continuous recording before the battery keels over. A select few also feature touch-screen operation, but absolutely none of them have a price or release date just yet.

  • What's better than 1MOS? 3MOS, naturally. The HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800 are also making their debut here in the desert, with 1080/60p recording, support for capturing 3D (when using the CLT1 conversion lens) and a manual ring on the TM900 and HS900. Those two also tout a 20x zoom and a 3.5-inch touchpanel, and Panny claims that these guys are good enough to handle "professional-level video shooting." The whole bunch can record to SDXC / SDHC / SD cards, while the TM900 adds 32GB of internal memory. You'll also find an optical image stabilizer, a Crystal Engine Pro processor and an Eco-Mode function on all three, while the TM900 and HS900 get gifted with five internal microphones for 5.1 recording. Per usual, your guess is as good as ours when it comes to a price and release.

  • Bringing up the rear are a handful of SD camcorders -- the SDR-H100, the SDR-T70 and the SDR-S70 -- all of which are on the lean side and boast a 78x zoomer. These three offer a 33mm wide-angle lens, optical image stabilization and an Active mode, the latter of which helps to reduce blur when zooming. The group stores clips on SDXC / SDHC / SD, but the H100 also has an 80GB hard drive and the T70 a 4GB slab of flash memory. All three will be available in March, but pricing won't be determined until sometime next month.

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PANASONIC'S NEW FULL-HD CAMCORDERS OFFER FLEXIBILITY – FROM 3D AND 2D SHOOTING TO WIDE-ANGLE LENSES, TO ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT BODIES WITH INTUITIVE FEATURES

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2011) – Panasonic today announced a full roster of Full-High Definition (HD) camcorders to its 2011 line. The six new easy-to-use camcorders, HDC-SD40, HDC-TM40, HDC-HS80, HDC-TM80, HDC-TM90 and HDC-SD90, all have a 1MOS sensor with 1920 x 1080 resolution feature wide-angle lenses. The Panasonic HDC-SD90 and HDC-TM90 are capable of shooting full-HD video with 1080/60p recording and can even record 3D video with the optional Panasonic 3D Conversion lens (VW-CLT1).

"Panasonic's new line of HD camcorders offers something for everyone, from the ultra-lightweight and affordable SD40 and TM40, to the wide-angle lens and telephoto zoom of the HS80 and TM80, all the way up to the to the 3D recording capabilities of the TM90 and SD90," said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "These six HD camcorders shoot exceptionally-well in low-light and, with Panasonic's image stabilization, allow even novice shooters to capture stunning video."

Leading off the line of 1MOS camcorders are the Panasonic HDC-TM90 and HDC-SD90, featuring a compact body and the ability to record video in 3D with the addition of Panasonic's 3D Conversion Lens. Once recorded, consumers can play back the 3D images or video on a VIERA® 3DTV*1, a compatible 3D TV*2, or through an AVCHD-compatible player/recorder, such as Panasonic's Blu-ray DiscTM player*3. While 3D video recording is possible, the Panasonic HDC-TM90 and HDC-SD90 also record crisp true-to-life video in full-HD 2D video. The camcorders feature a 28mm*4 wide-angle lens with versatility to record indoors or in tight spaces, while at the same time capturing stunning images of wide landscapes or large groups into the frame.

For extra shooting power, the Panasonic HDC-TM90 and HDC-SD90 feature ultra-telephoto 40x Intelligent Zoom which uses Panasonic's Crystal Engine PRO, a high-resolution processor that helps to record extremely clear, crisp videos even in low-lighting. Also powered by the Crystal Engine Pro, the HDC-TM80 and HDC-HS80 offer exceptional zooming power with ultra-telephoto 42x Intelligent Zoom. The new models include a 33.7mm*5 wide-angle lens for versatile shooting at a variety of distances.

For consumers wanting a lightweight and affordable Full-HD camcorder, Panasonic introduces the ultra-compact HDC-TM40 and HDC-SD40. The TM40 and SD40 are the Panasonic's lightest full-HD camcorders, weighing approximately 0.39lb, making them stylish and easy to carry around for any recording moment. The camcorders are also extremely low-power consuming Full-HD camcorders, capable of continuous recording up to 135 minutes without needing to charge the battery.

All six models can record to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards, while the HDC-TM90 and HDC-TM80 and HDC-TM50 also have 16GB*6 of internal memory and the HDC-HS80 has a 120GB hard disk drive for additional memory storage.

The Panasonic HDC-TM90, HDC-SD90, HDC-TM80 and HDC-HS80 also feature advanced touch-screen operation with new touch-operation functions that allows for extremely smooth shooting and playback, including:
• Touch Zoom – Swiftly zoom in or out with the touch or swipe of the finger.
• Touch Shutter – Focus and take a digital photo by touching the subject on the screen*7.

Other features of the Panasonic HDC-TM90, HDC-SD90, HDC-TM80 and HDC-HS80 include:
• New HYBRID OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) – Helps reduce blur due to arm and hand shake with a lens in the optical system and a sensor in the electrical system. Detects blurring caused not only by vertical or horizontal wrist movements, but also the subtle blurring that occurs when the entire arm moves vertically or horizontally. Also achieves powerful correction during high-powered zooming, even on the move.
• iA (Intelligent Auto) with Face Recognition – Selects the most suitable shooting mode at the press of a button, including Face Recognition, which finds the faces of registered people (up to six faces) and optimizes the focus and exposure for them. The camcorder continues to track this subject as the person moves anywhere within the frame.
• Eco-Mode*8 – Automatically turns off the power when the camcorder is not operated for five minutes, reducing wasteful energy use and saving battery power.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic HDC-TM90, HDC-SD90, HDC-TM80, HDC-HS80, HDC-TM40 and HDC-SD40 High Definition 1MOS camcorders will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. All models will be available in black, while the HDC-TM80 will also be available in red and silver. For more information, please visit: www.panasonic.com/ces.

*1 Some VIERA 3DTV models may require a firmware update to play 3D images from an SD card.
*2 A TV that is capable of side-by-side method 3D playback, 3D Eyewear, and HDMI cable
connection are required to play the recorded 3D images.
*3 If the player/recorder is not 3D-compatible, you need to set the 3D mode on the TV manually.
*4 35mm camera equivalent.
*5 35mm camera equivalent.
*6 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes. Usable capacity will be less.
*7 Cannot be used in video recording.
*8Set to ON when shipped from the factory.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc
.

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PANASONIC UNVEILS NEW 3MOS HD CAMCORDERS FOR PROFESSIONAL-LEVEL VIDEO SHOOTING IN 3D AND 2D

New Full-HD Panasonic Camcorders feature 35mm Wide-Angle*1 Leica Lens, Manual Controls with a 3MOS Sensor that Enables Enhanced Technologies for Superb Image Quality

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2011) – Panasonic today introduced three new Full-High Definition (HD) 3MOS camcorders to its 2011 line, the HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800. The new full-HD camcorders feature 1920 x 1080 resolution with 1080/60p recording to create crisp, detailed videos, and can also shoot 3D videos when used with Panasonic's optional 3D Conversion Lens (VW-CLT1). Incorporating Panasonic's 3MOS system – an advanced technology used in professional-level equipment– the new camcorders record bright, low-noise videos, even in low lighting. Other top-of-the-line features include a manual ring (TM900/HS900 only) for increased creativity, a 20x zoom and an intuitive 3.5" touch-screen LCD on the TM900 and HS900.

"We expect that the new Full-HD 3MOS camcorders will be our best yet, with image quality that rivals professional video equipment and further advancements on last year's award-winning predecessors," said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "The full-HD camcorders not only have that added wow-factor – with 3D video shooting capability – but consumers can also capture amazing 2D videos, easily with our larger, more intuitive touch-screen LCDs."

With the 3D conversion lens, users can take video recording to the next level and record 3D images with Panasonic's new line of 3MOS camcorders. Once recorded, consumers can play back the 3D images or video on a VIERA 3DTV*2, a compatible 3D TV*3, or through an AVCHD-compatible player/recorder, such as Panasonic's Blu-ray DiscTM player*4.

The HDC-TM900 and HDC-HS900 feature 3.5" LCDs, while the HDC-SD800 features a 3.0" LCD. Not only do the models include wide screens, they are now easier to use with advanced touch operation that allows for extremely smooth shooting and playback, with new touch operation functions including:
• Touch Zoom – Swiftly zoom in or out by finger movement.
• Touch Shutter – Automatically focus and take a photo by touching the subject*5 on the screen.

All three models can record to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards, while the HDC-TM900 also has 32GB*6 of internal memory and the HDC-HS900 has a 220GB hard disk drive for additional memory storage.

At the heart of Panasonic's advanced processing system is the high-sensitivity 3MOS sensor with 7.59 million effective motion image pixels (2.53 megapixels x 3). The 3MOS sensor separates light received through the lens into the three primary colors – red, green and blue – processing each independently for professional-like color quality, detail and gradation.

The Panasonic HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800 camcorders also feature the large diameter (46mm) F1.5 Leica Dicomar Lens which produces brighter images and helps suppress ghosts and flare, while also minimizing distortion and degradation of contrast and resolution. In addition, its 35mm wide-angle1 capability makes it ideal for many different shooting situations, such as self-portraits and group photos indoors, and landscape shots outdoors.

The new models also feature the Crystal Engine PRO, which instantly processes the large amount of data that goes into full-HD quality for extremely clear, crisp motion images. The improved Crystal Engine PRO increases sensitivity and reduces noise by 45 percent compared to Panasonic's conventional models, resulting in brighter images with minimal noise when shooting under low-light conditions. Intelligent Resolution technology ensures sharp, beautifully colored motion images, while Intelligent Zoom enables high-powered 20x zooming, correcting the image degradation that occurs in ordinary digital zooming.

Other features of the HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800 include:
• HYBRID OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) – Helps correct blurring due to hand and arm shake by detecting the vertical or horizontal wrist movements, but also the subtle blurring that occurs when the subject is moving.
• iA (Intelligent Auto) with Face Recognition – Automatically selects the most suitable shooting mode at the press of a button, including Face Recognition, which finds the faces of registered people (up to six faces can be registered) and optimizes the focus and exposure and tracks the subject as it moves anywhere within the LCD frame.
• Eco-Mode*7 –Automatically turns off the power when the camcorder is not operated for five minutes, reducing wasteful energy use and saving battery power.
• 5.1-Channel Surround Sound System (HDC-TM900/HDC-HS900) – Uses five microphones so when sounds recorded from front, right, left and back are played on a 5.1-channel home theater system, viewers are surrounded by crisp, detailed sound.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800 camcorders will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. All models will be available in black. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/ces.

*1 35mm camera equivalent.
*2 Some VIERA 3DTV models may require a firmware update to play 3D images from an SD Memory Card.
For details, please visit http://panasonic.net/avc/viera/information_3dviv/
*3 A TV that is capable of side-by-side method 3D playback, 3D Eyewear, and HDMI cable
connection are required to play the recorded 3D images.
*4 If the player/recorder is not 3D-compatible, you need to set the 3D mode on the TV manually.
*5 Cannot be used in video recording.
*6 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes. Usable capacity will be less.
*7Set to ON when shipped from the factory.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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PANASONIC UNVEILS THREE STANDARD DEFINITION CAMCORDERS WITH 78X ZOOM AND WIDE-ANGLE LENSES

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2011) – Panasonic today announced its 2011 line-up of standard definition camcorders, the SDR-H100, the SDR-T70 and the SDR-S70 – all compact models with advanced features like a 33mm wide-angle*1 and a powerful Enhanced Optical Zoom of 78x. With the long and powerful zoom, Panasonic also features an Advanced OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) feature, plus Active mode – to help reduce blur when zooming, even if the user is walking.

"Panasonic continues to add big features to this year's camcorders, giving users more flexibility while shooting video – whether that's far or wide," said Christopher Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "With a zoom reaching 78x and a 33mm wide-angle lens, these versatile camcorders will meet almost any shooting need."

Panasonic's three camcorder models differentiate themselves from each other based on their media storage. All three models record to SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Cards, but the SDR-H100 records onto an 80GB*2 hard disk drive (approximately 74 hours and 30 minutes of data when recording in LP mode), while the SDR-T70 has 4 GB of built-in memory (approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes of video in LP mode).

Panasonic's 33mm wide-angle lens makes shooting video indoors or in tight spaces more convenient by allowing more surrounding area into the frame. The wide-angle capability allows users to easily fit sweeping landscapes or large groups into the frame. Plus, with the powerful 70x optical zoom and an Enhanced 78x Optical Zoom function, these are truly versatile camcorders. The Enhanced Optical Zoom uses the effective area of the CCD to further extend zooming power at the wide-angle setting. However, because hand-shake becomes more noticeable with powerful zooming, Panasonic's Advanced O.I.S. detects and corrects hand-shake at a rate of 4,000 times per second, to help limit blurring while zooming.

Panasonic continues to expand the iA (Intelligent Auto) suite – a series of features that when activated, automatically selects the appropriate settings for optimal video quality. New to iA for the three camcorder models is the AF (Auto Focus)/AE (Auto Exposure) Tracking feature, which allows the user to simply "lock on" to a subject at the center of the screen by pressing the AF/AE button. The tracking function then automatically follows the subject even if it moves or turns to one side, helping to ensure the subject is recorded with optimal AF/AE settings. Other iA features include Intelligent Contrast Control, Face Detection, Advanced OIS, and Intelligent Scene Selector, and each is activated by simply pressing the iA button to capture beautiful images under virtually all shooting situations.

Other features of the new standard definition Panasonic camcorders include:
• Eco Mode – Automatically turns off the power when the camcorder is not operated for five minutes, reducing wasteful energy use and saving battery power.
• Zoom Mic – Links the microphone operation to the camcorder action, zooming in on sounds, while the video is also zooming.
• Wind Noise Canceller – Detects and helps suppress wind noise to provide more natural sounds.
• LED Light – Allows the user to better capture video in low-light settings.
• Easy YouTube™ & Facebook© Uploading – Makes it fast and easy to upload video clips to YouTube.com and Facebook.com by simply installing the included VideoCam Suite software to a PC. Then, connect the camcorder to the PC using the USB interface and the software automatically starts up. When the video clip is recorded in Web mode, the user simply follows the specified procedure to upload a video clip.

The Panasonic SDR-H100, the SDR-T70 and the SDR-S70 will be available in March 2011 and pricing will be announced 30 days prior to shipping. The SDR-H100 and SDR-S70 will be available red, black and silver models, while the SDR-T70 will be available in black only. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/ces.

*1 35mm lens equivalent.
*2 1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes. Usable capacity will be less.
YouTube™ is a registered trademarks of Google Inc.
Facebook© is a registered trademarks of Facebook, Inc.