photoxels
PANASONIC INTRODUCES ITS FIRST HD POCKET-SIZED MOBILE VIDEO CAMERA – THAT CAN ALSO DOUBLE AS A WEB CAM WHEN CONNECTED TO A COMPUTER
Compact Panasonic HM-TA1 ideal for on-the-go and at home HD video shooting
MISSISSAUGA, ON (July 28, 2010) – Panasonic Canada Inc. today introduced the new HM-TA1 pocket-sized camcorder, a Full High Definition (HD), 1920 x 1080 pixels-capable mobile video camera that’s ideal for on-the-move recording. With an easy-to-use design offering intuitive operation, the TA1 features an integrated USB terminal and software that allows for easy PC connection and video uploading to online sharing sites like YouTube™ and Facebook®. The TA1 also supports the Apple© iFrame video format (960 x 540/30p), which is optimal for Mac® users to import quickly and maintain small file sizes. When using iMovie®, the iFrame video data in the video camera is the same format as the one that is used to edit.
Beyond its HD video-capturing capabilities, the TA1 can also double as a Web camera and microphone, working with IP-based video chat programs like Skype1, by simply connecting the video camera to a computer via an included USB cable. Thanks to integrated software, using the TA1 with video chatting services is seamless – an easy way to enjoy face-to-face communication with long-distance family or friends.
“The new Panasonic TA1 is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, extremely easy and intuitive to use, and is powerful enough to shoot full-HD video and high-quality photos,” said Sean Clayford, Product Manager, Camcorders, Panasonic Canada Inc. “Designed to integrate easily with popular online social networks to quickly share videos, the TA1 can also be used as a Web camera, allowing users to make video chat calls – making this extremely portable video camera a truly versatile gadget.”
Measuring a mere 53.0 mm (w) x 4.09 mm (d) x 17.8 mm (h), and weighing just 93 g (with battery and SD card), the Panasonic TA1 is a compact and lightweight HD mobile camera that records high-quality videos and photos. Complete with a convenient wrist strap for easy carrying, the TA1 is perfect for capturing spontaneous videos and snapping photos. With an easy-to-use design, the TA1’s single-function buttons include: Power, Play, Record, Still Photo, LED Light (on/off) and Delete. In addition, there is a centre keypad for selecting additional settings.
The Panasonic TA1 records all data to an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card and can capture still photos up to eight Megapixels in size. This high-resolution capability helps ensure clear, vivid images with sharp details. The TA1 can also cut still images out of a video clip during editing and there is no need to connect any other device or to load the video into a PC for editing. To cut out and save a still image, simply press the Still Picture button when the desired image appears on the TA1’s two-inch LCD monitor. A unique feature for mobile video cameras, the Panasonic TA1 includes a built-in LED light2, which comes in handy when shooting in dimly-lit situations, such as indoors.
The TA1 has an integrated USB terminal with pre-loaded software that allows recorded video clips and still images to be easily loaded into a PC, edited, and then uploaded to popular video and image sharing websites. When the TA1 is connected to the PC’s USB slot, its built-in software, HD Writer PE 1.0, automatically launches, enabling one-touch loading of data into the PC for editing. The TA1 records in MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which offers excellent PC compatibility and is ideal for viewing clear, high-resolution images on a PC or distributing them over a network.
Other features of the Panasonic HM-TA1 include:
E.I.S. (Electrical Image Stabilization) to minimize hand-shake.
Digital zoom up to 4x, helping to expand the user’s shooting range.
Colour effects enable creative shooting, including Sepia Mode which adds warmth to the captured images, Monochrome mode which transforms the appearance to create a cool ambience, and Soft Skin which produces realistic skin tones.
USB-capable charging by connecting the TA1’s USB cord to a PC3, eliminating the need to carry a separate cord or charger.
The Panasonic HM-TA1 will be available in three different colour options, purple, dark grey and red in September 2010 with a manufacturer’s suggested price of CAD $199.99.
1The use of a high-performance CPU is recommended for video conferencing with high-quality images.
2The LED light does not go on when operating as a Web camera.
3Do not use any USB extension cord other than the supplied one (Operation is not guaranteed with any other USB extension cord.).
All prices are in Canadian dollars.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Panasonic is a registered trademark of Panasonic Corporation. All other trademarks are property of the respective owners.
YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
Mac, iMovie, iFrame are trademarks of Apple Inc.
Panasonic products are marketed in Canada by Panasonic Canada Inc. (PCI). PCI is an affiliate of Panasonic Corporation (PC) of Japan, one of the world’s largest producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business, and industrial use. Consumers seeking more information on the company’s products can call Panasonic’s Customer Care Centre at 1-800-561-5505 or access Panasonic’s home page at www.panasonic.ca.
