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PANASONIC INTRODUCES ULTRA-SLIM LUMIX SZ1 DIGITAL CAMERA – DESIGNED TO BE PORTABLE AND EASY-TO-USE
MISSISSAUGA, ON (January 10, 2012) – Panasonic Canada Inc. today introduced the new LUMIX SZ1 digital camera which combines a powerful 10x optical zoom with a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, in a slim and compact body, making it extremely portable and easy to carry. The LUMIX SZ1 has 16.1 megapixels and features 720p HD video recording capabilities. And it is easy to use thanks to Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode which automatically chooses the best camera settings for natural, beautiful images.
“As more and more people revert to their smartphones out of convenience to take spur-of-the-moment digital photos, Panasonic is responding with a digital camera that is not only small and compact, but also offers high-end imaging features,” said Doug Borbath, Senior Product Manager, Imaging Group, Consumer Products Division, Panasonic Canada Inc. “Panasonic’s SZ1 is extremely portable, and offers features that are typically only available in much larger digital cameras.”
The LUMIX SZ1 features two new shooting modes – Miniature Effect and Panorama Shot. In Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized to make the picture like a diorama. Video recorded in Miniature Effect mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding, making it comical and fun to watch*. Panorama Shot makes it possible to shoot a horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots and then overlaying the photos for the effect of a panoramic photo.
The Lumix SZ1 also features an Auto Retouch function that adjusts contrast and brightness to give the photo a different look – all with a single press of the button.
To help ensure the LUMIX SZ1 is easy to use, it features Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. In iA mode, a suite of technologies are automatically engaged and the camera chooses the best setting based on the shooting environment. For instance, iA includes AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, MEGA O.I.S., Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure.
Other features of the new LUMIX SZ1 include:
• 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD that automatically adjusts the backlight based on the environment’s lighting
• USB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power supply
• Dedicated video record button which lets users instantly start recording a video without having to make any extra settings. Additionally, the full 10x optical zoom is available in video recording mode
• High-quality stereo sound via Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator accompanies the realistic HD videos. The stereo zoom microphone comes with zoom noise reduction system, and the Wind Cut function helps to block noise from background wind
The LUMIX SZ1 will be available in March in black, red and blue. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
* Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long)
Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company’s quality standards.
The “AVCHD” is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
The “AVCHD” and the “AVCHD ” logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
AVCHD motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
Some accessories are not available in some countries.
The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
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.
