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Panasonic Canada has announced availability and price for the LUMIX TS20 (announced worldwide on January 31, 2012). The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS20 will be available in early April 2012 in orange, blue, and red colours for a suggested retail price of CAD $229.99.
PRESS RELEASE
PANASONIC INTRODUCES ENTRY-LEVEL RUGGED DIGITAL CAMERA THAT IS WATERPROOF, SHOCKPROOF AND DUSTPROOF
The Panasonic LUMIX TS20, With a Slim Profile, Also Shoots HD Video
MISSISSAUGA, ON (February 2, 2012) – Panasonic Canada Inc. today announced the new Panasonic LUMIX TS20 digital camera, which features a rugged design that allows it to be waterproof*1 to approximately 16 feet (5 meters), shockproof*2 to approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters), dustproof*1 and freezeproof to temperatures as low as -10ºF. The LUMIX TS20 (16.1-megapixels) features a flat and slim profile with a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and a 4x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 25-100mm) – which can be extended by 8x with the Intelligent Zoom function, made possible by Panasonic’s Intelligent Resolution technology.
A highly-capable model for video, the LUMIX TS20 can shoot 720p High Definition (HD) video in the MP4 format, and the 4x optical zoom is available during video recording. . Plus, with a dedicated video record button, switching between still photos and videos is quick and seamless. The new LUMIX TS20 records dynamic HD video in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30p MP4 format, which makes video editing and sharing even easier. And the recorded videos can be directly uploaded to YouTube when the included software is installed. The LUMIX TS20 also features a 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD with High Angle mode, perfect for playing back recorded videos on-the-go.
“The Panasonic LUMIX TS20 is an affordable, rugged digital camera ideal for any user who is looking for a slim, durable digital camera that can take high quality photos and HD videos in a variety of situations, such as at a beach, hiking, snowboarding and more,” said Doug Borbath, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Canada Inc. “Thanks to its waterproof, shockproof and dustproof features, the TS20 is incredibly easy and intuitive to use, and capable of capturing photos and videos that not many digital cameras can.”
The LUMIX TS20 includes Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – a suite of technologies that are automatically engaged without the use of any extra settings to allow the camera to select the most appropriate settings to take high-quality photos. Panasonic’s iA features included in the LUMIX TS20 are MEGA O.I.S., AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Recognition, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure.
In addition to being easy to use, the LUMIX TS20 also includes features that increase the photographic fun and creativity of the user. The Miniature Effect mode, in which the peripheries are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized, makes the photo look like a diorama. For videos recorded in this mode*3 playback is 10x fast forward, making it appear almost animated and amusing to watch. Panorama Shot makes it is possible to shoot a maximum 360-degree of horizontal / vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots and overlaying the photos.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS20 will be available in early April 2012 in orange, blue, and red colours for a suggested retail price of CAD $229.99.
*1 This About Waterproof / Dustproof performance of the camera
This camera’s waterproof/dustproof rating complies with the “IPX8” and “IP6X” ratings. Provided the care and maintenance guidelines described in this document are strictly followed, this camera can operate underwater, to a depth not exceeding 5 m (16 feet) for a time not exceeding 60 minutes. This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions. The camera can be used underwater for specified time in specified pressure in accordance with the handling method established by Panasonic.
Handling of the camera
•Waterproofing is not guaranteed if the unit is subject to an impact as a result of being hit or dropped etc. If an impact to the camera occurs, it should be inspected (subject to a fee) by a Panasonic’s Service Centre to verify that the waterproofing is still effective.
• When the camera is splashed with detergent, soap, hot spring, bath additive, sun oil, sun screen, chemicals, etc., wipe it off immediately.
•Waterproof function of the camera is for sea water and fresh water only.
• Any malfunction caused by customer misuse, or mishandling will not be covered by the warranty.
• The inside of this unit is not waterproof. Water leakage will cause malfunction.
• Supplied accessories are not waterproof (excluding strap).
• Card and battery are not waterproof. Do not handle with a wet hand. Also, do not insert wet card or battery into the camera.
• Do not leave the camera for a long period of time in places where temperature is very low (at ski resorts or at high altitude etc.) or very high [above 40 oC (104 °F)], inside a car under strong sunlight, close to a heater, on the beach, etc. Waterproof performance may be degraded.
*2 Anti-shock Performance. Panasonic’s test method is based on the above “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock” of the U.S. Defense Department, which specifies performing drop tests from a height of 122 cm (4 feet), at 26 orientations (8 corners, 12 ridges, 6 faces) using 5 sets of devices, and passing the 26 orientation drops within 5 devices. (If failure occurs during the test, a new set is used to pass the drop orientation test within a total of 5 devices) However, the drop height was changed from 122 cm (4 feet) to 150 cm (5 feet) dropping onto 3 cm (0.1 feet) thick plyboard. This drop test was passed. (Disregarding appearance change such as loss of paint or distortion of the part where drop impact is applied.)
*3 Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] 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.)
*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.)
* All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
*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.
