PANASONIC INTRODUCES WORLD’S FIRST*1 WATERPROOF, SHOCKPROOF
AND DUSTPROOF DIGITAL CAMERA WITH AVCHD LITE HD VIDEO RECORDING CAPABILITIES*2
New LUMIX DMC-TS1 Digital Camera Features Tough and Rugged
Design for Capturing Still and Motion Images In Outdoor Activities
MIAMI, FL (January 27, 2009) – Panasonic today introduced the
LUMIX DMC-TS1, the world’s first*1 waterproof, shockproof and dustproof
digital camera*2 to also feature AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording
capabilities*3. The TS1’s tough and rugged design makes it the
ideal choice for active users needing the ultimate hybrid for capturing both
still and motion images during outdoor activities. The LUMIX TS1, with
a 12.1 megapixel resolution, features a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR
lens, a 4.6x optical zoom and Panasonic’s proprietary iA (Intelligent
Auto) mode, making this an easy-to-use, yet powerful camera that packs advanced
imaging features.
“Many consumers are hesitant to take their digital cameras on outdoor
activities like skiing, hiking, boating or even a day at the beach, for fear
it will be damaged. With the introduction of the LUMIX TS1, we offer
a digital camera with a rugged design that consumers can feel confident using
in these tough environments,” said David Briganti, National Marketing
Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Even more,
with the ability to take both beautiful high-quality still images and High
Definition video, with AVCHD Lite, the TS1 offers a powerful one-two punch
to capture memories that can later be shared with friends and family.”
The TS1 is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5
feet, and dustproof. With its rubber padding, reinforced glass and carbon
resins inside the camera, the TS1 features an airtight body protected against
water immersion, dust and sand.
Starting at the 28mm wide angle, and zooming up to a useful 128mm in telephoto,
the TS1 gives users the flexibility for a variety of shooting environments – especially
underwater, where movement is often restricted and the angle of view becomes
important for composing shots. The TS1 also features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot
Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, enhancing visibility during recording
and playback by automatic brightness control according to the environment’s
lighting conditions. Plus, the TS1’s LCD panel is deliberately
thickened for protection against pressure, allowing the display to operate
with clear visibility even underwater.
The TS1 records AVCHD Lite HD video, allowing almost double the recording
time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. The TS1
also features Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio to match the
high-quality motion images.
Also new in 2009, the TS1 features iA mode for both still images and in Movie
Mode. For iA in Movie Mode, the TS1 features Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.),
which helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection
automatically detects a face in a frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast,
and skin complexion on the face. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the
ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to
prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector
automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light
modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. A Wind Cut
function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind.
Optical zoom can be used in motion image recording. Users can start video recording
by simply pressing a dedicated button on the camera's back panel.
The TS1’s iA for still image adds Face Recognition*4 – a feature
that “remembers” faces from previous shots. When a registered face
appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize focus and exposure to capture
it beautifully. With Face Recognition, when a familiar face is recorded
several times, the camera will prompt you to register the face. Once registered,
if the face appears into the frame again, the camera will display the name
specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered
face is bright and sharply focused.
The imaging power of LUMIX has further evolved with the Venus Engine HD, which
boasts two CPUs to provide approx. 2.4x processing capability and support for
Face Recognition, AVCHD Lite and HDMI output. It integrates the numerous advanced
functions with high performance, and low-power consumption. Thanks to the Venus
Engine HD, it’s easy to view photos or movies recorded in AVCHD Lite.
Simply insert the SD Memory Card from the camera in the Panasonic VIERA® HDTV’s
Image Viewer SD Memory Card slot to start playback, or connect the camera via
an optional HDMI mini cable to a VIERA Link™-equipped Panasonic VIERA
HDTV and use the TV's remote control to run slideshows*5.
This multi-task image-processing engine also enables a fast response time.
The TS1 starts up quickly in 1.3 seconds and shutter release time lag is approximately
0.005 seconds, making it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. The
Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous
emissions of the flash*6. The Venus Engine HD also supports a High Sensitivity
mode that lets the TS1 record up to ISO 6400*7, sensitive enough to capture
subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. Despite its outstanding
performance, the high performance engine is also more energy efficient, extending
the battery life up to 340 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.
Other features of the LUMIX DMC-TS1 include:
- New Scene Modes for Still Images: Beach & Surf mode gives users a single
mode with optimized auto white balance for optical shooting on the beach
and in shallow water.
- New Panorama Assist scene mode allows users to shoot a number of
consistent photos, either vertically or horizontally, by aligning them according
to a guide that overlaps the screen. Then using those photos and the
bundled PanoramaMaker software, users can create dramatic panoramic images.
- Increased Scene modes for both still and motion image shooting – optimized
for a variety of situations. There are 26 scene modes for still image and
17 for motion image (Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self portrait, Scenery,
Low light, Food, Party, Candle light, Sunset, High sensitivity, Beach & Surf,
Snow, Aerial, Pin hole, Film grain and Underwater)
- LED Illumination is available in motion image recording.
- High-Speed Burst (Speed Priority) that fires off approximately10 shots
per second*8.
- Menus are clearer and easier to navigate with the Display Size option.
- Macro Zoom function lets users pull subjects even closer to capture dramatic
close-up shots by using the 3x digital zoom in the wide-angle.
- Bundled Software: The latest version of PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 HD Edition allows
users to view, edit and archive captured content with greater ease and fun.
Still and motion images can be transferred to the computer via a USB cable
for viewing and archiving. Using PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 HD Edition, users can
edit and remove unwanted portions of video clips recorded in AVCHD Lite.
Contents recorded in AVCHD Lite can be burned directly onto a DVD disc or
converted to MPEG2 format. The software also incorporates the Face
Recognition function, which recognizes registered faces in photos stored
on the computer, making organizing and archiving photos with a specific person
much easier. Additionally, motion pictures can be uploaded directly
to YouTube.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS1 will be available in silver, green or orange models
in April 2009 for a suggested retail price of $399.95.
*1As of 1/27/2009.
*2 About Waterproof / Dustproof performance of the camera
This camera is waterproof / dustproof equivalent to “IP58”, and is
possible to record at a maximum of 3.0 m depth/60 min. This does not guarantee
non-destruction, non-malfunction, and water-proofing in all conditions. Please
observe specified precautions and avoid product-use beyond the guaranteed underwater
duration, or beyond the guaranteed depth of water.
- Attention -
To prevent water leakage, confirm that there is no foreign object near card/battery
door then close door by pressing until it clicks. ●Use underwater up to 3.0 m
depth and not longer than 60 minutes continuously. ●Do not leave under low temperature
in the cold climate, or where the temperature is above 40℃ for a long period
of time. ●When the unit is splashed with detergent, soap, hot spring, bath additive,
sun oil, sunscreen, chemical, etc., wipe it off immediately. ●After use at the
seaside or underwater, soak the unit in fresh water pooled in a shallow container
for 10 minutes or less. Do not leave uncared for more than 60 minutes after using
underwater. It may cause deterioration of the waterproof performance. ●Foreign
materials may be attached if the zoom lever or mode dial does not move smoothly.
Soak the unit in fresh water, shake it well and then wash the zoom lever and
mode dial with tap water. ●To maintain the waterproof performance, it is recommended
that the waterproof seal (with fee) is replaced at least once every 1 year at
the user’s expense at the retail store where you have bought the camera.
■About Shockproof performance of the camera
This camera has passed a drop test from 1.5 m in height in accordance with “MIL-STD
810F Method 516.5-Shock”, but this does not guarantee non-destruction,
non-malfunction, and water-proofing in all conditions. Water-proofing is not
guaranteed if the unit is subject to an impact as a result of being hit or
dropped etc.
- Drop Test -
Test standard: MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock ●Drop height: 1.5m ●Drop surface:
5cm thick plywood ●Number of units tested: 5 ●Drop orientations: 26 (each face,
edge and corner) ●Number of drops: 1 (for each orientation) ●Unit inspected
after each drop and found to be operating within product specifications. Change
of appearance - paint-loss or deformation not measured.
*3 The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording
/ playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
The “AVCHD Lite” is a subset of the “AVCHD format” for
HD digital video cameras with HD video recording restricted to 720P. The new “AVCHD
Lite” Logo and the “AVCHD Lite” License are restricted to
devices within the AVCHD Video Camera category. Digital cameras have now been
added to the AVCHD Video Camera category. For more details, please refer
to the “AVCHD Information Website”. http://www.avchd-info.org/
*4 Depending on background and facial expression, camera may not recognize
a registered person.
*5 AVCHD Lite 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.
*6 In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.
*7 Max. 5 images. In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9)
recording.
*8 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording. (10fps
in Speed Priority mode / 6fps in Picture Priority mode)
