The new Simple, Stylish and Smart LUMIX S Series

Panasonic introduces 14.1-Megapixel DMC-S3 and 12.1-Megapixel DMC-S1 with wide-angle lens and MEGA O.I.S

Panasonic has announced the new entry level S Series of LUMIX cameras - the 14.1-megapixel DMC-S3 and 12.1-megapixel DMC-S1. Both models feature a new simple, smart and stylish design exclusively developed for users picking up a digital camera for the first time.

These easy to use cameras are ideal for photographers wanting an intuitive experience for taking high-quality photos and 720p High Definition videos. With a 28mm wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens, they offer versatile shooting.  For total shooting ease, Panasonic’s iA mode offers a suite of technologies that engage automatically with no setting changes needed by the user – from MEGA OIS to reduce blur from hand-shake; to Intelligent Scene Selector, which makes the best settings for common situations such as Portrait, Night Scenery or Sunset.

The cameras have a distinct rounded shape that fits comfortably in the palm of the hand. And when it comes to sharing stills and movies with family and friends, the LUMIX Image Uploader makes it simple to upload photos to Facebook© and videos to YouTube™.

According to Richard Phillips, Product Marketing Manager – LUMIX, Panasonic Australia, the new S series cameras offer the ultimate in ease of use but don’t compromise on image quality or features.

“These compact, lightweight and new look entry level models are ideal for first-time digital camera users.  The S Series is a great asset to anyone looking for an easy-to-use point and shoot model which still delivers exceptional quality images.”

 “With high definition movie recording, MEGA O.I.S, wide-angle lens and Intelligent Auto, these entry level cameras ensure even beginners capture beautiful photos and movies with ease.”

Pricing and Availability

LUMIX DMC-S3                                 $169 RRP       Available March 2011        Black, White, Red

LUMIX DMC-S1                                $149 RRP       Available March 2011         Black, Silver, Pink

Product features

iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode captures clear, mistake-free photos with ease

Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) mode, which debuted in 2007, makes photography easy and produces beautiful photos, regardless of the shooting situation, without fuss or the need to select complex settings.

MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) is integrated in the iA mode in both models to suppress hand-shake and reduce blurry photos. Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects from six Scene Modes – Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset – the one which best suits the shooting situation. Intelligent ISO Control prevents moving subjects being blurred by optimising the shutter speed and ISO sensitivity setting to render sharp, clear images in any shooting situation. Human faces are captured in focus and with appropriate exposure with the Face Detection mode which also digitally corrects unwanted red-eye.1

Wide-angle LUMIX Lens with 4x optical zoom, high resolution CCD and high performance Venus Engine VI

The S Series cameras package a newly developed 28mm wide-angle LUMIX DC VARIO lens with 4x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 28-112mm) into a compact body. Comprising six elements in five groups, including three aspherical lenses with six aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit boasts exceptional optical performance.

The 28mm wide-angle lens is convenient for shooting group portraits, indoor subjects or dynamic landscapes. For distant subjects, the Extra Optical Zoom function brings subjects even closer, extending zoom power to 8.4x for the DMC-S3 and 7.8x for the DMC-S1 (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the centre part of the high-resolution CCD.

The high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine VI is newly incorporated in the DMC-S3 and DMC-S1, enabling beautiful image recording with higher quality signal processing.

It supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approximately 0.007 of a second on the DMC-S3 and 0.008 of a second in the DMC-S1.  The quick response times make it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities.

The Venus Engine VI also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the S Series record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.2

High Quality 720p movie recording and instant image sharing with family and friends

The DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 record dynamic HD movies in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to normal VGA (640 x 480) in Motion JPEG. The recorded movies can be directly uploaded to YouTube™, or enjoyed on a wide-screen HDTV for full-screen viewing together with HD (High Definition) photos.

With the new LUMIX Image Uploader, images and movies can be easily shared with family and friends on Facebook© and YouTube™3 - users simply checkmark the files they want to share and connect the camera to a PC. Uploading starts by simply following the on-screen guide.

Other Features

The DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 feature a 2.7-inch large Intelligent LCD which automatically adjusts the screen brightness as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times.

A variety of scene modes, such as popular Baby or Pet, are available. The DMC-S3 is equipped with 70MB of built-in memory.4 Both models use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

The included PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 software makes it easy to sort and organise thousands of photos and movies. For portraits, the Face Recognition function, which recognises faces in the picture, automatically sorts the photos by registered faces. Panorama Stitch allows users to create a panoramic composite in MOV by combining photos taken in Panorama Assist mode. It is also possible to make a slideshow with selected photos and background music.

In addition to the LUMIX Image Uploader, a direct uploading function of the camera, users can also upload photos to Facebook© and movies to YouTube™ using this software.

Included accessories: Battery charger, battery pack, AV cable, USB cable, hand strap, software CD-ROM. Optional Battery (DMW-BCK7E: $89 RRP) also available.

The new LUMIX S Series will be available from consumer electronics retailers and photographic specialists.  For more information about the LUMIX camera range, visit www.panasonic.com.au/LUMIX or phone 132 600.