SECAUCUS, NJ -- 07/21/08 --
Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-LX3
digital camera, the successor to the highly regarded and popular DMC-LX2.
Designed for easy, creative shooting, and high-performance in low-light
conditions, the DMC-LX3 features a F2.0 24mm LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens,
10.1 megapixels and an ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD developed
specifically for this model. By combining a high-quality lens and sensor
ready for a variety of shooting conditions with a wide range of accessories
and manual controls, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for professional photographers
and serious amateurs looking for a compact digital camera that furthers
their creative photography.
At the heart of the DMC-LX3, is its 1/1.63-inch CCD. Making the
intentional choice to limit the number of megapixels to 10.1 on its CCD,
Panasonic was able to give more space for each pixel and also redesigned
the peripheral circuits and other components to further minimize noise
generation. As a result, sensitivity is almost 40 percent higher and
saturation is increased by 35 percent, when compared to Panasonic's 10 MP
digital cameras*, giving the DMC-LX3 outstanding image quality and a wide
dynamic range, and meeting the demand for a camera that works optimally in
low-light environments. The CCD is also capable of reproducing images in
three aspect ratios -- 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9. The new Multi Aspect mode allows
the camera to take an image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously,
allowing users to choose the version that best suits their needs.
"With the strong response towards the DMC-LX2, Panasonic has taken its
technology a step further by upgrading several key components that we think
will make the LX3 another win," said David Briganti, National Marketing
Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "With the
enhanced CCD and extensive manual and automatic functions, the DMC-LX3 is
ideal for photographers looking for a full-featured compact digital camera
with some DSLR-like characteristics and a wide range of optional
accessories."
Another major upgrade to the LX3 is the F2.0 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC
VARIO-SUMMICRON lens. The F2.0 is about twice as bright as a F2.8 lens and
can shoot at higher shutter speeds to capture clear, blur-free images in
dimly lit environments. In addition, the 24mm lens captures approximately
a 213% larger viewing angle than a normal 35mm camera and 136% larger
compared to a 28mm wide-angle lens. The lens unit consists of eight
elements in six groups with four aspherical lenses with four aspherical
surfaces. As a result of the F2.0 lens, the LX3 produces high resolution
and minimal distortion and artifacts -- such as chromatic aberrations,
ghosting and flaring.
The LX3 also incorporates the Venus Engine IV, which provides more advanced
signal processing technology for producing higher-quality images with
reduced noise in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing --
as compared to the Venus Engine III.
The Venus Engine IV supports high sensitivity recording enabling the
DMC-LX3 to record at up to ISO 3200 at full resolution and even up to ISO
6400 when using high sensitivity mode, enough to capture subjects in low
lighting without using a flash**. The Venus Engine IV also supports a
faster response time, allowing the camera to shoot 2.5 shots per second at
full resolution and six shots per second in High-Speed Burst mode.
The easy-to-use joystick operation which was featured in its predecessor
continues with the LX3, as its intuitive design makes selecting different
settings on the camera, including focus, aperture and shutter speed -- easy
and quick. Other convenient design elements include a switch on the side
of the lens barrel that allows the user to quickly change the focus modes
between Manual Focus, Auto Focus and Macro Auto Focus. When choosing
Manual Focus, the focus distance and the depth of field according to the
zoom range and aperture is also displayed. For setting white balance, the
LX3 provides a new color temperature display function, and still includes
the Two-Axis white balance adjustment settings offered in previous models.
Users can also customize and store their own personal settings of up to
four unique functions and instantly recall them later using the mode dial.
Furthering its creative options, the LX3 also features a Film mode with six
color types and three types of monochrome selections. Much like selecting
from different film types, this function gives the user the flexibility and
creative freedom to take more expressive digital photos. Also, when using
the Multi-film mode, the LX3 produces a maximum of three images from a RAW
file for the user to compare the different textures. Another new feature
is the multiple-exposure feature, which lets the user create artistic
photos by overlaying up to three consecutive images, while still viewing
the last image on the 3.0-inch LCD screen. The LCD on the LX3 is new and
improved with a 460,000-dot high resolution.
While the LX3 allows full manual control for more advanced photography, it
also includes Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode (iA), including the new
feature, AF (auto focus) Tracking. AF Tracking automatically tracks the
image subject and locks it into focus, making it easier for anyone to
capture sharp, well-focused photos. The AF Tracking technology also
improves face detection accuracy, allowing for crisp, sharp-focused shots
even if the subject moves or turns their face. Other iA technologies
include Intelligent Exposure, Digital Red-eye Correction, MEGA O.I.S,
Intelligent ISO, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection (up to 15
faces) and Quick AF.
The DMC-LX3 has the ability to record High Definition (HD) video in 1280 x
720p at 24fps. With the newly added HD component output capability, still
and moving pictures can be viewed by connecting the camera to a TV via an
optional component cable (DMW-HDC2). In addition, the LX3 features Image
Leveling, so when a captured image "leans" to the right or left because the
camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, this feature
rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges.
A number of accessories are also available to further expand the
flexibility of the LX3 as more than just a typical point-and-shoot camera.
The optional Wide Conversion Lens (DMW-LW46) brings the maximum wide angle
to 18mm. Other optional accessories include: ND Filter (DMW-LND46)***, the
new PL Filter (DMW-LPL46), the high-end aluminum External Optical
Viewfinder (DMW-VF1); the GN22 Compact Flash mounts to the LX3's hot shoe
-- a new feature for the LX-Series.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX3 will be available in silver and black in August
2008 for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $499.95. For more
information and to download the full specs, please visit
www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
* Compared with Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX35 with 1/2.33" CCD.
** In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.
*** Requires a lens adapter DMW-LA4.
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a
Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North
American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC)
and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D
operations. In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging
resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series
of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the
features on their digital cameras and produce high-quality photos.
Panasonic is honored to support OUR PLACE - The World's Heritage, a project
that will create the world's largest photographic collection of UNESCO
World Heritage sites, with acclaimed photographers exclusively using LUMIX
digital cameras to capture all images. Information about Panasonic LUMIX
digital still cameras and its affiliated programs is available at
www.panasonic.com/dsc.
Editorial Contacts:
MeeJin Annan-Brady
Panasonic
201-392-6124
annan-bradym@us.panasonic.com
Andrew Stein
Peppercom
212-931-6190
astein@peppercom.com
