New D-snap Digital Camera Is World's Slimmest 4-In-1 Multimedia Device

Sept. 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic introduces the next generation of portable audio/video entertainment devices: the new SV-AS10 D-Snap SD multimedia digital camera. Thinner than many make-up compacts, the versatile SV-AS10 functions as a 2.0-megapixel digital camera, QuickTime video recorder, MP3 music player and digital voice recorder. The pocket-sized package has a footprint not much larger than a business card, measuring a mere 4-1/8 inches long by 2 inches wide by 1/3 inch thick.

"Panasonic created a new trend in super-portable multimedia entertainment devices with its revolutionary e-wear products," said Monica Helmer, Product Manager for Panasonic's Optical Group. "The D-Snap line continues this momentum, with innovative, easy-to-use solutions for multimedia enthusiasts and anyone with an on-the-go lifestyle."

The SV-AS10 stores digital photos, moving images, MP3 music files and voice recordings onto an SD Memory Card about the size of a postage-stamp. The high-capacity SD Memory Card allows users to share content with a wide variety of SD-enabled products, including camcorders, laptop PCs, PDAs, printers, cell phones, DVD recorders and more.

"D-Snap multimedia products are fun, portable, easy to use, and can network with a wide variety of products," commented Helmer. "Completely menu-driven, the D-Snap 4-in-1 camera is the perfect accessory for capturing life's moments, anytime, anywhere, to share with family and friends. Because it's so portable and unobtrusive, it's great for capturing audio recordings of meetings or lectures, and for taking quick snap shots and moving images to document events as they happen."

The SV-AS10 produces images in JPEG format in Fine or Standard mode, with a range of image sizes.

The Burst Shooting mode helps capture fast action by recording three consecutive frames per second. Optical settings include Scene Modes Auto, Night Landscape, Macro) and White Balance (Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Halogen, White Set) for a variety of lighting conditions.

The SV-AS10 also offers a multi-thumbnail display of up to six pictures on its built-in LCD screen. The user can then zoom in, crop as desired, or easily create slide shows. Images can be accompanied by a short recorded voice narration.

The camera also features a built-in flash, ten-second self-timer, and 4x zoom lens. For added convenience, a 270-degree rotating lens makes it easy to snap self portraits.

The SV-AS10 can play MP3, WMA, or AAC music files. Users can easily transfer music files between their compatible PCs and the SV-AS10 with the included SD Jukebox PC Software, which helps organize and save digital music files in one database on the computer.

Beyond taking still images and playing music, the SV-AS10 Camera also records QuickTime motion JPEG images.

With its built-in microphone and speakers, the SV-AS10 lets users create and listen to voice recordings -- a handy feature for taking notes, recording meetings or lectures or just leaving oneself reminders.

The D-Snap SV-AS10 SD multimedia camera is expected to be available in October with an manufacturer's suggested retail price of $299.95 and color choices of metallic blue, silver or copper. Accessories include a recharging cradle, Li-Ion battery pack, AC adapter, headphone with remote control, USB cable, carrying case and strap.

Source: Panasonic