New Panasonic Digital Palmcorder

Affordable New Models Offer Movie Messenger(r) System for Easy Video Sharing, Compact Design, 3-Way PC Link, and 500:1 Digital Zoom. August, 2001 -- Designed to appeal to a wide audience, Panasonic's latest Palmcorder(r) digital camcorders combine sophisticated features, compact design and easy handling. New suggested retail prices help make them extremely affordable. New model PV-DV701, available this month, has a suggested manufacturer's retail price* (MSRP) of $999.95; and model PV-DV351, scheduled for September, has an MSRP* of $899.95. Both high-quality, high-performance digital camcorders double as digital still cameras.

"These new models allow everyone, from first-time camcorder purchasers to consumers who are upgrading to digital video, to enjoy the benefits of digital technology," said Mary Miceli, National Marketing Manager, Panasonic Optical Group. "They pack more high-performance features into a more affordable package. They shoot high-quality digital video as well as digital still photos; and their flexible computer interface options and included photo editing software make them perfect for a wide variety of creative PC applications."

Model PV-DV351 features a 2.5-inch color LCD monitor. Model PV-DV701 increases the monitor size to 3.5 inches, and adds analog in and an IR remote control. Other than these differences, both camcorders offer the identical advanced features.

The PV-DV701 and PV-DV351 combine two versatile digital imaging products in one, giving users two ways to capture their precious memories. A 680K-pixel CCD produces ultra sharp video images with up to 460 lines of horizontal resolution. Plus, the built-in PhotoShot(tm) digital still camera function takes high-quality digital still photos. A compact, ergonomically designed chassis makes either model ideal for travel and family vacations.

Both camcorders feature Panasonic's exclusive Dual Digital Electronic Image Stabilization feature. It compensates for hand and camcorder movement while recording, and can also be used in the playback mode to help remove additional jitter from previously recorded video. Other key features include: 3-way PC link, 10x high-definition zoom and new 500x digital zoom+, color viewfinder, new MagicPix(tm) Images feature for color recording in low light, MagicVu(tm) IR Filter for recording video in total darkness, Movie Messenger++ System for easy video sharing, easy cassette eject, and included photo editing software.

Panasonic makes it easy to link to a PC with three different ways: i.Link(tm) (IEEE 1394 PC interface+++), PHOTOVU LINK++++ and CARD LINK++++. The CARD LINK memory card slot accommodates either a MultiMediaCard(tm) or the new SD Memory Card.

The i.LINK(tm) IEEE 1394 digital interface allows full digital input/output capability for easy connection to compatible PCs or digital video editing equipment. When connected to another similarly equipped digital camcorder, this interface allows users to make faithful copies of their home videos without the signal degeneration found in analog dubs.

The i.LINK(tm) IEEE 1394 digital connector can also be used to download digital recordings (still images and moving pictures) to computers where they can be edited, manipulated and included in e-mail messages or Web sites. (An IEEE 1394 cable, host adapter card, and software are required for these applications.)

The memory card slot accommodates both MultiMediaCards and the new SD Memory Card media format. Both types of memory cards can be used with other devices. About the size of a postage stamp, the SD memory card format features large storage, great flexibility and fast data transfer. One 8MB Memory Card is included with the PV-DV701 and PV-DV351.

Additionally, the camcorders come with three ArcSoft editing software titles: PhotoImpression(tm) 2000, Panorama Maker(tm) 2000 and ArcSoft PhotoPrinter(r) 2000 Pro. These programs make it easy to enhance, retouch and apply a wide variety of special effects to captured still images. The software offers a direct link to picturestage.com, making it easy for users to upload their finished photos to the site to archive, share or even create gifts using their photos.

For e-mail and other Internet applications, the convenient new Movie Messenger System allows users to easily transfer video clips, with or without audio, directly from the camcorder to a PC via a USB or IEEE 1394 connection and then attach it to an e-mail for easy sharing. The Movie Messenger application viewer software attaches to the video clip, so there's no need for friends or family to install special software to view your e-mailed "movies". All the recipient needs to do is click and enjoy!

The PV-DV701 and PV-DV351 are designed to shoot great video and still shots in almost any lighting environment. The new MagicPix(tm) Images feature allows users to take full color video and still images on tape in low-light conditions. And, the MagicVu(tm) IR Filter (0 Lux) uses infrared light to capture incredibly detailed video in total darkness. Video records in your choice of black and white, green or blue.

A new easy cassette eject system makes it easy to insert or remove tapes even when the camcorder is connected to a tripod.

Using the LCD monitor, the P-I-P (Picture-in-Picture) feature lets users insert a small still shot over the video being recorded. This is a great in-camera effect and a convenient feature for including an establishing shot, saving editing time later.

Both models also feature high quality digital PCM (12-bit/16-bit) stereo audio; audio dubbing in SP mode; color viewfinder, removable color enhancement light; headphone jack; external microphone input jack; 5-mode program AE, and a variety of built-in digital video special effects for adding creative flair to recordings.

Panasonic consumer video products are marketed in the United States by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a division of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (MECA). MECA is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (NYSE:MC) 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 Panasonic products can call the Panasonic Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA, or access the Panasonic home page at www.panasonic.com/electronics

MODEL NUMBER	AVAILABILITY	MSRP*
PV-DV701	August, 2001	$999.95
PV-DV351	September, 2001	$899.95

* All prices are in U.S. dollars.
+ As digital magnification increases, resolution significantly decreases.
++ Movie Messenger software operates with IEEE 1394 software and capture boards that comply with OHCI (Open Host Controller Interface) specifications. Feature also operates using the USB interface.
+++ IEEE 1394 host adapter card, IEEE 1394 cable and software required for Microsoft Windows(r) and Macintosh(r).
++++ CARD LINK and PHOTOVU LINK (USB) driver software for Windows(r) 98 preinstalled PC with USB port and Windows(r) Me preinstalled PC with USB port are included. Please note: 3-way PC Link features may or may not be compatible with other operating systems. For details please contact 1-800-211-PANA.

** Prints are provided by Arcsoft and Gifts by i.Print.

SOURCE Panasonic