January 27, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 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." Read more

January 27, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-ZS3 and DMC-ZS1, both members of the new ZS-Series, the successor to the acclaimed LUMIX TZ-Series and Panasonic's newest ultimate compact and powerful digital cameras. The LUMIX ZS3 features 10.1-megapixels, a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and 12x optical zoom, meaning it has added 2x optical zoom to the award-winning TZ-Series camera, yet reduced its size. The ZS3 also features a LEICA DC VARIO-The ZS3 also features a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens.

"The LUMIX ZS3 is a powerhouse performer with enormous versatility. Compared with the TZ-Series, it extends the power of the optical zoom from 10x to 12x and expands the wide-angle lens from 28mm to an ultra-wide 25mm, giving it the range for virtually any shooting situations," said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Despite its superior lens specifications and functionality, the ZS3 is remarkably smaller and lighter than its predecessors, making it easier to carry on travels and everyday shooting opportunities." Read more

January 27, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic today announces its newest touch-screen LUMIX digital camera, the slim and stylish DMC-FX580, a successor to last year's DMC-FX500. The new DMC-FX580 features a 25mm ultra-wide-angle LEICA DC lens with F2.8 brightness, a 5x optical zoom and an increased recording image size from 10.1-megapixel to 12.1-megapixel. Using the popular touch-screen operation is easy with the DMC-FX580's large 3.0-inch LCD, so both shooting and image playback is intuitive and smooth.

"With the new LUMIX FX580, Panasonic provides for our digital camera consumers, by offering a touch-screen model, for those users who are accustomed to touch-screen technology," said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "With the FX580, we remain true to Panasonic's commitment to providing high-quality photos, by advancing our Intelligent Auto mode and using a bright LEICA DC lens, we want to help consumers capture beautiful photos, regardless of their interface preference." Read more

Nowadays, Wi-Fi is appearing in a multitude of consumer electronics, from cameras to automobiles...and more! You probably already use Wi-Fi for convenient wireless Internet access at home and at work, but you might be surprised by other new gadgets that take advantage of Wi-Fi. Let's take a peek at some of the Wi-Fi- enabled goodies that you might want to add to your holiday wish list.

Eye-Fi Explore

Photography enthusiasts will love the Eye-Fi Explore ($129), an unusually versatile SD card that slips into your digital camera. Like any other SD card, the Eye-Fi stores photos -- but it also tags every shot with the geographic location (GPS coordinates) of where it was snapped. When you're ready to upload, the Eye-Fi taps Wi-Fi to send photos right to your computer or to an on-line webshare site, accessed from just about anywhere using the included Wi-Fi hotspot account. No need to pack upload cables or extra memory cards on your next vacation! Read more