Panasonic confirm Lumix line

CES 2002: Panasonic has confirmed its range of 2002 Lumix digital cameras as well as availability and pricing. In this press release they also confirm two new models we’ve not previously heard of, the DMC-LC20 and DMC-LC40. The Lumix range boasts Leica Optics in combination with Panasonic (Matsushita) digital imaging. Press release:

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES AN EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENT IN DIGITAL CAMERAS

New LUMIX Digital Camera Line Is First to Combine World-Renowned Leica Optics With Advanced Panasonic Audio Video Technology For The Perfect Balance Of Art And Science

LAS VEGAS (January 7, 2002) — Panasonic has developed an exciting new digital camera line that will revolutionize the world of digital photography. Building upon its relationship with world-renowned Leica Camera AG of Solms, Germany, Panasonic is the first consumer electronics company to incorporate Leica lenses in its entire 2002 Lumix™ digital still camera line. The new Panasonic Lumix cameras herald a new standard of quality and refinement in digital photography. Featuring built-in USB ports1 and SD Memory Card slots, the four new Mega-pixel digital cameras also offer consumers networking versatility with PCs and a wide variety of compatible SD-enabled devices.

panasonic lumix digital cameras

“The new Lumix line elevates the performance standard of digital still cameras to a new level,” said Rusty Osterstock, General Manager of Panasonic’s Optical Group. “Panasonic wanted to create a digital camera that allows artistic expression as well as all the applications made possible by digital technology. With the Leica lens and new imaging technologies, we’ve succeeded in creating a digital camera that is responsive, precise and easy to use – a high-performance, digital imaging product with the heart and soul of a fine instrument.”

The finely crafted LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON and DC VARIO-ELMARIT lenses have been incorporated into the Lumix line of cameras in order to render images with more warmth, subtlety and expressiveness than ever before achieved with a digital camera.

Panasonic developed new and enhanced technologies to convert the optical data from the lens into digital information.

New Mega-pixel CCDs capture images with incredible clarity and detail. Models DMC-F7 and DMC-LC20 feature a 2.1 Mega-pixel CCD (2.0 mega camera effective pixels); the DMC-LC40 and top-of-the- line DMC-LC5 feature 4.0 Mega-pixel CCDs (3.9 mega camera effective pixels). To counter this phenomenon, Panasonic uses an innovative gapless lens in the DMC-LC40 and DMC-L5 to boost light-collecting efficiency. The new MEGA BURST™ recording feature, a Panasonic exclusive, combines 4 frames per second or 5 frames per second, depending upon the model, with undiminished quality from frame to frame. Models DMC-F7 and DMC-LC20 feature a primary color filter for precise color reproduction in images captured by the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens. For models DMC-LC40 and DMC-L5, Panasonic chose a complementary color filter to harmonize with the LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens’s F2.0 brightness and the rich gradation produced by these models’ 4.0 Mega-pixel CCDs. Going a step further, Panasonic developed new Pure Color Engine LSI circuitry to work with the DMC-LC40’s and DMC-L5’s lens systems. This system cuts focusing time to less than half that of previous Panasonic cameras.

With digital cameras, taking the picture is just the start of the creative process. Advanced digital technology and networking capability let consumers enjoy their beautiful photos in exciting new ways.

The Lumix cameras feature a memory card slot that is compatible with either SD Memory Cards or a MultiMediaCard.™ An 8MB, 16MB or 32MB SD Memory Card, depending upon the model, is included with each Lumix camera. Panasonic digital cameras are marketed in the United States by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. Consumers can get information on Panasonic consumer products from Panasonic’s Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA or access Panasonic’s home page at www.panasonic.com.