New LUMIX DMC-TS1 Digital Camera Features Tough and Rugged Design for Capturing Still and Motion Images In Outdoor Activities
MIAMI, Jan. 27 /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."
The TS1 is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof. With its rubber padding, reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the TS1 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand.
Starting at the 28mm wide angle, and zooming up to a useful 128mm in telephoto, the TS1 gives users the flexibility for a variety of shooting environments -- especially underwater, where movement is often restricted and the angle of view becomes important for composing shots. The TS1 also features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, enhancing visibility during recording and playback by automatic brightness control according to the environment's lighting conditions. Plus, the TS1's LCD panel is deliberately thickened for protection against pressure, allowing the display to operate with clear visibility even underwater.
The TS1 records AVCHD Lite HD video, allowing almost double the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. The TS1 also features Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio to match the high-quality motion images.
Also new in 2009, the TS1 features iA mode for both still images and in Movie Mode. For iA in Movie Mode, the TS1 features Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.), which helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in a frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on the face. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind. Optical zoom can be used in motion image recording. Users can start video recording by simply pressing a dedicated button on the camera's back panel.
The TS1's iA for still image adds Face Recognition(*4) -- a feature that "remembers" faces from previous shots. When a registered face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize focus and exposure to capture it beautifully. With Face Recognition, when a familiar face is recorded several times, the camera will prompt you to register the face. Once registered, if the face appears into the frame again, the camera will display the name specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and sharply focused.
The imaging power of LUMIX has further evolved with the Venus Engine HD, which boasts two CPUs to provide approx. 2.4x processing capability and support for Face Recognition, AVCHD Lite and HDMI output. It integrates the numerous advanced functions with high performance, and low-power consumption. Thanks to the Venus Engine HD, it's easy to view photos or movies recorded in AVCHD Lite. Simply insert the SD Memory Card from the camera in the Panasonic VIERA(R) HDTV's Image Viewer SD Memory Card slot to start playback, or connect the camera via an optional HDMI mini cable to a VIERA Link(TM)-equipped Panasonic VIERA HDTV and use the TV's remote control to run slideshows(*5).
This multi-task image-processing engine also enables a fast response time. The TS1 starts up quickly in 1.3 seconds and shutter release time lag is approximately 0.005 seconds, making it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. The Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous emissions of the flash(*6). The Venus Engine HD also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the TS1 record up to ISO 6400(*7), sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. Despite its outstanding performance, the high performance engine is also more energy efficient, extending the battery life up to 340 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.
Other features of the LUMIX DMC-TS1 include:
- New Scene Modes for Still Images: Beach & Surf mode gives users a single mode with optimized auto white balance for optical shooting on the beach and in shallow water.
- New Panorama Assist scene mode allows users to shoot a number of consistent photos, either vertically or horizontally, by aligning them according to a guide that overlaps the screen. Then using those photos and the bundled PanoramaMaker software, users can create dramatic panoramic images.
- Increased Scene modes for both still and motion image shooting -- optimized for a variety of situations. There are 26 scene modes for still image and 17 for motion image (Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self Portrait, Scenery, Low Light, Food, Party, Candle Light, Sunset, High sensitivity, Beach & Surf, Snow, Aerial, Pinhole, Film Grain and Underwater)
- LED Illumination is available in motion image recording.
- High-Speed Burst (Speed Priority) that fires off approximately 10 shots per second(*8).
- Menus are clearer and easier to navigate with the Display Size option.
- Macro Zoom function lets users pull subjects even closer to capture dramatic close-up shots by using the 3x digital zoom in the wide-angle.
- Bundled Software: The latest version of PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 HD Edition allows users to view, edit and archive captured content with greater ease and fun. Still and motion images can be transferred to the computer via a USB cable for viewing and archiving. Using PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 HD Edition, users can edit and remove unwanted portions of video clips recorded in AVCHD Lite. Contents recorded in AVCHD Lite can be burned directly onto a DVD disc or converted to MPEG2 format. The software also incorporates the Face Recognition function, which recognizes registered faces in photos stored on the computer, making organizing and archiving photos with a specific person much easier. Additionally, motion pictures can be uploaded directly to YouTube.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS1 will be available in silver, green or orange models in April 2009 for a suggested retail price of $399.95. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix. To download hi-res photos, please visit www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
*1 As of 1/27/2009.
*2 About Waterproof / Dustproof performance of the camera
This camera is waterproof / dustproof equivalent to "IP58", and is
possible to record at a maximum of 3.0 m depth/60 min. This does not
guarantee non-destruction, non-malfunction, and water-proofing in all
conditions. Please observe specified precautions and avoid
product-use beyond the guaranteed underwater duration, or beyond the
guaranteed depth of water.
- Attention -
To prevent water leakage, confirm that there is no foreign object
near card/battery door then close door by pressing until it clicks. -
Use underwater up to 3.0 m depth and not longer than 60 minutes
continuously. - Do not leave under low temperature in the cold
climate, or where the temperature is above 40 degrees C for a long
period of time. - When the unit is splashed with detergent, soap, hot
spring, bath additive, sun oil, sunscreen, chemical, etc., wipe it
off immediately. - After use at the seaside or underwater, soak the
unit in fresh water pooled in a shallow container for 10 minutes or
less. Do not leave uncared for more than 60 minutes after using
underwater. It may cause deterioration of the waterproof performance.
- Foreign materials may be attached if the zoom lever or mode dial
does not move smoothly. Soak the unit in fresh water, shake it well
and then wash the zoom lever and mode dial with tap water. - To
maintain the waterproof performance, it is recommended that the
waterproof seal (with fee) is replaced at least once every 1 year at
the user's expense at the retail store where you have bought the
camera.
About Shockproof performance of the camera
This camera has passed a drop test from 1.5 m in height in accordance
with "MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock", but this does not guarantee
non-destruction, non-malfunction, and water-proofing in all
conditions. Water-proofing is not guaranteed if the unit is subject
to an impact as a result of being hit or dropped etc.
- Drop Test -
Test standard: MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock - Drop height: 1.5m
- Drop surface: 5cm thick plywood - Number of units tested: 5 - Drop
orientations: 26 (each face, edge and corner) - Number of drops: 1
(for each orientation) - Unit inspected after each drop and found to
be operating within product specifications. Change of appearance --
paint-loss or deformation not measured.
*3 The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording /
playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony
Corporation. The "AVCHD Lite" is a subset of the "AVCHD format" for
HD digital video cameras with HD video recording restricted to 720P.
The new "AVCHD Lite" Logo and the "AVCHD Lite" License are restricted
to devices within the AVCHD Video Camera category. Digital cameras
have now been added to the AVCHD Video Camera category. For more
details, please refer to the "AVCHD Information Website".
http://www.avchd-info.org/
*4 Depending on background and facial expression, camera may not
recognize a registered person.
*5 AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD
disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD
standard.
*6 In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9)
recording.
*7 Max. 5 images. In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel
(16:9) recording.
*8 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.
(10fps in Speed Priority mode / 6fps in Picture Priority mode)
*LEICA is a registered trademark of LEICA Microsystems IR GmbH.
*The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement
instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by
LEICA Camera AG based on the company's quality standards.
*YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
*The "AVCHD Lite" and the "AVCHD Lite" logo are trademarks of Panasonic
Corporation and Sony Corporation.
*HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are
trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
*All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective
corporations.
*This unit is compatible with both SD Memory cards and SDHC Memory
cards. You can only use SDHC Memory cards on devices that are
compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory cards on devices that
are only compatible with SD Memory cards. (When using an SDHC Memory
card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for
that device.)
*When you set the picture quality to HD, WVGA or VGA, we recommend using
a high-speed card with "10MB/s" or greater displayed on the package.
*Continuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording
motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on
the screen.
*The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by
copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited,
as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.
*Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
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 Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic, known for innovative imaging technology that enables high-quality digital photos, introduced the world's first Micro Four Thirds digital camera. 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.
DMC-TS1 Specifications
S-Sliver, D-Orange, G-Green
Metrics Dimensions
(W x H x D) 98.3 x 63.1 x 23.0 mm (3.87 x 2.49 x 0.91 in)
Weight Approx. 162.5g (0.36 lb)
Approx. 183.8g with Battery and SD Memory
Card (0.41 lb)
Optics
Pixels Camera
Effective
Pixels 12.1 Megapixels
CCD Sensor Size /
Total
Pixels / 1/2.33-inch / 12.7 Total Megapixels /
Filter Primary Color Filter
Lens Aperture F3.3 - 5.9 / 2-Step (F3.3 - 11 (W) /
F5.9 - 18 (T))
Optical Zoom 4.6x
Focal Length f=4.9-22.8mm (28-128mm in 35mm equiv.)
Extra Optical 5.6x (4:3 / 8M), 7.2x (4:3 / 5M), 9.0x
Zoom (EZ) (under 3M)
Lens LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR
10 elements in 8 groups
(5 Aspherical Lenses / 6 Aspherical
surfaces, 1 ED lens)
Optical Image
Stabilizer MEGA O.I.S. (Auto / Mode1 / Mode2)
Digital Zoom 4x
(Max. 18.4 x combined with Optical Zoom
without Extra Optical Zoom)
(Max.36.0x combined with Extra Optical Zoom)
Focus Focusing Area Normal: Wide 30cm / Tele 50cm - infinity
Macro / Intelligent AUTO: Wide 5cm /
Tele 30cm - infinity
Focus Range
Display Yes
AF Assist Lamp Yes
Focus Normal / Macro, AF Tracking (On / Off),
Pre-AF (Off / Quick AF / Continuous AF)
Continuous AF (On / Off) in motion image
recording
AF Metering Face / AF Tracking / Multi (11pt) / 1pt HS /
1pt / Spot
Shutter Shutter Speed 8-1/1300 sec (Selectable minimum shutter
speed)
Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60sec.
Recording
iA Face
Recognition Photo
Optical Image
Stabilizer Photo & Movie
Intelligent
ISO Control Photo
Face Detection Photo & Movie
Intelligent Photo (Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait,
Scene Night Scenery, Macro), &
Selector Movie (Portrait, Scenery, Low Light, Macro)
Intelligent
Exposure Photo & Movie
AF Tracking Photo
Digital Red
Eye
Correction Photo
File File Format Still Image: JPEG (DCF / Exif2.21)
Image with Audio: JPEG (DCF / Exif2.21) +
QuickTime
Motion picture: AVCHD Lite, QuickTime Motion
JPEG
AVCHD Lite REC NTSC
Inter-
face Mode Switch [Playback]
One-Touch
Movie Button Yes
Recording
Modes Mode Dial Intelligent AUTO, Normal Picture, SCN, Beach
& Surf, Snow, Sports, Clipboard
Still Picture Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform,
Scene Mode Self-Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist,
Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party,
Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset,
High Sensitivity, High-Speed Burst (Image
Priority / Speed Priority), Flash Burst,
Starry Sky, Fireworks, Aerial photo,
Pinhole, Film Grain, Underwater
Movie Scene Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform,
Mode Self-Portrait, Scenery, Low Light, Food,
Party, Candle Light, Sunset, Beach & Surf,
Snow, Aerial, Pinhole, Film Grain,
Underwater, High Sensitivity
(Activated by selecting Still Picture Scene
Mode then pressing movie button.
Still Picture Scene Modes without
corresponding Movie Scene Mode is recorded
in Normal Mode.)
Continuous
Shooting Mode Full-Resolution Image, 2.3 frames/sec
Max. 5 images (Standard mode), Max 3
images (Fine Mode)
High-Speed Burst Mode: approx. 6.0
frames/sec (image priority) approx. 10
frames/sec (speed priority) (recorded in
3M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9)
Unlimited
consecutive
shooting 1.8 frames/sec
Motion Picture 4:3 VGA: 640 x 480 pixels, 30fps
Recording (Motion JPEG)
QVGA: 320 x 240 pixels, 30 fps
(Motion JPEG)
16:9 WVGA: 848 x 480 pixels, 30 fps
(Motion JPEG)
HD 1280x720, 60P (AVCHD Lite, SH:
Movie 17Mbps / H:13Mbps / L:9Mbps) /
30fps (Motion JPEG)
Exposure
Para-
Meters Exposure Program AE
Exposure
Compensation 1/3 EV step, +/-2 EV
Auto (AE)
Bracketing +/- 1/3 EV ~1EV step, 3 frames
Light Metering Intelligent Multiple
ISO Sensitivity Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600
High Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400)
Image
Para-
meters Aspect Ratio 4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9
Still Picture 4:3 4000 x 3000(12M)/ 3264 x 2448
Recording (8M EZ) / 2560 x 1920 (5M EZ) /
2048 x 1536 (3M EZ) / 1600 x 1200
(2M EZ) / 640 x 480 (0.3M EZ)
3:2 4000 x 2672(10.5M) / 3264 x 2176
(7M EZ) / 2560 x 1712 (4.5M EZ) /
2048 x 1360 (2.5M EZ)
16:9 4000 x 2248(9M) / 3264 x 1840
(6M EZ) / 2560 x 1440 (3.5M EZ) /
1920 x 1080 (2M EZ)
Image Quality Fine / Standard
White Balance Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade /
Halogen / White Set
White Balance Adjustment (+/- 10steps,
except for auto set)
(Selectable at Portrait, Soft Skin,
Transform, Self-Portrait, Sports, Baby,
Pet, High Sensitivity, High-Speed Burst,
Pinhole, Panorama Assist mode)
Quick Menu Yes
Color Mode Standard, Natural, Vivid, Black & White,
Sepia, Cool, Warm
Others Still Image
with Audio
Recording 5 sec
Audio Dubbing Max. 10sec
Flip Animation -
Real-time
histogram Yes
Composition
Guide line Yes (2 patterns)
Auto Review 1sec, 2sec, Hold, Zoom
Easy Zoom /
Zoom Resume No / No
Optical Zoom
in Motion
Picture Yes
Zoom Macro Yes
Orientation
Detector Yes
Scene Mode
Help Screen Yes
Self Timer 2sec / 10sec
Focus Icon
Select Yes (in Face Recognition only)
Playback
Display Playback Mode Normal Playback, Slideshow, Mode Playback,
Category Playback, Favorites Playback
Thumbnails /
Zoomed
Playback 12,30-thumbnails / Max 16x
Calendar
Display /
Dual-Image
Playback Yes / No
Set Favorites /
Rotate Image Yes / No
Playback Still
Images with
Audio Yes
Playback Motion
Picture Yes (Motion JPEG / AVCHD Lite)
Slideshow Mode All / Still Images Only / Motion Picture
Only / Favorites / Category
BGM Effect (Natural / Slow / Swing /
Urban / OFF)
Show Histogram Yes
Delete Delete Image Single / Multi / All / All except Favorites
Edit DPOF Print
Setting / Set
Protection Yes / Yes
Resize / Trim /
Aspect Conv. /
Leveling Yes / Yes / No / Yes
Copy / Title
Edit / Text
Stamp Yes / Yes / Yes
PictBridge
Support Single / Multi / All / Favorites / DPOF
Setup OSD language English, Spanish
VIERA Link(TM) Yes
HDMI(TM) Output Video: Auto / 1080i / 720p / 480p(NTSC)
Audio: Dolby Digital Creator (Dolby AC3)
Movie REC Guide Yes
Wind-Cut in
Motion Picture Yes
Travel Date /
World Time Yes / Yes
Others
Monitor LCD Monitor 2.7" TFT LCD Display (230K dots)
Field of View: approx. 100%, Wide Viewing
Angle
AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode
Tough Water Proof 3.0m (IEC60529 IPX8 compliant)
Dust Proof Yes (IEC60529 IP5X compliant)
Shock Proof 1.5m (MIL-STD810F Method 516.5-Shock
compliant)
Flash Built-in-Flash Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On,
Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
0.3 - 5.1m (Wide/ISO Auto), 0.3 - 2.8m
(Tele/ISO Auto)
Media Recording Media Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC
Memory Card, MultiMediaCard (Still
image only)
LED
Illumination Off / On / Auto
Built-in-Memory approx. 40MB
Audio Microphone /
Speaker Mono / Yes
Inter-
Face Interface HDMI (mini), USB2.0 High speed
AV Output NTSC model (NTSC) / DC Input
(requires Multi Conversion Adapter
DMW-MCA1*)
*Optional
Power Power ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V,
940mAh) (Included)
AC Adaptor DMW-AC5** (Input: 110-240V AC)
with Multi Conversion Adapter DMW-MCA1**
**Optional
Battery life
(approx.) 340 Pictures (CIPA Standard)*
Standard
Package Included PHOTOfunSTUDIO v3.0 HD Edition
Software ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker)
USB Driver, QuickTime
Standard Battery Charger, Battery Pack, Battery Case
Accessories AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable
Hand Strap (with stopper), CD-ROM
*Based on the CIPA standard. Shooting conditions: 23 degrees C with 50%
humidity; LCD on; using SD Memory Card; starting to shoot 30 seconds
after turning on the power; shooting once every 30 seconds with the
flash in full operation for every other shot; changing the zoom setting
from telephoto to wide, or wide to telephoto, for each shot; and
temporarily turning the power off after each 10 shots (long enough to
lower the battery temperature).
** The number of recordable pictures decreases in Auto Power LCD mode or
Power LCD mode.
