Release Issued by Panasonic:
Simplicity and Style Complete with MEGA O.I.S – Introducing the New LUMIX DMC-LS1
The new LUMIX DMC-LS1 is stylish, sophisticated and packed with features. The 4.0 mega-pixel DMC-LS1 offers a whole host of features whilst remaining inherently easy to use. With a super compact sleek design, this 3x optical zoom camera is highly portable and easy slips in your pocket, making it the perfect camera for entry-level users.
Heirs to the DMC-LC80/70/50, the new LUMIX 4.0 megapixel DMC-LS1 is the world’s first leading model equipped with MEGA Optical Image Stabiliser (O.I.S). Panasonic is the first company in the industry to have succeeded in incorporating MEGA O.I.S into a compact digital camera - a key feature assuring stability of the magnified image and resolving the problem of blurring when the zoom photography is operated by hand without the assistance of a tripod. The MEGA O.I.S features two corrective modes to further enhance the functionality of the camera. Mode one constantly detects and follows movements and continuously compensates for them, while in mode two the image is stabilised only in the instant the shutter button is pressed. This mode allows the lens to move in all directions at this moment to maximise its effect, allowing higher-resolution images to be taken by capturing the image as close as possible to the centre of the lens. The effect of this is effortless clear and beautiful pictures even in situations using slow shutter speeds, like indoor shots and night-time scenery.
The newly developed Venus Engine has been substantially upgraded in terms of performance in the energy consumption, responsiveness and image quality. The Venus Engine Plus achieves about 50% lower energy consumption, while providing even higher image quality and quick responses. In terms of response, release time lag has been improved from the conventional 0.1 seconds down to 0.006* second minimum, allowing users to precisely capture their target subjects. Consecutive shooting performance has also improved, so that you can take consecutive shots at a rate of 4 frames per second at full resolution. The unlimited** consecutive shooting function allows you to take photos in succession up to the capacity of the memory card or built-in memory.
*Not including the time for AF.
**The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card or built-in memory. The number of recordable picture depends on the memory card size, battery life, picture size and compression.
With the included new Panasonic OXYRIDE AA batteries, the DMC-LS1 enjoys a long battery life. The OXYRIDE AA batteries offer more than 1.3 times* the number of shots compared with the current Alkaline AA batteries, allowing users to take up to a maximum of 215 photos (CIPA). Add to this the 14 megabytes of built-in-memory, which enables users to take pictures even when there is no SD card and there really is no reason to miss that special shot.
* Comparison between Panasonic Alkaline battery and OXYRIDE battery.
Ease of use is an important aspect of any camera and the DMC-LS1 provides a variety of features to assist the user. Boasting a large 2.0inch (Transmissive with Micro Reflective) LCD, the images are easy to view when taking photos or playing them back. The TRM LCD prevents wash-out even outdoors on a bright day, ensuring that users are able to view crystal-clear images on the LCD monitor regardless of the circumstance.
The DMC-LS1 is highly intuitive to use, with the newly installed Scene Mode Help screen which allows users to select a series of eight modes for certain types of shots. The camera caters for entry level users by providing the Simple Mode, in which most settings are made automatically. Users can just aim at the subject, zoom in or out, and press the shutter button.
Further features include the ingenious auto angle detection, which records whether an image was taken horizontally or vertically. This ensures that vertical images are automatically displayed vertically and horizontal images are automatically displayed horizontally when users connect the camera to their TV with an AV cable.
The DMC-LS1 is the perfect compact camera and is available from April 2005 on-line and at Shop@Panasonic. For further information, please visit www.panasonic.co.uk/eshop
