Panasonic statement
Panasonic is pleased to announce an addition to the award winning LUMIX digital compact camera range, the new S-series featuring the 14.1-megapixel DMC-S3 and 12.1-megapixel DMC-S1.
Simple, Smart and Stylish, S-series is totally new not only in the design but also in the concept, exclusively developed for users with limited experience of digital photography or looking for their first digital camera. Pursuing ultimate ease of operation, functions are simplified in the S3 and S1 but these compact cameras still perform to the high standards expected from a LUMIX.
MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode Powerfully Assists Shooting Beautiful Images
Featuring MEGA O.I.S., as in other LUMIX models, assures high correction performance against blur caused by a hand-shake without deterioration of image quality.
In addition to MEGA O.I.S. the popular and powerful shooting assist mode iA (Intelligent Auto) also helps users to comprehend other convenient features. Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene Modes — Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset — that best suits the shooting situation. While the Intelligent ISO control prevents moving subjects being blurred by optimizing the shutter speed and ISO sensitivity setting, to render sharp, clear images whatever the shooting situation is. Human faces are captured in focus with appropriate exposure and with Face Detection the camera can also correct unwanted red-eye digitally .
The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by just activating iA mode. Using these features make the DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.
Wide-Angle LUMIX Lens with 4x Optical Zoom, 14.1-megapixel (S3) / 12.1-megapixel (S1) High Resolution CCD and High Performance Venus Engine VI
For the eye of the camera, the 14.1-megapixel DMC-S3 and 12.1-megapixel DMC-S1 package a newly developed 28mm wide-angle LUMIX DC VARIO lens with 4x optical zoom into a compact body. Comprising 6 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit features exceptional optical performance within a stylish and compact body. The 28mm wide angle lens captures a wider angle of view compared with a 35mm lens which is normally incorporated in the cameras of this class and its versatility is convenient for shooting group portrait, subjects indoor or dynamic landscapes. For distant subjects, the Extra Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power in the S3 to 8.4x or 7.8x in the S1 (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the centre part of the high resolution CCD to bring them even closer.
The newly incorporated high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine VI in the DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 enables beautiful image recording with higher quality signal processing and thanks to the multi-task image-processing the Venus Engine VI supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx. 0.007 seconds for the S3 and 0.008 seconds for S1 and with such quick response times the cameras makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities with the Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus) that lets you lock on the subject. The Venus Engine VI also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the S3/S1 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash .
High Quality 720P Movie Recording and Instant Image Sharing with Family and Friends
In addition, the new range of stylish compacts can record stunning HD movie in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps and thanks to integrated LUMIX Image Uploader you can instantly share your images via Facebook or video to YouTube (movie) with any PC on the spot. All you have to do is checkmark the photos you want to share and connect the camera to a PC. Uploading starts just by following the simply instructions, allowing you to add comment and notify your friends via e-mail consequently. Facebook can be used for photos and YouTube for movies.
Both easy to use models feature 2.7-inch large Intelligent LCD which automatically adjusts the screen brightness as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times.
A variety of scene modes, such as ‘Baby’ or ‘Pet’, set most appropriate parameter in wide-ranging situations. With thanks to a 70MB built-in memory with S3 and 20MB for S1 plus a lithium-ion battery, which is strong against repeated recharges, you never have to miss a photo opportunity.
About the bundled software PHOTOfunSTUDIO Ver.6.0
The latest version of PHOTOfunSTUDIO comes bundled with the S3 and S1. PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 helps to sort and organise thousands of photos and movies with more ease, with quick start-up and fast read-in allowing quick access to the image you want.
For portraits, the Face Recognition function recognises the faces in the picture stored in your PC and sorts these photos by faces. A Panorama Stitch lets you make a panoramic composite in MOV file by synthesising photos taken in Panorama Assist mode of the camera. It is also possible to make a slideshow with the selected photos adding music file on.
Fitted with colour coordinated lens surround, the distinct round-form design of the DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 fits nicely into the palm of the hand. It is a compact and lightweight “power stone” and thanks to the simple and smart features you can feel confident to leave it to the camera to get beautiful photos, high quality movies and have some fun at the same time.
Available in black, white, red, blue and pink.