October 30, 2006

Panasonic, the leading manufacturers of consumer electronics, has announced the Middle East launch of its first digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with interchangeable lens, the DMC-L1. In developing the DMC-L1, Panasonic's aim was to create a digital SLR camera that delivers superb photographic rendering capabilities and is a pleasure to use.

The DMC-L1 comes equipped with a LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT lens, the first Leica lens designed specifically for a digital SLR camera and equipped with MEGA?O.I.S. (Optical image stabiliser).?The DMC-L1 also incorporates a Live MOS image sensor that conforms to the Four Thirds standard and offers 7.5 megapixels to ensure outstanding picture quality. The new camera also introduces a full-time Live View function that, using a signal output directly from the Live MOS sensor, lets users see on the LCD screen the same image seen by the sensor. With full-time Live View and the DMC-L1's large LCD screen, users can compose shots in new ways and with greater ease and accuracy.

"With our LUMIX DMC- L1 we hope to help establish a new photographic culture for the digital age. The camera incorporates several features and functions that are not found in conventional digital SLRs and we are certain that professional photographers in the Middle East will find the DMC-L1 ideally suited for all their photography needs," said Yasuo Kimoto, Product Manager, Panasonic Marketing Middle East. "The DMC-L1 is equipped with Venus Engine III for extraordinary processing power to reproduce even nuances in texture and atmosphere. It also features a dust reduction system that solves the digital SLR camera's long-standing problem of dust adhering to the sensor." he added.

In the new DMC-L1, Panasonic has incorporated today's most advanced digital technologies while maintaining the attractive look and operating feel of the familiar film camera. A shutter speed dial on the camera top together with a wide-aperture zoom lens provides F2.8-3.5 brightness from 28mm wide angle to 100mm telephoto (35mm film camera equivalent). The magnesium-alloy body, which in design closely resembles the body of a rangefinder camera from days past, combines with the aluminum-alloy lens section to offer both high rigidity and a high-grade appearance.

With the DMC-L1, Panasonic has created a digital SLR camera that is a pleasure to use and can render photographs of exquisite beauty. Advanced photographers and hobbyists alike will find the DMC-L1 to be an extremely satisfying tool capable of capturing expressive, artistic images.

-Ends- 

Editor's Note:
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (MEI) best known for its Panasonic brand, is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronics products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company posted consolidated sales of US$81.44 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. For more information, visit the Matsushita web site at http://www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html. Panasonic Gulf FZE (PGF) is MEI's first subsidiary company in the Middle East, followed by Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE (PMM), which is the regional marketing headquarters of MEI for operations in the Middle East and African countries.

For further information, please contact:
Ajit Nair
Corporate Communications Department
Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE
P.O.Box 17985,
Jebel Ali,
Dubai,
UAE
Tel: +971 4 8819880
Fax: +971 4 8814311
Web site: www.panasonic.co.ae

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Tel: +971 4 3988901 ;
Fax: +971 4 3988941
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© Press Release 2006