'Let's Get Started in Digital Photography' aims to improve skills of beginners and help raise interest in photography

Dubai, January 16, 2008 - Panasonic, a world leader in consumer electronics manufacturing, has announced that it has recently established a strategic partnership with Gulf Photo Plus to expand the coverage of the 'Let's Get Started in Digital Photography' campaign across the GCC region. The photo tutorial campaign, which was established in Dubai in May 2006, will now include weekend courses in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar from January to March 2008.

To support the campaign, Gulf Photo Plus has enlisted experienced photography instructors to help beginners develop their creativity in using different types of cameras, particularly compact digicams or high-performance DSLRs. Panasonic is providing product assistance in terms of cameras and necessary equipment, in efforts to promote a culture of responsible photography in view of the growing number of photo enthusiasts in the Gulf region.

"Panasonic is pleased to be part of this exciting campaign, which we believe will greatly help raise the interest level of photography in the Gulf region. Our great advances in digital technology have made high-power photo equipment more affordable to average consumers, and we are intent on further enhancing the experience of our clients by educating them on the different capabilities of our high-performance digital cameras," said Yasuo Kimoto, Product Manager, Panasonic Marketing Middle East.

Leveraging its cutting-edge technology and expertise in digital photography, Panasonic will also help participants, particularly the absolute beginners, decide on the most suitable specifications, accessories and other related equipment that match their preferences. According to statistics from previous courses, around 85 per cent of beginners are DSLR users, while 15 per cent prefer compact cameras.

Moreover, around 25 per cent of previous participants of the tutorials wanted to purchase a new camera and had been looking for guidance and proper information to make a wise choice. On the other hand, 23 per cent planned to buy a compact or smaller equipment to complement their DSLR camera.

"It is our goal to enhance customer satisfaction by providing not just an excellent range of products, but also premium value-added services that cater to the specific requirements of our valued clients. We will continue to develop innovative ways in serving our customers, particularly in such a high-growth market as the Gulf region," said Kimoto.

'Let's Get Started in Digital Photography' was established to address the growing demand for beginner photography courses in the region. Panasonic and Gulf Photo Plus have also organised a 'Level Two' course starting in January for keen upstarts looking to further raise their level of expertise.

Karen Hook, Director of Gulf Photo Plus, added: "Camera ownership and the demand for photographs from the Middle East has never been higher, which is why we have spent the last four years holding workshops and lectures within the UAE to assist budding photographers. We are very thankful for Panasonic's ongoing support, which has enabled us to encourage better visual preservation of our country's heritage."

Gulf Photo Plus is a 5,000-strong web community based in Dubai that provides training and education relating to photography. Owned and developed by FriedKoala and Marketing FZ LLC (FKMM), Gulf Photo Plus has organised annual workshops and lectures in Dubai for the past four years.

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Editor's Note:
Best known by its Panasonic brand name, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of US$77.19 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:MC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net. 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

For further information, please contact:
Mohamed Afifi
Senior PR Account Executive
Orient Planet,
PR & Marketing Communications
P.O. Box 23345,
Dubai
UAE
Tel: 00 971 4 3988901,
Fax: 00 971 4 3988941
Email: info@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

© Press Release 2008