22 August 2004
Panasonic, the leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics and home appliances, will launch a full range of e.cam digital video cameras at Gitex Dubai 2004. Participating under the theme 'Panasonic - ideas for life', the company will showcase a wide range of new models at the exhibition. GITEX Dubai 2004, the largest IT exhibition in the Middle East region, will be held at Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) from 3-7 October, 2004.

The flagship model in the range is the NV-GS400, a 3CCD digital video camera that can record still images at a record-breaking four-megapixels, the highest in the industry. The GS400 incorporates 3CCD technology used in professional broadcast equipment, and fuses the Leica Dicomar lens; developed in collaboration with the world-renowned Leica, with Panasonic's advanced digital technology, making it a truly remarkable e.cam.

Koji Naka, Manager, Consumer Products, Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE, stated, "The e.cam digital video camera line-up is one of Panasonic's best selling product categories in the Middle East region. With the introduction of the new range, including the NV-GS400, we are confident of maintaining our leading position in this category. The new models are stylish and compact enough to fit easily into the palm of the hand, while their unique features and state-of-the-art technology make them some of the smallest video cameras to hold such advanced technical capabilities."

"The NV-GS400 is not only high on performance but is also easy to use making it ideally suited to home video enthusiasts and semi-professional users. The e.cam incorporates professional systems that assure high quality of recording, leading the way as a digital miniature movie making machine," he continued.

The NV-GS400's 3CCD system uses a separate CCD to process each of the three primary components of light (red, green and blue) to deliver exceptionally pure, faithful colour. Picture quality is further enhanced by the Leica Dicomar lens, specially developed by Panasonic and Leica. The 12x optical zoom Leica lens uses an advanced optical technology to provide brilliant image rendering, complemented by Panasonic's Crystal Engine, advanced image-processing circuitry that helps deliver maximum performance from the 3CCD system.

The NV-GS400 uses Panasonic's proprietary MEGA O.I.S (optical image stabilizer) technology to ensure clear, smooth, high-resolution shots even in cases of unintentional movement of the hand. Proving its user-friendly qualities, the e.cam also allows users to record moving pictures and 1.2-megapixel still images onto an SD Memory Card at the same time, without having to switch between recording modes*. Moreover, the LCD monitor opens 120 degrees for easier viewing, and one push of the Power LCD button instantly doubles the monitor's brightness for easy visibility on sunny days.

The other new models in the e-cam digital video camera line-up also include the NV-GS200 and NV-GS120, NV-GS55, NV-GS33, NV-GS15 & NV-GS11. Panasonic digital video cameras are renowned for being user friendly, however, each model now has improved technology to make them even simpler to use. This is exemplified by the new Direct Mode Dial and Wide Open LCD features. The Direct Mode Dial Operation means a single dial give users a centralized switching control over most major operations, whilst the Wide Open LCD, now increased to 120 degrees gives users more space when using the new operating functions, and makes playback easier to watch. The NV-GS200 and NV-GS120 models also incorporate a Quick Start button making recordings ready to go after just 1.3 seconds and 1.7 seconds. The models also have a Super Image Stabiliser that helps compensate for camera movement with no sacrifice in picture quality, so users can film scenes on the move without worrying about shaky footage.

Even the accessories have been designed with ease of use in mind, with a free-style remote controller included with each model making shooting easy in all conditions. This not only enables uses to shoot from any angle, but also ensures the camera buttons are always at their fingertips. These versatile beauties also boast a variety of networking capabilities. By connecting the e.cam to the PC with a USB cable, the USB 2.0 (High Speed (HS) Mode) compatibility allows DV format data to be transferred directly to a PC. Plus, USB Video Class compatibility makes it possible to download moving pictures in real-time.

The entire range of Panasonic camcorders is available through Panasonic's UAE distributor, Al Futtaim Panatech, part of the Al Futtaim Group.

-Ends-

About Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (MEI)
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$71.92 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. 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:
Suraj Padukone
Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE
Manager, Advertising & PR
P.O.Box 17985, Jebel Ali,
Dubai,
UAE
Tel: +971 4 8819880
Fax: +971 4 8814311
Web site: www.panasonic.co.ae

Or

Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
PO Box 23345,
Dubai,
UAE
Tel : +971 4 3988901,
Fax : +971 4 3988941
Email : info@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

© Press Release 2004