Panasonic Announces Pricing for Its Mobile Cameras and Dual Cameras - All Available in Early July 2011

SECAUCUS, N.J., June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today announces pricing for its new full-High Definition(*1) (HD) mobile cameras, the HM-TA20, HM-TA2 and its new dual cameras, the HX-WA10, the HX-DC10 and the HX-DC1. All five new models will be available in early July 2011 for the following suggested retail prices: $199.99 for the HMT-TA20; $169.99 for the HM-TA2; $349.99 for the HX-WA10; $279.99 for the HX-DC10; and $199.99 for the HX-DC1.

The HM-TA20 is a full-HD mobile camera, which has a rugged design that is waterproof to approximately 10 feet, shockproof to approximately 5 feet and dustproof(*2) and with the Night View Mode – it shoots exceptional video and photos, even in low-lighting. The Panasonic HM-TA20's small and compact size, combined with tough exterior, make this the ultimate video camera when it comes to portability. Plus, with a large, 3.0-inch Touch LCD, the HM-TA20 is easy and intuitive to use.

The Panasonic HM-TA20 shoots in full-HD 1920 x 1080 video, and records in the MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which is convenient for editing images with a computer and uploading files to the Internet. The HM-TA20 includes an integrated USB terminal in its compact body and after editing images within the camera, the user simply connects the camera to a computer and the built-in software, which must be installed first, will then always launch automatically upon connection. The HM-TA20 can also be used as a web camera, for online video chatting. Additionally, extended voice recording is also possible, for recording and storing sounds.

The Panasonic HM-TA2, is also a compact and mobile camera with the same features as the HM-TA20, except it is not waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. Like the HM-TA20, the HM-TA2 features the Night View Mode, a large 3.0-inch LCD for easy and intuitive Touch Operation for controls such as, play, record, stop, zoom, and also settings such as edit – all accessible with the touch of a finger.

The three new Dual Cameras, the HX-WA10, the HX-DC10 and the HX-DC1, all of which have an easy-to-hold vertical design, making it easy and seamless to shoot full-HD videos (1920 x 1080) or photos – without having to switch between the two settings as there are separate video/photo capture buttons. The HX-WA10 is waterproof down to approximately 10 feet(*3) making it extremely versatile, and the HX-WA10 and HX-DC10 models include Panasonic's Backside Illumination (BSI) technology, which allows for optimal shooting in dimly-lit conditions.

Panasonic's three new Dual Camera models record video in the MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which is convenient for uploading images to the Internet or editing on a computer. Beyond the full-HD video capabilities, the HX-WA10 and HX-DC10 also offer 16-megapixel still photos, while the HX-DC1 takes 14-megapixel photos – resulting in high-quality images. All three models can take 2-megapixel still photos while shooting full-HD videos.  Despite being compact in size, all three models have a powerful 5x optical zoom, giving the user more range when shooting video and photos.

For more information, please visit, www.panasonic.com.  

*1 1920 pixels in the horizontal direction and 1080 pixels in the vertical direction.
*2 Waterproof: IEC60529 IPX8; Provided the care and maintenance guidelines described in this document are strictly followed, this camera can operate underwater, to a depth not exceeding 12 m for a time not exceeding 60 minutes. This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.
Shockproof: Anti-shock performance complies with "MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock" of the U.S. Defense Department, which specifies performing drop tests from a height of 122 cm, at 26 orientations (8 corners, 12 ridges, 6 faces) using 5 sets of devices, and passing the 26 orientation drops within 5 devices. (If failure occurs during the test, a new set is used to pass the drop orientation test within a total of 5 devices). The camera has cleared a drop test from a height of 2 m onto 3 cm thick plywood. In most cases this camera should not sustain any damage if dropped from a height not exceeding 2 m. This drop test was passed. (Disregarding appearance change such as loss of paint or distortion of the part where drop impact is applied). This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.
Dustproof: IEC60529 IP5X.
*3 Waterproof: IEC60529 IPX8. Provided the care and maintenance guidelines described in this document are strictly followed, this camera can operate underwater, to a depth not exceeding 12 m for a time not exceeding 60 minutes. This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.  Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

SOURCE Panasonic