Panasonic Announces Pricing for 2012 Line of High Definition Camcorders, all Available in March 2012

SECAUCUS, N.J., Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today announces pricing for its 2012 line of camcorders, which were debuted at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show, ranging from a full-High Definition 3MOS model with a superb imaging system; to six full-HD 1MOS models that feature incredible lenses, to a compact HD model that has a powerful 70x enhanced optical zoom, to the ideal active camcorder that is waterproof* up to approximately 10 feet.  All nine new Panasonic camcorders will be available in March 2012.

The Panasonic HC-X900M camcorder, the top-of-the-line model that can record 1080 60p, and features the 3MOS System Pro, will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1,199.99. With the new 3MOS System Pro, the HC-X900M achieves incredibly bright, outstanding video even under dim lighting, thanks to the re-engineering of all the core imaging components: the lens, sensor and engine. Plus, with professional-like features such as a manual ring, a 5.1-channel surround sound and an advanced Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S) system called Hybrid O.I.S. +, the HC-X900M is a feature-rich camcorder. And for those looking to explore in 3D, the HC-X900M can also shoot full-HD 3D (in the AVCHD 3D format) with the new optional conversion 3D lens, the VW-CLT2, which has an SRP of $399.99.

For 2012, Panasonic introduced six 1MOS full-HD camcorders and they will have the following SRPs:

$599.99 for the HC-V700M, $549.99 for the HC-V700, $499.99 for the HC-V500M, $449.99 for the HC-V500, $399.99 for the HC-V100M and $349.99 for the HC-V100.  All six camcorders feature a compact body to make them more convenient to carry anywhere, an ultra-telephoto zoom, wide-angle lenses, and Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) to control blur caused by a shaky hand.  The Panasonic Intelligent Zoom feature incorporates super-high resolution technology and the Image Processing LSI for ultra-telephoto shooting helps to exceed the magnification range of the ordinary optical zoom.  

The HC-V700 and HC-V700M models capture stunning indoor and nighttime shots thanks to the High Sensitivity Sensor, which greatly improves image quality in low-light conditions.  After capture, the user can view the video on an ultra-sharp 460K dot LCD with touch control. Users can also shoot lifelike, textured 3D images by simply mounting the VW-CLT2 3D conversion lens.

Panasonic's HC-V500 and HC-V500M camcorders are stylish, easy-to-use, compact models that take beautiful shots of distant subjects and perform superbly in dim lighting.  These models feature the Advanced Highlight Playback function (also available in the HC-V700 and HC-V700M), which is designed for users who want to view recorded images as quickly as possible.  This feature uses the I.I.S. (Intelligent Index System) to detect zooming, panning, scene changes, and faces in recorded images as "highlights."  It can then automatically play back the detected highlight scenes.

The HC-V500 and HC-V500M camcorders include the 2D to 3D Conversion function, which means they can convert 2D images recorded by the user into 3D images.  Both models also feature four special effect modes – Natural, Pop, Dynamic & Classical – each adding a special effect suitable for the mood of recorded footage, to create impressive images that allow viewers to imagine the occasion and place of shooting.

For consumers looking for a lightweight option, the HC-V100 and HC-V100M are ideal as these compact body camcorders measure just 2.028" x 2.343" x 4.429", approximately the size of a soda can. These models also feature low power consumption and extended recording capability, which makes them ideal for traveling or shooting outdoors when it is difficult to charge the battery.  

Panasonic's entry-level high definition model, the HC-V10, has an SRP of $249.99 and features a powerful 63x optical zoom lens with an Enhanced Optical 70x Zoom function. This compact model is versatile, but still shoots high-quality, spur-of-the-moment videos with ease.  HD video can be recorded in MP4 format, which offers broad compatibility and high compression for small, easy-to-share files.  Additionally, videos can also be recorded in iFrame™ format, which is designed to make video editing quicker.  With iFrame, the video a user captures with their camera is in the same format used for editing, so it's fast to import and edit with compatible video editing applications.

The Panasonic HX-WA2 camcorder, available in a blue and orange color choice, has an SRP of $279.99 and is a compact camcorder ideal for active users thanks to its waterproof design which allows for immersion in water at a depth of up to 9 feet, 8 inches (three meters). The Panasonic HX-WA2 provides users with enhanced features and durable product design for more opportunities to shoot high-quality video and still images in a variety of outdoor conditions. Beyond capturing HD videos, the HX-WA2 can also shoot high-quality, 14-Megapixel images and can also utilize the Panorama Mode function by simply panning the camera up, down, left or right to capture horizontal or vertical panoramic images.

For more information on Panasonic camcorders, please visit www.panasonic.com/camcorders.

*Waterproof: IEC 60529 IPX8. This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions

About Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, 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, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. and Canada.  The Company's portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. 

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. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicdirect, and additional company information for media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

SOURCE Panasonic