Archive - August 2018

Panasonic releases LUMIX LX100 II with new 17-megapixel multi-aspect 4/3-inch sensor

August 23, 2018

Consumer Electronics, Lumix Cameras & Lenses

Featuring F1.7-F2.8 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX Lens and 4K Video

Panasonic is proud to introduce the LUMIX LX100 II – the 7th generation of Panasonic’s world-renowned LX high-end compact camera series.

The LUMIX LX100 II delivers outstanding performance for the enthusiast, with an enhanced 17-megapixel multi-aspect 4/3-inch high sensitivity MOS Sensor, and a LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens. What’s more, the camera backs its excellent imaging credentials with Panasonic’s latest 4K suite.

For even greater convenience, the camera now boasts a touch screen with access to Touch Pad AF and Post Focus. Sharing of images with smartphones or tablets is streamlined with Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy connection.

Scott Mellish, Product Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic, said:

“The LX100 developed a cult following among enthusiasts, and now the LX100 II rewards our fans by delivering their most-requested upgrades. The camera offers a new level of finesse with excellent capabilities – including a brand new sensor, touch screen, 4K Photo interface and Bluetooth capability.”

The LUMIX LX100 II is priced at $1399rrp and will be available from photographic specialists and consumer electronics retailers from October 2018.

Rich imaging with impressive performance

The F1.7-F2.8 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens (35mm camera equivalent: 24-75mm) offers impressive performance, and combined with the large MOS sensor, the rich amount of light produces impressive shallow depth of field. The 9-blade aperture diaphragm produces bokeh with a smooth, circular shape. The versatile zoom range of 24-75mm (35mm camera equiv.) is suitable for a variety of photography from street shooting to portraits. Landscapes can be captured in dynamic 24mm ultra-wide angle in 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 using the aspect switch on the lens barrel. An aperture ring allows direct control to take maximum advantage of this high-speed lens. Stunning macro shots with intricate detail can be taken with a minimum working distance of 3 cm.

New, large 4/3-inch High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and Venus Engine

The LUMIX LX100 II incorporates a 4/3-inch, 21.77-megapixelⁱ High Sensitivity MOS Sensor to achieve even higher resolution than its predecessor, the LX100. The effective area in the 4:3 aspect ratio is 17.0-megapixels, more than 1.6xⁱⁱ larger than that of a 1-inch sensor. This new high-resolution MOS Sensor supports low-light shooting at ISO 25600. The Venus Engine renders vibrant, true-to-life high quality images with excellent resolution, high contrast and impressive color reproduction.

High resolution Live View Finder and intuitive control

The 2760K-dot equivalent LVF is controlled via an Eye Sensor. It offers approx.100% color reproduction, with a 16:9 wide screen that provides 0.7x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification and 100% field of view. The new 3.0- inch large rear monitor offers 1240K-dot resolution and enables touch control, incorporating Touch Pad AF. The LX100 II also allows intuitive operation for the experienced photographer with dedicated rings and dials including aperture ring, control ring, aspect ratio switch, shutter speed dial and exposure compensation dial. The camera can be customised to the user’s personal shooting style with 10 programmable Function buttons –five physical Fn buttons on-camera and five on the touchscreen.

4K Video recording featuring 4K Photo mode

The LX100 II is capable of smooth, high quality video recording in 4K (3840 x 2160, at 100mbps/25 fps in MP4). 4K Photo mode allows photographers to capture spur of the moment shots by extracting individual frames from 4K video to create a 3840 x 2160 8-megapixel equivalent JPEG image.

On this new model, Panasonic has made it easier to select the best shot from hundreds on the 4K Photo reel with Auto Marking, which highlights images that contain movement or faces. In addition, the in-camera Sequence Composition function allows a sequence of images to be shown within one shot – for example the trajectory of a motorbike jump, the arc of a diver leaving the board, or the movement of a dancer.

The camera also incorporates the full range of Panasonic’s 4K capabilities, including 4K Photo with 4K Pre-burst mode which shoots 30 frames per second before and after the shutter is released. Users can also select any aspect ratio (4:3, 3:2, 1:1 or 16:9) when shooting in 4K Photo mode by using the aspect switch.

Light Composition mode saves the brightest pixels from a series of shots in-camera, to produce more dramatic images of night scenes such as fireworks. Post Focus mode allows the user to choose the focal point of an image after the shot has been taken, while Focus Stacking combines focal points to achieve complete foreground to background focus.

High speed response and stunning mobility

The LX100 II integrates Panasonic’s DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology which shortens the time to acquire focus. As a result, the LX100 II achieves high speed AF of approx. 0.10 secⁱⁱⁱ to capture fleeting photo opportunities. This improvement achieves greater benefits as focal length increases. The camera boasts high speed burst shooting at 11 fps (AFS) / 5.5 (AFC) to capture fast moving subjects. Starlight AF captures subjects such as stars in the sky at night using autofocus.

The LX100 II is capable of releasing the mechanical shutter at max.1/4000 sec and 1/16000 with electronic shutter, which reduces washouts even under strong sunlight.

Bracketing modes available include focus, aperture, exposure and white balance bracketing. Focus bracketing allows the user to capture up to 999 shots at different focus points with just one shutter press – ideal for shooters who want maximum image quality and the ability to stack focus in post-production. With aperture bracketing, at a single press, photographers can quickly capture multiple shots at varying depth of field. When shooting with shallow focus it can be challenging to quickly decide on the optimum amount of focus that is best for a shot, so this feature provides the security of alternative choices.

Other Features:

• Creative filters with 22 options for photo and video
• L.Monochrome and L.Monochrome D mode to create film-like black and white shots
• Streamlined sharing of images with Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy connection and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi® (IEEE 802.11b/g/n)
• Highlight/Shadow Control
• RAW data development in-camera
• Focus Peaking to show the peak of focus in MF and AF+MF mode
• Level Gauge to detect the horizontal/vertical angle of view
• Multi-Aspect Bracket allows a still image to be captured in 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1 with a single shutter release
• USB charging

For further information, please visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.

ⁱ Multi-aspect count
ⁱⁱ Approx.
ⁱⁱⁱ Based on the CIPA standard. At wide-end, when using Live View Finder at 60 fps.

Panasonic encourages families to get cooking together with versatile and easy-to-use convection, grill and combination microwave

August 15, 2018

Consumer Electronics, Kitchen appliances

Ease of use and variety of models to help busy families provide healthy meals for children

Panasonic has launched its latest convection, grill and combination cooking microwave, designed for versatile cooking by busy Australian parents.

With challenges such as late hours at work and extra-curricular activities preventing parents cooking and eating with their children as much as they would like¹. Panasonic’s new 27L model offers an efficient and convenient solution to bring families together in the kitchen.

The NN-CD58JS model (RRP $549) allows for simultaneous combination cooking and is complete with Panasonic’s own Junior Menu feature – a convenient, pre-programmed auto menu with eight options for children, ensuring even the fussiest eaters can still enjoy healthy delights.

The intelligent design of the microwave – with the fan being moved to inside the top of the unit – has created room for a spacious 34cm turntable, allowing for larger plates and dishes. What’s more, the overall size of the microwave has been reduced by 20 per cent compared to conventional models, allowing for more counter space in compact kitchens.

Samantha Dawson, Product Marketing Manager, Microwaves, Panasonic Australia, said:

“We’re very confident that our latest convection, grill and combination microwave will prove that this household appliance can be a mainstay in the kitchen and provide an excellent solution for efficient and healthy cooking, especially among time-poor families.”

“We also know that the average Australian home is also decreasing in size² and families are looking for practical solutions for smaller kitchens. The versatility and slim-line design of Panasonic’s NN-CD58JS model is perfect for any home or apartment where kitchen space is a prime consideration.”

Panasonic’s latest microwave range includes:

NN-CD58JS (RRP $549)
This slim-line 27L Microwave offers Convection, Grill and Combination cooking for the versatility to create a range of meals, from grilled fish to the family roast chicken. The 34cm turntable and spacious interior fits larger plates and dishes. A Junior Menu creates tasty treats from pureed fruit and vegetables for babies, to junior pasta bakes and vegetable fries, to replace less healthy alternatives.

NN-ST64JW (RRP $259)
The 32L White Fascia Inverter Microwave Oven features Panasonic’s Inverter Technology which provides graduated power control to deliver more evenly cooked food, preserve texture and flavour, and prevent spill overs and burnt edges. The Inverter Turbo Defrost setting also dramatically reduces defrosting times, a convenient feature for families with busy schedules. Auto Cooking menus and Auto Reheat are also included.

NN-ST65JW (RRP $279)
The 32L White Inverter with Sensor Microwave Oven features Panasonic’s Inverter Technology. Sensor cooking automatically chooses the correct power level and cooking time. A reheat sensor also automatically adjusts the time and power level when food is being reheated. Inverter Turbo Defrost is also included.

NN-ST67JS (RRP $369) – stainless steel front, half mirror glass door and silver chassis
NN-ST69JS (RRP $395) – stainless steel front and silver chassis
These 32L models are complete with Panasonic’s Inverter Microwave Technology, Sensor Cooking Menus and Turbo Defrost. The sensors automatically choose the power level and cooking time to suit – meaning no more guesswork. Touch pad panels and an LCD display are also on show.

The NN-ST64JW, NN-ST67JS and NN-ST69JS models all have an optional Trim Kit to integrate the microwave into kitchen cabinets for a sleek, stylish look.

NN-ST25JW/NN-ST25JM (RRP $139)
This compact model is packed with outstanding features for its category; offering nine Auto Menu Cooking categories, Auto Defrost Menu, Auto Reheat and five variable power levels. The model is available in both metallic silver and white to fit in with the vast majority of kitchen décor designs.

Panasonic’s NN-CD58JS model is available in September and all other models will be available from mid-August at major consumer electronics retailers. For further information, please visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.

¹ Medibank 2017 research
² CommSec: https://www.commbank.com.au/guidance/property/commsec-home-size-trends-report-201711.html

Panasonic launches premium multi-door refrigerator range

August 14, 2018

Consumer Electronics, Kitchen appliances

Featuring ECONAVI energy savings, convenient food storage compartments, and nanoeX technology to reduce bacteria and odours

Panasonic has launched a new range of premium multi-door refrigerators – with new models in a choice of 653 or 533 litres, a silver or white design, and complete with elegant glass door finishes.

The stunning new range has been developed in line with Panasonic’s goal of keeping food fresher for longer, using less energy. The multi-door design allows for optimal storage of food groups in separate compartments, complemented by nanoeX technology that effectively suppresses more than 99.99 per cent of bacteria and odours¹.

Key details:

The main Refrigerator compartment has strong, adjustable glass shelves to store containers of all shapes and sizes, and cooling surround airflow to preserve freshness.
– A separate Chilled Case at 0°C is perfect for storing dairy, meat and fish.
The independent fully-extendable Fresh Fruit and Vegetable compartment is easy to access and offers optimal cooling at approximately 6°C.
– Includes a full-width design for extra-long produce and a separate drawer for fragile items.
In addition, the bottom freezer compartment allows neat storage with an upper and lower case, and includes a ‘Quick Freezing’ button to preserve freshness and flavour.
ECONAVI technology allows for up to 10 per cent reduction² in energy usage.
The new storage sensor detects changes in the amount of food being stored and the ECONAVI technology adjusts the temperature accordingly.
Four new models – in a choice of 653 or 533 litres and with a silver or white design.

Chasnyn Ousmand, Product Marketing Manager, Whitegoods, Panasonic, said:

“Australians continue to spend strongly on household appliances³. We have drawn upon more than 65 years of experience in refrigerators to create these multi-door models, allowing consumers to perfectly store fresh food and ingredients to match today’s lifestyles.”

Multi compartments for optimum food storage

With three separate compartments within the fridge, Panasonic’s new range is geared towards specific food groups being stored in conditions that best suit them.

The main Refrigerator Compartment has adjustable glass shelves to allow for more efficient and flexible storage. The strong, tempered glass shelves can withstand loads of up to 150kg, so casseroles, large bottles and other heavy items can easily be accommodated. The Refrigerator Compartment is complete with cooling surround airflow, which softly envelops items and cools them evenly, helping to preserve freshness.

Panasonic’s full-width Chilled Case preserves the freshness of dairy items and perishables such as meat and fish by maintaining a temperature of approximately 0°C to chill food without freezing.

The independent large-capacity Vegetable Compartment has a slightly higher than normal position and a higher humidity level to the rest of the fridge. It helps protect vegetables from dryness and avoids the unnecessary wastage that costs Australian households thousands each year⁴. The two drawers are fully-extendable to easily see and access all fresh fruit and vegetables. The bottom drawer is designed for bulkier vegetables (e.g. cauliflower and lettuce), with the top providing the perfect space for more delicate fresh items such as grapes and tomatoes.

The refrigerator’s bottom freezer compartments allow users to store items separately for neat storage – the upper case is ideal for flat items such as frozen pizzas, and the lower case suitable for larger items including home-made frozen meals, chickens or legs of lamb. The compartment is complete with a Twist Ice Tray, ensuring that you will never struggle for fresh, cold beverages in the home.

The Quick Freezing function can be used to preserve more freshness and flavour within food, particularly meat and fish. The greater cooling power freezes food faster than normal freezing, so its cellular structure remains intact. This means that there is virtually no drip containing nutrients and umami components when items are thawed.

Electrostatic Touch Control Panel

Operation of the touch panel is simple, with just a soft touch needed to select the required options. With the panel being external, users can conveniently adjust settings – Refrigerator, Freezer and Quick Freeze – without opening the fridge.

nanoeX Technology – anti bacteria and deodorising

Panasonic’s highly effective nanoeX Technology is also in place throughout the new range of fridges. The antibacterial and deodorising capabilities eliminate more than 99.99 per cent of bacteria as well as suppressing odours.

Smart Cooling with ECONAVI operation

The high energy saving performance found in the new range is even more sophisticated than in previous models. Intelligent ECONAVI sensors detect usage conditions and automatically optimise performance, resulting in an energy reduction of up to 10 per cent⁵.

The five sensors (fridge door sensor, internal temperature sensor, storage sensor, room temperature sensor and light sensor) work together, allowing for maximum performance. The new storage sensor detects changes in the amount of food being stored using the fridge light, and determines whether a change in cooling power is needed.

653 litre multi-door refrigerator

NR-D655XGSAU – Silver model: $3599RRP
NR-D655XGWAU – White model: $3599RRP

533 litre multi-door refrigerator

NR-D535XGSAU – Silver model: $3299RRP
NR-D535XGWAU – White model: $3299RRP

The Panasonic multi-door refrigerators are available now from selected retailers. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.

¹ Tested by Kitasato Research Centre for Environmental Science. Test report No.: KRCES – Bio.Test Report No. 26_0145.
² Comparison based on in-house testing between Panasonic ECONAVI Inverter models and Panasonic non-inverter models.
³ Statista – https://www.statista.com/outlook/256/107/household-appliances/australia
⁴ FoodWise – http://www.foodwise.com.au/foodwaste/food-waste-fast-facts
⁵ Comparison based on in-house testing between Panasonic ECONAVI Inverter models and Panasonic non-inverter models.

Panasonic launches new laser projectors at Integrate with a focus on entertainment and education

August 14, 2018

Business Systems, Professional AV

Panasonic Australia will take centre stage this month at Integrate 2018 when it introduces its new laser projector range, with the flagship PT-RQ22K laser projector featuring a 3-Chip DLP, 4K+ resolution and 21,000lm brightness to deliver film-like picture reproduction.

Chris Maw, Product Marketing Manager, Projectors and Displays, Panasonic Australia, said:

“We’re excited to showcase our latest innovations, with the new projectors making their Australian debut at Integrate 2018, the country’s largest AV expo. It’s clear with our latest range that we are continuing to push the limits and create best-in-class tailored solutions to meet our customers’ needs.”

A creative and unique addition for Panasonic at Integrate 2018 will be a dome projection demonstration, featuring the ET-D3LEF70 fisheye lens, intuitively designed for applications such as planetariums, theme-park attractions and theatres to give viewers a thrilling immersive experience. With an angle of view up to 183°, the fisheye lens is also an efficient solution, making it possible to cover a dome distortion-free using a single projector.

The company’s slim and durable 4K panels will also be demonstrated in an ‘art gallery’ style scenario to provide potential customers with a vision of the latest capabilities in 4K display.

Chris Maw added:

“Panasonic has a strong heritage in the projector and display space, and we feel that our innovative and reliable 2018 range will help continue to build our reputation in this market.”

The new PT-RQ22K is designed to operate maintenance-free for 20,000 hours and still deliver incredible brightness in a ‘compact in its class’ design. The simple and flexible ‘24/7’ projection is an ideal solution for education institutions and rental, staging and large venue installations such as museums and exhibitions.

The PT-RQ22K also possesses 20,000:1 contrast ratio to ensure excellent picture quality, and where absolute reliability is critical, the projector has a dual light engine with redundancy circuits should a laser diode fail, making brightness loss imperceptible

Integrate 2018 takes place from 22-24 August at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney. Other Panasonic imaging products on display are:

PT-RZ120 and PT-RZ870 1-Chip DL™ SOLID SHINE Laser Projectors
The new 12,000lm PT-RZ120K with 4K signal input and 8,500lm PT-RZ870 projectors blend crisp and vivid imaging with bright, dual-laser-module and dual-phosphor-wheel SOLID SHINE laser drives. These projectors are capable of maintenance-free operation for up to 20,000 hours, thanks to air-tight and dust-resistant optical units and cooling systems which negate the need for air filters – perfect for education institutions, office spaces, museums, exhibitions, digital signage and places of worship.

PT-MZ770 SOLID SHINE Laser LCD Projectors
Designed for teaching and business environments, the PT-MZ770 8,000lm projectors combine the portability and picture quality of LCD imaging with the low operating cost and high reliability of SOLID SHINE laser. Featuring an air tight dust-resistant optical unit, one-way airflow, and a reusable eco-filter, the PT-MZ770 projector can operate up to 20,000 hours with limited maintenance, significantly reducing operating costs. Features such as a 27dB quiet mode and quick start/quick off function ensure smooth and effective presentations, making it an excellent solution for education institutions and meeting spaces.

EQ1 Series 4K Professional Displays
Panasonic will also debut its new EQ1 display series, offering 4K imaging with a slim depth and stylish narrow bezel design. The EQ1 Series includes six new models, ranging from 43 to 86-inches, making them ideal for corporate meeting rooms, classrooms and various digital signage situations. The EQ1 series is embedded with content management software for automated signage playback with scheduling functionality. The display also includes optional early-warning software to monitor device status, operation history and to send proactive alerts if abnormalities are detected. These displays can be mounted in either portrait or landscape orientation.

SQ1 Series 4K Professional Displays
The new SQ1 Series expands the 4K display lineup with 86 and 98-inch display sizes. The displays offer a stylish and slim design, perfect for applications which require high image quality. They have a built-in USB Media Player, eliminating the need for external devices and reducing cable connections.

Space Player
A hybrid spotlight and laser projection device, the Space Player is a compact cylinder that resembles a regular shop spotlight but can highlight in-store displays by blending video, stills, graphics, and text-based digital signage with multiple spotlighting effects in virtually any combination. Thanks to a flexible universal joint, the Space Player can project in all directions below its horizontal axis and is mountable on conventional lighting tracks, making installation and relocation easy.

PT-RQ22K
$159,999 RRP
Available September 2018
PT-RZ120
$28,999 RRP
Available October 2018
PT-RZ870
$20,899 RRP
Available September 2018
PT-MZ770
$11,599 RRP
Available September 2018
EQ1 Series (displays)
RRP TBA
Available Spring 2018
SQ1 Series (displays)
RRP TBA
Available Summer 2018
Space Player
$5399 RRP
Available now

All products will be available through selected Panasonic distributors and resellers. For more information, visit panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.

Panasonic previews 4K 50p PTZ remote camera at Integrate 2018

August 14, 2018

Business Systems, Security

A significant step-up in resolution, lensing and interfacing for high-end broadcast production

Panasonic Australia is set to unveil a new 4K integrated remote camera that offers 4K 50p capture – a first for a broadcast-class PTZ solution – at Integrate 2018, Australia’s largest AV expo.

Ideal for high-end applications including broadcast, production and events and staging, the AW-UE150 will incorporate a 1-type MOS sensor and 20x optical zoom, as well as seamless intelligent zoom (iZoom). The 4K interfaces supported will include 12G-SDI, HDMI, IP and optical fibre.

Along with HDR mode, support of various 4K interfaces and simultaneous 4K/HD output, the AW-UE150 will also afford the widest viewing angle (75.1 degrees, horizontal) in its class – a perfect solution for filming stages, stadiums and arenas or high-end broadcast projects.

Mathew Alexander, Product Marketing Manager, Broadcast, Cinema and Professional Video, Panasonic Australia, said:

“We are excited to introduce an integrated robotic camera to our range. Our customers love the AW-HE130 and have asked for that ‘next level up’ model for high-end projects – the increased level of performance offered by the AW-UE150 will provide them with exactly that.

“Customers who already have our integrated cameras will find the AW-UE150 as easy to connect and control. The same controllers and software can be used with this new solution, so the operation will be familiar and upgrading will be seamless.”

Panasonic has also announced a new and intuitive camera controller, the AW-RP150, which is compatible with the AW-UE150 and Panasonic’s higher-end PTZs and other remote cameras.

The AW-RP150 offers significant improvements over previous models, including a new single-hand operation joystick (controlling PTZ or Focus) and a large touch-panel LCD screen for essential camera functions such as monitoring and menu setting.

Both products will be available from specialist Panasonic broadcast distributors and resellers in early 2019. Pricing will be announced closer to the release date. For more information, visit business.panasonic.com.au/professional-camera or call 132 600.