Panasonic launches advanced PRO-Broadcast technology 3CCD movie camera in the Middle East

The DV cameras were unveiled by 'P-MAXX', Panasonic's futuristic new brand mascot in the Middle East region for advanced-technology digital products.

Speaking at a press conference held today, Panasonic's new Managing Director for the Middle East, Mr. Koyanagi stated, "This marks the start of a new marketing strategy for Panasonic Middle East. P-MAXX, our futuristic mascot represents Panasonic's focus toward next-generation digital products that can ease and enhance our customers' lives."

"Panasonic has always been associated with futuristic technology. We have identified three core areas, known as 3D as our product focus - namely Digital video cameras, Lumix Digital still cameras and PDP (plasma display) televisions. Digital products are the future of entertainment and as a pioneer in this field, we will continue to introduce next-generation products through P-MAXX," he added.

P-MAXX's first product offering is the new range of DV cameras which include the NV-GS250, NV-GS150 and the NV-GS75 3CCD models. The company is also introducing the super compact, powerful zoom models NV-GS35, NV-GS25.

The new models are an evolutionary step forward as they incorporate the sleekness and portability of an ultracompact videocam with the high-performance features of 3CCD.
3CCD reproduces color in great fidelity, as it uses a separate CCD (charge-coupled device) for reds, greens and blues. It's the same technology used in Panasonic professional broadcast equipment, ensuring crystal clear 540 lines of resolution in DV format.

The 3CCD models incorporate a host of picture-improving technologies, starting with the Crystal Engine digital signal processing LSI, which suppresses noise and enhances resolution. The Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S) system minimises the effect of hand-shake without losing picture quality using both movie (O.I.S.) and still image (MEGA O.I.S.).

The video cameras also incorporate a Leica Dicomar lens with low-dispersion glass that enables clear images with reduced colour aberration and Panasonic's unique quad-density pixel distribution technology achieves 3.1-megapixel still pictures for NV-GS250.

In design, Panasonic digital video camera models introduce new styling that incorporate Universal Design principles, making the cameras easier to use and intuitive. Control buttons, that were set on the back of the LCD monitor in previous models, are now displayed on the LCD itself and can be operated using a menu screen and joystick with One-Touch Navigation. This makes it possible to shoot with one hand while keeping the subject in view stabilized. Other ease-of-use features include the Power LCD, which nearly doubles the monitor's brightness at the touch of a button. The operation menu language has been upgraded to offer a choice of five; English, Arabic, Persian, Russian, and Chinese.

Network functions begin with the SD Memory Card, which makes it easy to record and transfer still images. All new models support widely-popular USB 2.0 (HS mode) connection to a PC for easy transfer of DV data. The models are USB Video Class compatible, making it possible to upload moving images in real-time and simplifying video editing with the included MotionDV STUDIO 5.3 LE editing software.

Among the high-power zoom models, the GS35 goes a step further than previous models, replacing the world-renowned 24x optical zoom lens with an industry-leading 30x optical zoom, even allowing wide-angle 35.7mm (35mm camera equivalent) shooting. Not only that, but all high-power zoom models offer a host of convenient functions; Soft Skin Detail mode, renders complexions with exquisite beauty, Colour Night View, makes it possible to capture colours even in dark scenes, etc. In addition, the 1.3-sec Quick Start feature lets users respond to a sudden shooting opportunity.

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