Panasonic Interchangeable 3D Lens

SECAUCUS, NJ (September 21, 2010) – Panasonic today announced three new interchangeable lenses for its LUMIX G Series of cameras, including the world’s first1 interchangeable 3D lens, the H-FT012. The lenses, all based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard, are compact while featuring high optical performance and are compatible with Panasonic’s LUMIX DSLMicro cameras, such as the newly-announced LUMIX DMC-GH2.

Furthering Panasonic’s leadership in 3D technology, the new interchangeable 3D lens LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012) features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses that are then processed with a 3D image processing system. Panasonic’s advanced technologies in optical technology, image processing systems, and lens barrel design, allow the 3D lens to be compact.

Previously, 3D shooting with an interchangeable lens system camera was possible only by using panorama systems or by combining two lenses and two CCDs. However, these systems are not ideal and have difficulty capturing moving objects. Panasonic’s new 3D-capable interchangeable lens allows instant 3D shooting (35 mm camera equivalent: 65 mm3)4, without time lag between left and right images – even when shooting objects in motion. As part of Panasonic’s 3D ecosystem of 3D-capable VIERA® televisions and Blu-ray™ 3D Disc Players, the 3D images taken with this lens – even close-up shots – are easily viewed on Panasonic’s 3D VIERA televisions.

“Panasonic’s delivery of the world’s first interchangeable 3D lens speaks to our commitment to leading the 3D era,’” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Consumers can now enjoy shooting high-quality photos in 3D with this compact lens, from landscapes to people, while watching them back later on their 3D-capable VIERA televisions at home.”

The world’s lightest2 interchangeable single focal length lens LUMIX G 14 mm / F2.5 ASPH features a 14mm (35 mm camera equivalent: 28 mm) wide angle and F2.5 brightness with sharp, high contrast image rendering. The compact LUMIX G 14mm lens takes advantage of a wide viewing angle and deep depth of field for excellent shooting performance in a variety of situations, from landscapes to snapshots to indoor shooting.

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The high performance lens system combines six lenses in five groups, including three aspherical lenses, for a finished product that is compact with an overall length of 20.5mm. Thanks to its minimized distortion, this single focal length lens also excels in shooting subjects with straight lines, like architecture. The integration of a stepping motor and an inner focus drive system create a quiet and high speed contrast auto focus (AF).

The new handheld telephoto zoom lens LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. can photograph ultra-telephoto zoom shots at 300mm (35 mm camera equivalent: 600 mm), but is light enough to carry easily for everyday distance shooting, like sporting events. Because of its compact size, photographers can achieve a high compression effect in distance photography without any need for a heavy tripod. Panasonic’s MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) suppresses blur by compensating for hand shaking that can severely affect zoom shots.

The telephoto zoom lens combines 17 elements in 12 groups including an ED lens. By incorporating the ED lens in the first lens group, the chromatic aberration is suppressed to render sharp, high contrast images with stable optical performance over the entire zoom range. The integration of a stepping motor with an exclusive zoom tracking control system and inner focus drive system create a quiet, accurate and high speed contrast AF.

The new LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH (H-H014) and LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300) each include seven blades to give the aperture a rounded shape. This rounded aperture produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. A strong metal mount is durable for heavy use, and multi-coated lens elements minimize ghosts and flare.

For more information on Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, lenses and accessories, please visit: www.panasonic.com/lumix. The new Panasonic LUMIX lenses will be available in November for suggested retail prices of:

LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012): $249.95
LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH (H-H014): $399.95
LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300): $599.95

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About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), 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. In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the features on their digital cameras and produce high-quality photos. 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.