PANASONIC INTRODUCES WORLD'S FIRST INTERCHANGEABLE 3D LENS AND WORLD'S
LIGHTEST INTERCHANGEABLE SINGLE FOCAL LENGTH LENS FOR LUMIX G SERIES

Three new interchangeable lenses combine compact size with high optical performance

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 22 /CNW/ - Panasonic Canada Inc. announced today three new interchangeable lenses for its LUMIX G Series of cameras, including the world's first¹ interchangeable 3D lens, the H-FT012, and the world's lightest² interchangeable single focal length lens, the LUMIX G 14. The new 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 Doug Borbath, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Canada Inc. "Consumers can now enjoy shooting high-quality photos in 3D with this compact lens, from landscapes to people, while watching them 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.

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 shake 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.

The new Panasonic LUMIX lenses will be available in November for a manufacturer's suggested price of:

• Interchangeable 3D Lens: LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012): $299.99
• Wide Angle Pancake Lens: LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH (H-H014): $449.99
• Telephoto Zoom Lens: LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300): $699.99

¹For a digital interchangeable lens of September 21, 2010.
² For a digital interchangeable lens of September 21, 2010.
³ When setting the aspect ratio at 16:9 with the LUMIX DMC-GH2.
⁴ Compatible with LUMIX DMC-GH2 and LUMIX DMC-G2 with the firmware ver.1.1. A 3D media player that supports the MP (Multi-Picture) format is required to view 3D images.

Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds and Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries.

A 3D media player that supports the MP (Multi-Picture) format is required to view 3D images.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
All prices are in Canadian dollars.

Panasonic products are marketed in Canada by Panasonic Canada Inc. (PCI).  PCI is an affiliate of Panasonic Corporation (PC) of Japan, one of the world's largest producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business, and industrial use. Consumers seeking more information on the company's products can call Panasonic's Customer Care Centre at 1-800-561-5505 or access Panasonic's home page at www.panasonic.ca.

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