Newark, NJ—Panasonic Corporation showcased its tech innovations under the theme “A Better Life, A Better World” at the 2015 International CES. The company presented its solutions to improve consumers’ daily lives in three zones: Consumer Products; B2B Solutions; and Automotive/Devices. In addition, Panasonic hosted an interactive video stream broadcast, Panasonic Live @ CES2015, direct from the show floor.
In the Connected Home area, the company introduced new concepts of home appliances, such as a cyclonic wave microwave, a slow juicer and breadmaker, and a future kitchen. Here, Panasonic proposed the following ideas: a new display with a screen that changes in size according to the usage purpose, with a user-friendly interface that allows users to operate security systems and home appliances intuitively; a wall projection that creates a “dining” space by using Panasonic’s short-throw projector designed to match the interior; and a “kitchen” equipped with sensor technology and non-contact cooking tools.
In addition, visitors could check out the new 4K-compatible Viera smart TV, the CX850 series with color expressions enriched by a new phosphor technology that expands the range of colors. Incorporating Firefox OS, the TVs are designed to make it easier for users to access the content they want. Panasonic also showed a prototype Blue-ray player with new Blu-ray playback technology that supports the 4K and High Dynamic Range technologies that are expected to be included in the next-generation Blu-ray Disc standard.
In the Adventure area, Panasonic demonstrated adventure products for outdoor activities, including 4K wearable cameras and ruggedized, waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof and dustproof digital cameras—the new Lumix TS6 and TS30.
DMC-TS6. Utilizing 16.1 megapixels and a 28mm wide-angle 4.6x optical zoom Leica lens (28–128mm equivalent), the TS6 features 1,920×1,080 60p Full HD video recording at a depth of 43 feet. It’s shockproof to 6.6 feet, freezeproof to 14º F and can resist 220 lbf of pressure. It also provides Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, an underwater mode, a torch light function, built-in GPS with GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), plus a compass, altimeter and barometer. The TS6 can shoot high-speed bursts at 10 frames per sec and offers special effects like creative panorama, creative control, creative retouch and time lapse shot. For beginners, iA (intelligent auto) shooting assist mode helps to shoot beautiful photo/video. It will come in camo, blue, orange and red.
DMC-TS30. This tough camera is waterproof to 26 feet, shockproof to 5 feet, freezeproof to 14º F and dustproof. It employs a 2.7-inch LCD, a Lumix DC Vario lens with 4x optical zoom from 25mm ultra wide angle, a torch light, a range of manual and automatic shooting modes, and an advanced underwater mode that compensates for the red hue that is normally lost in underwater shooting. Creative functions include creative panorama, creative retouch with 12 filter effects and time lapse shot. It will be available in black, blue and red.
Other digital cameras included new SZ and ZS series models.
DMC-SZ10. This pocketable model with a brushed metal finish features a 2.7-inch, 460K-dot LCD monitor that tilts 180º to take self-portraits and a number of beauty effect functions, including soft skin, defocusing and slimming modes. Other features include: iA mode with its optical image stabilizer, intelligent ISO control, intelligent scene selector, intelligent exposure and face detection; a 24mm wide-angle lens with 12x optical zoom; 1,280x720p HD video recording; creative effects; and Wi-Fi connectivity.
DMC-ZS50. This 12.1MP camera uses a High Sensitivity MOS sensor and a 24mm Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with 30x optical zoom and an intelligent zoom function that takes it out to 60x. When combined with the camera’s hybrid OIS+ 5-axis system, even high zoom video shots can avoid the effects of vibration. Other features include: 1,920×1,080 60p Full HD video recording in the AVCHD Progressive format; RAW image capture; a control ring located on the lens’s retractable barrel that allows smooth control of exposure and zoom; easier access to frequently used settings such as aperture, shutter speed, focus, filter effect and scene mode; a 0.2-inch, 1,166k-dot live viewfinder with an eye-sensor; a 3-inch LCD screen; a 240-fps autofocus sensor drive; a focus peaking function; creative effects; and Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity.
DMC-ZS45. With a 20x optical zoom lens and a 16MP High Sensitivity MOS sensor, it features: Full HD video recording with Power OIS; a 3-inch, 1,040K-dot tilting monitor for taking selfies; and Wi-Fi/NFC.
Full HD Camcorders
Also demonstrated were three new Full HD camcorders—the HC-W570, HC-V270 and HC-V160. All provide creative controls and effects and zoom capability normally associated with top-of-the-range video cameras, with added IS functionality to help even beginners capture pro-looking video.
The camcorders are equipped with a 2.2MP back-illuminated sensor (BSI) and 28mm wide-angle lenses (32.3mm in V160). The HC-W570 and HC-V270 boast a 50x optical zoom with 90x intelligent zoom, while the HC-V160 uses a 38x optical zoom lens with 77x intelligent zoom. For level, vibration-free footage, Panasonic added a level shot function that automatically detects tilting and levels the image on the HC-W570 and HC-V270. And 5-axis hybrid OIS+ works to counteract the effect of hand vibrations.
The HC-W570 also features a twin camera function with a rotatable second camera on the side of its LCD screen. The sub camera lets users shoot different angles, capturing two scenes simultaneously and layering the images onto one file with a picture-in-picture effect. With the rotatable second camera, the person behind the lens can be a part of the movie, or users can use the sub camera to capture crowd reactions to a big play on the field being recorded by the main camera. Or users can turn the sub camera toward the main scene to experience the action in close-up detail with the main lens while viewing the wide-angle view of the entire scene. Twin camera functionality also includes remote capture with Wi-Fi connectivity and a smart device; a backup function; and narration mode.
4K Camcorders
Other new video cameras shown were the WX970/VX870 series with 4K 30p capability in compact bodies and the first high dynamic range composition (HDR) recording function, as well as the W570 series with advanced wipe technique.
Featuring 4K UHD video recording, the HC-WX970 delivers four times the resolution of a Full HD camcorder in a compact, ergonomic body. It combines a premium Leica lens, a BSI sensor and Panasonic’s Crystal engine 4K processor—all designed to produce “stunning cinematic image quality.”
The WX970 also includes HDR movie functionality, which Panasonic says is a “world’s first for Full HD consumer camcorders.” It provides a high-precision autofocus system to capture the action easily, even when a scene suddenly changes. Additionally, a new advanced twin camera function enables users to shoot in different angles at the same time, as a sub-camera placed on the edge of the LCD monitor captures the second feed in a picture-in-picture format. panasonic.com
