PRESS RELEASE

Kodak Focuses Consumer Business On More Profitable Growth Opportunities

Plans to phase out dedicated capture devices business

ROCHESTER, N.Y., February 09 — Eastman Kodak Company (the “Company”) (OTB: EKDKQ.PK) announced today that, as a result of its ongoing strategic review process and commitment to drive sustainable profitability through its most valuable business lines, it plans to phase out its dedicated capture devices business – comprising digital cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames – in the first half of 2012. Kodak will instead expand its current brand licensing program, and seek licensees in these categories. Following this decision, Kodak’s Consumer Business will include online and retail-based photo printing, as well as desktop inkjet printing.

Kodak has contacted its retail partners, and is working closely with them to ensure an orderly transition. Kodak will continue to honor all related product warranties, and provide technical support and service for its cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames.

“For some time, Kodak’s strategy has been to improve margins in the capture device business by narrowing our participation in terms of product portfolio, geographies and retail outlets. Today’s announcement is the logical extension of that process, given our analysis of the industry trends,” said Pradeep Jotwani, President, Consumer Businesses, and Kodak Chief Marketing Officer.

Upon completion of the phase out, Kodak expects to achieve annual operating savings of more than $100 million. Kodak expects to incur a charge related to separation benefits of approximately $30 million resulting from the exit of the business.

In addition to its Consumer Businesses segment, Kodak has a Commercial Businesses segment that includes the Digital and Functional Printing, Enterprise Services and Solutions, and Graphics, Entertainment and Commercial Films units. Kodak’s digital businesses now comprise approximately three-fourths of total revenues.

Kodak continues to have a strong position in the personal imaging market. While photos are increasingly taken on multi-function mobile devices, Kodak technology makes it easy for consumers to produce a broad range of photo products, anywhere, anytime – from prints to photobooks, photo greeting cards and personalized calendars. These items can be made on Kodak products, with Kodak quality at retail, at home, and ordered for delivery to home.

Kodak’s continuing consumer products and services will include:

• Retail-based photo kiosks and digital dry lab systems, a market in which Kodak is the clear worldwide leader. Kodak pioneered the retail-based kiosk market, and the company now has more than 100,000 kiosks and order stations for dry lab systems around the world, with some 30,000 of those units connected to the most popular photo-sharing sites.
• Consumer inkjet printers, where Kodak has outpaced overall market growth for several years. Kodak consumer inkjet printers provide consumers with high-quality output and the lowest total ink replacement cost. Consumers can send documents and photos to Kodak printers from anywhere, using any web-connected device.
• Kodak apps for Facebook, which make it easy for consumers to obtain photo products using photos from their Facebook albums.
• Kodak Gallery (www.kodakgallery.com), a leading online digital photo products service. Kodak Gallery enables consumers to share their photos, and offers product and creation tools that enable people to do more with their photos.
• The Kodak camera accessories and batteries businesses. These products are universally compatible with all camera brands, and extend into other consumer product segments such as charging units for smartphones.
• The traditional film capture and photographic paper business, which continues to provide high-quality and innovative products and solutions to consumers, photographers, retailers, photofinishers and professional labs.

Olympus OM-D E-M5

CLASSIC OM DESIGN REVIVED INTO A NEW STATE OF THE ART DIGITAL CAMERA – THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW: OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5

The Olympus E-M5 Unites an Intuitive Built-In Electronic Viewfinder with the World’s First*1 5-Axis Image Stabilization and World’s Fastest*2 Autofocusing System inside a Powerfully Portable and Rugged Dustproof and Splashproof Body

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 7, 2012, 9:00pm – Today Olympus builds upon the 40-year legacy of the OM SLR film camera series and marks the beginning of the new digital imaging era with the launch of the Olympus E-M5, the first of the new Olympus OM-D (OM Digital) Series of Micro Four Thirds™ products. Designed to meet the needs of advanced photographers, the Olympus E-M5 is packed with a built-in electronic viewfinder, superior image technology, blazing fast speed and total creative control in a classic, rugged body ready for sand, sun, sleet or snow.

Evoking the classic design of the original OM Series introduced 40 years ago, and transforming it for the modern age, the Olympus OM-D Series is a new and entirely unique Micro Four Thirds camera system. It combines outstanding features found in the Olympus E-System DSLR line with those of the compact Olympus PEN® Series to meet the requirements of discerning photographers who demand more performance and portability from their interchangeable-lens cameras. The compact and ready-for-action Olympus E-M5 boasts breakthrough innovations inside, including:

• A built-in 120-fps (frames-per-second) refresh rate, high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with outstanding image quality, eye detect and intuitive functionality that enables real-time viewing of shooting conditions
• A 16.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic™ VI image-processing engine for superior image quality and high sensitivity
• The world’s first*1 5-axis image stabilizer to compensate for multi-directional camera shake during both still photography and HD moviemaking
• The world’s fastest*2 autofocusing system (FAST AF) plus new 3D AF tracking for improved performance following moving subjects at up to 9 frames-per-second sequential shooting
• A lightweight magnesium alloy body that is enhanced with the same dustproof and splashproof durability of the Olympus E-5 DSLR
• A tilting 3.0-inch touch screen OLED and new Movie Effects: One Shot Echo, for a semi-transparent frame at your whim and Multi Echo, for a multi-motion trail effect.

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Intuitively Designed Electronic Viewfinder
The OLYMPUS E-M5 is the first Olympus interchangeable-lens camera to incorporate a 120-fps refresh rate, High-Definition electronic viewfinder with an eye sensor to seamlessly switch the display between the tilting, 3.0-inch touch screen OLED and the electronic viewfinder for ease-of-use, features a 100-percent field of view, maximum 1.15x magnification and an eye point of 18mm for fatigue-free viewing. Camera setting information, such as shutter speed, is displayed at the bottom of the viewfinder so photographers can concentrate on framing shots and take full advantage of an EVF’s ability to display the effects of various exposure adjustments and Art Filter effects – all without having to take the eye away from the viewfinder.

Superior Image Quality
The Olympus E-M5 uses a new 16.1 megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor offering improved performance and exceptional clarity and speed in all aspects of image capture. Olympus’ TruePic VI image-processing engine dramatically improves image quality in low-light environments. The camera’s sensor allows for a maximum ISO of 25,600, and the dynamic range has been expanded for more faithful colour reproduction.

Unprecedented 5-axis image stabilization
The Olympus E-M5 is distinguished by the world’s first 5-axis image-stabilization mechanism capable of reducing the effects of camera motion and image blur from five directions on stills and video, even including motion blur caused by the photographer walking or running. Previous IS mechanisms compensated for camera shake by addressing only two kinds of movement along the vertical and horizontal axis. However, camera shake can actually be caused by five different kinds of movement: horizontal shift, vertical shift, rotary motion, as well as the yaw and pitch. While some technology has attempted to correct for camera blur by building the Image Stabilization mechanism into the lens, the Olympus E-M5 IS mechanism is incorporated into the camera body itself so that all lenses mounted on the body can take advantage of this sophisticated technology, whether shooting stills or HD video.

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Blazing Speed
Focus and shoot faster with record-breaking autofocus speed and imaging processing. The Olympus E-M5 employs the FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF system, introduced in the PEN E-P3, but with even greater speed. The 16MP Live MOS chip drives image data off the sensor at a blazing 240 frames-per-second, a 2X speed increase in Continuous Autofocus, with reduced image blackout enabling photographers to track fast action, Maximum frame rates in sequential shooting have also increased more than 2X with a max frame rate of 9-fps in Single AF. A new 3D tracking AF system can follow the subject through the X-, Y- and Z-axes to dramatically improve focus on moving subjects. Paired with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50-mm f3.5-6.3 electronic zoom lens for optimum focusing speed, fast camera start-up times and operational speeds enable the photographer to keep up with the most challenging shooting situations, while dual control dials and dedicated function buttons help them adjust settings on-the-fly.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Tiltable LCD

Creative Freedom
The Olympus E-M5 features a 3.0-inch tilting OLED touch-screen to enable photographers to get up high or down low for any shot. The touch screen interface offers intuitive focus and release of the shutter and review and enlargement of images in playback with the touch of a finger. The new Live Bulb feature updates the Live View image on the OLED screen at pre-set intervals during long exposures and enables the user to preview continually unfolding action such as fireworks or waterfalls and adjust the exposure time accordingly while capturing the image at the desired moment. An innovative new interface, EVF Creative Control, produces a tone curve overlay on the viewfinder screen to enable separate adjustment of highlight and shadow brightness, white balance, magnification and aspect ratio can also be manipulated via the EVF

A new “Key Line” Art Filter joins ten other available filters on the Olympus E-M5 and enhances the edge lines of the image to make it look more like an illustration. New “Cross Process II” and “Dramatic Tone II” Art Filters provide variations on the popular existing filters, and the two new Echo effect for movies leaves a momentary residual image of a subject’s movements when activated during movie recording. Users who like to perform their movie post-editing on a PC will particularly appreciate the Full HD 1080i movie recording function, which adopts the MOV format (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264).

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Top View

Powerful Portability and Rugged Durability
The striking, iconic design of the Olympus E-M5 is more than just looks; its magnesium alloy body is rugged enough to stand up to severe environmental conditions like heavy rain and blowing sand. The Olympus E-M5 employs internal seals extensively and, when the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens is attached, this combination delivers an integrated dustproof and splashproof camera system. The electronic viewfinder section of the body is also made of magnesium alloy to ensure durability, and the FL-LM2 Electronic Flash that ships with the camera features the same dustproof and splashproof construction.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 with external flash FL-600R attached

New Lenses and Accessories for Every Shooting Challenge
The HLD-6 Power Battery Grip, in the same dust- and splashproof construction as the Olympus E-M5 body, is an adaptable, two-part grip that can be used either as a landscape grip for easier handling or as a portrait grip with an additional shutter release. The portrait grip accommodates an extra lithium-ion battery to supplement the one in the E-M5, thus extending battery life. The FL-600R electronic flash (GN 50 at ISO 200 or GN 36 at ISO 100) offers improved recharge time and enhanced flexibility and operability for movie recording, and with a wireless control option. Equipped with a built-in LED, the FL-600R can be used to light movies and as a brighter AF auxiliary light. The MMF-3 Four Thirds mount adapter is designed for mounting a Four Thirds Standard-compliant lens on a Micro Four Thirds Standard-compliant camera body. The MMF-3, which also features dust- and splashproof construction, is ideally suited for use with Olympus’ similarly constructed High Grade and Super High Grade lenses.

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8

The Olympus E-M5 is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds-compliant lenses, including two new lenses that Olympus will introduce later this year: the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8 and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 macro. The 75mm lens is a high-quality metal design with fast aperture settings for portraits and indoor sports shooting, while the dustproof and splashproof 60mm lens features 1:1 macro and a closest shooting distance of just 7.5 inches.

*1 As of February 2012. Among interchangeable-lens cameras.
*2 As of November 2011. Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras on the market, and using Olympus’ in-house test conditions. In C-AF Tracking mode, maximum frame rate is 4.2fps.

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 macro

Canadian Pricing and Availability
The Olympus E-M5 will be available in April and ships in the following configurations:
Estimated Street Price:
$999.99 (Body only, available in Black and Silver)
$1,299.99 (Black or Silver body with black M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens)
$1,099.99 (Black body with black M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42 mm f3.5-5.6 II R lens)

For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1583

To find out more about the OM-D E-M5, visit the OM-D site at: www.olympusomd.com

For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: www.getolympus.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhance people’s lives every day. These include:

• Digital Cameras
• Professional and Interchangeable Lens System Cameras
• Related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympuscanada.com.

Related Link:

• Olympus OM-D E-M% Technical Specs

Olympus TOUGH TG-820

NEW OLYMPUS TG-820 iHS IS TOUGHER ON THE OUTSIDE AND SMARTER ON THE INSIDE FOR INCREDIBLE IMAGE QUALITY ANYWHERE

iHS Technology Brings Intelligence, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed Performance to Active Families and Adrenaline Junkies Alike So They Can Focus on Fun

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 7, 2012 – The Olympus digital camera line-up for spring features a next-generation Olympus TOUGH compact that sets a new benchmark for Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof, Crushproof and Dustproof performance. Combining proven durability with superb image quality courtesy of the new iHS (Intelligent, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed) family of technologies, the Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS has both brains and brawn. iHS harnesses the power of a new 12-megapixel BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor and the TruePic VI image processor (originally developed for DSLR cameras) to dramatically improve low-light performance, speed up camera response time, enhance scene and subject recognition and double zoom magnification without losing image quality.

Whether you’re using it at a neighbour’s pool party or snorkelling near a tropical reef, out-and-about at your local park or hiking Yellowstone, the Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS is the perfect travel companion for active families and adventurers looking for a camera that delivers outstanding image quality with a worry-free guarantee. Advanced iHS technology ensures that even people with an action-packed lifestyle can capture brilliant photos and 1080p Full HD Videos, no matter how fast their subject is moving or how poor the lighting is.

Olympus TOUGH TG-820

iHS powers a number of new Olympus features that take all the work out of capturing difficult shots. A blazing quick autofocus and HDR Backlight Adjustment takes a collage of separate photos and blends them into one perfectly exposed image regardless of difficult lighting. Multi-Motion Movie IS (Image Stabilization) records virtually blur-free videos even when you’re moving. The versatile lens on the Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS pulls out wide or zooms in twice as close with its 10x Super-Resolution Zoom that digitally extends the range of the optical zoom with nearly no loss of image quality. Capture beautiful images and videos effortlessly; Enhanced iAuto enables the camera to automatically detect 34 different scenes (portrait, landscape, macro, etc.)

While the new imaging technology delivers optimal results with fast-moving subjects, night scenes and other tricky shots, the Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS is also Waterproof to 33 feet, Shockproof to 6.6 feet, Freezeproof to 14 °F and even Crushproof to a weight of 220 pounds*1. Focus on fun, without worrying about damaging your camera’s high-grade components like the OLYMPUS 5x Wide-Angle Zoom Lens (28 mm-140 mm*2). The 3.0-inch, 1,030,000-dot HyperCrystal III LCD offers super high-resolution with scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coatings for added protection and better visibility in bright and low light.

When you’re back from your adventures, the camera’s HDMI Control makes playback a breeze. Simply connect the camera to an HDTV with an optional HDMI cable and use your HDTV’s remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera’s menus from the comfort of your couch.

*1 Waterproof according to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8. Shockproof figures equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions). Freezeproof according to Olympus test conditions.
*2 35 mm camera equivalent.

Canadian Pricing and Availability
The Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS will be available in March and ships with a Wrist Strap, USB Cable, A/V Cable, USB-to-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-50B), Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual on CD-ROM, a software CD-ROM featuring [ib] (Windows) and OLYMPUS Viewer 2 (Win/Mac), and a Warranty Card.

Estimated Street Price: $299.99 (Available in Silver, Black, and Blue)

For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1592

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhance people’s lives every day. These include:

• Digital Cameras
• Professional and Interchangeable Lens System Cameras
• Related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympuscanada.com.

Olympus SZ-31MR

NEW OLYMPUS SZ-31MR iHS DIGITAL CAMERA GETS YOU SO CLOSE TO THE ACTION, YOU CAN ALMOST TOUCH IT

iHS Technology, High-Resolution Touch LCD, and 24x Zoom Extends the Power and Performance of the Olympus Long Zoom Line

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 7, 2012 – The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS camera packs incredible power and performance into a single, compact and lightweight body thanks to new enhancements to the popular Long Zoom line. Like its predecessor, the SZ-31MR iHS incorporates revolutionary Multi-Recording functionality that simultaneously captures 1080p HD Video and 16-Megapixel still images without missing a frame. But the innovative Olympus SZ-31MR iHS goes further by combining an outstanding 24x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens (25-600 mm zoom equivalent in 35-mm format) with a new touch panel LCD and powerful new iHS (Intelligent, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed) technologies that capture excellent images and videos in the most challenging backlit and low light conditions.

New iHS technology achieves consistently sharp and vivid images in any situation. iHS draws on the camera’s 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and two separate TruePic V image processors, originally developed for DSLR cameras, to dramatically improve low-light performance, speed up camera response time, enhance scene and subject recognition and double zoom magnification without sacrificing image quality. Combined with High-Speed Sequential Shooting (10 frames-per-second) and high-speed autofocus, iHS reduces picture noise and enhances resolution and color gradation despite fast-moving subjects, night scenes and other tricky shots.

Thanks to the ingenious Multi-Recording feature that enables users to combine various photo and video recording modes simultaneously, you’ll never have to choose between capturing 1080p Full HD Videos or still images again. A simple tap on the LCD screen captures a photo while you’re recording video – all without interrupting your movie making.

Olympus SZ-31MR Back View

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS brings you close to your subjects with its lens, and while you can’t physically touch them from afar, the camera‘s touch-sensitive, 3.0-inch 920,000-dot LCD display helps you effortlessly capture and display images, change camera focus, shutter speed and zoom, or navigate the Live Guide controls by simply touching the screen. Whether you’re trying to capture your child’s first time at bat from a distant bleacher seat or zooming in on a delicate wildlife subject unaware of your presence, the action will feel so close, you can almost touch it.

Multi Motion Movie IS (Image Stabilization for video) and Dual Image Stabilization (for still images) all but eliminate blur, even when you’re moving and shooting at the same time. Hand-Held Starlight Mode enables you to shoot blur-free, beautiful night scenes while holding the camera in your hands and without a tripod.

Olympus SZ-31MR Top View

Twelve Magic Art Filters power your creativity by adding a whole range of special effects to both your images and videos directly in the camera. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS offers three new Magic Art Filters. Reflection takes the image and duplicates it across a horizontal or vertical plane of symmetry creating powerful illusions, Fragmented turns an image into a photo composed of multiple tiles, similar to puzzle pieces, and Dramatic partially changes the contrast of the image for a vividly surreal look.

When you’re back from your adventures, enjoy Full HD Video and HDMI control in broadcast-quality 1080p when played back on an HDTV. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS also makes photo slideshows even more entertaining by incorporating music and transition effects.

Canadian Pricing and Availability
The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will be available in late April and ships with a Strap, USB Cable, USB-to-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-50B), Quick Start Guide, A/V Cable, Instruction Manual on CD-ROM, a software CD-ROM including [ib] (Windows) and OLYMPUS Viewer 2 (Win/Mac), and a Warranty Card.

Estimated Street Price: $399.99 (Available in Silver and Black)

For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1593

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhance people’s lives every day. These include:

• Digital Cameras
• Professional and Interchangeable Lens System Cameras
• Related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympuscanada.com.

PENTAX Optio WG-2

PENTAX Optio WG-2 and PENTAX Optio WG-2 GPS

Adventure proof digital compact cameras, offering underwater shooting to a depth of 12 meters and a new image sensor for much-improved, high-sensitivity images and movie clips

Mississauga, ON – February 7, 2012

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING CANADA INC. is pleased to announce the introduction of the PENTAX Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS digital compact cameras. Featuring waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant construction, these rugged, adventure proof models offer improved image quality in high-sensitivity shooting and Full HD movie recording capability.

Equipped with the latest back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and a state-of-the-art imaging engine, the Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS perform superbly in high-sensitivity shooting, such as when shooting at night or in poorly illuminated indoor sports arenas, delivering much clearer, sharper images with minimized noise than previous models. With approximately 16.0 effective megapixels, they also offer high-resolution Full HD movie recording (1920 x 1080 pixels). Coupled with a new wide, high-resolution LCD monitor, assuring effortless viewing of captured images even in bright sunlight, and outstanding underwater shooting capability to a depth of 12 meters, the Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS perform well, even under demanding outdoor conditions, and can capture a wide range of subjects and scenes in beautiful, high-quality images and movies.

PENTAX Optio WG-2 GPS

The Optio WG-2 GPS is also equipped with a newly designed GPS module that offers some improvements over its predecessor, including a shorter time lag before the start of GPS operation, and a longer battery life when the GPS logging function is activated.

The Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS will be available in Canada March 2012.

Major Features
1. Heavy-duty construction for underwater shooting to 12 meters deep for up to two hours continuously
By further enhancing the water tightness of the camera body, PENTAX has upgraded the Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS’s underwater performance to 12 meters compared to 10 meters for their predecessor, for up to two hours of continuous operation (equivalent to IPX8 or JIS Class 8 waterproof performance). These cameras are also designed to be highly shock-resistant*, dustproof**, cold-resistant ***, and crushproof****. All these features make the Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS dependable, heavy-duty imaging partners in harsh, demanding shooting conditions.

* Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards (from a height of 1.5 meters, onto a surface of 5cm-thick plywood), conforming to the Method 516.5-Shock of the MIL-Standard 810F, to show the stable operations.
** Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards, equivalent to IPX6 or JIS Class 6.
*** Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards, with which camera is proven to withstand temperatures as low as -10°C to show the stable operations.
**** Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards, by which weights up to 100 kgf (kilogram-force), are put on the camera to show the stable operations.

2. Newly incorporated back-illuminated CMOS image sensor for high-quality images
The Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS come equipped with the latest back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, which offers much lower noise even when camera is set to higher sensitivities. With the combination of a top sensitivity of ISO 6400 and 16.0 effective megapixels, this image sensor delivers super-high-resolution images. The new imaging engine applies the latest super-resolution technology to its image processing operations to assure sharp, clear, high-resolution images. These models also feature the new Handheld Night Snap mode, which captures four images of the same scene, then produces a single blur-free, composite image from them.

3. Full HD movie recording for extended recording of high-quality movies
The Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS offer a Full HD movie recording function employing the H.264 recording format, allowing the user to capture high-quality, extended movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. They also feature a high-speed camera function* for slow-motion playback of captured movie clips and an interval movie function to simplify advanced movie-recording techniques. A micro-HDMI terminal (Type D) is also provided on their camera body allowing output of Full HD movie clips and sound to external devices.

* When this function is selected, the recorded size is fixed at VGA (640 x 480 pixels).

4. Large, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor
The Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS feature a new high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor with wide 16:9 proportions and approximately 460,000 dots. The AR (Anti-Reflection) coating minimizes annoying glare and reflections to assure a sharp, clear on-screen image even in bright sunlight, while its wide-view design offers a clear view of the monitor from approximately 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, which is useful in low and high angle shooting.

5. Digital Microscope mode with six LED Macro Lights for close observation of the microscopic world
By positioning six LED Macro Lights around the circumference of the lens barrel for macro shooting — compared to five on their predecessor — the Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS provide brighter, more uniform illumination on the subject when 1cm Macro mode or Digital Microscope mode areselected.* With these Macro Lights, the user can clearly see a magnified view of the microscopic world, often unnoticeable with the naked eye, on the camera’s LCD monitor and effortlessly capture it in eye-catching images. Its instant illumination enhance function, which automatically raises the illumination level of the LED Macro Lights at the moment of shutter release, has also been upgraded to allow for the use of a higher shutter speed to minimize camera shake and subject shake. In addition, the Macro Lights can provide other userfriendly features, such as a Self-Portrait Assist mode to check if the subject’s face is safely captured within the picture frame using the blink of an LED lamp, and a new LED lighting mode in which the Macro Lights can be used as a lighting device in the dark.

* When the Digital Microscope mode is selected, the recorded size is fixed at 2.0 megapixels (at 16:9 proportions).

6. Advanced GPS function adds a new dimension to digital photography (available with the Optio WG-2 GPS only)
The Optio WG-2 GPS comes equipped with an upgraded GPS module, which not only shortens the time lag before the start of GPS operation, but also greatly extends the battery life when the GPS logging function is activated. The Optio WG-2 GPS allows the user to record position data when shooting a still image and take advantage of various GPS-compatible applications and services provided by the included software* and such Web sites as Google Maps™. It also corrects the built-in clock automatically to match local time of a particular shooting location. In addition, by simply carrying the camera, it automatically creates log data and stores it as a KMLformat file on to the SD memory card. With this log feature, the user can keep accurate track of the movement during outdoor shooting, and display it later on the computer using various online services such as Google Earth™.

* This function is only available with the Windows version supplied software.

7. 5X optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage
The Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS feature a high-performance 5X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent to approx. 28mm wide angle to approx. 140mm telephoto in the 35mm format). This versatile zoom lens can capture beautiful, lively pictures in a wide range of subjects and scenes — from spectacular landscapes to family/group shots in a confined space. With their Intelligent Zoom function, the user can further extend the zoom range to approximately 36 times to cover the focal length of an approximately 1008mm super-telephoto lens (in the 35mm format) to capture extra-high-magnification images without compromising image quality.

8. Triple anti-shake protection for sharp, blur-free images
(1) Pixel Track SR mechanism
When recording still images, this sophisticated shake-reduction mechanism effectively compensates for camera shake by digitally processing affected images.
(2) Digital SR mode
When the cameras detect low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, they automatically raise the sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400, making it possible to use a higher shutter speed to effectively minimize the adverse effects of camera shake and subject shake under poor lighting conditions.
(3) Movie SR mode*
During movie recording, this digital shake-reduction mode effectively compensates for camera shake through the use of exclusive software to produce beautiful, blur-free movie clips.

* When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

9. Other features
1) Carabiner strap included for hooking the camera to a backpack or other outdoor gear
2) Comes with two remote-control receptors which allows the user to send in the remote signal either from front or back of the camera
3) A Macro Stand is included as a standard accessory to make extended observation effortless, even at a minimum distance of one centimeter away from the subject and also allows the use of 46mm filters such as polaizing filters to reduce glare and increase colour saturation
4) High-speed Face Detection function can capture up to 32 faces in approx. 0.03 seconds, and Smile Capture function automatically releases the shutter the instant the subject’s smile is detected
5) Instant startup with the playback mode by pressing and holding the playback button
6) Auto Picture mode automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode from 16 different scene modes
7) 12 digital filters
8 ) Digital Wide mode composes an extra-wide-angle picture (equivalent to approx. 21mm wide angle in the 35mm format) from two separate images
9) Pet mode automatically detects the face of a dog or cat
10) Image viewing, editing and filing software included: MediaImpression 3.5 for PENTAX (Windows version compatible with Windows 7) and MediaImpression 2.1 for PENTAX (Macintosh version compatible with Mac OS X 10.7)
11) Compatible with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING CANADA INC. is a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD., with headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario. PENTAX RICOH IMAGING CANADA INC. markets ddigital SLR’s, compact cameras, lenses, camera accessories, sport optics and closed circuit television lenses. PENTAX on the web at www.pentax.ca.

Nikon D800

Key features:

• 36.3 MP FX-format CMOS sensor
• Enhanced Multi-Cam 3500-FX AF autofocus system
• New 91,000-pixel 3D Colour Matrix Metering III
• Advanced Scene Recognition System
• Enhanced 51-point AF system
• Full HD (1080p) video
• Video features including full manual control, uncompressed HDMI output, low-light video capability

Additionally, Nikon Canada is releasing the Nikon D800E, a supplementary model for professionals requiring even higher resolution and more extreme versatility.

PRESS RELEASE

Expectations Surpassed: The 36.3 Megapixel Nikon D800 is the Multimedia HD-SLR that Shatters Conventional Resolution Barriers for Maximum Fidelity

The new Nikon D800 offers unrivalled resolution and features designed for a variety of demanding professional photographic and multimedia disciplines, videographers and filmmakers

Mississauga, ON, February 6, 2012 – Today, Nikon Canada announced the highly anticipated D800 HD-SLR, engineered to provide extreme resolution, astounding image quality and valuable video features optimized for professional still and multimedia photographers and videographers. The Nikon D800 offers an unmatched balance of accuracy, functionality and image quality. It incorporates innovative technology such as a high resolution 36.3 megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, a 91,000-pixel RGB Matrix Metering System, an Advanced Scene Recognition System and many other intuitive features designed to create the preeminent device for the most demanding photo and video applications.

Whether shooting high fashion, weddings or multimedia content, Nikon’s highest resolution sensor to date, a groundbreaking new 36.3-megapixel (7360 x 4912 resolution) FX-format CMOS sensor, affords flexibility and astonishing image quality to satisfy myriad client requests. The Nikon D800 incorporates the latest 91,000-pixel 3D Colour Matrix Metering III, Advanced Scene Recognition System, and an enhanced 51-point AF system for images with amazing sharpness, colour and clarity. The D800’s compact and lightweight digital SLR form factor and extensive video feature set allow photographers to transition to multimedia to create an immersive story. Professional videographers will appreciate the practical features built into this camera that go beyond NIKKOR lens compatibility and Full HD (1080p) video, such as full manual control, uncompressed HDMI output and incredible low-light video capability. This innovative combination of features displays Nikon’s dedication to enabling flawless execution of an epic creative vision.

All of this is driven by Nikon’s latest EXPEED 3™ image processing engine, which provides the necessary processing power to fuel amazing images with true-to-life colour, a wide dynamic range and extreme resolution.

“Creative visionaries need a tool to help them stay on-time and on-track, no matter what the project entails,” said Gregory Flasch, National Advertising and Communications Manager at Nikon Ca nada. “The Nikon D800 re-imagines what is possible from this level of digital SLR and addresses the needs of an emerging and ever-changing market. This is the camera that will bridge the gap for the most demanding imaging professionals, and provide never-before-seen levels of digital SLR image and video quality. The D800 is the right tool for today’s multimedia professionals, affording photographers, filmmakers and videographers a versatile option for capturing the ultimate in still image quality or Full HD content with maximum control.”

Nikon D800

For shooting with minimal noise in a variety of lighting conditions, the D800 features a wide native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable from 50 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2). Nikon engineers have created innovative ways to manipulate light transmission to the sensor’s photodiodes, giving users the ability to shoot with confidence in challenging light conditions. An internal sensor design, enhanced optical low pass filter (OLPF) and 14 bit A/D conversion with a high signal to noise ratio all contribute to a sensor capable of excellent low-light performance despite the extreme resolution. Every aspect of this new FX-format sensor is engineered to deliver amazing low noise images through the ISO range and help create astounding tonal gradation and true colours whether shooting JPEG or RAW. Images are also routed through a 16-bit image processing pipeline for maximum performance. To further enhance versatility, users are able to shoot in additional modes and aspect ratios such as 5:4 to easily frame for printed portraits or a 1.2X crop for a slight telephoto edge. For even more versatility, photographers can also take advantage of Nikon DX-format lenses for additional lens options and enhanced focal range (1.5X) while still retaining sharpness and details at a high 15.4 megapixel (4800×3200) resolution.

Contributing to the camera’s rapid performance and amazing image quality is Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 image processing engine that helps professionals create images with outstanding resolution, colour and dynamic range in both still images and video. From image processing to transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of data, exacting optimal colour, rich tonality and minimized noise throughout the frame. Despite the immense data, the new EXPEED 3 also contributes to energy efficiency, affording the ability to shoot longer.

The D800 also features the Advanced Scene Recognition system with the 91,000-pixel 3D Colour Matrix Metering III to provide unrivalled metering in even the most challenging of lighting conditions. At the system’s core is a newly designed RGB sensor that meticulously analyzes each scene, recognizes factors such as colour and brightness with unprecedented precision and then compares all the data using Nikon’s exclusive 30,000 image database. Additionally, this new sensor has the ability to detect human faces with startling accuracy, even when shooting through the optical viewfinder. This unique feature is coupled with detailed scene analysis for more accurate Autofocus (AF), Auto Exposure (AE), i-TTL flash control and even enhanced subject tracking. The Colour Matrix metering also emphasizes priority on exposure of the detected faces, allowing for correct exposure even when the subject is backlit. The D800 excels in the most difficult exposure situations, such as maintaining brightness on a bride’s face, while retaining the dynamic range to accentuate the intricate details of a white wedding dress beside a black tuxedo.

Advanced new automatic systems make it even easier to capture amazing images. D800 features a newly enhanced auto white balance system that accurately recognizes both natural and artificial light sources, and also gives the user the option to retain the warmth of ambient lighting.

Users can expand dynamic range with in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture and enjoy the benefits of Nikon’s Active D-lighting for balanced exposure. Another new feature is direct access to Nikon’s Picture Control presets via a dedicated button on the back of the body to tweak photo and video parameters such as sharpness, hue and saturation, on the fly.

True Cinematic Experience
The Nikon D800 has a compact and lightweight form factor that’s preferable for a production environment, yet it is packed with practical and functional features. The D800 is ideal for any multimedia professional from a filmmaker on location or in the studio to a documentarian in the field who requires portability. Its compatibility with NIKKOR lenses provides a versatility and depth of field that only a digital SLR can offer. Filmmakers can choose from various resolutions and frame rates, including Full HD 1080 at 30/24p and HD 720 at 60/30p.

By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up to 29:59 minutes per clip (normal quality). This format produces high quality video data without increasing file size for an efficient workflow. The optimized CMOS sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, which results in less instances of rolling shutter distortion. The sensor also enables incredible low-light video capability with minimal noise, allowing filmmakers to capture footage where previously impossible or expensive and complex lighting would otherwise be necessary.

Nikon D800 Back View

For professional and broadcast applications that call for outboard digital recorders or external monitors, users can stream an uncompressed Full HD signal directly out of the camera via the HDMI port (8 bit, 4:2:2). This output signal can be ported into a display or digital recording device or routed through a monitor and then to the recording device, eliminating the need for multiple connections. Images can be simultaneously viewed on both the camera’s LCD and an external monitor, while eliminating on-screen camera status data for streaming purposes. The D800 also includes features concentrated on audio quality such as a dedicated headphone jack for accurate monitoring of audio levels while recording. Audio output levels can be adjusted with 30 steps for precise audio adjustment and monitoring. The D800 offers high-fidelity audio recording control with audio levels that can be set and monitored on the camera’s LCD screen. A microphone connected via the stereo mic jack can be adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction. Recording can also be set for activation through the shutter button, opening a world of remote applications throu gh the 10-pin accessory terminal.

Nikon D800

The D800 delivers upon a professional’s need for maximum speed when it counts. The camera is ready to shoot in 0.12 seconds and capture images with its super-fast AF and response speed. To photograph action in a burst, the camera shoots up to 4 fps in FX mode at full resolution or up to a speedy 6 fps in DX mode using the optional MB-D12 Battery Pack and compatible battery. Further enhancing the speed of the camera and overall workflow, the D800 utilizes the new USB 3.0 standard for ultra-fast transfer speeds.

Nikon D800

Users are able to easily compose through the bright optical viewfinder which offers 100 per cent frame coverage. For storage, the D800 has dual card slots for CF and SD cards, and offers users the ability to record backup, overflow, RAW/JPEG separation, and the additional option of shooting stills to one and video to the other. For high-speed recording and transfer, data can be recorded to the latest UDMA-7 and SDXC / UHS-1 cards. The shutter has been tested to withstand approximately 200,000 cycles, and the camera also employs sensor cleaning. Furthermore, the D800 features a built-in flash and is compatible with Nikon’s acclaimed Creative Lighting System including a built-in Commander mode for controlling wireless Speedlights.

D800E – Maximum Resolution Unleashed
In addition to the D800, Nikon will also be releasing a supplementary model for those professionals who demand even higher resolution and digital SLR versatility: the D800E. This model treads in medium-format territory for studio work or landscape photography when only the highest fidelity and sharpness is permitted. This unique alternative model will effectively enhance the resolution characteristics of the 36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor by cancelling the anti-aliasing properties of the OLPF inside the camera. By doing this, light is delivered directly to the photodiodes to yield an image resulting from the raw light-gathering properties of the camera. A colour moiré correction tool will also be available within Capture NX2 to enhance the D800E photographer’s workflow.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D800 is scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers on March 22, 2012 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of CAD $3,149.95.

The Nikon D800E is scheduled to be available in limited distribution at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers on April 12, 2012 at an MSRP of CAD $3,449.95.

Exclusive Canadian Warranty
Nikon Canada offers a two-year warranty for the D800 purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Additionally, Nikon Canada offers a five-year warranty for all NIKKOR lenses purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Consumer’s investment is protected by Nikon Canada’s warranties with in-Canada service.

About the NIKKOR brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super telephoto 600mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which are precision crafted to the most exacting standards in Nikon’s own glassworks. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the “Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the ImageTM, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment.

Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 J1 and V1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lens system. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive EXPEED, EXPEED 2 or EXPEED 3 advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers.

For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find an Authorized Canada Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories and release schedule may differ by country or area. Pricing is subject to change. Refer to www.nikon.ca for the latest pricing.

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YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NikonCanada

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

New PowerShot Lineup Enables Photographers To Stay Connected While Capturing Legendary Canon Image Quality

Highlighted Features include Wi-Fi, Powerful Optical Zoom and Ruggedness

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 7, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the addition of four PowerShot digital cameras: the ELPH 530 HS, ELPH 320 HS, SX260 HS, and D20. Photographers no longer have to sacrifice image quality for the ability to instantly share images and videos with the use of the PowerShot ELPH 530 HS and ELPH 320 HS Wi-Fi enabled cameras. The PowerShot SX260 HS camera puts Canon’s amazing optical reach into a pocket sized camera, with a 20x optical zoom (25mm to 500mm) letting you pull subjects in close. Designed for the adventurous photographer looking to take spectacular photos, the rugged PowerShot D20 camera is ideally suited for the backpacker, snowboarder or tropical-traveler.

“Canon wants to help people capture the best images possible with the ability to quickly and easily share them with the world. With new PowerShot features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, people can quickly upload and share images on social networks,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “Whether it’s a powerful zoom, Wi-Fi or waterproof features, our new PowerShot lineup empowers people to be creative with their photography. There are good enough images and there are great images, we always aim to help people capture the best images.”

Mobile Sharing with Excellent Image Quality
The Wi-Fi functionality built into the two ELPH models allow for a variety of connection options to help photographers share, upload, or back-up images. Users can connect directly to a wireless network from their camera to upload photos and videos to the Canon iMAGE GATEWAYi, an online service that lets registered users store images to an online album, and then post their content to social networks such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

In March, the Canon CameraWindow application is expected to be available on the Apple App Store for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touchii to further enhance the connectivity options. With this App, users can transfer and save images and videos from the camera to compatible iOS devices, which can then be directly uploaded to Facebook and YouTube or emailed. Photos and videos can also be shared on-the-spot with friends and family by transmitting to another current Wi-Fi-enabled Canon camera as well. A similar app is expected to be available in May for Android devices.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS

Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS Back View

Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS Digital Camera
The flagship of the ELPH line, the .78 inches thick ELPH 530 HS camera has the classic style of the original ELPH design while also being Wi-Fi enabled and packing an amazing 12x optical zoom lens to capture great shots from a distance. Canon’s HS SYSTEM has been included where the 10-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor will work in tandem with the camera’s DIGIC 5 image processor to help produce high-quality images in low-light conditions. The ELPH 530 HS will also shoot 1080p Full HD video helping capture footage in crystal clear clarity. This new model sports a 3.2-inch LCD touch screen for simple and intuitive operation and menu navigation, Smart AUTO scene selection with 58 scenes, Face ID for optimal images of up to 12 registered subjects and the Intelligent Image Stabilization (IS) function. The camera will be available in black or white for an estimated retail price of $349.99 and is expected to ship in April.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 320 HS

Canon PowerShot ELPH 320 HS Digital Camera
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 320 HS camera makes the perfect on-the-go camera for the young and active photographer, with Wi-Fi connectivity for easy uploading of memorable moments. The HS SYSTEM has also been included on this model with the 16.1 megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS and DIGIC 5 image processor working together to produce high-quality, low-light images. For those users who value high-quality video, the camera has 1080p Full HD capabilities as well. A 5x-Optical Zoom 24mm wide-angle lens will help expand the shooting capabilities of the camera and a 3.2-inch LCD touch screen for simple and intuitive operation and menu navigation. This camera will also feature Smart AUTO scene selection with 58 scenes and Face ID in addition to Intelligent IS. The camera will be available in four eye-catching colors (black, silver, blue and red) for an estimated retail price of $279.99 and is expected to ship in March.

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS Digital Camera
Canon’s PowerShot SX260 HS camera delivers a powerful 20x Optical Zoom and 25mm Wide-Angle lens with Optical Image Stabilization delivers stunning images from up close or at a distance and measuring just 1.29-inches thick. The camera’s impressive zoom is accompanied by Canon’s HS SYSTEM for improved low-light shooting with a 12.1-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor. Combining this incredible zoom and high-image quality will allow photographers of all levels to capture great photos or 1080p Full HD video up close and at a distance, all in one portable, powerful digital camera. The Smart AUTO scene selection with 58 scenes and Face ID has also been included in this incredibly diverse yet compact device. The camera also includes Intelligent IS and GPS photo tagging with location and elevation information to help plot exactly where your travels have taken you. Adding to the feature-set is High-Speed Burst HQ allowing for approximately 10 high-resolution shots to be captured at a continuous rate at 10.3 frames per second. The camera will be available in three colors – black, green and red – and is expected to be available in March for an estimated retail price of $349.99.

Canon PowerShot D20

Canon PowerShot D20 Digital Camera:
Waterproofiii, shock-proof,iv and freeze-proofv the PowerShot D20 is built with the active photographer in mind. Outfitted with an easy-to-access button, the camera enables users to switch from normal photo mode to snow or underwater mode, even with gloves on. To help make the underwater photos as great as those captured on dry land, the camera has a built-in underwater macro mode producing amazing pictures up close while diving or snorkeling. When recording video, the camera includes wind reduction technology to help capture clear audio even in breezy conditions. It touts an impressive array of features including the HS SYSTEM incorporating a 12.1-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor, 1080p Full HD video and a 5x optical zoom lens. Also included is a 3.0-inch LCD screen, GPS-capabilities allowing users to track their locations and tag each photo with latitude, longitude, and elevation information and Intelligent IS.vi The PowerShot D20 camera is expected to ship in May 2012 for an estimated retail price of $349.99.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010†, and is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2011. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

Canon PowerShot A4000 IS

Capture Life’s Unexpected Moments In Superb Image Quality With Canon U.S.A.’s New, Easy To Use And Re-Designed PowerShot A-series Cameras

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 7, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced six PowerShot A-series digital cameras with improved operability that produce outstanding images and feature a high-quality, stylish re-design in a variety of fashionable colors. Canon’s PowerShot A-series models have been instrumental for entry-level users in learning the joys of photography and these new models continue this tradition with features such as 16-megapixel sensor, 720p HD video capture and a 28mm wide-angle lens to capture images of large groups at a family function or of a child on the playground.

PowerShot A-series models are known not only for producing high-image quality but also being easy to use as well. For the first time in a PowerShot A-series model, the A4000 IS, A3400 IS and A2400 IS models will feature Intelligent IS so the camera automatically selects the most effective image stabilization mode ensuring users always capture the best results. In addition, all of the models announced today will have the Smart AUTO feature with 32 shooting modes that selects the appropriate camera setting based on the users shooting environment. Additionally, for the first time in a PowerShot camera, each model will have a Help button to provide an explanation of various shooting modes to help the user along the way.

“The new additions to Canon’s new PowerShot A-series lineup will provide entry-level users with many options to unlock their creativity and capture high-quality images at a budget-friendly price,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

PowerShot A4000 IS and PowerShot A3400 IS Cameras
The Canon PowerShot A4000 IS and PowerShot A3400 IS cameras will each have a Genuine Canon Lens with Optical Image Stabilization allowing users to capture up-close details and wide landscapes. For the PowerShot A4000 IS camera, there will be an impressive 8x-Optical Zoom lens, the longest to date for a PowerShot A-series model, and the PowerShot A3400 IS camera will have a 5x-Optical Zoom. In addition, both cameras will have a 3-inch LCD screen; however, the PowerShot A3400 camera’s screen will be Touch Panel, another first for a PowerShot A-series model, with Touch Focus and Touch Shutter shooting modes for enhanced camera operation. The PowerShot A4000 IS camera is scheduled to be available in February in black, silver, blue, red and pink for an estimated retail price of $199.99. The PowerShot A3400 IS camera is scheduled to be available in March in black, silver, red and gold for an estimated retail price of US $179.99.

PowerShot A2400 IS and PowerShot A2300 Cameras
The PowerShot A2400 IS and PowerShot A2300 cameras both feature a 5x-Optical Zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. The PowerShot A2400 IS camera will also have Optical Image Stabilization and is scheduled to be available in March in black, silver, blue and pink for an estimated retail price of $159.99. The PowerShot A2300 camera is scheduled to be available in March for an estimated retail price of $149.99 in black, silver, red and blue.

PowerShot A1300 and PowerShot A810 Cameras
For the more traditional camera user, the PowerShot A1300 camera comes equipped with an optical viewfinder adding to the versatility of this model. Additionally, both the PowerShot A1300 and PowerShot A810 cameras feature a 5x-Optical Zoom lens, 2.7-inch LCD screen and use AA batteries allowing for easy replacement whether at home or on a family vacation. The PowerShot A1300 camera is scheduled to be available in April for an estimated retail price of $119.99, in black and silver. The PowerShot A810 camera is scheduled to be available in April for an estimated retail price of $109.99, in black, silver and red.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010†, and is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2011. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

Student Focus competition shortlist announced

The shortlist for the 2012 Sony World Photography Awards Student Focus competition is announced today, 7 February 2012.

Student Focus has established itself as the world’s most high-profile student photography award and is open to universities worldwide that run a photography programme. The 2012 competition has attracted entries from over 200 institutions across six continents, having grown from just ten European universities in 2007, its inaugural year.

This year’s student competition brief was based on the philosophy of the haiku poem. The photographers were asked to take on a role similar to that of a haiku poet and create and submit one image that depicts a ‘fleeting moment’, or ‘the decisive moment’. This resulted in some of the most impressive and professional student images yet of a perfectly captured brief moment in time.

Ten burgeoning photographers from each of the shortlisted institutions have now been chosen to take part in the final competition with the winner announced at the Sony World Photography Awards ceremony at London’s Park Lane Hilton Hotel on 26 April 2012. All shortlisted photographers will also take part in World Photo, London at Somerset House, London. Students will receive lectures, talks and masterclasses led by industry figureheads and Academy members and their images will be exhibited as part of World Photo, London.

The ten shortlisted institutions are:

Europe
Russia, St Petersburg State University of Film and TV, Nikita Baranov
Denmark, Danish School of Media & Journalism, Nikolai Linares Larsen
Spain, Institut d’Estudis Fotogràfics de Catalunya (I.E.F.C), Montse Balañá Verges
UK, London College of Communication, Thamyres Matarozzi
UK, Middlesex University, Asef Mohammad

Oceania
New Zealand, AUT University, Ivan Liang

North America
USA, Rochester Institute of Technology, Jenny Magruder

South America
Argentina, Escuela Motivarte, Abente Lila Maia

Asia
China, The Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), Gong Zhe

Africa/Middle East
South Africa, Rhodes University, Nina Grindlay

The shortlist was selected by a prestigious judging panel comprising WPO Academy members including: Carl de Keyser (Belgium) Photographer and Co-Founder & Director of the XYZ Photography Gallery; Sarah Toplis (UK) Commissioning Editor for Young Tate and Virginia Morrison (US) Executive Director of the Society for Photographic Education.

The brief for the next stage of the competition is ‘Your world in colour’. This stage of the competition will be completed in the resident country of the ten finalists using the latest cameras from Sony. Using this brief, the ten shortlisted photographers will be asked to create a series in colour that must evoke emotion through the choice of colour. They have a month prior to the awards in April to submit their images before they and their tutors fly to London to compete for the 2012 title. The overall winner will be awarded approximately 45,000 Euros worth of Sony digital imaging equipment for their institution.

Virginia Morrison, judge, comments:

“It can be the slightest angle shift, or a huge, startling difference in approach, but it is no easy feat to make a photograph that is distinctive in today’s onslaught of images. The finalists that I had the pleasure of reviewing succeeded in making their fleeting moments stand out in a crowd with such an array of interpretations of the theme. I was struck by the diversity of moments, so to speak, and the range of sensibilities. Thank you WPO, for this great opportunity to see excellent work from six continents!”

Ania Wadsworth, World Photography Organisation Student Focus Award Coordinator comments:

“The Student Focus programme continues to engage with hundreds of students of photography worldwide. Each year, we are continually surprised and delighted with the overwhelming response to the programme and the quality of the work submitted from around the globe.”

KEY DATES:

Student shortlist announcement
Tuesday 7 February
World Photography Festival London
Friday 27 April – Sunday 20 May
Student Focus winner’s announcement
Thursday 26 April

EUROPE
RUSSIA – St Petersburg State University of Film and TV	DENMARK – Danish School of Media & Journalism
He was too close ©Nikita Baranov courtesy Sony World Photography Awards 2012	Escaping the Heat ©Nikolai Linares Larsen courtesy Sony World Photography Awards 2012
SPAIN – Institut d’Estudis Fotogràfics de Catalunya	UK – London College of Communication
El bot ©Montse Balañá Verges courtesy Sony World Photography Awards 2012	Salar de Uyuni ©Thamyres Matarozzi courtesy Sony World Photography Awards 2012
UK – Middlesex University
Mrs Bukhsh ©Asef Mohammad courtesy Sony World Photography Awards 2012
OCEANIA	NORTH AMERICA
New Zealand – AUT University	USA – Rochester Institute of Technology
Fleeting Life ©Ivan Liang courtesy Sony World Photography Awards 2012	Untitled ©Jenny Magruder courtesy Sony World Photography Awards 2012
SOUTH AMERICA	ASIA
ARGENTINA – Escuela Motivarte	CHINA – The Central Academy of Fine Arts, CAFA
ENTER ©Abente Lila Maia courtesy Sony World Photography Awards 2012	Untitled ©Gong Zhe courtesy Sony World Photography Awards 2012
AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST
South Africa – Rhodes University
Nightclub Portrait Series (the dance) ©Nina Grindlay courtesy Sony World Photography Awards 2012

Pentax K-01

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION INTRODUCES PENTAX K-01 DESIGNED BY MARC NEWSON

DENVER, CO February 2, 2012… When is a camera more than a photographer’s tool? The answer is when it’s an object designed by Marc Newson, one of the most acclaimed and influential contemporary designers.

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION introduces the Marc Newson designed PENTAX K-01* interchangeable lens camera (ILC). The new PENTAX K-01 is another bold effort from the manufacturer that is known for pushing camera size, color, durability, and now, design, to the limit. Widely known for designing a wide range of objects from furniture and household products to bicycles, cars, aircraft and yachts, Marc Newson has had collected works displayed in The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City and many other major museums.
*prounouced kay zero one.

Pentax K-01 Top View

The contemporary, timeless K-01 houses a full array of advanced functions and user-friendly features in a camera body with remarkable form and function. The elimination of an optical viewfinder and quick-return mirror gave Newson more freedom in designing the camera body, and the K-01 showcases Newson originality in every detail. Available in black, white and Newson’s signature yellow colors, the K-01 features the designer’s autograph logo stamp on the bottom of each camera.

smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS

The famed designer’s touch also is evident in a new smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS interchangeable lens. As the world’s thinnest interchangeable lens,* the new 40mm combines with the PENTAX K-01 camera body to deliver a unique ILC system that is perfect for photographers who are as keen on design as they are on performance. Together, the K-01 and 40mm lens system mark the intersection where high technology and high design meet.

Pentax K-01 Back View

Key features of the PENTAX K-01 include:
• Durable machined aluminum frame under a stylish black, white, or yellow exterior.
• PENTAX mirrorless body design is compatible with 25+ million PENTAX K-mount lenses spanning decades.
• Large 16 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensor with low noise image capture and multiple aspect ratios.
• Bright, high resolution 3 inch LCD with 920,000 dots.
• Full HD 1080p video capture at 30 FPS with h.264 compression (60 FPS at 720p) features outstanding video capture flexibility.
• Sensor-shift PENTAX Shake and Dust Reduction system is compatible with every mounted PENTAX lens.
• Fast 6 FPS burst mode is ideal for fast-action photography.
• Flexible ISO range of 100-25600 ensures gorgeous noise-free imaging in any lighting condition.
• Focus peaking mode provides fast and accurate manual focusing for critical focus applications.
* The world’s thinnest interchangeable lens for lens-interchangeable digital SLR cameras, as of February 1, 2012 (based on PENTAX’s research).

Pentax K-01 Colors

The K-01 will be available in yellow, black and white in March 2012 for $749.95USD (body only) and $899.95USD (lens kit including new DA 40mm XS) in Marc Newson designed packaging and with the Marc Newson designed strap. The smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS unifocal interchangeable standard lens will ship at the same time for $249.95 USD.

Pentax K-01 Flash

Additional information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com/news and a video interview with Mark Newson regarding the K-01design may be viewed here: www.youtube.com/pentaxian1 Images of other Marc Newson creations are available here.

Pentax K-01 Lenses

PENTAX is a leader in the production of a variety of adventure ready digital cameras including weather-resistant digital SLRs and stylish, compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For more than 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of adventurous consumers and businesses. With new headquarters in Denver, Colorado, PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION is a subsidiary of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. effective October 1, 2011. Additional details may be found here: www.pentaximaging.com/news

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS20

Panasonic Canada has published the prices for the LUMIX ZS20 and ZS15 (announced worldwide on January 31, 2012). The LUMIX ZS20 and ZS15 will be available in March 2012 for a suggested retail price of CAD $399.99 and CAD $329.99 respectively. The LUMIX ZS20 will be available in black, red, and silver options; while the LUMIX ZS15 will be available in black and red.

PRESS RELEASE

PANASONIC EXPANDS ITS POPULAR ZS-SERIES OF DIGITAL CAMERAS WITH NEW ADVANCED FEATURES AND CREATIVE SHOOTING OPTIONS PACKED IN A SLIM BODY

Mississauga, ON (February 2, 2012) – Panasonic Canada Inc. today introduced the newest members of the acclaimed LUMIX ZS-Series – the DMC-ZS20 and DMC-ZS15. Now the world’s slimmest digital camera with a 20x optical zoom lens*1, the DMC-ZS20 features a powerful zoom, 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and the ability to shoot full-High Definition (HD). The LUMIX DMC-ZS15 also features the versatile 24mm ultra-wide angle, along with a powerful 16x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens (24-383mm on 35mm camera equivalent) with 32x Intelligent Zoom.

“Panasonic has been a leader in developing compact digital cameras with long, powerful zooms and wide-angle lenses,” said Doug Borbath, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Canada Inc. “With the introduction of these new models, particularly the ZS20, we continue to be at the forefront with extremely versatile digital cameras that meets the needs of all different types of photographers. Both models build on the success of the LUMIX ZS-series – which is known for its versatile point-and-shoot digital cameras.”

With a -redesigned lens system, the LUMIX ZS20 features a new mechanical structure and optical system which further improves image quality. And with Nano Surface Coating technology, users can expect stunning image clarity with minimized ghosting and flare. Beyond the quality of its lens, the LUMIX ZS20 also integrates an enhanced built-in GPS*2 functionality, making it easy for users to pinpoint locations where photos were taken and share with family and friends on internet maps.

Map data can be installed onto the LUMIX ZS20 via a bundled DVD, giving the camera detailed worldwide maps of major regions on a scale of 1/25,000 or more precise. A user can copy the map data of a designated city to an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card and get quick geographic information to know their location and if any landmarks are located nearby. More than one million landmarks and 82 countries/regions are covered in the bundled DVD map. Geo-tagged images are automatically sorted and can be played back along a map so that users can literally trace their photographic journey. Many GPS cameras show only the latitude and longitude of where a photo is taken, but the LUMIX ZS20 shows the name of the country/region, state/prov./county, county/township, city/town/village and landmark – all of which is saved in the EXIF data.

Featuring a newly developed 14.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor, the LUMIX ZS20 provides even higher image quality compared to its predecessors. Coupled with the advanced image processor Venus Engine, the LUMIX ZS20 features high speed, high sensitivity image recording. High speed burst shooting at 10 fps in full resolution and Light Speed AF allows users to capture even the most fleeting photo opportunities.

With the ability to record high-resolution, full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4) format (or 30p in MP4)*3, the LUMIX ZS20 upgrades its full-HD recording capability and is able to produce extremely clear video details, even when subjects are moving quickly. A powerful 20x optical zoom with 2-step Zoom function is available in video recording and the popular iA mode assists users, making video recording as easy as aiming the camera. A stereo zoom microphone provides videos with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, offering highly realistic sound in the captured video. The Auto Wind Cut function helps to block out wind background and mechanical noise caused by zooming to improve overall video sound quality.

In addition, the ZS20 has manual control options that allow the user to adjust shutter speed,aperture, and 3D Photo Mode.The LUMIX ZS20 also features a variety of special effects that add fun to a photography shooting experience. Creative Control mode offers a selection of artistic effects including Expressive Retro, High Dynamic, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, High Key, Low Key, Miniature Effect, Toy Effect and Soft Focus. In Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast are emphasized to make the picture look like a diorama.

Video recorded in this mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding, making it appear almost animated*4. Panorama mode makes it possible for users to shoot 360-degree horizontal or vertical panoramic images by taking consecutive shots and then overlaying them for the effect of a panoramic photo. Creative Retouch mode offers users six filters – Toy Effect, Soft Focus, Dynamic Monochrome, Expressive, High Key and Retro – to create artistic looking photos. Additionally, the Auto Retouch function automatically adjusts contrast and brightness for a clearer, more natural image and can be applied with the simple press of a button.

For users looking for a more intuitive photo experience, the LUMIX ZS20 features iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which automatically activates a range of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change. The new HDR (High Dynamic Range) together with POWER O.I.S. with Active Mode, which suppresses blur from hand-shake, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Recognition, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Handheld Nightshot, Motion Deblur mode, Intelligent Burst mode and Intelligent Exposure allows users to point and shoot, leaving the camera to do all the work in capturing beautiful imagery.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS20 Back View

Additional features and functionalities of the LUMIX ZS20 include:

• Large, 3.0-inch 460,000-dot Smart Touch LCD Screen.
• Touch AF, Touch Zoom or Touch Shutter during recording and various playback functions like scrolling the map with high visibility.
• Flexibility of USB charging or conventional AC adapter charging methods.
• LUMIX Image Uploader for seamless and instant sharing via Facebook or YouTube. Users can checkmark the photo or video files they want to share, connect it to a PC with the included USB cable or by inserting the SD Memory Card directly into the PC’s SD card slot, and then the uploading automatically launches with an easy-to-follow menu option.

Key features of the LUMIX DMC-ZS15 include:
• 12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
• Full HD Video Recording in 60i AVCHD*5 and 30p in MP4
• Monaural Microphone
• Large, 3.0-inch 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD

The LUMIX ZS20 and ZS15 will be available in March 2012 for a suggested retail price of CAD $399.99 and CAD $329.99 respectively. The LUMIX ZS20 will be available in black, red, and silver options; while the LUMIX ZS15 will be available in black and red.

*1 As of January 31, 2012
*2 GPS may not work in China or in the border regions of countries neighboring China
*2 Depending on the locations, it may not be possible to correctly receive the signals from GPS satellites. In such cases, positioning may not be possible, or significant positioning discrepancy may occur.
*3 Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds. (excluding when [GS] or [SH] is set)
*3 Motion pictures in [MP4] can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion picture recorded continuously in [MP4] is up to 4 GB.
*4 Sound will not be recorded with Miniature Effect and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long).
*5 Sensor output is 30p
Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company’s quality standards.
The “AVCHD” is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
The “AVCHD” and the “AVCHD ” logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
AVCHD motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
Facebook and the Facebook logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Facebook, Inc.
All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
Some accessories are not available in some countries.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)

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.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS4

Panasonic Canada has announced availability and price for the LUMIX TS4 (announced worldwide on January 31, 2012). The Panasonic LUMIX TS4 will be available in orange, blue, and black options in mid-March 2012 with a suggested retail price of CAD $399.99.

PRESS RELEASE

PANASONIC’S NEW TOP-OF-THE-LINE RUGGED DIGITAL CAMERA FEATURES GPS AND FULL-HD VIDEO RECORDING CAPABILITIES

The LUMIX TS4, the Optimal Outdoor Companion, Excels in Photo and Video Capture Under Many Conditions

MISSISSAUGA, ON (February 2, 2012) – Panasonic Canada Inc. today announced the LUMIX DMC-TS4, the company’s top-of-the-line rugged digital camera with features such as a built-in GPS*1 system, compass, altimeter, and barometer. Plus, outstanding, tough attributes for the traveler or outdoor adventurers, including: dustproof*2, waterproof*2 to approximately 40 feet (12 meters), shockproof*3 to approximately 6.6 feet (2 meters), and freezeproof to temperatures as low as -10ºC. Beyond its rugged design, the LUMIX TS4 excels in photo and video quality, offering the best of both worlds with: a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with a 4.6x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 28-128mm); a 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor and the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine; and the ability to shoot 1,920 x 1,080 full-High Definition (HD) video in AVCHD and MP4 formats.

“The LUMIX TS4 is the latest addition to our successful line of rugged digital cameras, which offer users the freedom to take high-quality photos and video under a variety of conditions, whether you’re at the top of a snow-capped mountain or with the kids by the pool,” said Doug Borbath, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Canada Inc. “Beyond its top-of-the-line features, the LUMIX TS4 captures exceptional photos and videos, making it the ideal, worry-free digital camera for everyday life.”
The LUMIX TS4’s altimeter works as an indicator for depth underwater; and the barometer log is available to help users forecast the climate and then log barometric trends. The altitude measurements can be improved when using the camera’s GPS data, which is enhanced when compared to its predecessor, the LUMIX DMC-TS3. The new GPS system now covers more than one million landmarks and 82 countries/regions, with the capability of showing the location in various formats (e.g. country/region, state/province, township, city/town/village and landmark) – all which is saved in the EXIF data.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS4 Back View

Thanks to its high-speed, large-capacity signal processing Venus Engine, the LUMIX TS4 is not just rugged on the outside, but powerful from within as well. The Venus Engine integrates advanced signal processing capabilities to power Intelligent Noise Reduction, thus producing stunning still photos and videos. In addition, the Venus Engine powers high-speed burst shooting and super-fast response times, with Sonic Speed AF, allowing the user to catch those spur-of-the-moment memories.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS4

New to the LUMIX TS-Series, the LUMIX TS4 offers manual operation, allowing users to adjust shutter speed and aperture for more creative photography. Plus, with modes such as Time Lapse Shot, Miniature Effect, and Panorama Shot – photography is even more fun. An overview of these features is below:
• With the Time Lapse Shot, once the start time, interval and number of photos to shoot are set, the camera automatically records the images and can be left to capture shots of stationary subjects, such as flowers coming into bloom, clouds, or an animal. Once the data is captured, the footage is condensed during playback to give a unique sense of time.
• The Miniature Effect mode, which defocuses the peripheries while emphasizimg saturation and contrast, makes the photo look like a diorama. For videos recorded in this mode*4, playback is 10x fast forward, making it comical and amusing to watch.
• Panorama Shot makes it is possible to shoot a maximum 360-degree of horizontal/vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots and overlaying the photos.

For those who are looking for an intuitive shooting option, the LUMIX TS4 includes Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – a suite of technologies that are automatically engaged to allow the camera to select the most appropriate settings to take high-quality photos and videos. Plus, a dedicated video record button lets the user instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to go through any additional menu options.

The Panasonic LUMIX TS4 will be available in orange, blue, and black options in mid-March 2012 with a suggested retail price of CAD $399.99.

*1 GPS may not work in China or in the border regions of countries neighboring China. Depending on the locations, it may not be possible to correctly receive the signals from GPS satellites. In such cases, positioning may not be possible, or a significant positioning discrepancy may occur. Information measured on this unit is only a rough indication. Do not use it for technical purposes.
*2 Waterproof/Dustproof Performance
Waterproof/dustproof rating complies with the “IPX8” and “IP6X” ratings. Provided the care and maintenance guidelines described in this document are strictly followed, this camera can operate underwater, to a depth not exceeding 12 m (40 feet) for a time not exceeding 60 minutes. This means that the camera can be used underwater for specified time in specified pressure in accordance with the handling method established by Panasonic. This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.
Handling of the camera
•Waterproofing is not guaranteed if the unit is subject to an impact as a result of being hit or dropped etc. If an impact to the camera occurs, it should be inspected (subject to a fee) by a Panasonic’s Service Centre to verify that the waterproofing is still effective.
• When the camera is splashed with detergent, soap, hot spring, bath additive, sun oil, sun screen, chemicals, etc., wipe it off immediately.
•Waterproof function of the camera is for sea water and fresh water only.
• Any malfunction caused by customer misuse, or mishandling will not be covered by the warranty.
• The inside of this unit is not waterproof. Water leakage will cause malfunction.
• Supplied accessories are not waterproof (excluding Hand Strap).
• Card and battery are not waterproof. Do not handle with a wet hand. Also, do not insert wet card or battery into the camera.
• Do not leave the camera for a long period of time in places where temperature is very low (at ski resorts or at high altitude etc.) or very high [above 40ºC (104°F)], inside a car under strong sunlight, close to a heater, on the beach, etc. Waterproof performance may be degraded.
*3 Shockproof Performance
Complies with “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock”. The camera has cleared a drop test from a height of 2 m (6.6 feet) onto 3 cm (0.1 feet) thick plywood. In most cases this camera should not sustain any damage if dropped from a height not exceeding 2 m (6.6 feet). However, the drop height was changed from 122 cm (4 feet) to 200 cm (6.6 feet) dropping onto 3 cm (0.1 feet) thick plyboard. (Disregarding appearance change such as loss of paint or distortion of the part where drop impact is applied.)
*4 Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long)
*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
*The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company’s quality standards
*The “AVCHD” is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. he “AVCHD” and the “AVCHD ” logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
*This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
*All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
*Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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.