The Panasonic DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 are the first models in a new range of simple, stylish and smart digital compact cameras. The 14.1-megapixel S3 and 12.1-megapixel S1 have been exclusively developed for first time camera users, both models offering a 28mm wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens, Optical Image Stabilizers and 720p movie recording. The Panasonic S3 has an SRP of $129.99 and the Panasonic S1 has an SRP of $119.99.

Panasonic Press Release

Simple, Stylish Smart - New LUMIX S-Series

14.1-Megapixel DMC-S3 and 12.1-Megapixel DMC-S1 With Selected Essential Functions Featuring MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) 

Panasonic is pleased to announce an addition of new S-series for LUMIX digital compact cameras with 14.1-megapixel DMC-S3 and 12.1-megapixel DMC-S1. Simple, smart and stylish S-series is totally new not only in the design but also in the concept exclusively developed for users who pick up their first digital cameras. Pursuing the ultimate ease of operation, only essential functions are equipped in the DMC-S3 and S1 but which does not mean the performance of S-series are not high. The MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) is integrated as other step-up models, because which assures high correction performance against blur caused by a hand-shake without deterioration of image quality. In addition to the MEGA O.I.S. the popular and powerful shooting assist mode iA(Intelligent Auto) also comprehends other convenient features. The Intelligent Scene Selector detects the scene and set best parameter depending on the scene such as Portrait, Landscape and so on. The Face Detection finds human faces to give appropriate focus and exposure on it. Intelligent ISO Control detects the speed of subject’s movement and determines the combination value of ISO sensitivity and shutter speed to prevent motion blur.
For the eye of the camera, the newly developed 28mm wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 28mm to 112mm on a 35mm camera) is equipped for versatility and ease of image composition. High performance image processor Venus Engine VI is incorporated at the heart of camera to support the fast response and to high image quality.

The high quality 720p HD movie can be recorded. The DMC-S3 and S1 come with LUMIX Image Uploader, which realizes direct, instant image sharing via Facebook(photo) or YouTube(movie) with any PC on the spot.

Arranging a dedicated lens periphery according to the color in front, the distinct round-form design of DMC-S3 and S1 look like a digital accessory that fits in a palm well. It is a compact and lightweight “power stone” –  you can just leave it to the camera to get beautiful photo, movies and fun for sure.

•Facebook and the Facebook logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Facebook, Inc.
•YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

1. The MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and the iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode Powerfully Assists Shooting Beautiful Images
Panasonic incorporated the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots – and it is of course incorporated in DMC-S3 and DMC-S1.

The MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) is integrated in the iA mode for DMC-S3 and S1 to suppress hand-shake. Apart from the digital image correction, MEGA O.I.S. corrects a jolt of light axis by shifting the O.I.S. lens unit to offset it. Thus the image is not affected digitally nor deteriorated at all. You get clear, sharp images in exchange for nothing. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene Modes—Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset—that best suits the shooting situation. And the Intelligent ISO control prevents moving subject to be blurred by optimizing the shutter speed and ISO sensitivity setting, to render sharp, clear images whatever the shooting situation is. Human faces are captured in focus and appropriate exposure with the Face Detection and it also corrects unwanted red-eye digitally*. 

The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by just activating an iA mode. All these make the DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.

*Digital red-eye correction is equipped with DMC-S3 only

2. The Wide-Angle LUMIX Lens with 4x Optical Zoom, 14.1-megapixel (S3) / 12.1-megapixel(S1) High Resolution CCD and High Performance Venus Engine VI
The 14.1-megapixel DMC-S3 and 12.1-megapixel DMC-S1 package a newly developed 28mm wide-angle LUMIX DC VARIO lens with 4x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 28-112mm) into a compact body. Comprising 6 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit features an exceptional optical performance. The 28mm wide angle lens captures wider angle of view compared with the 35mm lens which is normally incorporated in the cameras of this class and its versatility is convenient for shooting group portrait, subjects indoor or dynamic landscapes. For distant subjects, the Extra Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power to 8.4x (S3) / 7.8x (S1) (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the center part of the high resolution CCD to bring them even closer.

The high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine VI is newly incorporated in the DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 to enable the beautiful image recording with higher quality signal processing. The multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine VI supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx. 0.007 (S3) / 0.008 (S1) second and the camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities with the Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus) that lets you lock on the subject.

The Venus Engine VI also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the S3/S1 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.*

*In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.

3. High Quality 720P Movie Recording and Instant Image Sharing with Family and Friends
The DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 even record dynamic HD movie in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to normal VGA (640 x 480) in Motion JPEG. The recorded movies can be directly uploaded to YouTube. Or you can enjoy high quality image playback that perfectly fit a wide-screen HDTV for full-screen viewing together with HD (High Definition) photos taken in 16:9 aspects.

Plus, a new way of communication is suggested by sharing photo or movies taken by users via LUMIX Image Uploader. All you have to do is checkmark the photos you want to share and connect the camera to a PC. Uploading starts just by following the guidance. You can add comment and let your friends know the update of your album via e-mail consequently. Facebook can be used for photos and YouTube for movies. Users can join these social networking service without installation of special software. It is easy to share photo and movies on the spot, which means that your friends do not have to wait for you to come back home.

•Facebook and the Facebook logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Facebook, Inc.
•YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

4. Other Features to Enhance the Performance of Cameras
The DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 feature 2.7-inch large Intelligent LCD which automatically adjusts the screen brightness as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times.

A variety of scene modes such as popular Baby or Pet, set most appropriate parameter in wide-ranging situations.

The 70MB built-in memory is equipped with DMC-S3*. It runs on lithium-ion battery which is strong against repeated recharges.

*20MB for DMC-S1

•Use a card with SD Speed Class* with “Class 6” or higher when recording motion pictures.
*SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
•For Europe, motion images can be recorded continuously for up to 15 minutes
•SDHC Memory Cards and SDXC Memory Cards can be used only in equipment that is compatible with their respective formats.
•If the computer being used does not support SDXC Memory Cards, a message prompting you to format may appear. (Doing so will cause recorded images to be erased so do not choose to format.) If the card is not recognized, please refer to the below support site.
http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html

About the bundled software PHOTOfunSTUDIO Ver.6.0
The PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 makes it possible to sort and organize thousands of photos and movies practically with quick start-up and fast read-in allowing quick access to the image you want.

For the portraits, the Face Recognition function that recognizes the faces in the picture automatically sorts the photos by the registered faces. A Panorama Stitch lets you make a panoramic composite in MOV file by synthesizing photos taken in Panorama Assist mode of the camera. It is also possible to make a slideshow with the selected photos adding music file on.

In addition to the LUMIX Image Uploader (a direct uploading function of the camera), you can upload photos to Facebook and movies to YouTube via this software, too.

*Facebook and the Facebook logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Facebook, Inc.

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