Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX1 is the world’s first digital camera with an image sensor in the new, popular 16:9 wide-screen format. The camera also offers many exciting features, such as 8.4 MP image resolution and a 4x Leica 28mm wide angle zoom lens with optical stabiliser. Its robust metal body underlines the camera’s overall qualities, while a large 2.5” LCD screen and user-friendly design make it suitable for most photo enthusiasts.

Amsterdam, 19th May, 2006 – DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites within digital imaging, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX1 digital compact camera. The LX1 proves that Panasonic has serious ambitions with its LUMIX digital camera range. The public has embraced their compact models for various reasons, but the most obvious benefit is Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S optical stabiliser. In the LX1, this valuable feature is combined with a 4x Leica DC Vario-Elmarit wide angle zoom lens from the world-renowned lens manufacturer Leica, featuring focal lengths equivalent to 28 – 112 mm f/2.8-4.9. The lens is tailor-made for the camera’s unique 8.4 Megapixel image sensor in the popular 16:9 wide-screen TV format, which also provides the world’s first 848x480 16:9 Wide VGA format movie recording at 30 fps.

To transform image signals into high-quality photographs and movies, the LX1 is equipped with the advanced Venus Engine II image prosessor. This also contributes heavily in making the LX1 incredibly fast, with full resolution burst shooting at 3 fps, as well as low power consumption. Composing, recording and reviewing images and movies are comfortably done on the crystal-clear, high resolution, large 2.5” LCD monitor, with its dedicated button for instant 140% brightness boost.

Kai Thon, DIWA’s test manager, says: “Wide angle zoom lenses are rare in digital cameras, mainly due to physical difficulties and costs. The LX1 not only provides such a lens, but also adds an optical image stabiliser, 4x zooming power and a reputed Leica brand to the bargain. Lens quality is essential for high quality images, but also the remaining part of the conversion from light to image is important. The LUMIX DMC-LX1 has all the ingredients required to complete this process in style, and does so with a minimum of compromises.”

Amateurs and experienced photographers alike will appreciate the LX1 for its compact and rugged construction, user-friendly and reliable automatic functions and smart features. However, thanks to advanced features like RAW and TIFF image formats, manual overrides of vital functions, live histogram, fast AF and shutter response, wide shutter speed range, 5x extra optical zoom at 5.5 Mp, and 5 cm close-up shooting, the LX1 is also ideal as a handy snap-shot tool for professionals.

In addition to excellent overall performance, DIWA testing experts in Europe and America appreciated the LX1 for its appealing design and exciting mix of useful functions and features. The total package, performance and features combined, in relation to its fair price, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX1 left the test bench with a well deserved DIWA Gold Award.

About DIWA

A fast growing independent, authoritative, industry organization
The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) is a fast growing group of independent Web-based specialist publications dedicated to digital imaging. DIWA harnesses the collective talent and expertise of its members, resulting in industry awards that command unparalleled confidence and value, both for consumers and the industry, alike. DIWA awards come in the form of bronze, silver and gold medals for various product categories.

Unique bullet-proof test scoring procedure
DIWA product test awards are exclusively decided through the analysis of multiple test scores from different DIWA testers, testing different samples of the same product. A very detailed and comprehensive standardized scoring procedure is employed, tailored carefully for each category of product. Multiple testing eliminates the chance of an isolated, unrepresentative product sample or test error, or even hidden bias, from affecting the trustworthiness of the overall result.

Awards throughout the year
DIWA is also unique in its policy in issuing awards for deserving products throughout the year, culminating in an annual best of the year Platinum medal awards in all product categories.

DIWA Awards members
- Canada: www.photoxels.com
- Czech Republic:  www.fotoaparat.cz
- Denmark:  www.digitalmagasinet.dk
- Germany:  www.digitalkamera.de
- Netherlands:  www.letsgodigital.org
- Norway:  www.digit.no
- Poland:  www.fotopolis.pl
- Slovenia:  www.e-fotografija.com
- Spain:  www.nuevafotografia.com
- Turkey:  www.diginorm.com.tr
- United Kingdom:  www.photographyblog.com

The DIWA multi-lingual Web site
At the heart of the DIWA organisation is its multi-lingual Web site, www.diwa-awards.com, where you can find links to the latest reviews published by DIWA member publications. The site also archives DIWA awards and is designed to aid consumers in their choice of imaging products.

For further information about DIWA please visit our Web site - http://www.diwa-awards.com - or email us at [email protected]