Last week at PMA (Photo Marketing Association) Panasonic launched its new DMC-LC1 Lumix camera. The pro quality 35mm style DMC-LC1 has 5-megapixels and all the adjustments of a manual camera. The new DMC-LC1 reminds me of the Leica Digilux 2 camera, similar in functionality with shutter speed and and aperature controled by a dial. It uses the exact same lens, a 13 element F2.0 – 2.4 Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 is scheduled to hit stores in March of 2004. Suggested retail price will be $1,599, compared to $2,100 for the Digilux 2.

See press release below.

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Panasonic Introduces New 5-Megapixel Lumix(TM) Digital Still Camera With Leica Lens and Full Manual Controls

PRNewswire – Once again Panasonic revolutionizes the world of digital photography with the new DMC-LC1 Lumix camera. The DMC-LC1 has a digital brain but the heart and soul of a finely crafted 35mm camera, right down to its controls. A true breakthrough in digital camera craftsmanship, the 5-megapixel DMC-LC1 brings a traditional photographic experience to the digital world, evoking the look, feel, precision, and responsiveness of a 35mm camera. Zoom, focus and aperture are manually controlled by ring settings on the lens; shutter speed is controlled by a dial located on the top of the unit. And, like all of Panasonic’s Lumix models, the DMC-LC1 features a high-performance Leica lens for extraordinary image rendering.

The DMC-LC1 combines unrivalled Leica optics with Panasonic’s most advanced digital electronic technology to create a camera that allows photographers to experience a new level of creative expression. The camera’s full manual operation serves as a natural extension of the photographer’s hands and eyes.

Leica lenses retain a legendary reputation for creating images that capture the most delicate nuances of light and shade, the elusive ambience of “air,” and subtle gradations of color. The new DMC-LC1 incorporates a finely crafted, F2.0 – 2.4 Leica DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens (13 elements in 10 groups) with zoom capability equivalent to 28 – 90mm on a 35mm camera.

Beyond the lens, Panasonic converts the optical data into digital information with unmatched processing speed. Panasonic’s innovative Venus Engine LSI handles all image processing functions simultaneously — from displaying the image on the LCD to writing data to the memory card — as soon as the CCD captures the image signal. The result is superb image rendering and outstanding responsiveness.

The DMC-LC1 can capture image in the RAW format as well as Super Fine/Fine/Standard JPEG and QuickTime® motion JPEG images. Often referred to as a “digital negative,” the raw file format stores uncompressed data directly off the camera’s CCD with no in-camera processing. This raw image can then be manually manipulated in a photo editing program. Adobe announced at PMA today a free, updated version of the Camera Raw plug-in, which will provide integrated support of the Panasonic raw format within Adobe Photoshop® CS, the latest version of Adobe’s professional image editing product.

The DMC-LC1 features a built-in USB port and SD Memory Card/Multimedia Card slot, offering consumers networking versatility with PCs and a wide variety of compatible SD-enabled devices.

Other features include:
Built-in pop-up flash which can tilt 45 degrees to create a bounce
flash. The camera can also accept and synchronize with optional
external flash units. Auto-flash and manual flash settings.
Red-eye compensation.
Large 2.5-inch LCD.
3.2x optical and 3x digital* zoom.
Burst shooting mode.
Real-time histogram.
Auto bracketing mode automatically takes three or five shots at
different exposures.
Remote shutter helps prevent even slight shaking or vibration caused
by contact with the camera.
Three light metering modes: Intelligent Multiple/Center Weighted/Spot
Microphone and speakers for audio recording.
Included accessories: Battery charger/AC adaptor, battery pack, SD
Memory Card, AC cable, DC cable, lens cap, A/V cable, USB driver, USB
connection cable, lens hood, hood cap, MC protector, remote shutter,
strap, SD viewer software, ArcSoft editing software: ArcSoft
PhotoBase(TM), ArcSoft PhotoImpression(TM), ArcSoft PhotoPrinter(TM)
and ArcSoft Panorama Maker(TM).

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 is scheduled for March, 2004 delivery. It will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,599.00