Release Issued by Panasonic:
The World’s First* 3CCD & O.I.S. Equipped VDR-D300
The World’s Most Powerful* Optical 30´ Zoom Equipped VDR-D100
*As of December 31, 2005.
In 2006, Panasonic will release a total of three new DVD video cameras, which are replacing for the previous range of DVD video cameras, made popular by their simplicity and convenient data storage. The flagship model VDR-D300 is the first DVD video camera in the world to be equipped with both 3CCD and O.I.S. technology, while its sister model, the VDR-D250, is equipped with the 3CCD system. The VRD-D100 comes proudly equipped with the remarkable 30´ optical zoom.
The popularity of the DVD video camera has increased greatly in demand in recent times because of the ease and simplicity in use that users can playback recorded pictures with their DVD players and recorders immediately after shooting. Panasonic has succeeded in equipping such DVD video cameras with advanced, unique technology 3CCD systems, O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer), or 30x optical zoom. As a result, Panasonic has achieved an amazing level of high quality image reproduction that was once thought to be impossible on a conventional DVD video cameras. Moreover, despite the wide diversity of DVD formats available, Panasonic increased in the interchangeability with other AV devices and computers, through multi-format compatibility with three types of DVD format (DVD-RAM/-RW/-R).
Thus, Panasonic is yet again redefining the standards of the DVD video camera for the users, by offering DVD video cameras with uncompromising high quality images and simplicity of use.
For even higher picture quality
3CCD (D300,D250)
The camera’s CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) plays a critical role in picture quality. That’s why Panasonic chose a 3CCD camera system – the type used in professional video cameras. Panasonic’s 3CCD system reduces noise by 30%*, gains horizontal resolution in colors by 50%* and dynamic range to express luminous gradation by 30%* to render greater beauty in color, detail, and gradation.
*Panasonic in-house comparison with 1CCD model
O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) (D300)
The O.I.S. help assure clear, beautiful pictures by compensating for any hand-shake that occurs as you shoot. Gyrosensors detect the amount and direction of hand^shake and a linear motor adjust the lenses as needed to compensate. While electric system correct the hand-shake in the CCD image itself, the optical process takes place before the CCD imaging stage – so, there’s virtually no effect on image quality.
Leica Dicomar Lens (D300)
Leica lens is renowned by photographers world-wide as a maker of superb cameras and lenses. Now this legendary optical technology fuses with Panasonic’s advanced digital technology in the Leica Dicomar Lens. GS500’s brilliant new lens feature 13 lens elements in 9 groups and uses low-dispersion optical grass to reduce chromatic aberration to about 1/3 the level of conventional lenses. A special multi-coating process is applied to 14 lens surfaces, minimizing harmful reflection to deliver crisp, clear images free of flare and ghosting.
*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH, and Dicomar is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
Crystal Engine (D300, D250) and MPEG2 Engine
At the brain of the camera is Panasonic’s original Crystal Engine, advanced system that processes the R,G and B signals from three CCDs individually to remove noise and improve colour processing accuracy. The Crystal Engine is the best image processing LSI for the 3CCD recording and is incorporated in every high end models that carries 3CCD.
In addition, Panasonic’s MPEG2 encoding engine can deliver high-precision image rendering even the subject is moving fast while suppressing noise. Moving images are recorded in VBR(Variable Bit Rate) method so that the horizontal resolution is not deteriorated but maintained even in the LP mode recording, achieving the image quality as high as those recorded in SP mode(Doubled the horizontal resolution of moving pictures recorded in LP mode*).
*Panasonic in-house comparison with previous DVD video camera.
30x Optical Zoom (D100)
30x zoom magnification in D100 fits comfortably and securely in one hand. This lens is not only the most powerful zoom offered in a home-use digital video camera, it also features low distortion. And because the zoom is optical, it captures both moving and still pictures with exquisite beauty.
For even more comfortable operation
Through the continuing pursuit of operating ease, Panasonic has added a wide range of user-friendly functions and improvements to the DVD digital video camera range.
Multi-Format Compatibility
All 2006 model Panasonic DVD video cameras will be DVD-RAM/-RW/-R multi-format compatible. DVD-RAM is an easy recording media for customers to use because of its unsurpassed durability, capable of being rewritten 100,000 times, and its convenience, because finalizing, which would take both time and effort to do, is not required. Compatibility for three DVD-RAM / –RW / -R increases interchangeability with users’ existing AV equipment or PC, thus providing more enjoyment, freedom, and usability even after shooting has finished.
One Touch Navigation & Joystick Control (D300,D250)
All Panasonic video cameras are now equipped with Joystick control, which lets you operate all basic functions easily with one hand. Additionally, icons representing the functions that are used most during playback or shooting are displayed as icons on the LCD monitor. You can handle a number of operations quickly and easily, without even taking your eye off the subject. 2006 models have also been equipped with the “Help mode”. The help mode improves the ease of camera use by providing explanations of display icons and operating procedures.
Easy ON/OFF (D300,D250)
This simple but useful function automatically switches the power on when the very first pre-shooting operations, such as opening the LCD or pulling EVF, are performed. Conversely, this function automatically switches the power off when operations for finishing shooting are performed, such as closing the LCD or storing EVF.
AGS(Anti Ground Shooting) (D300)
This function prevents you from shooting subjects that you did not intend to shoot by leaving the power on by mistake, or by filming the ground by holding the camera by your side as you walk to a different location. This function can detect abnormal recording positions, and will automatically stop recording when such positions are detected, thus preventing wasteful use of battery power and media recording space.
USB2.0(HS) (D300,D250,D100) and Included Editing Software / DVD burning Software (D300,D250)
USB 2.0 compatibility gives you high-speed uploading of DVD video data to a PC over a single USB cable. The included software application makes it easy to edit DVD video footage, so you can edit and create your own polished, professional looking DVD videos for keepsakes and re-save it onto DVD of multi formats.
Other Features
-3.1-Megapixel (D300) / 2.3-Megapixel(D250) Still picture Recording
-Colour Night View
-Accessory Shoe (Cold Shoe)
-Tele Macro Mode (D300, D250)
-Soft Skin Detail Mode
-IR Remote (D300, D250)
-PictBridge Compatible (D250, D300)
www.panasonic.co.uk
