Press Release:
LAS VEGAS, NV (February 12, 2004) ? Once again Panasonic revolutionizes the world of digital photography with the new DMC-LC1 Lumixä 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 ¾ from displaying the image on the LCD to writing data to the memory card ¾ 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 QuickTimeâ 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 evewn slight shaking or vibration
 - 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, ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft PhotoPrinter and ArcSoft Panorama Maker.

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

* As digital zoom increases, resolution significantly decreases.