Panasonic

Panasonic shock-, waterproof camcorder gets a little tougher

The Panasonic SDR-SW21 is a very compact, standard-definition camcorder that records to SD/SDHC cards. Oh, and it can survive a 4-foot drop, is waterproof down to 6.5 feet, and the seals are tight enough to make it dustproof, too. (For those interested in the actual tests, Panasonic goes by IEC 60529 IPX8 for water, MIL-STD-810F METHOD 516.5 for shock, and IEC 60529 IP5X for dust.)

The SW21 also features a 0.6-second quick-start recording option and a Web mode that when combined with the included VideoCam Suite software allows you to "seamlessly" upload your video … Read more

Panasonic camcorders let you get a lot closer

Part of Panasonic's CES 2009 product announcements is a triumvirate of camcorders featuring a 70x zoom lens. That's apparently a "world's first and most powerful" lens, though I'm still not sure this was something the average consumer was clamoring for.

The models featuring the new optical zoom are the standard-definition SDR-H80, the SDR-H90, and the SDR-S26. Hand-shake is a big issue with these megazoom lenses and Panasonic had the good sense to back these models with its advanced O.I.S. system, which reduces the effect. Gyrosensors detect shake and shift the lens to … Read more

Lumix DMC-LX3 lens cap mod is brilliant

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 is a popular pro-level point-and-shoot that has won much praise from users. However, one minor gripe that most shutterbugs have with it is the lens cap. Some photographers find that a hassle and are looking for alternatives to protect the optics.

Malaysian blogger Ian Ho has found a pretty good solution, and no, it's not manufactured by Panasonic. Instead, he utilized the Ricoh LC1 self-retaining lens cap that was produced for the company's own GX100 and GX200. By using a combination of springs and hinges, three flaps protect the lens when the camera is … Read more

Sixth Avenue Electronics has the Panasonic Strada CN-GP50U Navigation System for $298, after $200 savings.

Save $200 on the Panasonic Strada CN-GP50U Navigation System from Sixth Avenue Electronics >> Regular price is $498 >> Sale price is $298 >> Savings $200 (40.16%) >> Click here for deal

Sixth Avenue Electronics has the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 Digital Camera for $195.06, after $154.93 savings.

Save $154.93 on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 Digital Camera from Sixth Avenue Electronics >> Regular price is $349.99 >> Sale price is $195.06 >> Savings $154.93 (44.27%) >> Click here for deal

Panasonic to acquire Sanyo Electric

Panasonic announced Friday it plans to acquire Sanyo Electric in a deal valued at 800 million yen ($8.9 billion), giving the electronics giant a leg up in the rechargeable-battery business.

The deal, which earlier this week reportedly had edged closer to coming together, aims to leverage their operations in light of a weakening economy.

In outlining the deal, the companies stated:

Panasonic and Sanyo recognize that existing strategies must not only be accelerated, but also that drastic action is now required for further strengthening initiatives to achieve potential revenue and profit growth in the global economic recession stemming from … Read more

Limited-edition Leica D-Lux 4 on the way

Famed camera and optics maker Leica has announced that it will launch a limited-edition version of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 equivalent, the D-Lux 4, in January.

The collector's item will have a limited run of 10,000 and come in a silver-gray finish, instead of the usual black. But what makes it more exclusive would be its matching leather case, which its press release says will be in the same hue as the shooter.

At an earlier press event, Leica told us the retail price for the normal D-Lux 4 is $635.75, which is approximately $133.84 more … Read more

Panasonic's LCD can't measure up to its plasmas

We've always given relatively high marks to Panasonic's plasma TVs, but the company's least-expensive entrant in the 37-inch LCD arena this year, model TC-37LZ85, didn't quite measure up.

The main problem was this medium-screened LCD's less-accurate grayscale, which tinged the picture reddish even in its most-accurate color temperature preset. Compared with the 37-inch Vizio and Hitachi TVs we reviewed earlier, the TC-37LZ85 just didn't look as natural, especially in skin tones.

In other areas of performance, particularly black level and screen uniformity, the nonplasma performed quite well for an LCD. But compared with the company's least-expensive 42-inch plasma, model TH-42PX80U, the Panasonic LCD couldn't hold a candle in those areas. It's also worth mentioning that the company's 42-inch plasma actually costs a bit less than the 37-inch LCD. Granted one had 1080p resolution and the other doesn't, but at these screen sizes that doesn't matter for most viewers.

Read the full review of the Panasonic TC-37LZ85.… Read more

Daily Tidbits: Joost kills software application

Online video service Joost sent e-mails to its users Wednesday announcing that it has discontinued its software application. Released just a few months ago, the software application will be shuttered as of Friday, December 19. In the e-mail, the company claims that users will still be able to watch its videos online.

Panasonic is getting into the social-networking realm, it announced Tuesday. According to the company, its new social-networking community, Living in HD, is designed to "inspire ideas and spark conversation" among people through videos, photos, and project ideas. Each user will be given the opportunity to explain … Read more