Panasonic Unveils New Micro Four Thirds 8mm Fisheye Lens

PANASONIC INTRODUCES WORLD'S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST* DIGITAL INTERCHANGEABLE FISHEYE LENS FOR LUMIX G-SERIES

Compact and Lightweight Lens Features 180-Degree Diagonal Angle View

SECAUCUS, NJ (June 1, 2010) - Today, Panasonic introduced the LUMIX G Fisheye 8mm/F3.5 lens, the H-F008, with a 35mm camera equivalent 16mm lens, the world's smallest and lightest* digital interchangeable fisheye lens compatible with the LUMIX G Series, DSL Micro (DSLM) cameras.

Featuring a 180-degree diagonal angle view, the LUMIX G Fisheye 8mm/F3.5 lens offers a distinctive perspective and unique deformation effect, creating a creative view for both photos and video. Additionally, its compact size can be attributed to its ten lenses in nine groups, which takes advantage of the Micro Four Thirds system standard to achieve dramatic downsizing.

"The addition of this lightweight LUMIX fisheye lens gives photographers of all levels the ability to enjoy a range of photo-taking possibilities and expand their creativity," said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "This lens is not only extremely compact, making it easy to carry, but it allows for photos and videos to be made both up close and from far away - while capturing truly creative images."

The adoption of an ED (Extra-low dispersion glass) lens achieves a stable, descriptive performance at all distances, to minimize chromatic aberration and distortion. The LUMIX G Fisheye 8mm lens has the ability to capture extreme close-ups from far away, due in part to its advanced inner focus system.

The H-F008, Fisheye 8mm lens allows for use of the high-speed and accurate contrast AF system when mounted on the Panasonic LUMIX G Series DSLM cameras, for more comfortable and enjoyable shooting. Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. The inclusion of a stepping motor allows for smooth and silent focusing in both photo and movie recording modes.

Pricing and availability for the LUMIX G Fisheye 8mm/F3.5, the H-F008, lens will be announced 30 days prior to shipping. For more information on Panasonic's LUMIX G Micro System accessories and lenses and to learn more about the Panasonic LUMIX G Series of DSLM cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

•For a digital interchangeable fisheye lens as of June 1, 2010.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.  In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the features on their digital cameras and produce high-quality photos. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

For more than 20 years, Panasonic has been proud to support the Olympic Movement as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category and, beginning in 2009, in the Digital Imaging category as well. Panasonic has also renewed its partnership with the International Olympic Committee for an additional eight years through the 2016 Summer Games. For more information, visit http://panasonic.net/olympic/.