World’s First 3D Lens

Panasonic to Launch World’s First** Interchangeable 3D Lens
for LUMIX G Micro System***

** For a digital interchangeable lens of July 28, 2010
*** Compatible models to be announced

Panasonic is pleased to announce the development of the world’s first** twin-lens digital interchangeable lens to make 3D shooting possible with an interchangeable lens system camera. The 3D lens will allow high-quality shooting in 3D as a new member of the powerful lineup of interchangeable lenses for Panasonic’s LUMIX G Micro System***. As 3D content becomes ever more popular across a variety of media, Panasonic plans to release this new lens for sale before the end of the year and deliver the joy of 3D shooting to interchangeable lens system camera users.

** For a digital interchangeable lens of July 28, 2010
*** Compatible models to be announced

This year, the “First Year of 3D Era,” Panasonic has spearheaded the industry by launching 3D-capable VIERA televisions and 3D Blu-ray Disc™ players. While 3D content, including movies and sports, has become more widely available for viewing, there are many customers who want to enjoy 3D shooting themselves. This new lens will respond to such demands. This lens allows users to shoot landscapes, people, and a variety of subjects in high-quality 3D, to be enjoyed later with their 3D VIERA televisions at home.

Until now, 3D shooting with an interchangeable lens system camera has only been possible by using panorama systems or a combination of two lenses and two CCDs, but these systems have drawbacks including the need for a dedicated 3D camera and the difficulties capturing moving objects.

Panasonic’s new 3D lens for the LUMIX G Micro System features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses, to be processed with a 3D image processing system. Thanks to Panasonic’s advanced technologies in optical technology, image processing system, and lens barrel design, the 3D lens still manages to retain an extremely compact size.

This new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens allows easier handling and instant 3D shooting with cameras without a special structure for 3D shooting. It produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects. The 3D images, even close-up shots, taken with this lens are easy on the eyes when viewed on 3D VIERA televisions.

Panasonic has led the industry in bringing a true-to-life 3D experience to its customers, and will continue to expand its lineup of 3D products with innovative technologies.