20 Mar 2013
Panasonic Australia today announced the HX-WA30, the latest model in its popular, easy-to-use vertical camcorder series, offering a swag of tough and creative features plus easy to use Wi-Fi connectivity for the active social networker.
The HX-WA30 has an ergonomic vertical design that gives users greater shooting flexibility, and is waterproof to 10 metres, shockproof to 1.5 metres freezeproof to -10º Celsius and dustproof[v].
Samantha Dawson, Product Marketing Manager, Camcorders, said: "The WA30 is the perfect companion to capture and share fun filled moments on the go. Whether it's snorkelling, skiing or a party with friends, this tough camcorder never misses a moment."
The HX-WA30 has a host of features for new levels of performance and functionality. It offers built-in Wi-Fi functionality that allows Live View control from a smartphone and enables real-time broadcasting to family and friends. Users can shoot, play and share footage more easily and conveniently.
By downloading the dedicated Panasonic Image App for iOS and Android smartphones, users can control video shooting remotely from their smartphone screen, including operating the zoom in or out, shutter on or off and other functions. Recorded data can be played on a smartphone or tablet, and videos can be shared on SNS with simple drag and drop operation, or played back on a DLNA-compatible TV without inserting a memory card or connecting cables.[vi]
This year, users can be even more creative, with a selection of 12 'Creative Control' filters that can be applied to video and still images while shooting. These include Miniature Effect, One Point Colour, Old Movie, Time Lapse Recording, Ghost Effect, Fish-Eye Effect, HDR Paint (not available in video recording), Soft Skin, Monochrome, Sepia, Vivid and Soft. A selection of filters can also be used to retouch recorded images.[vii]
The HX-WA30 shoots 1920 x 1080 Full HD movies and 16 megapixel still images and offers a 5x optical zoom, as well as a 28mm wide-angle lens which is great for group shots. Dynamic panorama shots can be captured simply by sweeping the camcorder 360 degrees horizontally or vertically. The 'Wind Cut' feature suppresses wind noise for clear sound recording.
Burst shooting captures up to 12 consecutive three megapixel still images in around 1.2 seconds[viii]. Slow motion images can be shot in 1280 x 720/120 fps HD quality and in addition, 640 x 360/240 fps and 320 x 180/480fps shooting are also supported. A 0.5-second Quick Start also means the camcorder never misses a moment.
The Active Image Stabiliser delivers stunning blur-free footage, while the high-sensitivity BSI MOS sensor is enhanced to shoot clear images even in dimly-lit places.
The camcorder design makes it easy to shoot with just one hand. A joystick on the back of the camcorder controls the menu and the large twin shutter buttons make it easy to flick between taking photo and video footage using your thumb.
The widescreen LCD rotates through 285 degrees, making it easy to see the subject, and brightness can be adjusted in seven levels. Backlight compensation ensures images are always correctly exposed with no blown highlights and blocked shadows.
The HX-WA30 features Panasonic's trademark iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. When iA is engaged, the camcorder automatically selects the most suitable shooting mode with the press of a button for impressive images and movies every time.
Recording formats are versatile, with MPEG-4 AVC format (MP4) for easy sharing as well as iFrame for Mac users.
HX-WA30 RRP: $399 Available May 2013
Orange and blue
Included accessories: AC adaptor, rechargeable battery pack (880mAh), AV cable, USB cable and HD Writer VE 3.0 software CD-ROM.
The HX-WA30 will be available from consumer electronics and photographic retailers. For more information, visit www.panasonic.com.au or contact Panasonic on 132 600.
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RELEASED BY PANASONIC AUSTRALIA
Media Enquiries:
Shona Hannon (Panasonic Australia)
(02) 9491 7629
Louise Cargo (Blackie McDonald)
(02) 8907 4900
[v] HX-WA30 - Waterproof and Dustproof. The camera's waterproof/dustproof rating complies with IPX8 and IPX6 ratings. This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction or no waterproofing in all conditions. Shockproof: Complies with MIL-STD810F Method 516.5-Shock. This unit has cleared a single unit drop test from a height of 1.5 metres during which the panel was closed with the LCD monitor facing inwards.
[vi] DLNA wireless playback may not be available depending on the recording mode.
[vii] Retouching can be used with One Point Colour, Old Movie, Fisheye Effect, Soft Skin, Monochrome, Sepia, Vivid and Soft.
[viii] 16MP burst shooting. Approx 1 image/sec. Consecutive shooting of up to 10 images. 3MP burst shooting. Approx. 10 images/sec. Consecutive shooting of up to 12 images.