Panasonic has announced that it will be launching a limited number of the DMC-CM1, a premium compact camera with smartphone technology, in the UK. The CM1 was planned to initially launch in France and Germany only, but Panasonic says that due to demand a number of cameras will be available in the UK from December 1.
The limited market trial is intended to provide Panasonic with insight into this new product area, as each consumer will need to fill in a short questionnaire prior to purchasing the camera. The CM1s will be available to buy online through Panasonic Direct as well as selected retailers.
The intended stockists are Jessops at Oxford St and Dixons at Harrods in London, Wilkinson Cameras in Liverpool, Park Cameras in Burgess Hill, the Panasonic Store in Plymouth, John Lewis in Edinburgh and Dixons Travel in Heathrow Airport.
Panasonic UK head of imaging Barney Sykes commented: “We’re really excited by the innovation the CM1 brings and that we’re offering something new to the UK camera market. We’re looking forward to the feedback from both our retail partners and the consumer.”
Photography portfolio and TechRader camera channel head of testing Angela Nicholson added: “It’s great that the camera aspects of a cameraphone are being given a priority. A 1-inch sensor, lots of control and the ability to shoot raw files makes the CM1 concept interesting to experienced photographers looking for a camera to carry everywhere.”
Panasonic is reviewing the possible mainstream launch of the DMC-CM1 in the UK, beyond the initial limited run.
