Panasonic to 'keep an eye' on US pricing for new G series

It’s not usual for a local camera supplier to announce pricing for a major new product ahead of its larger US cousin but Panasonic Australia has done just that with the release of the new Lumix G-series digital singles lens (DSL) Micro Four Thirds cameras.

As previously reported by PIN Online, Panasonic last month fast-tracked the pricing details for the G2 and G10 models, which are due for release in June.

Panasonic Australia category marketing manager - mobile AV and consumer electronics, Alistair Robins, told PIN Online that Australian pricing was not normally announced ahead of US pricing but the decision was prompted by competitive factors and the need to “grow the sector.”

He added that Australia was fortunate in having access to early sample models of the new cameras.

As expected, there is a significant pricing differential between Australia and the US, where the cameras will be available from next month.

Panasonic US announced its pricing yesterday with the single lens kit DMC G2 model (with the new 28-84mm equivalent, f/3.5-5.6 lens) priced at US$799.95 RRP). In Australia, the single lens kit model will retail at $1299 RRP.

In the US, Panasonic has priced its lightweight entry-level DMC-G10 aggressively at US$599.95 (with the same single kit lens). In Australia, it will sell for $999 RRP.
Robins said the difference in pricing between countries was a “difficult issue” for all manufacturers, with a number of factors involved.

He said these included exchange rates, the varying costs of doing business and difference in the number of shopfronts between countries.

Robins said he “kept and eye” on overseas pricing to ensure Panasonic’s prices were in line with that of major competitors, specifically Olympus, Canon and Nikon.

“I’ve heard people mention that Apple pricing is relatively consistent around the world but they operate on very low margins and no-one really makes any money out of it,” he said.

He said that if local pricing for the G2 and G10 models needs to be adjusted, he would raise the issue with the company’s head office in Japan.