Panasonic faced controversy after it was discovered that stock photos were used on the product website for the LUMIX DC-S9.
Panasonic issued an apology for using stock photos and replaced the images, promising to improve the product introduction pages in the future.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of careful image usage when promoting camera products.
Panasonic faced controversy when it was discovered that stock photos were used on the product site for its new LUMIX digital SLR camera, the 'DC-S9'. Panasonic issued a formal apology, acknowledging the inappropriate use of the images.
The DC-S9 is Panasonic's flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, announced on May 23rd in a press release with a release date of June 20th. This camera boasts exceptional high-resolution image quality and a compact, lightweight body.
However, around May 27th, photography enthusiasts pointed out that some of the images used on the Panasonic product site were identical or similar to those available on paid stock photo services.
For example, the new product feature introduction page included a photo of a running dog, which was found to be a work by an artist sold on the stock photo site Shutterstock. While the website included the description, "Even moving subjects are automatically focused with the evolved Real-Time Recognition AF," it was suggested that the photo might have been taken with a different camera.
Although the site included a note stating, "Images and illustrations are for illustrative purposes only," it was placed in an inconspicuous location. Some photography enthusiasts questioned whether the use of such photos constituted misleading advertising that exaggerated the actual performance of the camera.
In response, Panasonic apologized, stating, "The note indicating that the images used to explain the functions and features were not product photos was incorrectly placed in a location that users might not easily notice." Panasonic also stated that it intends to replace the controversial images as soon as possible.
Panasonic mentioned that it will improve its product introduction pages in the future based on this incident and strive to eliminate any potential for misunderstanding. This incident serves as a reminder for camera manufacturers to exercise greater caution when using images in their product promotion activities.