Panasonic Announces New Mirrorless And Compact Cameras, Revamps Lenses

Written by Adorama
|
Published on January 4, 2017
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5
Adorama
Adorama ALC

Panasonic today introduced two interchangeable-lens micro-four-thirds format G-series cameras, the pro-oriented Panasonic Lumix GH5 and selfie- and travel-friendly Panasonic Lumix GX85 a long-range zoom point-and-shoot model named the Panasonic Lumix FZ80. The electronics giant has also revamped its interchangeable lens lineup, introducing five second-generation zoom lenses covering focal lengths from 12mm to 300mm featuring advanced image stabilization and rugged construction.

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5

Panasonic upgraded its flagship interchangeable-lens camera, replacing the GH4 with the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5, a pro-grade camera featuring 4K video capture, a 20MP Four Thirds sensor, and access to over 28 Lumix and Leica lenses. Ruggedly built, the camera is said to have up to five stops of image stabilization with compatible lenses, fast AF, and the highest resolution eye-level EVF viewfinder on the market.

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 Key Features:
  • 4K Video at up to 60fps
  • 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording
  • 5-axis photo/video Image Stabilization
  • 480fps DFD Focusing system
  • Full-Size HDMI terminal with cable lock, twin SD card slots
  • 3.5mm mic & headphone jacks
  • 3680-dot OLED EVF viewfinder
  • Focus Stacking and post-focus
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • Rugged magnesium alloy full die-cast armor body, weather-proof

The Panasonic GH5 is built like a tank—it is freezeproof to -10 degrees, as well as splash and dustproof, with weather sealing on every joint, dial, and button. It is built on a magnesium alloy full die-cast armor chassis, which is both lighweight and rugged. The shutter is rated for 200,000 clicks, and has a fast 1/8000 second maximum shutter speed.

The camera hosts a 20.3MP Live MOS sensor, and Panasonic has removed the low-pass filter for higher dynamic range and fewer artifacts. A new Venus Engine 10 processor is said to produce outstanding color detail, and the multipixel luminance generation and intelligent detail processing are said to render intense brightness and contrast.

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5

A Video Pro

The GH5 records 4K video at 60 and 50p in MOV or MP4 formats. The faster frame rates promote better motion compensation, promotes perfect panning, and suppresses rolling shutter effect. It also gives you the option to slow down the footage. Even better: There’s no recording time limit (other than the capacity of the SD card you’re using).

The GH5 offers internal 4:2:2 10-bit 4K video recording. For example, 10-bit will render all the subtleties of graduated skies and sunsets without the banding so prone to 8-bit. The power of having film creation capabilities inside the camera sets a new precedent in guerilla-style filmmaking. You can record 4:2:2 10-bit to SD card and simultaneously feed the live signal thru a full-size HDMI port connected to an external monitor or recorder.

4:2:2 10-bit recording enables faithful color and grading fidelity with over a billion colors and four times the tonality of 8-bit. It is suitable for professional video making that requires accurate monitoring of the imagery or high quality recording to external codec devices (such as Pro Res).

VFR lets you record videos with dramatic slow motion or unique quick motion in 4K (60fps max.2.5x slower) or Full HD (180fps max.7.5x slower) quality, such as 180 fps / 7.5x. The Focus Transition function automatically shifts the focus point at a constant speed for precise in-focus to out-focus points.

The LUMIX GH5 is capable of 4:2:2 10-bit real-time image output to an external monitor or recorder via an optional HDMI cable (full size Type A), while simultaneously providing an internal 4:2:2 10-bit recording. Users can also shoot with unlimited burst, then choose and extract specific frames. The new 6K PHOTO mode at 30fps allows you to capture the perfect moments at 18-megapixel resolution.

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5

Focusing Fantastic

Post Focus and Focus Stacking are two features that work in tandem that bring cutting-edge focusing to the GH5’s still image capture capabilities. Post focus lets you focus after you’ve taken the shot. Simply capture the scene, review the image and touch the part of the photo you’d like pin sharp. Set and save. Focus Stacking lets you adjust the focus area after shooting by blending multiple images taken at different focus distances to vary the depth of field after the fact.

Panasonic’s innovative DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology allows the LUMIX GH5 to calculate focal lens movement by comparing depth of field values of two images at incredibly high speed. By combining the AF drive with a maximum read speed of 480 fps, Panasonic says the GH5 can achieve ultra-high-speed Auto Focus in up to 0.05 seconds and 9 fps burst shooting with AFC (12 fps burst shooting with AFS). A newly adopted motion detector accurately tracks fast moving subjects, and enables smooth 4K photo/video & 6K photo recording.

The camera has 225 focus points—a substantial increase from its predecessor’s 49—and a joystick controller that you move around to select focus blocks within the focus area overlay. Custom AF settings let you adjust AF directionality depending on the shooting scene. They Joystick mentioned above adds new control in addition to front and rear dial operation.

Steady Shooter

The camera’s 5-axis Dual IS is claimed to offer up to 5 stops of slower shutter speeds, even when using telephoto leneses, as long as those lenses are compatible. Even with non-IS lenses, the camera will correct for shake, albeit with a more limited range.

The Panasonic DC-GH5 will be available from Adorama for (body only).

Panasonic DC-GX850

Panasonic Lumix DC-GX850

Lightweight and ideal for travel and selfies, the Panasonic GX850 offers 16MP stills and 4K video resolution and access to over 28 Lumix and Leica compact lenses. It has cutting-edge features such as Post Focus and Focus Stacking so you can expand the depth of field and re-set focus after the fact, and has a 180-degree flip-up LCD monitor that can face front for selfies. Available in a kit with the 12-32mm Lumix Mega IOS image stabilization lens, it is said to have fast and accurate autofocus and image stabilization up to five stops.

Panasonic GX850 Key Features:
  • 4K Video in 30fps bursts
  • 180-degree tiltable LCD monitor
  • 16MP Four-Thirds sensor
  • Post-focus mode
  • Wi-Fi

Panasonic Lumix DC-GX850

Travel Companion

Measuring only 4.2×2.5×1.3 inches and weighing around half a pound, the Panasonic GX850 is designed as an ideal travel companion. It can handle low light thanks to its extensive image stabilization capabilities, and its 22 custom filters give users creative options when capturing the scenes, and the ISO range of 100-25,600 is great for a wide range of shooting situations. The 3-inch, 1040k resolution touch-control monitor offers good preview capabilities.

The camera has a 1,728-zone multipattern metering system with center-weighted and spot metering options available, so your chances for getting the right exposure in auto mode is very good. Another great feature is the ability to actually change the focus point in an image after the fact, using Post Focus mode.

Panasonic Lumix DC-GX850

Super for Selfies

The LCD monitor flips up and over the top of the camera so you can compose selfies. Selfie autofocus waits for you to get into the picture, and buddy AF waits for a second face before automatically triggering the shutter release. A Panorama Selfie mode puts you in the middle of scenic vistas, and you can share your selfies and travel pictures online directly from the camera via Wi-Fi social sharing.

The Panasonic DC-GH850 will be available in Black and Silver from Adorama for .

Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80

Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80

Panasonic’s final new camera offering for this year’s CES is the all-in-one FZ80, featuring a 60x zoom lens that starts at the equivalent of 20mm, for a long wide-to-ultra-tele zoom range ending at the equivalent of 1200mm. It captures 4K video, as well as simultaneous still image capture. It is said to have impressive low-light image quality and offers post-focus, which lets you set your focus point after the photo has been taken. Focus stacking lets you adjust depth of field after the fact.

Panasonic FZ80 key features:
  • 4K video
  • 18MP sensor
  • Optically stabilized 20-120mm (35mm equivalent) lens
  • WiFi connectivity
  • 1170k dot resolution touchscreen LCD monitor

The Panasonic DC-FZ80 will be available from Adorama for .

5 New Lenses

Panasonic also announced five new Micro Four Thirds-mount lenses for its lineup of G-series mirrorless compacts.

Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ASPH

anasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ASPH

A pro-quality lens, the 12-60mm is ruggedly built and designed to operate in difficult weather conditions. Its 35mm equivalent focal length is 24-120mm. Its optical image stabilization provides up to 5 stops of low-light exposure when used on the latest G-series cameras with Dual IS 2.0 technology. It features 2 ED and 1 UED-coated lenses using Panasonic’s Nano Surface coating. It is dust and splashproof and operates down to -10 degrees C.

The Panasonic Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ASPH will be available from Adorama for .

Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II ASPH

Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II ASPH

Also pro-quality, the 12-35mm features a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and a 35mm equivalent range of 24-70mm. It is dust and splashproof and operates down to -10 degrees C. This new version offers improved image stabilization when used with Panasonic cameras with Dual IS 2.0 technology. It features 2 ED and 1 UED-coated lenses using Panasonic’s Nano Surface coating.

The Panasonic Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH will be available from Adorama for .

Panasonic Lumix X Vario G 35-100mm f/2.8 II ASPH

Panasonic Lumix X Vario G 35-100mm f/2.8 II ASPH

Designed for pro use, the Panasonic 35-100mm features a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and a 35mm equivalent range of 70-200mm. It is dust and splashproof and operates down to -10 degrees C. It features 2 ED and 1 UED-coated lenses using Panasonic’s Nano Surface coating. This new version offers improved image stabilization when used with Panasonic cameras with Dual IS 2.0 technology.

The Panasonic Lumix X Vario G 35-100mm f/2.8 II ASPH will be available from Adorama for .

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II

Designed for use on all G-series Panasonic cameras, the Panasonic 45-200mm lens offers the equivalent focal range of a 90-400mm lens on a 35mm camera. It is splash- and dust-proof (new features not found on its predecessor), and is compatible with 5-Axis Dual IS 2.0 image stabilization-equipped Panasonic interchangeable-lens cameras for improved image stability.

The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II will be available from Adorama for .

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II

Finally, Panasonic has also updated its 100-300mm lens, adding splash- and dust-proof protection, and compatibility with 5-Axis Dual IS 2.0 image stabilization-equipped Panasonic interchangeable-lens cameras for improved image stability. It features a 35mm equivalent focal range of 200-600mm.

The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II will be available from Adorama for .

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