Panasonic today released a new flagship Micro Four Thirds-format camera that they claim will capture 80MP-resolution images by recording 8 photos in rapid succession on its 20.3MP sensor then combining them into a single 80MP image. In addition to this High-Resolution mode, Panasonic Lumix G9 boasts nearly instant focus lock, fast shutter speed, up to 6 stops of image stabilization, and dual SD slots. Panasonic also announced a new 200mm f/2.8 Leica DG Elmarit pro lens with a 1.4x tele-extender included.
Panasonic Lumix G9 Key Features
- 20.3 Megapixel sensor
- 80 Megapixel high-resolution mode for RAW and JPEG combined images
- 0.04 sec focus lock claimed
- 60fps electronic shutter release; 20fps mechanical shutter
- 3,680k dot EVF w/120fps refresh rate covers 100% of view
- Dual IS claimed 6-stop improvement in low light
- Dual UHS-II SD card slots
- Lighted status LCD
In addition to it’s “wow” factor (the 80MP High Resolution mode), the G9 offers several improvements designed to attract high-end still photographers and videographers. A Joystick Controller on the back of the camera can be used to select focus blocks inside the focusing area grid overlay. A new 225-Area AF focus detection area massively increased from 49 (conventional Lumix G cameras) to 225 points. The Custom Multi AF mode enables free selection of blocks inside the 225 focusing area. A large3,680k-dot OLED Live View Finder (LVF) reduces eye-strain. It has 0.83x magnification, which Panasonic says is the largest to date. The 21mm eye point distance makes it a good choice for people who wear glasses. Viewfinder coverage can be switched from 0.7x to 0.77x or 0.83x.
No great shakes
The 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2.0 (Image Stabilizer) intelligent compensation is said to yield the equivalent of 6.5-stops handheld with slower shutter speeds. Shake is nearly eliminated in both body and lens even at during telephoto shooting. Panasonic says this works in both photo and video recording, including 4K video. Even lenses not equipped with Optical Image Stabilizers (O.I.S.) can benefit from the LUMIX G9’s in-body image stabilization. This makes the G9 a wise choice for low-light shooting.
Other features include a big status LCD, which confirms camera settings, a nice convenience when setting adjustments and keeping the view in the viewfinder and rear monitor clear of distractions.
Dual SD card slots allow for larger capacity recording and efficient file arrangement. Relay recording allows for swapping a full card out for an empty card for virtually endless recording. A backup mode allows continuous recording on one card, while starting and stopping recording on the other card. Simultaneous record duplicates recording on both cards.
Take me to the movies
Outstanding video performance with high-precision, silky smooth 4K 60p recording. Plus high-speed video recording yields a dramatic slow motion effect in 4K (60 fps max. 2x slower [30p playback]) or Full HD (180 fps max. 6x slower [30p playback]) quality.
Customizable camera
The G9 offers a variety of customization options. A Fn (Function) lever lets you quickly switch between precise custom settings. Great for instantly changing from RAW to JPEG, or shooting while switching between color and monochrome. Customizable AF allow you to adjust settings, adjust AF directionality depending on the scene. Users can also create custom selectable AF zones.
If focus is critical, the G9 has AF Point Scope, which enlarges the subject temporarily by 3x to 10x for confirmation of the focusing position. The camera supports Bluetooth 4.0, and the high-performance shutter is rated for 200,000 releases, and can achieve up to 1/8000 sec exposure time—fast enough to let users choose a wide aperture for a more “medium format” look to their photos.
The Lumix G9 is rugged for heavy pro use. It is freezeproof down to -10 degrees, and is splash- and dust-proof with weather sealing on every dial, joint, and button. The body is built from rugged magnesium alloy full diecast armor.
Pricing and Availability
The Panasonic Lumix G9 camera body will be available for starting in January. Pre-orders are being accepted by Adorama now. Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and credit cards will not be charged until orders are shipped.
Panasonic 200mm f/2.8 ASPH Leica DG Elmarit Lens
Panasonic also introduced a pro-level fast telephoto prime lens, the 200mm f/2.8 ASPH Leica DG Elmarit, developed for the Lumix G series of Micro Four Thirds Cameras. It is said to be uncompromisingly sharp with minimal lenear or chromatic distortion. Designed for sports and wildlife photography, it pairs with the Panasonic 1.4X teleconverter DMW-TC14, which is included in the box.
Key features:
- 15 elements, 13 groups
- Nano Surface Coating
- Power OIS optical stabilization
- Rugged construction
- 9-blade aperture, rounded surface
- Aperture range f/2.8-22
- 77mm filter size
- Rugged construction
The lens is contstructed of 15 elements in 13 groups that include ultra extra-low dispersion lenses to correct for chromatic aberrations, and a nano surface coating to eliminate ghosting and flaring. Built-in Optical Image Stabilization reduces camera shake in low light. The lens is splash-, dust-, and freezeproof, and is protected against sand and rain. Video support provides smooth aperture changes, so there are no sudden jumps in exposure, and a silent design improves audio recording. Impressive AF performance makes it an excellent choice for 4K video, where precise focusing is essential.
The Panasonic 200mm f/2.8 ASPH Leica DG Elmarit Lens will be available from Adorama in January for , but can be pre-ordered now and will ship on a first-come, fisrt-served basis. Credit cards are not charged until orders are shipped.
