Panasonic today announced three new cameras: A new high-end Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens model, the Panasonic Lumix G85; the Panasonic FZ-2500, a superzoom compact with a built-in 20x zoom lens and 21.1MP 1-inch sensor, and the Lumix LX-10, a compact camera with a fast f/1.4-2.8 3x zoom lens and 20MP 1-inch sensor.
Panasonic Lumix G85
Leading today’s new products is the G85, a mirrorless camera that offers 4K video and a newly-developed in-body gyro sensor that offers 5-axis body stabilization. When used with a Lumix 2-axis optically stabilized lens, the result is nearly 5 stops of stabilization.
Key features:
- 16MP Four Thirds Live MOS sensor
- No low-pass filter
- 5-Axis Gyro Sensor
- 4K Video and Photo
- Rugged weather-sealed body
- Post focus lets you change focus after shooting image
- 9fps Burst Shooting
- ISO 100-25,600
- 2360k dot Live View Finder
Building on the success of the Panasonic DMC-G7, the Lumix G85 offers the same 4K video and 16MP sensor performance as its predecessor, but adds a ruggedized body and the aforementioned 5-Axis IS2 image stabilization. Since it is in-camera, the G85 provides image stabilization when using non-stabilized lenses.
Another key feature of the G85 is Panasonic’s exclusive Post-Focus technology, which was introduced last year first via firmware updates. This feature lets you select your focus point after you’ve taken the picture. Panasonic does this by doing incredibly fast focus bracketing sequences. You can then select Post Focus, and then tap any part of the screen that you want in focus, and the camera will snap into focus.
DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology instantly calculates distance to subject by evaluating two images with different sharpness levels, and this allows for 6 or 9 fps burst shooting. Increased buffer memory should reduce pauses when shooting sequences.
Other important features include 4K photo—you can select a single frame from a 4K video sequence shot at 30fps, extended battery life of 800-900 images with a power-saving eye-sensor that detects when your eye moves away from the viewfinder and automatically enters sleep mode, and a splash/dustproof body. A thick ergonomic grip makes it easy to hold the camera with one hand.
The shutter is quiet thanks to a new electromagnetic drive in the shutter unit. The shock caused by movement of the shutter diaphragm is dramatically reduced and the shutter sound is significantly minimized. Together with the use of a new solid magnesium front panel, shutter shock is reduced by approximately 90% compared with the LUMIX G7.
The Panasonic Lumix G85 is available from Adorama body only for $897.99 or in a kit with the 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Lumix G OIS lens for $997.99.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500
The Panasonic LUMIX FZ2500 is an advanced superzoom compact, ideal for travel and general photography, that offers a hybrid mix of photo and 4K video capture features. The FZ2500 is built around a large 1-inch 20.1 Megapixel sensor and bright 20X LEICA VARIO-ELMART F2.8-4.5 lens.
Videographers will enjoy features like “CINELIKE D” and “CINELIKE V” for cinema-like gradation, V-Log L upgradability, time code, live HDMI output (4:2:2/8 bit or 4:2:2/10 bit), lens ND filter controls, custom video GUI, and a system frequency selectable from 59.94 Hz (NTSC), 50.00 Hz (PAL), or 24.00 Hz (CINEMA). Combining all that with edit worthy MP4 (LPCM) and MOV, bit rates extended up to 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB), and no recording duration limit, and it’s a video producer’s dream camera.
Traditional photo enthusiast benefit from all this 4K video prowess because Panasonic’s 4K technology has changed photography for the better with new creative tools like 4K PHOTO, Focus Stacking, and Focus Stacking built-in.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 is available from Adorama for .
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10
Sleek and shirt-pocketable, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 also has a 1-inch, 20.1MP sensor, but is fronted by a fast 24-70mm f/1.4-2.8 Leica DC Vario-Summilux lens. Featuring 4K and 1080p video capture and an ISO range of 100-25,600, it also boasts 50fps still burst rate when shooting with the electronic shutter and 10fps with the mechanical one, and 6fps in continuous AF mode. UHD 4K video recording is also supported at 30p and 100 Mbps, along with Full HD 1080p/60, and the 4K capabilities further avail a trio of 4K Photo Modes for shooting 8MP stills at up to 30 fps.
Five-axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ image stabilization is also employed to reduce the appearance of camera shake when working in dim light, and built-in focus-stacking capabilities along with a Post Focus mode afford a pair of features to ensure sharply focused imagery. The compact body of the camera incorporates a 3.0″ 1.04m-dot LCD touchscreen, which tilts 180° upward for taking selfies. Built-in Wi-Fi is available too, for wireless image sharing and remote camera control from mobile devices.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 is available from Adorama for .
Finally, Panasonic announced today at their Photokina press conference that they are developing the GH5, successor to their current flagship camera, the GH4. Notable features will include 8K video, 33MP stills, and an all-new sensor. It is expected in the Spring of 2017.
