Panasonic has developed the LUMIX GH5, a new Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) camera that is capable of recording 4K 60p/50p, and also extracts approx.18-megapixel still images from ultra-high-quality video with approx. 9 times the pixel count of Full-HD.
The new LUMIX GH5 is currently in development and is scheduled for commercialization and introduction to the global market in early 2017.
Panasonic also today announced the DMC-G85 (G85) rugged-design DSLM camera, the LUMIX FZ2500 and the LUMIX LX10 compact digital cameras.
LUMIX GH5 Featuring '6K PHOTO'
In 2014, Panasonic introduced the DMC-GH4, which realized 4K 30p/25p video recording. At the same time, Panasonic proposed a new and unique method of photography called '4K PHOTO' which allows users to capture fleeting photographic moments by using super-fast 4K resolution video frames at 30 fps that can be saved as high-quality photos.
By advancing Panasonic technologies, such as digital signal processing and heat dissipation, and packing them into the compact body of a Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera, the LUMIX GH5 enables 4K 60p/50p and 4:2:2 10-bit 4K video recording, which has never before been achieved.
In the LUMIX GH5, the conventional '4K PHOTO' function is advanced to form '6K PHOTO' which lets the user cut a still image out of ultra-high-quality approx.18-megapixel video with approx. 9 times the pixel count than Full-HD. Taking advantage of its high-speed, long-time burst shooting capability, spur-of-the-moment shots can be saved in photos with higher resolution that complies with larger-sized printing by increasing the resolution from approx.8-megapixel (4K PHOTO) to approx.18-megapixel (6K PHOTO). Furthermore, approx.8-megapixel 4K Photo images can be captured at 60 fps.
The LUMIX GH5 goes on show at Photokina 2016, which will be held at Koelnmesse, Germany, through 20-25 September in 2016, together with the new LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 Lens Series.The LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 Lens Series includes a new 12-60mm standard zoom lens, 8-18mm wide zoom lens and 50-200mm telephoto zoom lens that will be showcased as a reference exhibit at the Panasonic booth.
LUMIX G85
Also announced today a new rugged-design DSLM camera, as the latest member of the LUMIX G Series.
The 5-axis Dual I.S. (Image Stabilizer) is further advanced in the new LUMIX G85 as the new "5-axis Dual I.S. 2," boasting even more effective suppression against blurring. By adopting a new gyro sensor, the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) and B.I.S. (Body Image Stabilizer, 5-axis) are finely controlled to take maximum advantage of both stabilization systems. Panasonic says that users can enjoy blur-free photo and video shooting not only in wide angle but also in telephoto, even in low light situations. Plus, the adoption of a new shutter unit and magnesium front panel reduces shutter shock by approx. 90% to suppress even the slightest level of shake.
Users can capture photo opportunities at 30 fps in 8-megapixel equivalent resolution to save as a 4K PHOTO. The Contrast AF System features DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology and is exchanging digital signals between the camera and the lens at max. 240 fps, resulting in auto focusing of approx. 0.07 sec. The burst shooting performance is also improved to achieve 9 fps (AFS) / 6 fps (AFC) up to 300 (JPEG) / 45 (RAW ) images or more.
To be tough enough to withstand even heavy field use, the LUMIX G85 features a rugged design and splash / dustproof construction. It integrates an OLED LVF (Live View Finder) with 2360K-dot high resolution in approx. 1.48x / 0.74x (35mm camera equivalent) magnification capability. The free-angle 3.0-inch large, approx. 1040K-dot touch-control monitor with approx.100% field of view makes shooting in high and low angles easier.
The G85 uses a 16.0-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor without Low Pass filter and a new Venus Engine to achieve high resolution images in detail with high contrast and max. ISO 25,600 high sensitivity.
The LUMIX G85 is capable of serious video recording, too. It records 4K video in 3840x2160 at 30p (60Hz) or 24p in MP4. The LUMIX G85 is also capable of real-time image output to the external monitor/recorder via HDMI simultaneously while recording video. The 3.5mm microphone jack provides high quality audio recording with an external microphone.
The G85 will be available in October at www.shop.panasonic.com and Panasonic's channel partners for $999.99 with a 12-60mm lens and $899.99 body only.
LUMIX FZ2500 - a Hybrid Compact Digital Camera with 1-inch MOS Sensor
Panasonic is introducing a new LUMIX compact digital camera DMC-FZ2500 (FZ2500) that boasts high performance in both photography and videography.
The newly developed 20x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens serves as the eye of the camera. An inner zoom structure enhances the stability of the lens to offer smooth zooming much like a professional camcorder. By combining the built-in ND filters, 4 setting modes of ND filter are available with direct switch operation: -2EV(1/4), -4EV(1/16), -6EV(1/64) and AUTO. Users can record videos while keeping the exposure level the same with a fixed shutter speed or with a fully open aperture even in high brightness. Iris control with a nine-blade aperture diaphragm and new galvanometer-type actuator is also equipped.
The new LUMIX FZ2500 supports unlimited 4K video recording (Cinema 4K: 4096x2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840x2160 / up to 30 fps) in MOV/MP4. The LUMIX FZ2500 is also capable of recording Full-HD videos with a bit rate of 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB) without any recording duration limit. Users can freely choose the format from MOV, MP4, AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD at a variety of frame rates according to the application. For global business by professional users, the system frequency can be flexibly selected from 59.94 Hz (23.98 Hz) / 50.00 Hz / 24.00 Hz. The LUMIX FZ2500 is also capable of live image output to the external monitor via an optional micro HDMI cable simultaneously while recording video.
The 1-inch 20.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor lets the user capture images with minimum noise even when shooting at a high ISO. The Venus Engine features multiple noise reduction systems to achieve high color reproduction and high image quality with detail.
The LUMIX FZ2500 also packs the Contrast AF System feturing the DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology, resulting in auto focusing of approx. 0.09 sec. The burst shooting performance is also improved to achieve 12 fps (AFS) / 7 fps (AFC), for up to max.100 (JPEG) / 30 (RAW) images. Taking advantage of 4K technology, users can capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps to save as a 4K PHOTO.
The LUMIX FZ2500 features an OLED LVF (Live View Finder) with 2360K-dot equivalent high resolution with approx.2.18x / 0.74x (35mm camera equivalent in 4:3) magnification capability. The free-angle 3.0-inch approx.1040K-dot touch-control monitor with approx. 100% field of view makes shooting easier.
Wi-Fi connectivity lets users connect the camera to smartphone or tablet.
The FZ2500 will be available in December for $1199.99.
LUMIX LX10 with 20-megapixel 1-inch Sensor and F1.4 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX Lens
The new LUMIX LX10 compact camera boasts the newly developed F1.4 high-speed LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens and an 1-inch High Sensitivity MOS Sensor with 20.1-megapixel resolution.
The LUMIX LX10's LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens features a fast F1.4-2.8 aperture (35mm camera equivalent: 24-72mm) with an aperture ring that allows direct control of the aperture. Macro shots with detail can be taken with a minimum working distance of 3 cm.
The combination of the High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and a Venus Engine achieves a maximum ISO 12,800 high sensitivity recording. For even faster response and higher mobility, the LUMIX LX10 boasts an AF with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology, which shortens the focusing time. It calculates the distance to the subject by evaluating two images with different sharpness levels at a high 240 fps signal exchange speed. As a result, the LUMIX LX10 achieves an AF of approx. 0.12 sec. The LUMIX LX10 offers high-speed burst shooting at 10 fps (AFS) / 6 fps (AFC).
The LUMIX LX10 records QFHD 4K videos in 3840x2160 at 30p(60Hz) or 24p in MP4. It also integrates a 180-degree tiltable 1,040K-dot rear monitor with touch-control system.
The 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ (Optical Image Stabilizer Plus) offers a versatile angle of view while suppressing handshake in both photo and video recording. The LUMIX LX10 also includes Wi-Fi connectivity .
The LX10 will be available in November for $699.99.