Roughly a week after releasing details to the rest of the world, Panasonic has unveiled its latest G-series camera, the DMC-G7 for the Australian market.
Angled view of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 camera. (Source: Panasonic.)
The new camera introduces 4K UHD video capabilities (3840 x 2160, 30p, 100Mbps) to the company’s mid-range CSC line-up, along with the latest image processing and focusing systems. The 4K Photo mode optimises settings such as shutter speed for sharp still images at 30 frames/second (fps), producing JPEG images that are printable at up to A3 size. In the 4K Pre-burst mode, the camera captures 30 fps before and after the shutter is released. Buffering enables the user to select the decisive moment from 60 frames. This mode is ideal for recording unpredictable actions like a child’s first steps or a lightning strike. Other 4K Burst modes include a mode that will record 30 fps for as long as the shutter is held down, for up to 29 minutes and 30 seconds and 4K Burst start/stop mode which can be used for longer periods of unpredictable action. Users simply press the shutter once to start burst shooting and press it again to stop.
The G7’s Contrast AF System features DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology for superior speed and accuracy, enabling a lock-on time of around 0.07 second. A new AF tracking algorithm can recognise the colour, size and motion vector of the target. Another new feature is the ‘Starlight AF’ function, which makes it easier to achieve focus in low light levels and is ideal for astrophotography and twilight long exposure shots.
The G7 is targeted at amateur photographers who are interested in shooting high-quality stills and movie clips. It features the same 16-megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor as used in the GF7 and the same quad-core Venus Engine image processor as used in the GH4. It also comes with a high-resolution OLED Live View Finder and a touch-screen LCD monitor. Front and rear programmable dials put key controls within easy reach and a dedicated drive dial gives quick access to 4K Photo recording. Eleven 11 programmable function buttons are provided.
Weighing just 410 grams (body, battery and SD card), the G7 is an ideal travel companion. Integrated Wi-Fi provides easy connectivity for camera control plus fast and simple image sharing. Panasonic will offer the G7 as a body-only for AU$899 (RRP), as a single lens kit with the H-FS1442A 14-42mm lens for AU$999, as a twin lens kit with the H-FS45150 45-150mm lens added for AU$1199 or as a zoon lens kit with the H-FS14140 14-140mm lens for AU$1499. All will go on sale in late June 2015. Visit http://www.panasonic.com/au/consumer/imaging/lumix-g-cameras.html for more information.
