Panasonic Announces New Cameras and Lens

 Panasonic’s new Lumix DMC-G6. (Source: Panasonic.)

The Lumix DMC-G6 has been designed for SLR enthusiasts looking for a smaller camera. Similar in size to the G5 model, it features a 16.05-megapixel LIVE MOS image sensor, the latest Venus Engine image processor and Light Speed AF system with improved focusing accuracy in low lighting. Ready to shoot just 0.5 sec after start-up, the G6 boasts a bright 1,440k-dot OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) Live View Finder and an enhanced articulated monitor that uses In-Cell Touch technology to improve readability.

Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for smart-phone control increases connectivity and flexibility in different shooting situations. A built-in flash (GN 10 ISO160・m / GN 8 ISO100・m) is also included.

The G6 can also record smooth and cinema-like Full HD 50p AVCHD Progressive video movies with stereo sound. Creative functions include Creative Panorama, Time Lapse Shot, Stop Motion Animation and Clear Retouch, as well as the popular Creative Control mode with 19 filter effects. The LUMIX DMC-G6 will be available in Australia in black from July. Pricing will be announced closer to the release date.  

The new Lumix G VARIO 14-140mm    f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. lens. (Source: Panasonic.)

A new super zoom lens, the Lumix G VARIO 14-140mm    f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. (H-FS14140), will be added to Panasonic’s line-up in July. Complying with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, it covers focal lengths equivalent to 28-280mm in 35mm format and features a compact and lightweight design that will suit travellers. The optical design consists of four elements in 12 groups and features three aspherical lenses and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses. Multi-coated lens elements minimise flare and ghosting and seven diaphragm blades close to a rounded aperture for attractive bokeh.

POWER O.I.S. stabilisation effectively compensates for small, fast movements as well as large, slow movements, enabling it to be used effectively in poorly-lit situations. An inner focus drive system based upon a stepping motor ensures smooth, silent operation for photo and video recording. It is also compatible with the sensor drive at max. 240 fps to take maximum advantage of cameras with high-speed AF such as the DMC-GH3 and the new DMC-G6. Pricing will be announced closer to the release date.

The slim Lumix DMC-LF1 is designed for photo enthusiasts. (Source: Panasonic.)

The Lumix DMC-LF1, the first camera in Panasonic’s new LF Series of compact digicams for photo enthusiasts. Featuring a fast f/2.0 Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens with a 7.1x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 28-200mm) and a 1/1.7-inch type (7.6 x 5.7 mm), 12.1-megapixel  High Sensitivity MOS Sensor, the LF1 comes with a convenient 0.2 inch Electronic Viewfinder with 200,000-dot resolution and 100% field-of-view coverage. The 3.0-inch, 920,000-dot Intelligent LCD has a wide viewing angle and features automatic brightness adjustment in 7 steps.

Manual control is provided via a Control Ring, which enables direct control over frequently-used settings  like zooming, aperture, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity and Creative Control and Creative Panorama settings.   A composition guide, which can be accessed via the LCD or EVF, offers a choice of Rule of Thirds Offset, Diagonal Lines, Tunnel, Radiation1, Radiation2 and S-shape framing guides. The built-in Level Gauge  can display the horizontal / vertical angle of view while shooting and displays sense if the camera is tilted forwards or back.

Creative Control and Creative Retouch settings offer a total of 15 filter effects: Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Star Filter, Cross Process, Soft Focus, One Point Color and Old Days. Creative Control lets users apply a filter effect while shooting, while Creative Retouch allows effects to be applied in-camera afterwards. The LF1 also features Wi-Fi connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology enabling users to connect the camera to their smart-phone/tablet at a touch. Still and movie shooting can be controlled remotely from the smart-phone screen.   Setup is extremely quick and easy. The camera’s battery can also be recharged via AC or USB according to the user’s preference.

The Lumix DMC-LF1 will be available in Australia in July, with colour choices of black and white. Pricing will be announced closer to the release date. Details of the new products will be posted on Panasonic’s website at http://www.panasonic.com.au/Products/Lumix+digital+cameras/Overview.