Panasonic announces new TZ cameras and updated 100-300mm G-series lens

The new Lumix DMC-TZ100 camera. (Source: Panasonic.)

The new Lumix DMC-TZ100 camera introduces a large,1-inch MOS sensor with 20-megapixel resolution to Panasonic’s Travel Zoom, providing the potential for better low-light performance and improved image quality. It’s also the first in its series with the f/2.8-5.9 Leica DC lens, which has a versatile 10x zoom range of 25mm-250mm (35mm camera equivalent). The combination of sensor and Venus Engine processor enables the TZ100 to offer 4K video recording at a resolution of   3840 x 2160 pixels at 24 and 30 fps as well as high-resolution Full HD 1920 x 1080 60/50p videos, both in MP4 format. Panasonic’s 4K Photo function allows users to extract an 8-megapixel still from 4K video footage.

Another new addition is the Post-Focus feature, which allows users to choose the focal point of any picture, even after it’s taken. The TZ100’s 0.1s Light Speed Auto Focus and Depth from Defocus (DFD) capability combine to calculate the distance between the camera and the subject and capture optimal focus for 49 individual areas within each frame. Users can manually select the exact area to focus on and from a single photo export multiple shots with different focal points.

The Live View Finder (LVF) features 1,166,000-dot resolution, as well as LVF AF that detects when you’re about to take a shot. The camera also provides extensive manual controls including P, A, S and M shooting modes. Five-axis HYBRID O.I.S and Level Shot functions are also included, along with face and eye tracking AF. Continuous shooting is supported at up to 10 frames/second at full resolution ““ or five fps with AF. Full wireless control and remote photography is available via the Panasonic Image App.  

The new Lumix DMC-TZ60 camera. (Source: Panasonic.)

Panasonic’s just-announced Lumix DMC-TZ60 camera features a 6.17 x 4.55 mm High Sensitivity MOS sensor with a resolution of 18 megapixels coupled with a

 30x optical zoom (24-720mm) lens and a Venus Engine processor. Features shared with the TZ100 include the built-in 0.2-inch 1,166,000-dot Electronic View Finder, Wi-Fi and 4K video recording capability. The TZ60 also comes with five-axis HYBRID O.I.S stabilisation and Contrast Auto Focus with DFD Technology. Continuous shooting is supported at up to 10 frames/second at full resolution ““ or five fps with AF.

The new Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 ASPH. Telephoto-Zoom lens (H-RS100400) for Panasonic’s G-series cameras. (Source: Panasonic.)

Panasonic has also announced a new Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 ASPH. Telephoto-Zoom lens (H-RS100400) for its G-series cameras. Small, light and highly durable, it features built-in Power Optical Image Stabilisation (O.I.S.) and is weather-sealed to make it ideal for sports and wildlife photography. The optical design consists of 20 elements in 13 groups with a number of aspherical and extra low dispersion elements to assure best quality and minimise flare and ghosting. Nine diaphragm blades close to a circular aperture for smooth and beautiful bokeh. Autofocusing is driven by a fast and precise 240 fps AF-motor, which operates almost silently, making this lens ideal for recording video.

A compact, two-part tripod mount is included to enable faster conversion between landscape and portrait orientation. While conveniently and speedily turning to the 90 ° angle, the levers for Focus Limiting, Power O.I.S. and the manual focus switch remain accessible as they do not move when you turn the lens.

The new products have been scheduled for release within the first quarter of the year. Precise details of local release dates and pricing have still to be confirmed and will be posted on Panasonic’s website http://www.panasonic.com/au/consumer/lumix-cameras-video-cameras.html.