Panasonic has announced the development of two new lenses for M4/3 cameras plus a new ‘Post Focus’ technology that will enable photographers to create a number of different pictures from a single shot.
The up-coming Leica DG 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 telephoto zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds system cameras. (Source: Panasonic.)
The new Leica DG 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 telephoto zoom lens is the first of its type based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. Covering angles of view equivalent to 200-800mm in 35mm format, it has a rugged splash and dustproof design for field use and is very portable. When mounted on Lumix G cameras, this lens is compatible with the sensor drive at 240 fps to take advantage of the high-speed, high-precision AF (Auto Focus) with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology. When combined with the POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser), users can focus on the subject quickly to capture crisp, clear images. Pricing and availability for the new lens has not yet been announced.
Panasonic has also unveiled a new Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 prime lens, also for M4/3 cameras. Ideal for everyday shooting, it covers subjects from portraits to indoor shots or casual snapshots, and will be available in a choice of silver or black to match G Series cameras. This lens is compatible with the sensor drive at 240fps to take advantage of the high-speed, high-precision AF (Auto Focus) with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology. Pricing and availability have yet to be announced.
Panasonic’s new ‘Post Focus’ technology is being designed to expand creativity for Lumix cameras by enabling users to easily select their preferred in-focus area from their images, and create a number of different pictures from a single shot. The new ‘Post Focus’ mode will work in conjunction with the capabilities of Panasonic’s high-speed, high-precision DFD (Depth From Defocus) autofocus technology, and 4K Photo mode, which allows 4K Burst shooting for up to 30 frames per second continuously for up to 30 minutes. In this mode, the camera quickly shifts the lens to set focus on approximately 50iv areas. After taking the shot, users can then select one or more frames from the 4K Burst series where the different points of focus make interesting images.
Panasonic will introduce this Post Focus function for the first time via a firmware update for the Lumix DMC-GX8, DMC-FZ300 and other selected models in late 2015 to early 2016, and will look at plans to integrate it in future Lumix cameras.
