Also on show at Photokina is the DMC-FZ2500, which features a 20x optical zoom lens, a 1-inch 20.1 megapixel MOS sensor and professional-style Cinema 4K video recording.
Panasonic’s new FZ2500 camera. (Source: Panasonic.)
Scheduled for release in November at an RRP of AU$1699, the FZ2500 offers an alternative to a traditional 3-lens DSLR kit in a significantly lighter, smaller and more cost-effective package. Its Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens covers angles of view equivalent to 24-480mm in 35mm format. The new camera comes with a 2360K-dot OLED Live View Finder and a 3-inch 1040K-dot touch-control rear monitor that features a versatile tilting design. Built-in ND filters provide additional control over exposure levels with four settings: -2EV (1/4), -4EV (1/16), -6EV (1/64) and AUTOi, which are easily adjusted via a switch on the lens barrel. A coreless DC motor ensures smooth and stable zooming with image shift suppressed by 80% compared to the DMC-FZ1000, and improved focus tracking.
Video capabilities include the ability to record video in Cinema 4K resolution (4096 x 2160), at 24fps or 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) at up to 30fps in MOV/MP4; and Full HD at an ultra-high bit rate of 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB) with no limit on recording duration. Videos can be recorded in the MOV, MP4 and AVCHD file formats and professionals who travel and work in different countries can switch recording frequencies between 50Hz, 60Hz and 24Hz. The camera also provides live image output to an external monitor in up to 4:2:2/10-bit via an optional micro HDMI cable. Microphone and headphone jacks allow external devices to be fitted to improve and monitor audio recordings.
Panasonic offers a suite of professional video effects. VFR (variable frame rate) recording lets the user produce creative and expressive videos using techniques such as over-cranking for slow-motion and under-cranking for quick-motion, all in Full HD. Slow or Quick motion is operated at a press of a button, with 50% slow motion (120 fps) or 200% quick motion (30 fps) while recording at 60 fps. Dolly Zoom offers the classic unsettling dramatic effect of pulling the camera angle away from the subject while the lens zooms in, or vice versa. Time Lapse/Stop Motion Animation video is available in-camera. The FZ2500 is also compatible with the GH4’s V-Log L video recording software upgrade. When purchased, this offers exceptional flexibility as well as a wider dynamic range for color grading in the post-production process.
Panasonic’s latest suite of 4K Photo and Post Focus capabilities are easily accessed direct from the drive dial. 4K Pre-Burst mode shoots 30 frames per second before and after the shutter is released to capture the defining shot. ‘Batch Save’ stores an entire Burst sequence of up to 150 frames with one press of a button. Post Focus now includes Focus Stacking, which allows the user to refocus the shot after they’ve taken it, or combine focus points to achieve complete foreground to background focus. The camera’s 12.8 x 9.6 mm, 20.1 megapixel MOS sensor makes it possible to capture clear images with minimal noise at high ISO sensitivity. Panasonic’s high speed AF with Depth from Defocus technology minimises focusing lag and supports high speed burst shooting at 12 fps (AFS) / 7 fps (AFC), with a buffer of up to 100 (JPEG) or 30 (RAW) images.
For more information, visit http://www.panasonic.com.au/.
