Panasonic has just released details of its latest M4/3 camera, the DC-G9, along with a compatible 200mm f/2.8 prime lens.
Panasonic’s latest G-series camera, the DC-G9, shown with the 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 (H-ES12060E) Leica kit lens. (Source: Panasonic.)
The new Lumix G9 camera has been designed for photo enthusiasts and is particularly attractive to outdoor photographers. Weighing only 579 grams (without battery, cards or lens), it has a weather-proof body and dual SD UHS-II Card slots that conform with the with UHS-I and UHS-II UHS Speed Class 3 standards. The camera can be charged via USB and also operate while running off a portable USB power bank, a useful facility for time lapse shooting (which is supported). A Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy connection and secure 5GHz Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11ac) enable remote control and sharing with other devices plus faster data transmission.
Other features include continuous shooting at up to 20 fps with continuous autofocusing or 60 fps with focus and exposure locked on the first frame. Five-axis Dual I.S. 2 technology provides up to 6.5-stops of shake compensation, while the camera can also combine multiple frames in an 80-megapixel High Resolution mode.
The G9 will be available in Australia in January 2018 from photographic specialists and consumer electronics retailers. at an RRP of AU$2499 for the body alone or $3499 for the Leica kit with the 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 (H-ES12060E) lens. A Pro kit with the 12-35mm f2.8 (H-HSA12035E) lens will also be available for AU$3499.
Check out our detailed First Look article.
The new Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8 POWER OIS (H-ES200) lens. (Source: Panasonic.)
Announced concurrently with the DC-G9 camera is a new telephoto prime lens, the Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8 POWER OIS (H-ES200). Designed for use on the G9, it combines superior speed and low light performance with a lightweight design. Offering a focal length equivalent to 400mm on a 35mm camera, it is ideal for wildlife or sports photography. A 1.4x Teleconverter (DMW-TC14) is bundled with the lens; and the H-ES200 can also be used with the optional 2.0x Teleconverter (DMW-TC20) to extend focal length to 800mm (35mm equivalent).
The optical design consists of 15 elements in 13 groups, including two UED (Ultra Extra-low Dispersion) lenses. Nano Surface Coating is applied to minimise ghosting and flare. Autofocusing is driven by a triple linear motor system, making this lens compatible with the Lumix G sensor drive at 240 fps to take advantage of Panasonic’s high-speed, high-precision Depth From Defocus (DFD) focusing system and support the precise focusing required for 4K video.
The DMW-TC14 teleconverter contains six elements in four groups and provides a magnification of 1.4x. It boasts a similar weatherproof design to the 200mm f/2.8 lens and has a diameter of 58 mm, an overall length of 22 mm and weight of approximately 120 grams. It comes with front and rear caps and a dedicated storage bag.
The H-ES200 features a rugged dust and splash-proof design for field use and is freeze-proof down to -10 degrees Celsius. The new lens, which has a metallic black finish, will be available from photographic specialists in Australia in January 2017 at an RRP of AU$4299. Visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600 for further information.
SPECS:
Picture angle: 6.2 degrees
Minimum aperture: f/22
Lens construction: 15 elements in 13 groups (including 2 UED lens elements)
Lens mounts: Micro Four Thirds
Diaphragm Blades: 9 (circular aperture)
Focus drive: Triple linear motor system
Stabilisation: POWER O.I.S.
Minimum focus: 1.15 metres
Maximum magnification: 0.2x
Filter size: 77 mm
Dimensions (Diameter x L): 87.5 x 174 mm
Weight: 1245 grams
Standard Accessories: Lens front and end caps, lens hood, DMW-TC14 (1.4x teleconverter), external tripod mount, lens storage bag
