Panasonic will augment its Lumix G Micro System range with the addition of the DMC-G5 camera in late August and the release of a new Lumix G Vario 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. lens in October.
The Lumix DMC-G5 improves on existing models in the GSeries, offering higher resolution and an advanced Venus Engine image processor,driven by new algorithms. Featuring a 16.05megapixel Live MOS sensor it supports a fast continuous shooting speed of 6 frames/second at full resolution. It can also record 1920 x 1080/50p full HD video in AVCHD Progressive with stereo sound. The built-in microphone supports four levels of adjustment and the camera provides a wind-cut filter.
The Precision Contrast AF system works in conjunction with the existing ‘Light SpeedAF’ system to provide fast, responsive shooting with AFS (Single), AFF (Flexible), AFC (Continuous) and manual focusing available for shooting stills. Full-time AF and tracking AF are supported in movie mode. The 1.44 million dot LiveView Finder includes an adjustable eye sensor and can be used concurrently with the LCD, thanks to the new Touch Pad function. A ‘level Gauge’ is available for precise framing of shots and an illustrated Scene Guide is available to assistless experienced photographers.


Angled front and top views of the Lumix DMC-G5 with the new Lumix G Vario 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. lens. (Source: Panasonic.)
ISO sensitivity is adjustable in 1EV or 1/3EV steps betweenISO 160 and ISO 12800. Exposure compensation of +/- 5Ev is available in 1/3EV steps, along with AE and white balance bracketing. The adjustable 3-inch LCD monitor has a 3:2 aspect ratio and resolution of 920,000 dots. It shows the sensor’s entire field of view and provides seven levels of adjustment for brightness, contrast and saturation as well as red and blue tints.
Creative Control options include 14 filters: Soft Focus, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Colour, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect and Star Filter added to the Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia,High Dynamic and Miniature Effect. The effect parameter of each mode is also adjustable via anew Graphical User Interface (GUI) and menu tab. Adjustments can be previewed via Live View. The camera will also recommend filters based on the scene that the camera detects in iA or iA Plus mode.
The DMC-G5 includes five programmable function (Fn) buttons, enabling users to customise camera controls to suit their requirements. It also offers 2x and 4x digital zoom plus up to 2x Extra Tele Conversion for stillsand up to 4.8x for VGA movies. The camera body weighs 346 grams without battery and card or 491 when configured for shooting with the H-PS14042 kit lens.

The new Lumix G Vario 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S.lens (H-FS45150), shown above, offers a versatile zoom range of 45-150mm (equivalent to 90-300mm in 35mm format), making it ideal for sports and wildlife photography. Comprising 12 elements in 9 groups it includes two aspherical lenses plus one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index)lens and includes MEGA O.I.S. stabilisation. Seven aperture blades close to a circular iris diaphragm. Multi-coating minimises ghosting and flare.
Apertures range from f/4 (wide) of f/5.6 (tele) to f/22. The minimum focusing distance is 90 centimetres, with a maximum magnification of0.17x available. This lens measures 73mm in length with a diameter of 62mm and a weight of approximately 200 grams. It accepts 52 mm filters. Internal focusing maintains resolution and contrast across the entire focusing range. The inclusion of a stepping motor makes the focusing action smooth and silent foruse in both photo and video recording.
This lens will be released in black or silver to match the LumixG Micro System camera range. It is scheduled to go on sale in October. Pricing forboth products will be announced closer to the release date. Details can be foundat http://www.panasonic.com.au/Products/Lumix/Overview.