Panasonic has announced an up-coming addition to its LUMIX G camera range, the DMC-GX7, which features an integrated high resolution viewfinder and an optical image stabiliser built into the camera body.
Front views of Panasonic’s latest LUMIX G-series camera, the DMC-GX7, showing the silver (top ) and black versions, each without a lens. (Source: Panasonic.)
Designed to appeal to enthusiasts, the GX7 is the most technically sophisticated model to date and leads the G Series in imaging capability. Its rangefinder-style body cast in durable magnesium alloy with a classic silver and black, or all black design. Highlights include a new 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine processor that combine to produce high image quality with significantly reduced noise and support a maximum sensitivity of ISO 25600. The new sensor also delivers excellent video quality, with smooth results from Full HD 1920 x 1080 50p recording in AVCHD Progressive and MP4 with stereo sound.
Each photodiode in the sensor has been enlarged through use of Semiconductor Fine Technology to improve colour saturation by 10%. The on-chip lens design improves light concentration to achieve 10% higher sensitivity. Noise generation is further minimised in both the pixel circuit and the digital signal readout circuit to boost signal to noise ratio by approximately 25%.
Back view of the DMC-GX7, silver version. (Source: Panasonic.)
Another stand-out feature is the integrated 90-degree tiltable ‘Live View Finder’ (EVF), which has a resolution of 2,764,000 dots and delivers almost perfect colour reproduction. The 1,040,000-dot high resolution static-type 3.0-inch touch monitor tilts up by 80 degrees and down by 45 degrees. A new In Cell Touch LCD, with no air layer in between, offers high visibility for outdoor shooting, with an increased resolution of around 13% and improved colour reproduction of 20%. Further improvements to the transmitting backlight provide a wider viewing angle and a 25% power saving. The GX7 is also the fastest G Series model, with a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second.
Top views of the DMC-GX7, showing the silver (top ) and black versions, each without a lens. (Source: Panasonic.)
The camera includes a precise and fast Contrast AF System in which the camera and the lens exchange digital signals at 240 frames/second to minimise focusing time. Start-up time is half a second and AF functions include Low Light AF, Pinpoint AF and One-shot AF. Focus Peaking is available in MF and AF+MF modes and can be monitored in Live View. The colour can be chosen from blue, white or orange.
Side view of the DMC-GX7. (Source: Panasonic.)
Low Light AF enables autofocusing at -4EV, which is as dark as a starry sky with no other light source. Improved Pinpoint AF allows users to set magnification from 3x to 10x enlargement in 0.1x steps. The Picture-in-picture display magnification ratio of 3x to 6x enables users to set focus on a single target point, while still viewing the entire composition.
Creative shooting modes include Stop Motion Animation, Creative Control with 22 filter effects, Creative Panorama, Time Lapse Shot, and Clear Retouch. There’s also a ‘Silent’ mode, which switches the shutter from mechanical to electronic, turns off any operating sounds, and suppresses the AF assist lamp and flash. The camera also includes Wi-Fi connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) plus NFC (Near Field Communication), supported by the Panasonic Image App for iOS/Android smart-phones/tablets to offer more flexible shooting and instant image sharing.
Compatibility with UHS-I (Ultra High Speed I) SDXC/SDHC memory cards allows faster data writing when the camera is in the RAW recording mode. The GX7 also supports high-speed burst shooting at 5 frames per second using its mechanical shutter, and up to 40 frames per second with the electronic shutter. AF Tracking enables continuous shooting to capture moving subjects at 4.3 frames per second.
The DMC-GX7 will be available in Australia in September with pricing from RRP $1249 for the body only, $1349 for the Silver kit with the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 MkII lens, $1499 for the Silver kit with the 20mm f/1.7 MkII lens or $1949 for the Black GX7 with Leica 25mm f/1.4 lens. Visit http://www.panasonic.com.au/Products/Lumix+digital+cameras/G+micro+series/Product+listing for more information.
