Panasonic launches Lumix G100 ‘vlogging’ camera

Panasonic’s new Lumix G100 camera fitted with the Lumix G VARIO 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. kit lens. (Source: Panasonic.)

The G100 is the first interchangeable lens camera to be designed with vlogging in mind and the first to be equipped with OZO Audio by Nokia. Created in response to today’s explosion of demand for video that will be shared across social media platforms and played on a wide range of devices, it provides proved production values for serious content creators. The new audio technology can capture sound based on where the main subject is in relation to the camera, picking up clear and sharp audio whether the user is in front of or behind the lens, while actively reducing background noise.

Accessories like the optional DMW-SHGR1 grip plus the ability to record video directly to an external device via HDMI make the G100 ideal for food vloggers. (Source: Panasonic.)

Three built-in microphones can track the subject and work with the G100’s autofocus system to prioritise the sounds of the subject in focus. All that’s required is to select the most suitable mode from the five options provided: Tracking, Surround, Front, Back and Auto.
The Tracking mode uses Panasonic’s Face Recognition technology to analyse the scene and focus the three microphones on the presenter or the subject.
The Surround mode records audio in all directions to provide a 360° sound experience, capturing the ambience of the scene.
The Front mode is ideal for isolating voices in interviews or when recording live performances such as concerts, theatre shows or corporate presentations.
Back recording is perfect for solo travellers and independent content creators, enabling them to directly narrate the scene they’re shooting.
Auto mode is best for unpredictable scenes and general recording situations because it can switch between tracking and surround modes.

Solo travellers can take advantage of the directional audio recording facilities and Video Selfie mode provided by the new camera. (Source: Panasonic.)

A new Lumix Video Selfie mode engages when the 3-inch monitor flipped out to face the user, capturing both the vlogger and the background.

There’s also a convenient Frame Marker for checking composition during recording. The G100 supports popular aspect ratios for social media platforms – 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 4:5, 5:4 and 9:16 – while the REC Frame Indicator makes it clear whether the camera is recording or not.

Video can be recorded at 4K UHD resolution with 30, 25p or 24p frame rates Users can create impressive 4xv /2x slow and 8x/4x/2x quick FHD motion footage, as well as capturing Time Lapse videos.

For advanced videographers, the G100 supports V-Log L recording, which provides a wider dynamic range for colour grading in post-production.

The high-resolution EVF enables users to see clearly what they are shooting in both stills and video modes. (Source: Panasonic.)

For stills photography, the G100 includes a high-performance 3,680K-dot equivalent centre-aligned viewfinder, which also makes it easier to record movie clips in bright outdoor lighting.

Useful 4K features include the 4K Photo mode, which allows photographers to record at burst speeds of up to 30 frames per second. PostFocus capture and Focus Stacking are also available.

Integrated Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) enable users to streamline content to smartphones via a dedicated button.

Pairing the G100 with a smartphone for easy content sharing. (Source: Panasonic.)

Five-axis Hybrid I.S. provides effective shake suppression for stable, easy-to-watch video in situations such as recording while walking and talking. The camera also supports FHD video output over HDMI, allowing it to be used as a streaming webcam with exceptional sound, high image quality and a rich depth of field. This feature will be particularly attractive to professional food vloggers.

The optional DMW-SHGR1 grip connects to the camera via USB and enables users to start/stop video recording, release the shutter and enable/disable the Sleep mode. The camera battery can be recharged either via AC or USB.

The G100 will be available in Australia from late July at photographic specialists and consumer electronics retailers.

It will be offered as a body only at AU$1099, with the Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. kit lens at $1299 and with the kit lens plus the DMW-SHGR1E Tripod Grip at $1399. Click here for more information.

SPECS
Image sensor: 17.3 x 13.0 mm Live MOS sensor with 21.77 million photosites (20.3 megapixels effective), no low-pass filter
Image processor:  Venus Engine
Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
Focal length crop factor: 2x
Digital zoom: 2x
Image formats: Stills: JPEG (DCF, Exif Ver. 2.31), RW2.RAW, RAW+JPEG; Movies: MP4 (H.264/H.265 4:2:0 10-Bit, Linear PCM (Stereo)  audio
Image formats: Stills: JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver. 2.31), RW2.RAW, RAW+JPEG; Movies: MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, Audio format: AAC (2ch)
Audio: OZO Audio by Nokia recording technologies; 3 built-in directional microphones with Auto, Tracking, Surround, Front and Back directional recording modes
Image Sizes: Stills – [4:3] 5184 x 3888 / 3712 x 2784  / 2624 x 1968  / 3328 x 2496 (4K PHOTO); [3:2] 5184 x 3456 / 3712 x 2480 / 2624 x 1752 / 3504 x 233 6(4K PHOTO); [16:9] 5184 x 2920 / 3840 x 2160 / 1920 x 1080 / 3840 x 2160 (4K PHOTO); [1:1] 3888 x 3888 / 2784 x 2784 / 1968 x 1968 / 2880 x 2880 (4K PHOTO); Movies: 4K – 3840 x 2160 @ 30/25/24P 100Mbps, 1920 x 1080 @ 60/50/25/24p, 1280 x 720 @ 30/25p; Slow & Quick: 1920×1080 60p, 28Mbps or 20Mbps
Aspect ratios: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1
Image Stabilisation: 5-axis Hybrid I.S. (for video only)
Dust removal: No
Shutter (speed range): Electronically-controlled focal-plane shutter (60-1/4000 seconds); ½ to 1.16,000 second for movies in Creative Video M mode
Exposure Compensation: +/-5 EV in 1/3EV steps (+/-3EV for movies)
Exposure bracketing: 3, 5, 7 images in 1/3, 2/3 or 1 EV step, max. ±3 EV, single/burst
Other bracketing options: Aperture, Focus, White Balance
Self-timer: 2 or 10 seconds delay plus 10 sec./3 images
Interval recording: Yes, for time-lapse
Focus system: Contrast AF with DFD technology
AF  selection: Face/Eye Detection / Tracking / 49-Area / Custom Multi / 1-Area / Pinpoint
(Full area touch is available), Scalable AF frame size and flexible AF position, Starlight AF
Focus modes: AFS (Single) / AFF (Flexible) / AFC (Continuous) / MF
Exposure metering: 1728-zone multi-pattern sensing system with Multiple, Centre-weighted average and spot metering patterns
Shooting modes: Video Selfie, Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual Exposure; Live View Composite
Photo Style: Standard / Vivid / Natural / Scenery / Portrait / Monochrome / L. Monochrome /L. Monochrome D / Cinelike D / Cinelike V / V-Log L / Custom
Filters: Expressive / Retro / Old Days / High Key / Low Key / Sepia / Monochrome /Dynamic Monochrome / Rough Monochrome* / Silky Monochrome* /Impressive Art / High Dynamic / Cross Process / Toy Effect / Toy Pop / Bleach Bypass / Miniature Effect / Soft Focus* / Fantasy / Star Filter* / One Point Colour / Sunshine* (*For photos only.)
Self Shot: Soft Skin: 10 levels, Filter Select: Expressive / Retro / High Key / Monochrome /Toy Effect, Background Control: Defocus / Clear, Slimming Mode: 10 levels
Programmable Functions: 4K PHOTO / Exposure Comp. / Wi-Fi / Q.MENU / Video Record / LVF/Monitor Switch / LVF/Monitor Disp. Style / AF/AE LOCK / AF-ON / Preview / One Push AE / Touch AE / Level Gauge / Focus Area Set / Zoom Control / Operation Lock / Focus Ring Lock / Dial Operation Switch / Photo Style / Filter Effect /Aspect Ratio / Picture Size / Quality / Metering Mode / Burst Rate / Self Timer /Live View Composite / Bracket / Focus Mode / Highlight Shadow / i. Dynamic /i. Resolution / Min. Shtr Speed / HDR / Shutter Type / Flash Mode / Flash Adjust. / Wireless Flash Setup / Ex. Tele Conv. / Digital Zoom / Stabiliser / E-Stabilisation (Video) / 4K Live Cropping / Snap Movie / Motion Pic. Set / S&Q Effect / Picture Mode in Rec. / Sound Rec Level Adj. / Sound Rec Level Disp. /Built-in Mic / Mic. Directivity Adjust / Silent Mode / Peaking / Histogram /Guide Line / Frame Maker / Zebra Pattern / Monochrome Live View / Constant Preview / Live View Boost / Rec Area / Step Zoom / Zoom Speed / Sensitivity /White Balance / AF Mode/MF / Drive Mode / Rec/Playback Switch / Off /Restore to Default
Colour space options: sRGB and Adobe RGB
ISO range: Auto, Intelligent ISO, 100 (Extended), 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600; adjustable in 1/3 or 1 EV steps; ISO100-6400 for video
White balance: AWB, AWBc, AWBw, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set (x 4), Colour temperature setting (x 4)
Flash: Built-in TTL Flash, GN5.1 equivalent (ISO200/m)
Flash modes: Auto*, Auto/Red-eye Reduction*, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off (*For iA, iA+ only)
Flash exposure adjustment: +/- 3 EV in 1/3EV steps
Sequence shooting: Max. 10 shots/sec. with locked AF ; 6 fps with AFS/MF; 4k Photo 30 fps
Buffer capacity: Max. 480 JPEGs, 20 RAW files
Storage Media: SD, SDHC, SDXC cards (UHS-I / UHS-II UHS Speed Class 3 standard compatible)
Viewfinder: 3,680,000-dot centre-aligned EVF LCD with 100% frame coverage, 20mm eyepoint, 0.73x magnification, -4 to +2 dpt adjustment, eye sensor
LCD monitor: Free-angle, 3.0-inch (7.5cm), 3:2 aspect LCD with 1,840,000 dots, static touch control, 100% frame coverage
Interface terminals: USB 2.0 Micro-B, micro HDMI (type D), 3.5 mm stereo mini jack (microphone)
Wi-Fi function: Built-in (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) 2.4GHz; Bluetooth v4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy)
Power supply: Rechargeable Li-ion batteries in special base pack; CIPA rated for approx. 270 shots/charge  (monitor), 250 shots/charge (EVF)
Dimensions (wxhxd): Approx. 115.6 x 82.5 x 54.2 mm (excluding protrusions)
Weight: Approx.345 grams with battery and card

RRP: AU$1099 (body only); $1299 (with H-FS12032E-K kit lens); $1399 (with kit lens and DMW-SHGR1E Tripod Grip)
Distributor: Panasonic Australia, Ph. 132 600