Panasonic has announced local release dates and pricing for two new travel-zoom cameras and a G-series telephoto zoom lens that were unveiled at CES.
Angled view of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ110 camera with its pop-up flash raised. (Source: Panasonic.)
We erroneously announced the Lumix DMC-TZ110 and DMC-TZ80 cameras as the TZ100 and TZ60 models and apologise to Panasonic and readers for our mistake, which was based upon the information available at the time. The TZ110, which is the flagship model in the travel zoom line-up, will be available in black or silver at an RRP of AU$999. It features a 20.1-megapixel, large 1-inch MOS sensor that captures more light plus a f/2.8-5.9 Leica DC lens, which has a versatile 10x zoom range of 25mm-250mm (35mm camera equivalent). The TZ110 also offers 4K video recording at a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels at 24 and 30 fps as well as high-resolution Full HD 1920 x 1080 60/50p videos, both in MP4 format. Panasonic’s 4K Photo function allows users to extract an 8-megapixel still from 4K video footage.
Another new addition is the Post-Focus feature, which allows users to choose the focal point of any picture, even after it’s taken. The TZ110’s 0.1s Light Speed Auto Focus and Depth from Defocus (DFD) capability combine to calculate the distance between the camera and the subject and capture optimal focus for 49 individual areas within each frame. Users can manually select the exact area to focus on and from a single photo export multiple shots with different focal points.
The Live View Finder (LVF) features 1,166,000-dot resolution, as well as LVF AF that detects when you’re about to take a shot. The camera also provides extensive manual controls including P, A, S and M shooting modes. Five-axis HYBRID O.I.S and Level Shot functions are also included, along with face and eye tracking AF. Continuous shooting is supported at up to 10 frames/second at full resolution ““ or five fps with AF. Full wireless control and remote photography is available via the Panasonic Image App.
The new Lumix DMC-TZ80 camera. (Source: Panasonic.)
The Lumix DMC-TZ80 camera will have an RRP of AU$599. It features a 6.17 x 4.55 mm High Sensitivity MOS sensor with a resolution of 18 megapixels coupled with a Leica-branded 30x optical zoom (24-720mm) lens and a Venus Engine processor. Features shared with the TZ110 include the built-in 0.2-inch 1,166,000-dot Electronic View Finder, Wi-Fi and 4K video recording capability. The TZ80 also comes with five-axis HYBRID O.I.S stabilisation and Contrast Auto Focus with DFD Technology. Continuous shooting is supported at up to 10 frames/second at full resolution ““ or five fps with AF.
The new Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 ASPH. Telephoto-Zoom lens (H-RS100400) for Panasonic’s G-series cameras. (Source: Panasonic.)
Panasonic will also release the new Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 ASPH. Telephoto-Zoom lens (H-RS100400) for its G-series cameras. Priced at AU$2199 (RRP), it is small, light and highly durable, thanks to effective weatherproof sealing. Built-in Power Optical Image Stabilisation (O.I.S.) works with Panasonic’s Dual I.S system and Panasonic’s fast Depth from Defocus to make it ideal for sports and wildlife photography. The optical design consists of 20 elements in 13 groups with a number of aspherical and extra low dispersion elements to assure best quality and minimise flare and ghosting. Nine diaphragm blades close to a circular aperture for smooth and beautiful bokeh. Autofocusing is driven by a fast and precise 240 fps AF-motor, which operates almost silently, making this lens ideal for recording video.
A compact, two-part tripod mount is included to enable faster conversion between landscape and portrait orientation. While conveniently and speedily turning to the 90 ° angle, the levers for Focus Limiting, Power O.I.S. and the manual focus switch remain accessible as they do not move when you turn the lens.
Panasonic has also introduced three new camcorders to its 4K ultra high-definition line-up (the HC-WXF990MGN, the HC-VXF990GNK and HC-VX980MGNK) and three to its Full HD camcorder line-up (the HC-W580MGN-K, the HC-V380GN-K and the HC-V180GN-K). They are scheduled for local release in March.
The new cameras and G-series lens will be available in March from selected photographic specialists and consumer electronics retailers. For full details, visit Panasonic’s website http://www.panasonic.com/au/consumer/lumix-cameras-video-cameras.html.
