Hasta La Gadget!

Today Panasonic has introduced the latest in their G series of cameras, the LUMIX DMC-G5, complete with a newly-integrated 16.05 megapixel Live MOS sensor and their own Venus Engine for ultra high quality images and video. This camera brings all of the greatnesses of previous G series models with a lightweight, compact body, precision AF (Auto Focus), and a built-in flash. As with the rest of the LUMIX G series cameras, this model also uses Contrast AF, that allowing the focusing of the camera on subject matter to be controlled by the image sensor inside the device.

Processing and Controls

This model features a redesigned Venus Engine that will bring you next-level signal processing capabilities. You’ll have what Panasonic promises will be both crisp and clear images in both video recording and photos whenever you shoot. With the LUMIX G5′s precision AF working with its high-grade lens selection, you’ll have fabulous white balance as well as lifelike image rendering plus a perfect balance of high resolution with little to no noise across the grid – all of this equalling out to create highly faithful color reproduction for both photo and video.

NOTE: Have a peek now at our hands-on experience with this and several other Panasonic devices released this as well!

The LUMIX G5 doesn’t only have fancy gear on the inside, it’s got a slightly modified set of controls on the outside as well. You’ve got what Panasonic is aiming to be a stress free experience with user-tested controls made so that you can concentrate on shooting rather than flipping and flopping your way through an a future album. To start this party off right, Panasonic added a function level near the shutter released for direct adjustment of exposure, zoom, or aperture control. This level can also be used to magnify images in playback mode and flip pages in your menu.

This function lever is also available for use with the turn-and-push rear dial to allow you adjustments of major shooting settings as well. All of this, again, is set up so that you have a simple and quick-access experience.

Auto Focus

For those of you that aren’t a fan of the manual focus lenses of the world, the LUMIX G5 continues the G series’ legacy of Auto Focus greatness with Contrast AF, that again being focusing controlled by the image sensor. This system has higher accuracy, especially with a bright lens, than the Phase difference system AF. This unit also includes full-area Touch AF for focusing on any point in your field of view, and Speed AF with undeniable quickness in locking on to a subject.

And while we’re on the subject, capturing fast-moving objects will be much more accurately done with not only Touch AF control, but with bust shooting at six frames per second at anywhere up to 16.05 megapixel full resolution.

View Finders

The screen you’ll be looking at all this through is a a massive 1,440,000-dot equivalent LVF (Live View Finder) – quite bright and bringing you approximately 100% of your field of view. They say approximately because for all of science and engineering’s greatness, they still can’t guarantee perfection in real-world translation of images through screens – imagine that! NOTE: Panasonic didn’t tell us that, it just makes sense, science-wise.

This LVF works in combination with the device’s LCD screen and the G5′s built-in eye sensor to bring you automatic switching between the two. This system also works with Eye Sensor AF, automatically focusing in on a subject when you look into the EVF for “spur-of-the-moment shooting opportunities.” The screen on the back is that 920,000-dot high resolution LCD we just mentioned, with tilting 270 degrees up and down and, again, bringing you approximately 100% field of view. This panel is also a touch screen and you’ve got the ability to work with both the LVF and LCD simultaneously for what Panasonic encourages as “more intuitive shooting.”

Fun fact: the new Electronic Shutter mode added to this model allows silent operation for when you’re shooting subjects where silence is necessary.

Video

The LUMIX G5 is capable for picking up high-resolution full-HD 1,920×1,080 60p video in AVCHD Progressive (that being MPEG-4) or MP4 format. This unit of course utilizes Touch AF to focus in on subjects as the video is being recorded, and you’ve got a Extra Tele Conversion function as well that’ll extend your zoom range Max 4.8x with little to no deterioration of image quality. Just like past LUMIX G series cameras, you’ve got a dedicated video record button so you can record video while you’re snapping photos with your shutter button at the same time.

Sound quality for video will be high-quality with integrated Dolby Digital Stereo Creator and you’ll have noise reduction with the camera’s Wind Cut function as well.

Creative Control

There is a series of special effects you can implement on your shots in Creative Control Mode on the LUMIX G5. This camera has 14 filters – that being a bump up from the 5 included on the most recent G series unit. These include Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, Hi Dynamic, Miniature Effect, Star Filter, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect, and the always lovely Soft Focus.

These filter effects can be previewed in real time on the device’s LCD display with Live View mode, and the camera’s Intelligent Auto / iA Plus modes suggest filters that might look best in any situation if you ask them nicely. With Intelligent Auto Plus mode you’re also able to adjust the defocusing area in the background as well as have control over white balance and exposure compensation in your shots. Intelligent Auto mode will also bring you flexible control when you’re using such automatic shoot assist functions as the following: Intelligent D-range Control, Face Recognition, Intelligent Scene Selector, AF Tracking, and Intelligent ISO Control.

For the Newbies

Users who are new to interchangeable lens system cameras are going to have one whole heck of a lot easier time jumping in with the LUMIX G5 due to its Scene Guide feature. This system brings up 23 different sample photos captured with the device by professional photographers that can be selected by the user as it matches with the environment in which they’re about to shoot. When they select one of these 23 samples, the camera is set to the pre-selected parameters that best fit the situation. This mode also includes technical advice, recommended interchangeable lenses, and procedures for the user to learn their device as quickly as possible.

Pricing and Availability

You’ll be able to pick up the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G5 (aka the LUMIX G5) in black, white, or silver in a selection of kit combinations. Pricing and availability have not yet been revealed, though Panasonic promises 30 days warning before they’re ready to ship the product – you’ll know then!

Meanwhile have a peek at the gallery above and below as well as our hands-on experience with this device along with the rest of the Panasonic hardware revealed this week!

LUMIX G5 Gallery

Panasonic LUMIX G5 official with next-generation hardware is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

This week the folks at Panasonic have brought on the fury with a collection of cameras and accessories that will have your head spinning, hitting on a compact tip with the new LUMIX LX7. This camera has a 24mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens with 3.8x optical zoom. This lens brings on 11 elements in 10 groups with five aspherical lenses and nine aspherical surfaces – this including a dual-sided aspherical surface extra-low dispersion lens, a feature never before seen in a LUMIX piece of hardware.

Lens and Sensor

All of those guts in the lens of this camera allows you to create lovely photos with minimal distortion and a soft-focused background at high resolution. With Nano Surface Coating technology implemented in this device, you’ve got minimized light reflection across your whole visual range (380nm-780nm). The LUMIX LX7′s lens also minimizes distortion at wide end as much as possible for lovely true-to-life images at all times.

NOTE: Have a peek now at our hands-on experience with this and several other Panasonic devices released this as well!

Inside the LX7 you’ll find a new 1/1.7-inch 10.1-megapixel MOS Sensor that amps up your S/N ratio 1.5 dB over this unit’s predecessor. With this boost you’ll find that both high sensitivity recording as well as in low ISO situations you’ll have high resolution images with a much more clear result than ever before. This setup also brings on rich gradation and a wide dynamic range no matter what, even if, as Panasonic reminds us, the situation is highly contrasted.

Processing

This unit also utilizes the Venus Engine as you’ll also find featured on the LUMIX G5 camera revealed today. This engine revs up to bring you advanced signal processing while your Intelligent Noise Reduction system keeps your resolution high with an optimized NR process pushed to your entire image. The LG7′s Multi-process NR is able to detect brightness in each section of a picture, applying multiple steps of noise reduction for an optimal look in the end.

You’ve got high-speed digital signal output in this device to bring on high-speed consecutive shooting at 11 fps in full resolution with your mechanical shutter. You’ll also be able to shoot in 5 fps with continuous auto focus if you wish.

Focus

Again much like the G5, you’ll find that this device has both Intelligent Auto (iA) and iA Plus modes. With iA, you’ll be able to work with Intelligent HDR, Face Recognition, Intelligent ISO Control, AF Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent D-range Control, POWER O.I.S., Motion Deblur, and Intelligent Handheld Night Shot modes. With iA Plus, you’ll be able to adjust exposure compensation, white balance, and your defocusing area in the background of your shots.

Creative Control

Along these same lines is Creative Control Mode which allows a selection of 16 filter options. These options include One Point Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, Soft Focus, Star Filter, Expressive, Retro, High Key, Hi Dynamic, Miniature Effect, and of course Sepia. In addition to each of these that you’ve probably already heard of, you’ll also have Radial Defocus and Smooth Defocus modes, the first of which allows you to defocus radially from your light source while the second makes your defocus figuration smoother than ever.

With this device you’ll be able to take Time Lapse Shots over a long period of time, with Panasonic giving examples such as watching a flower come into bloom to let you know that they’re in it for the long haul with this feature. Photo Styles are included here as well, with Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Vivid, Portrait, and Custom configurations available.

Video

You’ll be able to record video as well in high resolution full-HD 1,920×1,080 60p resolution. These videos can be filmed with that resolution and speed in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format or at 30p in MP4. Like the rest of the LUMIX lineup, you’ve got a dedicated video recording button so that you’ll be able to take photos as you’re shooting movies, and you’ve got Dolby Digital Stereo Creator onboard to make sure your sound is tip-top.

This device brings a zoom noise reduction system with Auto Wind Cut so you can block out most of the background noise you’ve normally got from wind. Along the same lines as the time lapse feature mentioned above, you’ve also got a Creative Video mode that allows you to set the camera’s shutter speed as well as aperture, bringing on your creative side in a host of new ways with slow or fast motion and focus on a range of objects at different distances.

Format and Accessories

You’ll also be able to utilize the LX7′s ability to shoot in RAW or RAW+JPEG formats, HDR or Panorama Shot mode, or work in 3D Photo mode. You’ll be able to fix up your photos inside the device with Creative Retouch, and you’ve got the options of Aspect Brackets or White Balance Brackets while shooting as well.

The LX7 is bringing on a whole collection of accessories with it to keep you on top of every shooting situation. Your built-in hot shoe up top of your camera is the place where you’ll be connecting basically everything, this including the following:

• Tilt-Shift Live View Finder: DMW-LVF2
• External Optical View Finder: DMW-VF1
• Filter Adaptor: DMW-FA1 NEW
• MC Protector: DMW-LMCH37
• ND Filter: DMW-LND37
• PL Filter: DMW-LPLA37 NEW
• External Flash: DMW-FL220 (GN22) / DMW-FL360 (GN36) / DMW-FL500 (GN50)
• Genuine Leather Case: DMW-CLX7 NEW
• Battery Pack: DMW-BCJ13

Price and Release

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX7 will be popping up soon in two different colorways: black and white (as seen above and below). You’ll be able to see pricing and availability information 30 days prior to the release date, which we’re sure will be coming up extremely soon!

Panasonic LUMIX LX7 brings a compact processing power punch is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

This week Panasonic is bringing the heat with new cameras, lenses, and more, all in one wallop – in this case, it’s the LUMIX G X VARIO 45-150 mm Telephoto Zoom Lens. This piece of hardware is ready to be your new interchangeable telephoto zoom lens for your Micro Four Thirds System standard camera. The LUMIX G VARIO 45-150 mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS45150) brings on a giant zoom range of 45-150 mm (35 mm camera equivalent: 90-300 mm), and can bust out telephoto shots with the best of them.

Inside this lens you’ve got Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) which will make clear shots of any situation, even if someone sneaks up behind you to flash a hand in front of your shot – no more blur for you! You’ve also got a stepping motor for smooth action in both photos and video. This lens is made for the LUMIX G series, of course, so it’ll bring on added benefits for that lineup.

NOTE: Have a peek now at our hands-on experience with a whole collection of Panasonic devices revealed this week!

With the LUMIX G line of cameras, this lens will work with its high-speed, high precision AF System as well as every other feature listed above and below. This lens is composed of 12 elements in nine groups, working with two aspherical lenses for uniform sharpness as well as one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. You’ll have smoothness in even the out-of-focus areas with this lens’ seven aperture blades while a multi-coated lens element will make sure you’ve got minimal ghost and flare.

This lens will be available in black or silver with a “sophisticated metal look” and its pricing as well as its availability will be announced soon.

Panasonic H-FS45150 45-150 mm Telephoto Zoom Lens revealed is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

In 2010 the Panasonic LX5 was a glorious pocket camera—it still is. It offers full manual controls for enthusiast photogs that want them, superb image quality, and beautiful Leica-styling to boot. Though it sticks with the slick look, the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 is more than a spec-bump; it’s a faster, more evolved iteration of its 2010 predecessor. More »

A selection of new Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras have leaked, with the G5 Micro Four Thirds leading the way. A 16-megapixel interchangeable lens camera, the LUMIX G5 will be offered with a 12-35mm f/2.8 Power O.I.S zoom and a 45-150mm f/4 lens, according to a hastily-yanked article at The Telegraph, with pictures to match courtesy of 43 Rumors.

The G5 also has a fold-out  3-inch display and, judging by the leaked image, a stereo microphone for video recording, which it can shoot at up to Full HD. According to the newspaper, it will use Panasonic’s Venus Engine VII for processing, and supports up to ISO 12,800.

As for the other cameras in Panasonic’s new range, the paper also outs the DMC-LX7 and DMC-FZ200. The LX7 is a new flagship compact, with an f1.4 Leica lens in front of a 10.1-megapixel sensor. On the back is a 3-inch display, and it can shoot Full HD video and up to 12,800 ISO stills, with availability in September.

The FZ200, meanwhile, is a flagship bridge camera, with a 25-600mm optical zoom lens and a constant f2.8 aperture. It will drop in late August or early September, the paper says, replacing the Panasonic FZ150 of last year.

Pricing is unknown for the LX7 and FZ200, though the newspaper reports that the G5 will start at £599 ($936) and rise to £879 ($1,374).

[via The Verge]

Panasonic LUMIX G5, LX7 and FZ200 leak is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.