Panasonic has added to its G series line, today unveiling its successor to the Lumix DMC-GX7, the Lumix DMC-GX8, decked out with a range of new features, including 4K video and photography.Sporting a weatherproof design, the GX8 is equipped with a newly designed 20 MP sensor, dual image stabilisation for powerful hand-shake correction and a high-magnification live viewfinder.
Panasonic states the GX8’s digital live MOS sensor provides “new levels of detail, outstanding low-light performance and impressive dynamic range”, with the sensor and Venus engine delivering 4K capabilities, with the GX8 capable of 4K burst shooting up to 30 fps continuously for up to 30 minutes.
Dual image stabilisation offers hand-shake correction for both the GX8’s body and G series lenses, with four-axis in-body and two-axis lens stabilisation combining to achieve “rock steady shooting”.
The OLED 2,360K-dot live viewfinder provides magnification of approximately 0.77x (35 mm camera equivalent) and features 100 per cent field of view, with the GX8’s 3″ 1,040K-dot OLED rear touchscreen monitor sporting a new free-angle design, rotating 180 degrees to the side and tilting 250 degrees up and down, with approximately 100 per cent of field of view.
The GX8 is capable of achieving a high-speed autofocus of approximately 0.07 seconds, integrating Contrast AF with DFD (depth from defocus) technology, with burst shooting available in 20 MP full resolution at up to 8 fps (AFS) and 6 fps (AFC).
The GX8 is equipped with both Wi-Fi and
NFC connectivity, allowing for easy image sharing, while the Panasonic
Image app provides for remote shooting via smartphone or tablet.
“We’ve selected the very best for demanding photographers – from brand new technology and outstanding image quality to excellence in ergonomic design,” Doug Campbell, Panasonic senior product manager, imaging, commented.
“Also, GX7 aficionados will be pleased to see we’ve taken their feedback and introduced a splash and dust-proof body, a microphone input for professional video recording and a free-angle design for the rear monitor.”
The GX8 will be available in Australia in September, in black or two-tone silver and black, carrying a price tag of $1,399 RRP for the body only.
– Lumix DMC-FZ300
Panasonic has also taken the wraps off the latest in its FZ series high-speed compact cameras, the Lumix DMC-FZ300.
Sporting a splash and dust-proof body, FZ300 is equipped with a 12.1 high-sensitivity MOS sensor, features 4K video and 4K photo burst shooting, five-axis stabilisation to support zooming, a high-resolution viewfinder and a free-angle touchscreen.
“The camera’s high-quality Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens, constant f2.8 aperture (35 mm camera equivalent 25-600 mm) and powerful 24x optical zoom deliver spur of the moment shots from distant to close-range subjects with excellent image quality,” Panasonic states.
“Vital when shooting at high zoom, 5-axis hybrid OIS+ (Optical Image Stabiliser Plus) compensates for hand-shake in virtually any direction.”
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The FZ300’s 1,440K-dot OLED live viewfinder features 0.7x magnification and 10,000:1 high contrast, while a 3″ free-angle 1,040K-dot touch monitor allows the user to set focus or enlarge the target point with their fingertips.
The FZ300 integrates Light Speed AF with DFD technology, achieving high-speed autofocus of approximately 0.09 seconds, with burst shooting available at 12 fps (AFS) and 6 fps (AFC).
Wi-Fi and NFC provide for image sharing, with the Panasonic Image app allowing remote shooting using a smartphone or tablet.
The FZ300 will be available in Australia in September, carrying a price tag of $899 RRP.
– New lenses under development
Panasonic has additionally announced that it has two new lenses currently under development in the form of the Leica DG 100-400 mm/f4.0-6.3 telephoto zoom lens (35 mm camera equivalent: 200-800 mm) based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard, and the Lumix G 25 mm/f1.7 single focal length lens, complying with the Micro Four Thirds system standard.
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Panasonic states its new Leica DG lens, sporting a splash and dust-proof design, is compatible with the sensor drive at 240 fps when mounted on Lumix G cameras, taking advantage of high-speed, high-precision autofocus with DFD, and, combined with the Power OIS, allows users to “focus on the subject quickly to capture crisp, clear images”.
The latest Lumix G lens is “ideal for use with the latest Lumix G cameras”, and is compatible with the sensor drive at 240 fps to take advantage of high-speed, high-precision autofocus with DFD technology.
Pricing and availability for the new lenses has not yet been announced.
