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Photokina 2018: Hands-on with Panasonic Lumix S1R

27 Sep

First look at Panasonic Lumix S1R

One of the most interesting announcements at this year’s Photokina show in Germany was the Panasonic / Leica / Sigma L-mount partnership, the first fruits of which are two upcoming professional-oriented mirrorless ILCs from Panasonic.

We’ve seen non-functional mockups of the S1R already, but earlier today we were lucky enough to get access to a working prototype camera in the VIP area at Panasonic’s booth. Click through for a closer look.

First look at Panasonic Lumix S1R

We couldn’t power the camera up, so for now our impressions are limited to general handling and ergonomics but the S1R certainly feels good in the hand. It’s a large camera, especially for a mirrorless ILC but it doesn’t feel too heavy, and the camera+24-105mm combination shown here is nicely balanced.

Panasonic tells us that every aspect of the camera was decided upon on the basis of detailed customer feedback, including the demand from professional users for large, well-placed controls and a deep grip.

First look at Panasonic Lumix S1R

These blocks of plastic show the evolution of the S1R’s grip shape, over several prototype iterations.

First look at Panasonic Lumix S1R

Apparently what you get when you ask professional photographers what they want is something that looks an awful lot like a traditional DSLR. Resembling an upsized G9, Panasonic claims that ‘no compromise’ has been made in the S1R’s performance, which is intended to satisfy the needs of the most demanding professional photographers.

First look at Panasonic Lumix S1R

While final specs are still to be confirmed, Panasonic tells us that the viewfinder in the S1R will ‘rival human vision’, i.e, a hypothetically perfect optical finder. We’re curious to see for ourselves what this means in practice but judging by the excellent finder in the G9, Panasonic has what it takes to create very high quality, immersive EVFs.

This view shows the S1R’s conventional, button-laden rear control layout which includes an AF positioning joystick and twin rear dials. The grip texture is provisional – final shipping cameras will feature a textured faux leather finish.

First look at Panasonic Lumix S1R

The touch-sensitive rear LCD (specs are again TBD) is articulated, which means you can fold it out….

First look at Panasonic Lumix S1R

…and down, allowing for waist-level shooting in both landscape and portrait orientations.

First look at Panasonic Lumix S1R

Now there’s a thing – twin card slots. The S1R is aimed squarely at professional photographers, and the option of XQD and / or SD should fulfill demands for backup, redundancy, or ‘stills to this card, video to that one’ shooting. Like every point on the S1R’s body, the card door is gasketed to protect against dirt and moisture incursion. Panasonic claims that the S1R should rival the GH5/S for durability in unusually cold, hot or wet environments.

First look at Panasonic Lumix S1R

The S1R we handled was missing a battery, but Panasonic tells us that battery life was a priority in the new models and as such, both will take a new, larger-capacity battery than those found in the company’s M43 cameras.

First look at Panasonic Lumix S1R

This image shows the S1R without a lens attached. The S1R will accept existing Leica L-mount lenses marketed alongside the SL, as well as forthcoming Panasonic-branded lenses and future Sigma alternatives. This view shows off the S1R’s two customizable front-mounted buttons, to the left (as seen from this direction) of the lens mount. In a thoughtful touch the upper button is convex, while the lower is concave for ease of identification by touch.

First look at Panasonic Lumix S1R

The S1 and S1R will be sold alongside four lenses: a 50mm F1.4, 24-105mm, 28-70mm and a 70-200mm F2.8. Final specifications are still to be confirmed, and the lenses shown here are non-functional mockups, displayed under glass.

Learn more about the Panasonic S1/R

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Shooting live music with the Panasonic Lumix GX9

18 Aug

Introduction

85mm | ISO 200 | 1/2000 sec | F2.8

The South Lake Union Block Party is pretty standard as far as block parties go these days; loud music and expensive beer in a vacant lot in the heart of Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. Over the course of putting the finishing touches on our full review of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9, I wanted to get some real-world autofocus experience to put our more formal testing into better context.

So, on a hot and hazy Seattle afternoon, I took the GX9 and Lumix G Vario 35-100mm F2.8 lens down to see the band Acid Tongue, and exclusively used Touchpad AF and Tracking the entire time. Here’s what I found.

All images in this article were shot with the GX9 and Lumix 35-100mm F2.8 and are processed in Adobe Camera Raw.

Tracking technique

47mm | F2.8 | ISO 200 | 1/4000 sec | F2.8

Touchpad AF on the GX9 allows you to drag your finger around the screen to move your AF point while the camera’s viewfinder is up to your eye. This is great for quickly moving around a single area, but I also found it’s a great way to take advantage of the sticky AF tracking that the GX9 is capable of.

Firing off single shots, I was really impressed at how consistently in-focus my images were

If you’re using tracking while composing via the rear LCD, you simply tap on what you want to track; to disengage tracking, you have to hit the ‘Menu / Set’ button, or you can tap elsewhere on the screen to track another subject instead.

When you use tracking with the electronic viewfinder, you can use Touchpad AF to move the area over the subject you want to track, and half-press to initiate autofocus. You can then re-compose at will, with an AF box tenaciously tracking your chosen subject. Firing off single shots, I was really impressed at how consistently in-focus my images were.

100mm | ISO 200 | 1/4000 sec | F2.8

Since you can’t simply tap the screen to change subjects when using the electronic viewfinder, I found another way of working: dragging on the rear screen automatically disengages tracking, and once you place the area over a new subject and release your thumb, it begins tracking that new subject. Pretty neat.

While you may be able to get similar results by just moving a single area around with the Touchpad and ignoring tracking altogether, I tend to like using tracking in these scenarios to allow me more compositional freedom – and if the subject moves erratically to another point in the frame, the camera will help me keep up and get more images that I wouldn’t have been able to get otherwise.

It’s not perfect

51mm | ISO 200 | 1/1300 sec | F2.8

As always with autofocus tracking, there are times when it doesn’t quite work. When subjects move from bright light to shadow, the tracking algorithm can sometimes get tripped up and shoot off to the background, or simply fail to focus on anything at all. Additionally, there is some shot-to-shot lag in the GX9 that can make it difficult to follow your subjects.

The GX9’s keeper rate is significantly higher if you shoot single images as opposed to bursts

So why not simply shoot bursts then? Well, we’ve found in our testing that the GX9’s keeper rate is significantly higher if you shoot single images compared to bursts (stay tuned for the autofocus page in our full review for the details). So I made a call to take the shot-to-shot lag and impressive focus accuracy over shooting bursts with a lower hit rate.

The wrap

100mm | ISO 200 | 1/1600 sec | F2.8

The GX9 was a really good companion for this type of event. Paired with the Lumix 35-100mm F2.8, I had a compact, responsive package that wasn’t all that conspicuous, but I had plenty of reach and ended up with far better image quality than, say, a 1″-type superzoom. Of course, this combo can’t quite match up to a full-frame DSLR and a 70-200mm F2.8 lens, but that’s not really the point here.

Sure, the GX9 wouldn’t be my first choice for critical, action-oriented work (and Panasonic makes higher-end models for that sort of purpose anyway). But for the casual user who wants a small, stylish camera and wants to occasionally photograph a concert or sporting event for fun, the GX9 is easily up to the task.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 added to studio scene comparison

20 Jul

Our test scene is designed to simulate a variety of textures, colors and detail types you’ll encounter in the real world. It also has two illumination modes to see the effects of different lighting conditions.

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Our technical evaluation of the Panasonic GX9 has included a trip to the studio, where we put its 20MP Four Thirds sensor in front of our standard test scene. We’ve seen solid image quality from this sensor before, but Panasonic says that it has gone one step further and improved color rendition compared to both the 20MP GX8 and 16MP GX85. Take a closer look at its performance against its predecessors as well as its peers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Wildlife photography in Yellowstone with Jake Davis and the Panasonic Lumix G9

29 May

April in Yellowstone National Park is a unique time. The park, which covers 3500 sq mi / 5600 sq km in the western US, is still quiet before the busy tourist season, and the weather fluctuates wildly from day to day. Wildlife photographer Jake Davis showed us around Yellowstone during this unusual period, capturing the local residents in all kinds of conditions with the weather-sealed Panasonic Lumix G9.

This is sponsored content, created with the support of Amazon and Panasonic. What does this mean?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Panasonic Lumix TS7/FT7 is first rugged compact camera to have built-in EVF

11 May

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Panasonic has announced its Lumix DC-TS7 (FT7 outside of North America) which is the first waterproof/rugged compact to have an electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder is 0.2″ in size and has an resolution equivalent to 1.17 million dots and a magnification of 0.45x equivalent. Obviously, you won’t be able to use the EVF if you have a scuba mask on, but for shooting in bright light on land it could come in handy. There’s also a 3″ non-touch LCD available for composing and reviewing your photos.

The TS7 has a 20.4MP, 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor and an F3.3-5.9, 28-128mm equiv. lens. It’s able to go 31m/102ft underwater, can take a fall from 2m/6.6ft and can withstand 100kg / 220lb of crushing force. It’s also freezeproof to -10C / +14F.

You’ll find a 49-point contrast-detect AF system on the TS7, and Panasonic claims that it can track a moving subject at 5 fps. The camera can capture UHD 4K video at 24p and 30p as well as 1080/60p. There’s a 120 fps mode, but only at 720p resolution. Naturally, the TS7 supports Panasonic’s 4K Photo feature, which allows for ‘Post Focus’ and 8MP still extraction. Wi-Fi (but not Bluetooth) is built in, and battery life is CIPA-rated at 30 shots per charge.

The TS7 will be available this summer for $ 449. Available colors include blue, orange and black.

Press Release:

New LUMIX TS7 with LVF, Wi-Fi® and 4K Video and 4K Photo

Featuring Waterproof, Rugged Design Camera for Outdoor Imaging

Newark, NJ (May 11, 2018) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce the 20.4-megapixel LUMIX TS7, the rugged new LUMIX TS Series camera geared exclusively for outdoor use. This tough, lightweight camera is waterproof to 102ft., dustproof, shockproof to 6.6ft., freeze proof to 14 degrees F and pressure resistant to 220lbf for exceptional imaging in virtually any and all locations and conditions.

The LUMIX TS7 features a 28mm wide angle 4.6x optical zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 28-128mm) and includes a new 0.2-in, 1,170K-dot equivalent LVF (Live View Finder) to easily capture subjects even under strong sunlight or with backlighting. A 3.0-in rear LCD monitor delivers highest-in-class 1,040K-dot resolution for approximately 100% field of view.

For video, the LUMIX TS7 records smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K video in 3840×2160 at 30p/ 24p in MP4. Taking full advantage of 4K technology, outdoor photographers will enjoy 4K PHOTO to capture perfect moments at 30 fps and save 8-megapixel, high-resolution photos. The LUMIX TS7 also includes the LUMIX Post Focus feature, which enables users to modify focus after capturing the image.

A newly integrated 20.4-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and the camera’s advanced imaging engine enables high-speed, high-sensitivity image recording to generate high-speed burst shooting at 10 fps* in high picture quality. The LUMIX TS7 also provides Light Speed AF to capture the most fleeting shooting opportunities, ideal for outdoor adventures like diving, snorkeling, surfing, climbing, skiing and snowboarding.

The LUMIX TS7 ensures flexible shooting with built-in Wi-Fi® connectivity for fast, easy image sharing, also integrating a variety of special effects’ options — Creative Control, Creative Panorama, Time Lapse Shot and High-Speed Video —adding creativity and fun to outdoor imaging. Beginning photographers will like the popular LUMIX Shooting Assist function iA (Intelligent Auto) mode to help shoot sharp, memorable photos and video. Plus, the camera’s built-in LED Photo Light function illuminates the subject to help compose the shot even if the camera function is not activated.

Other new LUMIX TS7 features include:

1. Airtight, all-seasons design
Thanks to a minimum aperture area, rubber padding and reinforced glass inside the camera, the LUMIX TS7 features an airtight body to withstand water immersion, dust and sand. A reinforced body case performs flawlessly at depths up to 102 ft with water pressure resistance up to 220lbf. The durable TS7 can absorb drops to hard surfaces from up to 6.6ft in accordance with the “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock” test standard. And in cold weather, all components including the lens unit can endure temperatures up to 14 degrees F. Specifically designed for active outdoor imaging, the LUMIX TS7 includes a compass and altimeter, all of which makes the all-seasons LUMIX TS7 the perfect camera for photos and video when fishing and camping in the spring; diving, snorkeling and surfing in summer; traversing mountains in autumn; and skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

2. New LVF (Live View Finder) and high-resolution rear monitor
The LUMIX TS7 integrates a new 0.2-inch, 1,170K-dot equivalent LVF (Live View Finder) to make it easier to capture subjects under strong sunlight or in backlighting and reduce power consumption in harsh conditions. Both the sensor and LVF are in a 4:3 aspect ratio, and the 3.0-in tempered-glass rear LCD monitor in a 3:2 aspect ratio, delivers highest-in-class 1,040K-dot resolution for an approximately 100% field of view. Image output between the LVF and the rear monitor is instantly switched with a dedicated button.

3. 4K imaging with 4K video and 4K PHOTO
The LUMIX TS7 records smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K videos in 3840×2160 at 30p or 24p in MP4* in addition to Full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p videos in MP4 (MPEG-4 / H.264) format with practical full-time AF.

With 4K video and 4K PHOTO, photographers can choose and extract single images from 30 fps video frames to save as 8-megapixel equivalent resolution photos. Three exclusive LUMIX functions integrated into the TS7 make it easy; 4K Burst Shooting, 4K Burst (Start/Stop) and 4K Pre-burst. 4K Burst Shooting provides consecutive shooting at 30 fps,** which can be used like photo burst shooting. The LUMIX TS7 includes the LUMIX Post Focus function to select in-focus areas after shooting — a helpful feature in situations like macro shooting where severe focusing is required, or for changing expression by changing the subject in focus.

The camera’s 4.6x optical zoom with POWER O.I.S. is also available in video recording to suppress hand shake, and an Auto Wind Cut function blocks most of the noise created by background wind. High Speed Video feature enables recording in HD (1280×720) at 120 fps/100 fps, and Time Lapse /Stop Motion Animation functions are also available.

4. 20.4-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
The 20.4-megapixel LUMIX TS7 integrates a High Sensitivity MOS sensor to deliver highest-in-class resolution. And its high-speed response achieves burst shooting at 10 fps* in full resolution with a mechanical shutter, 5 fps with continuous AF. Auto focusing is quick and accurate with its Light Speed AF. The LUMIX TS7 incorporates a high-quality 28mm wide-angle LUMIX lens with a 4.6x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 28-128mm) in folded optics. Thanks to LUMIX Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is included in the LUMIX TS7, which virtually extends the zoom ratio to 9.1x equivalent, maintaining picture quality even when combined with the digital zoom.

5. Other
• Wi-Fi 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n) Connectivity
The LUMIX TS7 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity for flexible shooting and instant image sharing with easy operation. Once the camera is connected to a smartphone or tablet installed with Panasonic Image App for iOS/Android, users can shoot, browse and share images remotely. GPS geotag can also be added on the photos after shooting.

• AC/USB Charging
The camera’s rechargeable battery can be charged via AC or USB.

• Creative Control
The LUMIX TS7 is equipped with Creative Controls for 22 filter effects – 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 Color and Sunshine. Creative Controls let users shoot and review filter effects, which can also be used for video recording.***

With the Creative Panorama, users can shoot a horizontal/vertical panoramic image by overlaying consecutive shots with filter effects like Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Bleach Bypass, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter and One Point Color.

• LED Photo Light illuminates the subject even while the camera function is not activated.

• SDXC UHS-I Memory Card Compatibility
The LUMIX TS7 complies with SDXC UHS-I Memory Card for high-speed 4K video.

*Max.11 images.
**Max.29 min 59 sec.
***Not all filters can be used in video recording.

•Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

The LUMIX TS7 will be available in early summer 2018 in blue, orange and black with an MSRP of $ 449.99.

Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7/FT7 specifications

Price
MSRP	$ 449
Body type
Body type	Compact
Body material	Metal/composite
Sensor
Max resolution	5184 x 3888
Image ratio w:h	1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels	20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	21 megapixels
Sensor size	1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS
Processor	Venus Engine
Color space	sRGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 80-3200 (expands to 6400)
Boosted ISO (maximum)	6400
White balance presets	5
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	Optical
Uncompressed format	No
JPEG quality levels	Fine, standard
File format	JPEG (Exif v2.31)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)	28–128 mm
Optical zoom	4.6×
Maximum aperture	F3.3–5.9
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	Yes (4x)
Manual focus	Yes
Normal focus range	30 cm (11.81″)
Macro focus range	5 cm (1.97″)
Number of focus points	49
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fully articulated
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,040,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Electronic
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	2.53×
Viewfinder resolution	1,170,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	4 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/1300 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic)	1/16000 sec
Exposure modes	Intelligent Auto Program Manual
Scene modes	Clear Portrait Silky Skin Backlit Softness Clear in Backlight Relaxing Tone Distinct Scenery Bright Blue Sky Romantic Sunset Glow Vivid Sunset Glow Glistening Water Clear Nightscape Cool Night Sky Warm Glowing Nightscape Glittering Illuminations Handheld Night Shot Clear Night Portrait Soft Image of a Flower Appetizing Food Cute Dessert Freeze Animal Motion Monochrome
Built-in flash	Yes
Flash range	5.60 m (with Auto ISO)
External flash	No
Flash modes	Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Continuous drive	10.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 secs, 10 secs x 3 images)
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	No
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Modes	3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
Microphone	Mono
Speaker	Stereo
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported)
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
USB charging	Yes
HDMI	Yes (microHDMI)
Microphone port	No
Headphone port	No
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	802.11b/g/n
Remote control	Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes
Durability	Waterproof, Shockproof
Battery	Built-in
Battery description	DMW-BCM13PP lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	300
Weight (inc. batteries)	319 g (0.70 lb / 11.25 oz)
Dimensions	117 x 76 x 37 mm (4.61 x 2.99 x 1.46″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Panasonic Lumix ZS200 sample gallery updated

07 Apr

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With spring rolling around, the Panasonic ZS200 / TZ200 is likely catching the eyes of photography-minded travelers planning for upcoming trips. Our testing is underway, and in the meantime we’ve added another batch of sample images to our gallery along with some Raw files and conversions.

See our Panasonic Lumix ZS200
Sample Gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Panasonic Lumix GX9 sample gallery updated

30 Mar

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We’re continuing to shoot with and test the Lumix GX9, Panasonic’s latest range-finder style Micro Four Thirds camera. Priced at $ 1000 with kit lens, the GX9 offers a 20MP sensor, 5-axis stabilization and promises a 90% reduction in shutter shock compared to its predecessor. It’s been a little more than a month since the camera’s launch, so we’ve updated our existing sample gallery with some fresh shots.

See our updated Panasonic Lumix GX9 sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Panasonic Lumix ZS200 sample gallery

10 Mar

Spending time in Japan for CP+ also means that we’ve been able to get out and take some photos on the vibrant streets of Yokohama. With a 20MP 1″ sensor and 24-360mm equiv. zoom, the Panasonic ZS200 / TZ200 was more than up to the task. See how this travel-friendly compact fared.

See our Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200
sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 sample gallery

18 Feb

We’ve had some time to shoot around with Panasonic’s freshest interchangeable lens camera, the GX9. This rangefinder-style camera features a tilting EVF and a 20.3MP Four Thirds sensor with no low-pass filter. It also gains Panasonic’s new L.Monochrome D mode photo style, which offers deeper blacks and richer gradation than the camera’s other monochrome modes. We put the new black-and-white mode to work and started to get a feel for how it handles out and about; take a look at our full gallery.

See our Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9
sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Hands-on with Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 / TZ200

17 Feb

Hands-on with Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 (TZ200)

The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 is a powerful, pocketable travel zoom compact camera, with an impressively long lens. We’ve had our hands on one – click through for a closer look.

20MP 1″-type sensor

The ZS200 is built around the same 1″ 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor as its predecessor the ZS100, which immediately makes it a cut above traditional superzooms that sacrificed (among other thing) sensor size for lens reach.

15X optical zoom lens

The ZS200 scores over its predecessor in a few ways, but the most obvious upgrade is to the lens. While the ZS100’s zoom range of 25-250mm was pretty good, the ZS200 turns things up to 11, spanning a much wider range, of 24-360mm (equiv).

Comprising 13 elements in six groups, this complex lens contains three extra low-dispersion elements and five aspherical, plus one that’s both extra low-disperson and aspherical. That’s pretty impressive for such a small camera.

Also updated compared to the ZS100 is minimum focus, which has been reduced to 3cm from 5cm (at 24mm equiv). Distortion at such a close distance (and at such a wide focal length) will be pretty wild, but for flowers, bugs and other organic subjects, it should be fine.

15X optical zoom lens

The extra zoom range doesn’t come free though, and at F3.3-6.4, the ZS200’s lens is slightly slower across its focal length span than its predecessor (shown above, on the left). The longer lens contributes to a slightly greater bodyweight, too. The ZS200 weighs 340g with a card and battery installed, compared to 310g for the ZS100.

This side-by-side shot shows off our ZS200’s ‘gunmetal’ finish. Not quite gray, not quite silver, we think it looks rather nice. Good old black will still be an option when the camera ships next month.

4K video

The ZS200 offers 4K video recording at 30p and 24p. Familiar 4K Photo features like Post Focus are available, in addition to a couple of new modes which were also introduced into the DC-GX9.

Auto Marking analyzes a 4K video clip and automatically marks points at which it detects action, and Sequence Composition (illustrated above in a Panasonic-supplied example shot with the DC-GX9) is a 4K Photo feature that allows you to composite multiple frames of a moving subject in front of a static background into a single 4K-resolution still image.

2.3 million-dot EVF

Here at DPReview we love a good EVF, especially in pocketable travel cameras, where it can really make a difference to handling in bright light. The good news is that the ZS200’s EVF is improved quite a bit over its predecessor. Resolution has been upped to 2.3 million dots, and magnification has been increased from 0.45X to 0.53X (equiv).

The bad news is that the viewfinder is still field-sequential, so the rainbow effect is alive and well, and shooting with a 0.53X magnification finder is still a bit like watching a television from the end of a hallway. As such, while the ZS200’s EVF is much nicer than its predecessor’s, it’s not a match for the OLED finders in some competitors, such as Sony’s RX100-series.

1.24 million-dot touchscreen

Keeping the ZS200’s electronic viewfinder company is a fixed 3″ rear LCD, which boasts 1.24 million dots and touch-sensitivity. As such, placing your desired AF point is as easy as simply tapping the screen.

We’re also pleased to see that Panasonic has included its ‘Touch Pad AF’ feature to the ZS200. In essence, this is exactly what it sounds like – with your eye to the viewfinder, the ZS200’s rear LCD can be used as a touch-pad to position the AF point. Pretty neat. And as you can see, despite the touchscreen, the ZS200 still has enough direct-access buttons to satisfy someone used to more traditional user interfaces (or someone wearing gloves).

Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) Autofocus

The ZS200 features a version of Panasonic’s Depth-from-Defocus autofocus technology. In very simple terms, DFD uses known blur characteristics of Panasonic lenses to work out whether a subject is front or back focused, before driving the focusing group to achieve focus. This reduces the characteristic focus ‘hunting’ of a typical contrast-detection AF system, by increasing the processor’s confidence that it’s moving things in the right direction.

While we haven’t had the chance to properly test the ZS200 (or use it much outside of a conference room and our upper floor balcony), AF speed is impressive at all focal lengths, albeit with some very slight ‘wobble’ when focus is acquired at long telephoto settings. In theory, the ZS200 should be capable of continuous autofocus at up to 6 fps – something we’re keen to try out when we receive a final production camera.

Increased battery life and Bluetooth Low Energy

Built-in Wi-Fi is to be expected these days, but we’re pleased to see that Panasonic has also included low-energy Bluetooth (BLE) in the ZS200. This allows for ‘aways on’ functionality, enabling easy remote trigger functionality from a smartphone without a huge hit in battery life.

Battery life is actually something of a strength of the ZS200. Usually when features get added to a camera, battery life goes down. Not so with the ZS200. Panasonic tells us that improvements have been made to power management, which have paid off in a CIPA rating of 350 shots (compared to 300 from the ZS200) when the LCD is used, and ~250 when shooting with the EVF.

Putting the camera into ‘Eco’ mode should ensure ~300 shots between charges, regardless of shooting style.

What do you think?

So what do you make of the Panasonic Lumix ZS200? Did one of the best travel zoom compacts just get better, or are you ambivalent about the extra zoom reach and slower lens? Let us know in the comments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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