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CP+ 2018: Hands on with the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm F2.8-4 ASPH

02 Mar

CP+ 2018: Hands on with the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm F2.8-4 ASPH

The Panasonic Leica DG Vario 50-200mm F2.8-4 ASPH is the third and final lens in the company’s lineup of high-end variable aperture zooms, which was announced back in CES 2017. Alongside the 8-18mm F2.8-4 and 12-60mm F2.8-4, users have a total equivalent focal range of 16-400mm with this series. As expected, the 50-200mm F2.8-4 has similar styling and design cues to its siblings, and feels every bit as premium as the Leica name would imply.

CP+ 2018: Hands on with the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm F2.8-4 ASPH

Like the 12-60mm F2.8-4, the 50-200mm F2.8-4 zooms externally via a zoom ring placed closer to the camera body than the focus ring. Even on this pre-production sample, both rings are well-damped, and the all-metal body feels extremely solid.

CP+ 2018: Hands on with the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm F2.8-4 ASPH

Despite its fairly compact size, the 50-200mm F2.8-4 has a complex optical design. There are 21 elements in 15 groups, which includes two Ultra Extra-low Dispersion lenses (that’s a mouthful), two Extra-low Dispersion lenses and two aspherical lenses.

CP+ 2018: Hands on with the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm F2.8-4 ASPH

As with the rest of the range, the 50-200mm F2.8-4 is fully weather-resistant. There’s a rubber gasket around the lens mount, and the lens is designed to stand up to inclement weather but is obviously not designed to be submersible in water.

Additionally, the 50-200mm F2.8-4 is compatible with both 1.4X and 2.0X teleconverters from Panasonic, offering either a 560mm or 800mm equivalent maximum focal length, respectively.

CP+ 2018: Hands on with the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm F2.8-4 ASPH

The Panasonic Leica 50-200mm F2.8-4 comes with optical stabilization and is compatible with newer Panasonic models’ Dual I.S. mode. This means the stabilizer in this lens can work in tandem with the sensor-shift stabilization in camera bodies to further combat hand shake.

CP+ 2018: Hands on with the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm F2.8-4 ASPH

We’re excited to get a production copy of the 50-200mm F2.8-4 back to the DPReview offices for testing as soon as we can; both the 8-18mm and 12-60mm F2.8-4 lenses have impressed us with the quality of their build as well as the quality of the imagery they produce. To be sure, these are premium-priced lenses, but we also think they feel and perform like premium products should.

The Panasonic Leica DG Vario 50-200mm F2.8-4 ASPH will be available in June for an MSRP of $ 1700.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Comparison: Cheap IKEA LADDA batteries beat Panasonic Eneloop Pro recycle speed

01 Mar

Good batteries aren’t cheap… or maybe they are. Putting that notion to the test is Martin Cheung, who recently published a video in which he tests the recycle speeds of inexpensive rechargeable IKEA LADDA batteries against more expensive Panasonic Eneloop Pro batteries using Godox TT685 flashes. The results are surprising: the LADDA batteries actually demonstrated a noticeably faster recycle speed versus the Eneloop Pros.

The test was performed using both flashes, meaning the batteries were swapped to the opposite unit for retesting to ensure the difference wasn’t due to the hardware rather than the energy cells. The one caveat is that this is a test of recycle speed only—as Cheung explains in the video, he did not test the number of flashes the batteries are capable of powering.

Looking at each battery model’s specs, the Eneloop Pros ($ 21 per AA 4-pack) boast a 2550mAh rating, while the Ikea LADDA ($ 7 per AA 4-pack) have a slightly lower 2450mAh capacity. Assuming the two sets are capable of powering a similar number of flashes, however, the faster recycling speed and one-third cost of IKEA’s batteries make them the clear winner in this comparison.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Panasonic GX9 added to ‘Best Cameras under $1000’ buying guide

22 Feb

We’ve added Panasonic’s newest mirrorless camera – the midrange DC-GX9 – to our ‘Best Cameras under $ 1000’ buying guide.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Panasonic unveils ‘industry-first’ 8K organic image sensor with global shutter

22 Feb

Panasonic has developed an 8K image sensor capable of shooting 60p video, with wide dynamic range and global shutter. The latter removes the ‘rolling shutter’ effect from stills and video. The sensor combines an organic photosensitive film that sits atop CMOS circuitry, circumventing one of the biggest problems with traditional global shutter CMOS chips: co-located photosensitive and charge storage areas that compete with one another for space within the surface area of each pixel. This allows Panasonic’s chip to comparatively achieve far greater photosensitive area (better low light performance) and expansive charge capacity (wide dynamic range), and perform some other unique tricks.

Comparing typical BSI CMOS image sensor design (left), Panasonic’s new OPF/CMOS image sensor (right). Note how thin the OPF layer is compared to a traditional silicon photodiode. This allows a large area to be devoted to circuitry, and also means each pixel can accept a wider cone of incident light. This increases the CRA (chief ray angle) from the traditional 30-40º to 60º.

In June of 2013, Fujifilm and Panasonic announced a collaboration that got a lot of photography nerds talking: together, the two companies had developed an ‘industry-leading’ organic / CMOS sensor technology that replaces the silicon photodiode in a conventional CMOS chip with a much thinner, high absorption coefficient organic photoelectric conversion (OPC) layer. A transparent electrode sits on top of this organic photoconductive film (OPF) and modulates its photosensitivity when a voltage is applied. This approach brings a number of advantages, like the ability to accept more oblique light rays, higher pixel capacities and global shutter.

Advantages include the ability to accept more oblique light rays, higher pixel capacities and global shutter

It’s been many years since we first heard about the collaboration, but it now appears to be at the heart of Panasonic’s latest announcement: the news that it has developed an ‘industry-first’ 8K global shutter sensor that uses OPF/CMOS tech to perform all of its tricks. Panasonic claims its new sensor can capture 8K images and 60fps video while offering incredible dynamic range, global shutter, and a built-in electronically-controlled variable ND filter function.

At face value, this sensor seems to offer quite a bit more than the backlit CMOS sensor with global shutter announced by Sony last week. Furthermore, Sony has only so far managed to build a 1.46-megapixel sensor using its pixel-parallel ADCs, while Panasonic seems to have an 8K organic/CMOS sensor already operational. Ostensibly, Panasonic’s technology shouldn’t place any particular restrictions on pixel size – which likely explains how it was able to achieve high resolution via small pixels – while Sony’s approach of an ADC for every pixel presumably places some size constraints on the design.

This Figure shows the dynamic range capabilities of the sensor’s ‘high saturation’ mode (left) and the advantages of its global shutter functionality (right)

Technical Details

Organic/CMOS sensors are able to offer these capabilities by separating the photosensitive area (the organic light-sensitive material) from the signal processing area (all the circuitry), and by then modulating the organic photoconductive film to turn its photosensitivity on or off (or tune it). A transparent electrode sits on top of the OPF – which spans the entire sensor – and the application of increasing voltage to the electrode makes the OPF more photosensitive. This allows for fine tuning of the photosensitivity of the sensor, and the ability to turn all pixels on or off simultaneously.

The organic film layer allows all pixels to be turned on or off simultaneously

The separation of the photoelectric conversion part from the circuitry allows each to be optimized independently, rather than the optimization of one placing constraints on the other. This, combined with how thin the OPF layer is compared to a traditional silicon photodiode, has allowed Panasonic to dedicate a large area to circuitry, separating the (traditionally somewhat co-located) photoelectric conversion and charge storage parts. The result? Large capacitors that allow for enormous full-well capacity: Panasonic claims its sensor can collect up to 450,000 photoelectrons per pixel, which is insane and means this sensor is likely to have a very wide dynamic range. By comparison, we’re more used to seeing an order of magnitude less full-well capacity: ~45,000 photoelectrons per pixel in full frame cameras.

‘In-pixel gain switching technology’ also allows the Panasonic sensor to switch to a high efficiency mode, though in this mode the pixels saturate at 4,500 photoelectrons – yielding far less dynamic range but enhanced low light ability.

Panasonic shows off the incredible dynamic range of this new organic sensor.

In this latest design, these benefits have been combined with a new “in-pixel capacitive coupled noise cancellation technique” which can suppress pixel reset noise very quickly, even when you’re shooting at really high resolution… say, 8K.

The organic layer is also the source of the electronically-controlled ND function. By changing how much voltage you apply to the organic layer, you can change its sensitivity and therefore have it capture more or less light per unit time. You can see the relationship between applied voltage and signal, with higher voltages making the OPF more light sensitive (increasing photoconductivity), and lower voltages making the sensor less sensitive. VH (high voltage) is the default voltage applied to make the OPF maximally sensitive, while VL (low voltage) simulates the effect of a 5 stop ND filter.

This would, ostensibly, save photographers and videographers from needing to carry around a set of ND filters, allowing you to adjust to challenging lighting situations in-camera.

This figure shows the stepless, electronically-controlled ND filter functionality of the Panasonic sensor.

Finally, the organic layer is also the source of the global shutter function. Global shutter involves capturing/reading all of the pixels on a sensor at once. Most CMOS sensors read the image row-by-row, leading to ‘rolling shutter’ distortion where fast moving objects look warped because the bottom part of the object was actually captured a split second later than its top.

This is what Sony addressed with its new BSI CMOS sensor announced last week. That sensor achieves global shutter by adding an ADC to every single pixel rather than every column of pixels. Unfortunately, this approach is currently difficult to scale—which is why Sony has only managed to put it into a 1.46MP sensor with fairly large pixels thus far.

Panasonic’s design achieves this same trick by taking advantage of the ability to turn the entire organic layer on or off simultaneously. At the end of an exposure, the voltage applied to the transparent electrode is simply switched off, effectively turning off the photosensitivity of all pixels simultaneously. This decouples the end of an exposure from read-out, which can still be done sequentially, line-by-line. Impressively, Panasonic’s sensor can operate in this manner “even driving a large number of pixels like the 8K sensor”.

The sensor’s global shutter functionality eliminates rolling shutter distortion caused by reading the sensor row-by-row, rather than all at once.

What’s Next?

So, are we going to see this in any upcoming Panasonic video cameras? Will the Panasonic GH6 or its best high-end Varicam shoot 8K/60p with insane dynamic range, global shutter, and built-in electronic ND filter? We’d sure like to hope so, but probably not.

Remember, this organic/CMOS sensor technology was first introduced as a major breakthrough in 2013. To the best of our knowledge, not a single camera has used that technology in the intervening 5 years. Apple recently acquired InVisage QuantumFilm technology, which uses a film layer to to roll-off highlights for 2-3 stops of additional dynamic range. All this makes us wonder if the tech is really ready for prime time.

Not that we shouldn’t be excited about this breakthough—those are some really incredible specs. We’re just tempering our excitement with a little bit of experience… and maybe a touch of patience and skepticism.

Panasonic Develops Industry’s-First 8K High-Resolution, High-Performance Global Shutter Technology using Organic-Photoconductive-Film CMOS Image Sensor

The new technology enables 8K high resolution and high picture quality imaging without motion distortion, even in extremely bright scenes.

Osaka Japan, – Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has developed a new technology which realizes 8K high-resolution (36M pixels), 60fps framerate, 450k high-saturation electrons and global shutter [1] imaging with sensitivity modulation function simultaneously, using a CMOS image sensor with an organic photoconductive film (OPF). In this OPF CMOS image sensor, the photoelectric-conversion part and the circuit part are independent. By utilizing this OPF CMOS image sensor’s unique structure, we have been able to newly develop and incorporate high-speed noise cancellation technology and high saturation technology in the circuit part. And, by using this OPF CMOS image sensor’s unique sensitivity control function to vary the voltage applied to the OPF, we realize global shutter function. The technology that simultaneously achieves these performances is the industry’s first^*1.

With the technology, it is possible to capture images at 8K resolution, even in high contrast scenes, such as a field under strong sunlight and shaded spectator seats under a stadium roof. Moreover, by utilizing the global shutter function that enables simultaneous image capture by all pixels, it is expected to be able to capture moving objects instantaneously without distortion, be utilized for multi viewpoint cameras (performing multi-view synchronized imaging using plural cameras) and used in fields requiring high-speed and high-resolution, such as machine vision and ITS monitoring. In addition, conventionally, even in scenes where it was necessary to utilize different ND filters [2] according to capturing conditions, the technology realizes a new electronically-controlled variable ND filter function which enables stepless adjustment of the OPF sensitivity [3] merely by controlling the voltage applied to the OPF.

The new technology has the following advantages.

8K resolution, 60fps framerate, 450k saturation electrons and global shutter function are realized simultaneously.
Switching between high sensitivity mode and high saturation mode is possible using gain switching function.
The ND filter function can be realized steplessly by controlling the voltage applied to the OPF.

This Development is based on the following technologies.

“OPF CMOS image sensor design technology”, in that, the photoelectric-conversion part and the circuit part can be designed independently.
“In-pixel capacitive coupled noise cancellation technique” which can suppress pixel reset noise at high speed even at high resolution
“In-pixel gain switching technology” that can achieve high saturation characteristics
“Voltage controlled sensitivity modulation technology” that can adjust the sensitivity by changing the voltage applied to the OPF.

Panasonic holds 135 Japanese patents and 83 overseas patents (including pending) related to this technology.

Panasonic will present some of these technologies at the international academic conference: ISSCC (International Solid-State Circuit Conference) 2018 which will be held in San Francisco on February 11 – 15, 2018.

Notes:

*1: As of February 14, 2018, according to Panasonic data.

More on the Technology

1. “OPF CMOS image sensor design technology”, in that, the photoelectric-conversion part and the circuit part can be designed independently.

The OPF CMOS image sensor has a unique structure, in which, the OPF performs a photoelectric conversion and the circuit area performs charge storage and signal readout functions completely independently. Using this OPF CMOS image sensor structure, we developed high-speed noise cancellation technology and high saturation technology in the circuit area which has a large available space. As a result, it is possible to realize simultaneously 8K resolution, 60fps framerate readout, wide dynamic range [4] (by achieving a high saturation level) and global shutter function, which are normally traded off.

2. “In-pixel capacitive coupled noise cancellation technique” which can suppress pixel reset noise at high speed even at high resolution

Because the OPF CMOS image sensor has a structure in which the OPF and the charge storage part are connected by metal plugs, accumulated charges cannot be completely read out. Therefore, there is a problem that it is affected by reset noise at the time of resetting the pixel (signal charge storage node). And, in a high-resolution sensor, such as an 8K sensor, it is necessary to drive large loads exceeding 4000 pixels aligned in the vertical direction at the same time as the time of noise cancellation, and therefore, the long time it takes to suppress noise is a problem. So, we developed a new structure that cancels pixel reset noise at high speed, even when high resolution pixels have to be driven, by using Panasonic’s original semiconductor device technology and the newly developed “in-pixel capacitive coupled noise canceller”. In this structure, the reset noise is suppressed at high speed by using the negative feedback loop provided for each pixel.

3. “In-pixel gain switching technology” that can achieve high saturation characteristics

In the OPF CMOS image sensor, by incorporating a large capacitor in the circuit part with a large available area, it is possible to realize both high sensitivity mode and high saturation mode with the same pixel structure merely by switching modes from the camera system. In the high sensitivity mode, it is possible to capture data up to a light intensity of 4.5k electrons with high sensitivity. Furthermore, by switching to the high saturation mode, it is possible to capture data up to a light intensity of 450k electrons. In this way, since the high saturation mode can capture up to 10 times the high sensitivity mode, it is possible to clearly display the fine winding structure of the lamp filaments, in which bright part gradation cannot be expressed, because it becomes overexposure in high sensitivity mode, as shown in Fig. 3 (a). Even in a scene with high contrast, such as shown in Fig. 5, from the facial expression of the person in the shadow of the stadium roof to the blue sky and clouds during a mid-summer day, and such as shown in Fig. 6, from the dimly lit room to the sunny garden, it will be possible to capture brilliant images without overexposure or underexposure.

4. “Voltage controlled sensitivity modulation technology” that can adjust the sensitivity by changing the voltage applied to the OPF.

The OPF CMOS image sensor can change the sensitivity of the OPF simply by controlling the voltage applied to the OPF. By utilizing this function, we can realize the following functions which could not be realized with conventional silicon image sensors.

Sensitivity Modulation Example 1: Global shutter function which can capture all pixels simultaneously at 8K resolution

By controlling ON / OFF of the voltage applied to the OPF and controlling the sensitivity of the OPF, we realize the “global shutter function” capable of imaging all pixels at the same time, even driving a large number of pixels like the 8K sensor. By capturing with the global shutter function, as shown in Fig. 3 (b), the letters on the rotating body are read sharply without distortion. In addition, as shown in Fig. 7, even at the time of high speed moving object capturing, such as when driving on a highway or at industrial inspection, capturing without distortion becomes possible.

In the conventional global shutter type silicon image sensor, it is necessary to add new elements such as transfer circuits and charge storage capacitors in order to accumulate charges simultaneously in all pixels. As a result, the area of the photodiode and that of the additional circuits must compete for space, there is a problem that the pixel size cannot be reduced and the amount of saturation electrons cannot be increased. On the other hand, in the OPF CMOS image sensor, since there is no need for additional elements, it is possible to realize small cell, high resolution sensors, and by incorporating large capacitors in the circuit part with a large available area, accurate imaging with no distortion from dark scenes to extremely bright scenes is possible. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, with the OPF CMOS image sensor, when buildings are photographed while panning [5] at high speed, even in scenes with high contrast like a bright sky and dark windows, it is possible to acquire image data maintaining all gradations of the whole area without distortion.

Sensitivity Modulation Example 2: “Electrical ND Filter Technology” which can change sensitivity continuously and steplessly

Conventionally it has been necessary to provide a plurality of ND filters according to photographing conditions and change them many times. On the other hand, in the OPF CMOS image sensor, merely by controlling the voltage applied to the OPF (VITO in Fig. 8) and changing the sensitivity of the OPF to the desired value, it is possible to electrically implement the ND filter function. By using this function, it becomes possible to simplify the photographic equipment and continuously, steplessly control the sensitivity which could not be realized with a conventional silicon sensor. Therefore, the possibility of capturing according to the scene is expanded.

In the future, we will utilize this OPF CMOS image sensor technology in various applications such as broadcasting cameras, surveillance cameras, industrial inspection cameras, automotive cameras, etc., and will contribute to realize high resolution, high speed and high precision imaging and sensing functions.

Technical Terms:

[1] Global shutter:: Shutter operation which can captures the image at the same time with all pixels. Organic CMOS image sensors operate in rolling shutter mode in which exposure and shutter operation is executed row by row.
[2] ND filter: Abbreviated name of neutral density filter.
A filter that functions to evenly absorb light in the visible range and reduce only the light intensity without affecting color.
[3] Sensitivity modulation: The photoelectric conversion efficiency is changed according to the control. In the OPF CMOS image sensor, the photoelectric conversion efficiency can be changed by controlling the voltage applied to the OPF.
[4] Dynamic Range: Range of brightness that can be imaged.
(Ratio between the largest and the smallest values of brightness.)
[5] Panning: A technique for capturing wide scenes by moving the framing in the horizontal direction with a fixed camera, which is a common video capturing technique.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 sample gallery

18 Feb

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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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Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9: What you need to know

16 Feb

Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9: What you need to know

Nominally at least, the new Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 is the successor to the GX8. But while it has a lot in common with the earlier model, the new camera comes with some serious updates, and a couple of caveats. In some ways in fact, the GX9 can be thought of as a step-up model from the GX85, rather than as a direct successor to the more expensive GX8.

We’ve had access to a pre-production GX9 for a few days, and we’ve been digging into its feature set. Here’s what you need to know.

No low-pass filter

The GX9 incorporates the same 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor as its predecessor, but omits the low-pass filter found on previous models. JPEG shooters might not see much of a difference, but this should allow you to eke out a little more detail in low-ISO Raw files.

Redesigned shutter – no more ‘shutter shock’

The GX8 was a very likable camera, but at certain shutter speeds, we encountered issues with so-called ‘shutter shock’ when the vibration caused by the shutter movement blurred fine detail. We reported this issue to Panasonic at the time, and apparently they took it seriously. The GX9 features a redesigned shutter, which should result in a 90% reduction in shutter shock, compared to its predecessor. That’s according to Panasonic – obviously we’ll be testing it for ourselves as soon as possible.

As well as the mechanical shutter, you also have the option of engaging the silent, fully-electronic shutter from 1 – 1/16,000 sec. If you’re taking pictures in a very quiet environment, this is the way to go, but distortion might become an issue when shooting fast moving subjects.

Tilting EVF (but not the same viewfinder)

One of our favorite features of the GX7 and GX8 were their tilting viewfinders, and we’re pleased to see that this design has been carried over into the GX9.

The bad news is that it’s not the same finder. The GX9’s EVF is a field-sequential type, featuring 2.7 million dot (equivalent) resolution and an equivalent magnification of 0.7X, compared to the 1.04 million-dot, 0.77X magnification OLED of the GX8. The GX9’s viewfinder image is very nice, but it’s a little smaller, and (being field-sequential) it is also prone to ‘rainbow effect’, if you’re one of the people who are bothered by that.

Touch-sensitive rear LCD – tilting only

As well as a tilting EVF, the GX9 also features a tilting, 1.24 million-dot rear LCD. The 3″ screen is touch-sensitive, allowing for (among other thing) easy AF point placement. By contrast, the GX8’s rear LCD was fully-articulating. Some people prefer tilting screens, some people don’t, which will determine whether or not you see this as an up or downgrade.

Continuous shooting and autofocus

Continuous shooting is possible at up to 9 fps with focus locked (and no live view), or 6fps with live view and/or in continuous AF mode. While the GX9’s sensor is not set up for on-sensor phase detection, Panasonic’s Depth from Defocus autofocus technology does a pretty good job of focus acquisition and tracking. DFD uses the individual (de)focus blur characteristics of modern Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lenses to quickly drive the lens’s focus groups in the right direction, largely avoiding the distracting hunting behavior of conventional contrast-detection AF systems. Face and eye-detection AF modes both work well.

In use, the GX9 isn’t in the same league as its action-focused stablemate the G9, but autofocus is fast and accurate in most shooting situations.

4K video

As well as stills, the GX9 can also capture UHD 4K video, at up to 30p. The maximum bitrate of 100Mbps (4K/30) isn’t competitive against Panasonic’s more pro-oriented GH5 and GH5S, but the GX9 should be more than capable of satisfying the needs of occasional videographers.

Video is initiated via the distinctive red button at the center of the main on/off switch, just behind the shutter release in this image. Note also the integrated exposure mode / compensation dials on the upper right of the GX9’s body.

I/O ports door

We don’t normally get too excited by the door that covers I/O ports but we’ll make an exception for the GX9…

I/O ports door

…because the GX9’s ports door is a little bit special. Rather than flapping around, getting in the way of your USB or HDMI cables whenever they’re plugged into the camera, the door hides itself away inside the body of the camera. Neat.

4K Auto Marking and Sequence Composition

Two new 4K features have been added in the GX9: Auto Marking, which automatically marks faces or motion in your video (full disclosure – try as we might, we cannot get this feature to work in our pre-production camera), and 4K Photo Sequence Composition (shown above).

Sequence Composition allows you to shoot a moving sequence in 4K, and then quickly create a composite JPEG in-camera by dragging and dropping the moving element/s from neighboring frames.

5-axis image stabilization

The GX9 features in-body stabilization, which combines with the optical stabilization systems in many Panasonic M43 lenses to offer 5-axis stabilization for a total benefit of around 4EV.

While not up there with the G9 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II’s 6EV+ stabilization systems, 4EV is still very useful, and should mean for example that with a 25mm lens (50mm) equivalent, sharp images can be taken right down to 1/8sec.

New ‘Dynamic’ monochrome mode

A new ‘L Monochrome: Dynamic’ mode has been added to the GX9’s suite of Creative Control effects, along with a random (i.e. non-repeating) monochrome grain effect. Normally we’re pretty indifferent towards modes like this on enthusiast-grade cameras, but the results when shooting in Monochrome D mode + grain actually look really good. Not quite Kodak Tri-X good, but close.

Built-in flash

Also new compared to the GX8 is a small built-in flash. This pop-up flash is available for close-range portraits and fill light, but with a guide number of 4.2 (ISO 100) it won’t replace an external flash for anything more than that.

The GX9 is compatible with Panasonic’s wireless flash control system, when paired with DMW-FL200L / FL360L / FL580L flashguns.

Optional grip and eyecup

The GX9 features a fairly skinny (but perfectly comfortable) handgrip, but if you want a bit more of a handful, an optional grip is available for the pretty reasonable price of $ 59.

Optional grip and eyecup

A wider eyecup is also available as an optional extra, for more comfortable shooting when wearing glasses.

Wi-Fi- and LE Bluetooth

As we’d expect from a modern Panasonic camera, the GX9 features built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer to and remote control from a mobile device, but low-energy Bluetooth (BLE) is a new addition.

BLE allows the camera to maintain a constant connection, allowing for easy wireless remote triggering and avoiding the need to go through lengthy and sometimes frustrating connection steps every time you want to use a wireless feature.

Body, sealing and battery life

The GX9 is about 25g heavier than the GX85, and about 40g lighter than the GX8. It’s slightly smaller than the GX8, too, and lacks the older models’ weather-sealing. Weather-sealing is one of those rather nebulous ‘features’ that means different things to different manufacturers, but if you enjoy shooting in all winds and weathers, take note – you have been warned.

In terms of battery life, the GX9 uses the same DMW-BLG10 battery as the GX85, and as such its CIPA-rated battery life has dropped compared to the GX8, to around 250 images per full charge. It’s not all bad news though – this increases to around 900 shots in Eco Mode, and as always, it’s likely that a stills-focused photographer will be able to get quite a bit more endurance than the CIPA figures suggest. We’d still invest in a spare battery, just in case.

What do you think?

The GX9 is dividing our commenters – some of you like the focus on feature enhancement, and don’t mind the loss of an articulating screen, weather-sealing, and the rest while others are unhappy that Panasonic hasn’t doubled-down on some of the GX8’s unique features.

Some of you, like us, are probably just confused by Panasonic’s ever-changing naming scheme for its entry-level and midrange ILCs. Which camp do you fall into? Let us know in the comments.

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Panasonic Lumix ZS200 offers 1″ sensor and 24-360mm equiv. zoom in a pocketable form factor

13 Feb

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Panasonic has announced the ZS200/TZ200, a 20MP 1″-sensor compact that updates the existing ZS100 and its 25-250mm equiv. zoom with a 24-360mm equiv. F3.3-6.4 lens that’s both slightly wider and much longer (though a bit slower).

Like its predecessor the ZS200 offers a 3″ touchscreen, accompanied by an upgraded 2.3 million-dot EVF with 0.53x magnification. Contrast detect autofocus is aided by Panasonic’s very good Depth from Defocus technology, and up to 10 fps burst shooting is available with AF-S (6 fps in AF-C). Rounding out a travel-friendly feature set are 4K video, Wi-Fi with Bluetooth, 5-axis image stabilization and a new L.Monochrome Photo Style for a black-and-white film look.

The ZS200’s 3840 x 2160 4K recording is offered at 30p and 24p. Familiar 4K Photo features like Post Focus are available, in addition to a couple of new modes. Auto Marking analyzes a 4K video clip and automatically marks points at which it detects action. Sequence Composition allows you to composite multiple frames of a moving subject in front of a static background into a single image – think of the images you see of a snowboarder frozen mid-flight in the various stages of a jump.

The Panasonic ZS200 boasts an improved battery life of 370 shots per charge (the ZS200 claimed 300) thanks to a new eco-friendly mode. It will ship in mid-March for $ 799 in your choice of gunmetal silver or black.

Press release:

LUMIX DMC-ZS200 Travel Zoom Camera

Powerful 15x Optical Zoom with 1-in. 20.1-MP High Sensitivity MOS Sensor for 4K Video/ 4K PHOTO Capability

Newark, NJ (February 13, 2018) –Panasonic is proud to introduce the LUMIX DMC-ZS200, the new flagship camera of the popular Travel Zoom series. The compact LUMIX ZS200 comes with a 24mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and enhanced 15x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 24-360mm). The camera also includes 5-Axis HYBRID Optical Image Stabilizer Plus*1 to suppress hand-shake in both photo and video recording. For added creativity the LUMIX ZS200 integrates a new L.Monochrome mode in Photo Style for monochrome images with rich B/W film gradation.

The camera’s 1-inch MOS sensor produces high-quality images with stunning details. The combination of a High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and Venus Engine delivers up to ISO 12,800 for high sensitivity quality beyond the reach of most other digital compacts. And an upgraded Live View Finder (LVF) integrates a new 0.21-in. 2,330K-dot equivalent LVF to provide a high magnification ratio of approx. 1.45x/0.53x (35mm camera equivalent). Both LVF and a 3-in. touchscreen display provide approx. 100% field of view. The LUMIX ZS200 boasts exceptional optical performance with stunning clarity with minimum distortion and flare. This new lens system also enables stunning close-up shots with its 3cm macro capability.

With the LUMIX ZS200, 4K video recording is every bit as stunning with high-resolution QFHD 4K video in 3840×2160 at 30p or 24p in MP4. And 4K PHOTO lets LUMIX ZS200 users capture memorable moments by extracting single frames from 4K burst files shot at 30 fps to save as 8-megapixel equivalent images. Auto Marking and Sequence Composition, included in addition to Post Focus and Focus Stacking, make 4K PHOTO even easier to use.

A Contrast AF System features DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology*2 and excels in both speed and accuracy for ultra-fast auto focusing in approx. 0.1 sec*3. The LUMIX ZS200 includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® connectivity for a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing. Compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy) enables a consistent connection with a smartphone or tablet with minimum power consumption.

The independent dials and Control Ring located on the lens barrel provide an intuitive way to capture creative vision. Smoother control of exposure and zoom allows users to concentrate on framing the perfect picture and press the shutter at the perfect moment. It also provides easier access to frequently-used settings such as aperture, shutter speed, focus, filter effect and scene mode. For even more precise control over focusing, the LUMIX ZS200 also boasts a Focus Peaking function that shows the peak of focus in manual focus mode to ensure users know exactly where the focus is.

The LUMIX ZS200 will be available in stores on March 20, 2018. Suggested retail price is $ 799.99. Available in Black and Silver.

Additional features

Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n)
The LUMIX ZS200 integrates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® connectivity to offer a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. Once the camera is connected to a smartphone or tablet installed with the Panasonic Image App for iOS / Android, users can shoot, browse and share images remotely. They can also choose the quality of images to transfer using the Image App. Compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (called BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) enables a constant connection with a smartphone/tablet with minimum power consumption. This activates the camera by simply using a smartphone/tablet or to automatically add GPS geotags on the photos.

• Long battery life and AC/USB Power Charging
Thanks to a newly adopted eco30fps mode, the LUMIX ZS200 provides long battery life for approx. 370 pictures (when using a rear monitor) per charge. The battery is recharged via AC or USB according to user convenience.
• Exposure / WB / Focus / Aperture Bracket
Focus Bracket and Aperture Bracket are new additions to the conventional Exposure Bracket and WB Bracket to let users choose their best shots later. In Focus Bracket, a maximum 999 images can be shot with different focus points. The Aperture Bracket enables multiple shots with different depths of field.
• In-Camera RAW Data Development
• The LUMIX ZS200 can shoot images in RAW and develop them in-camera.
• LEICA is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. • LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems certified by Leica Camera AG according to the company’s quality standards.
• “AVCHD Progressive”, “AVCHD”, the “AVCHD Progressive” Logo and the “AVCHD” Logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
• Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
• All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
• The LUMIX ZS200 is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. Use SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards on compatible devices only. SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards cannot be used with devices compatible only with SD Memory Cards. (Before using an SDHC/SDXC Memory Card in another device, read the operating instructions for that device.)
• Some accessories are not available in some countries.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

*1 5-axis compensation works in video recording except for 4K video recording.
*2 Works for still image recording.
*3 Based on the CIPA standard.

Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 specifications

Price
MSRP	$ 799
Body type
Body type	Large sensor compact
Body material	Metal
Sensor
Max resolution	5472 x 3648
Image ratio w:h	1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels	20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	21 megapixels
Sensor size	1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Venus Engine
Color space	sRGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 125-12800 (expands to 80-25600)
Boosted ISO (minimum)	80
Boosted ISO (maximum)	25600
White balance presets	5
Custom white balance	Yes (4 slots)
Image stabilization	Optical
Image stabilization notes	Hybrid 5-axis available in movie mode
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, standard
File format	JPEG (Exif v2.31) Raw (Panasonic RW2 format)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)	24–360 mm
Optical zoom	15×
Maximum aperture	F3.3–6.4
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	Yes (2X)
Manual focus	Yes
Normal focus range	50 cm (19.69″)
Macro focus range	5 cm (1.97″)
Number of focus points	49
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,240,000
Touch screen	Yes
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Electronic
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	0.53×
Viewfinder resolution	2,330,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	60 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/2000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic)	1/16000 sec
Exposure modes	Program Aperture Priority Shutter Priority Manual
Scene modes	Clear Portrait Silky Skin Backlit Softness Clear in Backlight Relaxing Tone Sweet Child's Face Distinct Scenery Bright Blue Sky Romantic Sunset Glow Vivid Sunset Glow Glistening Water* Clear Nightscape Cool Night Sky Warm Glowing Nightscape Artistic Nightscape Glittering Illuminations Handheld Night Shot Clear Night Portrait Soft Image of a Flower Appetizing Food Cute Dessert Freeze Animal Motion Clear Sports Shot Monochrome
Built-in flash	Yes
Flash range	6.80 m (at 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, 3 shots @ 10 sec)
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)
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
Modes	3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital 1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital 1280 x 720 @ 30p / 10 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible)
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 + Bluetooth 4.2 LE
Remote control	Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	No
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	370
Weight (inc. batteries)	340 g (0.75 lb / 11.99 oz)
Dimensions	111 x 66 x 45 mm (4.37 x 2.6 x 1.77″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Panasonic Lumix GX9 offers 20MP with no low-pass filter, improved shutter mechanism

13 Feb

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Panasonic is taking the wraps off the GX9, a 20MP Micro Four Thirds camera. Its sensor does not use a low-pass filter in an effort to maximize sharpness, and a new L/Monochrome D Photo Style is on board for fans of black-and-white film. The GX9 does not offer weather-sealing, unlike the GX8 and G9.

The GX9 offers a 2.7 million-dot (equiv.) EVF that tilts 90° upward, and a 1.2 million-dot touchscreen that tilts up 80° and down by 45° – a departure from the G9 and GX8’s fully articulated screens. An electromagnetic drive claims to reduce shutter shock by 90%, an attempt to mitigate the shutter-induced softness we saw in previous GX- models.

The camera relies on contrast detect autofocus with the help of Panasonic’s Depth from Defocus technology when Panasonic lenses are used. Naturally 4K/30p/24p video is present with all of the affiliated 4K Photo Modes, including two new ones: Auto Marking and Sequence Composition. Auto Marking allows the camera to identify movement in a 4K clip and set a marker to quickly jump to the action, and Sequence Composition makes it easy to create composite images of action in-camera.

In-body 5-axis stabilization combines with dual-axis optical stabilization, resulting in a claimed 4-stop reduction in shake. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available for quick image sharing.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 will ship in the beginning of March with a new 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens for $ 999. An optional wide eyecup ($ 19) and grip ($ 59) will also be available.

Press release

LUMIX GX9

The Ultimate Compact Single Lens Mirrorless Digital Camera Capture High Quality Images in Your Own Creative Way

Newark, NJ (February 13, 2018) – Panasonic is proud to introduce the LUMIX GX9, a sleek, compact new Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera for everyone who wants to shoot vibrant, true-to-life, high quality images in their own creative way with excellent resolution, high contrast and impressive color reproduction.

The LUMIX GX9’s 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor without a low-pass filter and Venus Engine combine to drive maximum lens performance while rendering natural, high-precision images. The L.Monochrome D mode is newly added to Photo Style, making it easy to shoot detailed dynamic monochrome photos with emphasized highlights and shadows. Plus, Grain Effect can also be adjusted in all monochrome modes with Photo Style.

A 5-axis Dual I.S. (Image Stabilizer) in the LUMIX GX9 effectively suppresses blur. Combining an O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) and a B.I.S. (Body Image Stabilizer, 5-axis), the Dual I.S. compensates for a wider range of movement to enable blur-free photo/video shooting from wide to tele, even in low-light conditions.

A new wide screen LVF (Live View Finder) in the LUMIX GX9 tilts up approx. 90 degrees. With its high, approx. 2760k-dot equivalent, resolution and 100% color reproduction, this 16:9 LVF provides approx. 1.39x / 0.7x (35mm camera equivalent.) magnification and 100% field of view. Plus, the camera’s large 3.0-in., approx. 1240k-dot high resolution static-type touch monitor provides nearly 100% of field of view tilts up approx. 80 degrees and down 45-degrees to enable shooting in high or low angle even easier.

The Contrast AF System in the LUMIX GX9 features DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology and excels in both speed and accuracy by exchanging digital signals between the camera and the lens at max. 240 fps*1, for ultra-fast auto focusing in approx. 0.07 sec*2. A range of extensive AF functions include Face/Eye Detection AF, Pinpoint AF, One-shot AF and advanced Low Light AF to enhance usability to comply with various shooting situations. Live View Boost makes it possible to check composition even in total darkness by boosting sensitivity just for live view.

The LUMIX GX9 records smooth, high-resolution 4K video in 3840×2160 at 30p or 24p in MP4. 4K PHOTO is easier to use in more creative ways with Auto Marking and Sequence Composition, two new additions to Post Focus, Focus Stacking, Light Composition and 4K Live Cropping.

Ultra HD 4K video and 4K PHOTO

With a high-speed sensor signal readout and engine processor, the LUMIX GX9 records smooth, high-resolution 4K videos in 3840×2160 resolution at 30p or 24p in addition to the Full-HD 1,920×1,080 60p videos with practical full-time AF. With this technology, LUMIX 4K PHOTO lets users capture perfect moments by extracting single frames from 4K burst files shot at 30 fps to save as 8-megapixel equivalent photos.

Choosing the best shots out of hundreds of 4K video frames is now easier with a newly added Auto Marking function. Auto Marking identifies the frame most different from others in the file to help minimize the time it takes to choose the best individual shot. A Sequence Composition function creates a stromotion image in-camera by synthesizing multiple images shot at fixed frame to produce a unique image of a subject’s motion without special retouching.

The LUMIX GX9 also includes Post Focus, a function selects an in-focus area even after shooting. Post Focus is helpful in situations such as macro shooting where strict focusing is required or for changing expressions by changing the focused subject. This capability combines high-speed, high-precision DFD (Depth From Defocus) auto focus technology and 4K technology. A Focus Stacking function adjusts depth of field after shooting by combining multiple images shot with Post Focus in the camera. Now users don’t need to focus strictly while shooting because they can create images with the defocus level they want or pan-focus simply by selecting the focus area after shooting — beneficial when shooting macro images of insects, small accessories and so on.

LUMIX GX9 also incorporates a Light Composition function, a new 4K PHOTO option. The camera synthesizes images by choosing and saving a brighter pixel to easily produce more dramatic images of fireworks or night scenery in-camera. What’s more, the LUMIX GX9 also enables 4K Live Cropping in video recording to realize stable panning or zooming. In panning shots, users just set the viewing angle to begin and end with for smooth panning imagery without using special equipment like a slider. And in zooming, users can set the after-zoomed viewing angle firs to ensure the subject is perfectly in the frame. The imagery of zooming is smooth because it does not move the zoom lens physically.

The LUMIX GX9 includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® connectivity for a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. Compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy) enables consistent connection with a smartphone or tablet with minimum power consumption.

About motion picture recording / 4K Photo recording
– Use a card with SD Speed Class with “Class 4” or higher when recording motion pictures.
– Use a card with SD Speed Class with “UHS-I UHS Speed Class 3 (U3)” when recording motion pictures with [MP4] in [4K] or [4K PHOTO]. (SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.)
– MP4 motion pictures with [MP4] in [FHD/30p] [FHD] [HD]: You can continue recording without interruption even if the file size exceeds 4 GB or 30 minutes in length, but the motion picture file will be divided and recorded/played back separately. – MP4 motion pictures with [MP4] in [4K]:
– When using an SDHC memory card: You can continue recording without interruption even if the file size exceeds 4 GB, but the motion picture file will be divided and recorded/played back separately.
– When using an SDXC memory card: You can record a motion picture in a single file. – When the ambient temperature is high or continuous recording is performed, the camera may stop the recording to protect itself. Wait until the camera cools down.

For [4K] video output, use an HDMI cable that has the HDMI logo on it, and that is described as “4K compatible.”

*1 Contrast AF with DFD Technology works only with Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lenses. *2 In AFS, at wide-end with H-FS14140 (CIPA).

Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9

Price
MSRP	$ 999 (w/12-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens)
Body type
Body type	Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Body material	Magnesium alloy
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	22 megapixels
Sensor size	Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Venus Engine
Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to 100)
Boosted ISO (minimum)	100
White balance presets	5
Custom white balance	Yes (4 slots)
Image stabilization	Sensor-shift
Image stabilization notes	Dual IS uses sensor and lens-shift (when available)
CIPA image stabilization rating	4 stop(s)
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, standard
File format	JPEG (Exif v2.31) Raw (Panasonic RW2)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	Yes (2x-4x)
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	49
Lens mount	Micro Four Thirds
Focal length multiplier	2×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Tilting
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,240,000
Touch screen	Yes
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Electronic
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	1.39× (0.7× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder resolution	2,760,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	60 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic)	1/16000 sec
Exposure modes	Program Shutter priority Aperture priority Manual
Built-in flash	Yes
Flash range	6.00 m (at ISO 200)
External flash	Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash modes	Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, forced on, forced on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction, forced off
Flash X sync speed	1/200 sec
Drive modes	Single Burst 4K Photo Post Focus Self-timer
Continuous drive	9.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 secs, 3 photos over 10 secs)
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, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
Modes	3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital 1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital 1280 x 720 @ 30p / 10 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I supported)
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
USB charging	Yes
HDMI	Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port	No
Headphone port	No
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	802.11b/g/n with Bluetooth 4.2 LE
Remote control	Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	No
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	260
Weight (inc. batteries)	407 g (0.90 lb / 14.36 oz)
Dimensions	124 x 72 x 47 mm (4.88 x 2.83 x 1.85″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	None

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Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200/TZ200: First Impressions Review

13 Feb

Meet the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 / TZ200: the world’s furthest reaching pocketable 1″ -type camera. It sits beside the near-identical-looking ZS100 as the longer reaching model, providing a 24-360mm equiv. F3.3-6.4 zoom range compared to the 25-250mm equiv. F2.8-5.9 lens of the ZS100.

What’s cool about the ZS200 is its greater zoom range is achieved while barely increasing the size of the body (it’s 1mm thicker and 1mm taller than the ZS100), though the lens is nearly a half stop slower at the wide end, compared to its older sibling.

Both cameras use a 20.1MP 1″ -type sensor but the ZS200 gains a higher resolution 2.33M dot equiv. electronic viewfinder compared to the 1.7M dot LVF on the ZS100 (still field sequential, more on that later). Panasonic has also added low power Bluetooth connectivity, in addition to Wi-Fi. It also gains a 3cm macro mode (available on the wide end only), Panasonic’s L. Monochrome Photo Style, and a new highspeed 1080/120p video mode.

Key Features:

20.1MP 1″-type BSI CMOS sensor
F3.3-6.4 24-360mm equiv. zoom lens
2.33M dot LVF with 0.53x equiv. magnification
10 fps burst (AF-S), 6 fps burst (AF-C)
5-axis in-body stablization
UHD 4K/24/25/30p video
3″ touch LCD
Depth from Defocus AF
Wi-Fi and low power Bluetooth
4K Photo
USB charging

To put it simply the ZS200 seems to take the excellent pedigree of the ZS100 (one of our picks for best travel camera), makes some slight improvements and adds a longer, slightly slower lens. Combined, these two cameras fill a gap in the 1″ -type compact camera market, providing significant telephoto reach beyond that of other pocket friendly models, such as the Sony RX100 series.

Compared to its peers

Speaking of the RX100 series, here’s how the ZS200 stacks up in terms of specification to its peers.

	Panasonic DC-ZS200	Panasonic DMC-ZS100	Sony DSC- RX100 V	Sony DSC-RX100 IV	Canon G7 X Mark II
MSRP	$ 800	$ 700	$ 999	$ 899	$ 699
Lens range (equiv.)	24-360mm	25-350mm	24-70mm	24-70mm	24-100mm
Aperture range	F3.3-6.4	F2.8-5.9	F1.8-2.8	F1.8-2.8	F1.8-2.8
Autofocus	Contrast detection	Contrast detection	Phase detection	Contrast detection	Contrast detection
Viewfinder	2.3M-dot (field sequential)	1.7M-dot (field sequential)	2.36M-dot	2.36M-dot	No
Rear screen	Fixed	Fixed	Tilt up/down	Tilt up/down	Tilt up/down
Touch sensitive?	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Video capability	4K/30p 1080/120p	4K/30p 1080/60p	4K/30p 1080/120p	4K/30p 1080/120p	1080/60p
Burst Shooting	10 fps	10 fps	24 fps	16 fps	8 fps
Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC	Yes, Yes, No	Yes, No, No	Yes, No, Yes	Yes, No, Yes	Yes, No, Yes
Battery life (CIPA)	370	300	220	280	265

As you can see, the ZS200 matches up or beats its peers in some areas, like offering touch sensitivity and ample video capture options. But it also gets beat in others areas like maximum aperture range and burst speed. Though one thing worth calling out is the ZS200 features the best battery life of the bunch, something we look forward to confirming in real world testing.

We’ll also include an equivalent aperture vs equivalent focal length graph, comparing the ZS200 to its peers, as soon as we get a final version of the camera back in our office.

Pricing and availability

Available mid-March, the ZS200 can be yours for $ 800 in either black, or silver/gunmetal, shown here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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