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CP+ 2016: Hands-on with new Panasonic lenses and ZS100

26 Feb

CP+ 2016: Hands-on with new Panasonic lenses and ZS-100

At this year’s CP+ show in Yokohama, Japan, Panasonic unveiled the Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power O.I.S. lens. Featuring a splash and dustproof design, the 24-120mm equivalent zoom is designed to be a lightweight, versatile companion to Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds cameras. 

CP+ 2016: Hands-on with new Panasonic lenses and ZS-100

The new 12-60mm is smaller and much lighter than we expected from the specification. Although it is weather-sealed and boasts 11 elements in 9 groups, it weighs a mere 210 g (0.46 lb).

CP+ 2016: Hands-on with new Panasonic lenses and ZS-100

The lens is constructed from polycarbonate, but the mount is metal. It’s hard to see in this image but there’s a rubber gasket around the lens throat which prevents dust and moisture from getting into the camera. 

CP+ 2016: Hands-on with new Panasonic lenses and ZS-100

This is an O.I.S lens, which means that it is optically stabilized. In combination with the in-body stabilization of the Lumix DMC-GX8 this means that it supports Panasonic’s Dual IS feature, which we’ve found offers very good performance across a wide range of focal lengths, but especially at long telephoto settings, where in-body stabilization alone can sometimes struggle.  

CP+ 2016: Hands-on with new Panasonic lenses and ZS-100

The Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH will be available in May for $ 499.99.

CP+ 2016: Hands-on with new Panasonic lenses and ZS-100

Announced before the show, CP+ was the first chance that most Panasonic users have had to play with the new Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 telezoom. We got the chance to shoot with one recently and it certainly impressed us.

Covering a focal length range equivalent to 200-800mm when attached to a Micro Four Thirds body this powerful zoom appropriately features ‘Power’ optical image stabilization to keep things steady. It has has one aspherical, one UED, and two ‘regular’ ED elements, as well as a nine-bladed circular aperture. The minimum focus distance is 1.3m, with a magnification of 0.25x.  

The Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400 F4-6.3 will be available in early April at a price of $ 1799.99.

CP+ 2016: Hands-on with new Panasonic lenses and ZS-100

Also annouced before the show, here’s the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (known as the TZ100 in most regions outside of North America). It’s a compact travel zoom of the kind that Panasonic has historically been particularly good at, but unusually it features a 20 megapixel, 1″-type sensor. 

CP+ 2016: Hands-on with new Panasonic lenses and ZS-100

That 20MP sensor is paired with a 25-250mm equivalent F2.8-5.9 Leica DC lens which incorporates the company’s snappy Depth from Defocus autofocus technology. It offers a 3″ touchscreen LCD as well as a 1.04M-dot electronic viewfinder, Raw support, 10 fps continuous shooting (5 fps with AF) and Wi-Fi. 

CP+ 2016: Hands-on with new Panasonic lenses and ZS-100

On the video side of things the ZS-100 can record 4K/UHD video at 30p and 24p as well as 1080/60p clips. Panasonic’s unique 4K photo mode lets you grab high quality 8MP stills from 4K video.

CP+ 2016: Hands-on with new Panasonic lenses and ZS-100

A built-in EVF, 25-250mm equivalent lens and plenty of manual controls make the ZS-100 a very attractive camera for traveling, in theory. We’re expecting a reviewable camera very soon and we’ll be posting sample images as fast as we can. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic adds weather-resistant Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Power OIS to lens lineup

24 Feb

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With the start of CP+ 2016 just one day away, Panasonic is introducing the Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power O.I.S. to its family of Micro Four Thirds lenses. Featuring a splash and dustproof design, the lens is compatible with Panasonic’s Dual IS feature, currently available on the Lumix DMC-GX8. Its construction includes 11 elements in 9 groups, seven aperture blades and a high-speed stepping motor.

The Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH will be available in May for $ 499.99.

Press release:

New LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. Lens

New Micro Four Thirds Versatile Standard Zoom Lens

Newark, NJ (February 24, 2016) – Panasonic is introducing a new zoom interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (35 mm camera equivalent: 24-120 mm) for the LUMIX G line of Micro Four Thirds System cameras.  Featuring a splash/dust-proof design, the new lens offers a versatile 5x zoom range of 24-120mm (35mm camera equivalent) that covers a variety of daily shooting situations from dynamic landscapes to portraits. 

For everyone interested in a modern alternative to bulky DSLR interchangeable lenses, Panasonic LUMIX Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds lenses deliver impressive, no-compromise optical performance. The durable, all-weather LUMIX 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens features the highest standards of detail and sharpness. Built for travel and great photo and video capture, it comes complete with a splash and dustproof sealed body.** And with Dual I.S. (Image Stabilization) compatibility, you’ll shoot with unprecedented hand-held stability anywhere you go. 

**When mounted on a compatible LUMIX G Mirrorless camera

Incorporating an inner focus drive system and a stepping motor, the new LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. is capable of smooth, silent operation to work with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system for both photo and video recording. It is also compatible with the sensor drive at max. 240 fps to take maximum advantage of cameras with high-speed AF. This stunning AF performance is able to record 4K video, where precise focusing is required.

Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. A highly reliable metal mount assures durability for active use, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimize ghosts and flare to further enhance its shooting performance. 

It also features 0.54x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification capability for impressive macro close-up shots.  Comprised of 11 elements in 9 groups, the lens system features three aspherical lenses and an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens which effectively suppresses spherical distortion or chromatic aberration to achieve stunning picture quality.

The LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. will be available in May at www.shop.panasonic.com and valued channel partners in metallic black for $ 499.99.

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size FourThirds
Focal length 12–60 mm
Image stabilisation Yes
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Aperture
Maximum aperture F3.5 – F5.6
Minimum aperture F22.0
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 7
Aperture notes Circular aperture
Optics
Elements 11
Groups 9
Special elements / coatings 3 aspherical + 1 ED elements
Focus
Minimum focus 0.20 m (7.87″)
Maximum magnification 0.27×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Full time manual No
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 210 g (0.46 lb)
Diameter 66 mm (2.6″)
Length 71 mm (2.8″)
Sealing Yes
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock No
Filter thread 58.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Beauty-centric Panasonic Lumix GF8 is all about the selfies

15 Feb

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Panasonic has introduced the Lumix DMC-GF8, essentially a GF7 with an emphasis on selfie-friendly features. It continues to offer the GF7’s 16MP Four Thirds sensor, 1080/60p video and built-in Wi-Fi, but wraps it all up in your choice of a pink, silver, brown or orange leather-like finish. Not only does the GF8’s 3″ 1.04M-dot touchscreen tilt upward 180-degrees to take the guesswork out of self-portraits, the camera offers a ‘Soft Skin’ mode that can be combined with Panasonic’s Creative Control filters such as Retro or High Key. 

Beautification doesn’t stop at image capture though. The Lumix GF8 offers a new ‘Beauty Retouch’ function to clear up skin texture, whiten teeth and add makeup after the fact. Panasonic’s press releases stresses the appeal of these features to women, but don’t feel left out gentlemen, the silver and brown versions of the camera have plenty of ‘unisex’ appeal. The GF8 also comes with 100GB of storage on Google Drive, which adds up to a lot of selfies.

The DMC-GF8 will not available in the United States, at least at this point in time.

LUMIX GF8 for the Best-Ever Attractive Selfie Shots 
Featuring Advanced Beauty Retouch Mode

Panasonic is introducing a new Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) Camera, the LUMIX GF8 that adds even more fun than its predecessor GF7 for users to enjoy more unique photo shooting. The new LUMIX GF8 offers high capability for shooting selfie with a host of options such as newly integrated beauty functions. 

The 3.0-inch 1040K-dot rear monitor with touch control tilts up by approx.180-degree and the camera goes into Self Shot Mode automatically once the monitor is flipped. In the Self Shot Mode, a variety of functions for selfies are available on the LUMIX GF8. The beauty functions enables users – especially women – to shoot portraits more attractively with its Soft Skin, Defocusing and Slimming effects. After shooting, you can even put on an aesthetic/make-up retouch, in camera, with Beauty Retouch function. 

The LUMIX GF8 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity to offer more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. 

The basic photographic performance of LUMIX GF8 as a camera is excellent. It enables users high-quality image recording with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction. Taking full advantage of 16.00-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor and Venus Engine, images are produced with highly sharp resolution even shot in low-lit situations and even max. ISO 25,600 high sensitivity can be selected. The Contrast AF System of LUMIX GF8 excels in both speed and accuracy by exchanging digital signal between the camera and the lens at max. 240 fps. A variety of extensive AF functions including Face/Eye Detection AF or Low Light AF assures in-focus shots even in difficult shooting situations. 

The LUMIX GF8 also features full HD 1920 x 1080, 60p (60 Hz) / 50p (50 Hz) high quality video recording in AVCHD progressive and MP4 with stereo sound. The practical full-time AF and tracking AF is available in video recording, too. The LUMIX GF8 features a unique video recording option called Snap Movie Mode which lets users record video in designated short period of time (2/4/6/8 sec) as they shoot “moving photos”.

Last but not least, the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode and the Scene Guide make LUMIX GF8 easy to use even for beginners of digital interchangeable lens system camera. Portrait, Child, Scenery modes, which are used often, have respective shortcuts on the dial. Most appropriate parameters for each scene are automatically applied by just setting the dial to the mode to capture those scenes most beautifully. 

Available in silver, brown, pink and orange, the LUMIX GF8 boasts sleek, stylish profile in traditional camera design. Its high mobility enables to users carry it around and enjoy creative, high quality photography with the unlimited potential of interchangeable lens system camera. 

1. Enjoy Selfies in a More Flexible Way – Beauty Retouch & Hands-Free Selfie

The new LUMIX GF8 is a perfect camera for selfie especially for women. A rich variety of beauty functions in LUMIX GF8 enables users to shoot more attractive portraits. In shooting mode, the Soft Skin mode makes skin look smoother while Slimming looks the subject sharpened up in 10 fine steps. Defocusing gives natural defocus around face to make the picture more impressive.

After shooting, you can even put on virtual make-up on the face in the playback mode with newly added Beauty Retouch function. In Aesthetic Retouch, various effect can be applied to the face including clearing the skin texture, lifting up the face whitening of teeth and so on. In the Make-up Retouch, users can choose the color of foundation, lips, cheeks or eye-shadow

The 3.0-inch 1040K-dot static type touch control monitor boasts 180-degree tiltable structure. Once the monitor is flipped up, the camera activates Self Shot Mode automatically. In conventional selfie pictures, users have to stretch their arms to hold the camera, which makes the selfie pictures all-too-common. However, the hands-free selfie allows users to use their hands as they like, resulting in free, expressive posing. However, Face Shutter and Buddy Shutter functions are integrated for a trigger of shutter release in LUMIX GF8. They work when the face is once covered with a waving hand or when two faces come closer in a frame. 

Creative Control filter that are suitable for impressive selfie shots – Retro, Soft Focus, Expressive, High Key and Toy Effect can be combined with the Self Shot mode, too. 

2. High Performance Digital Single Lens Mirrorless with High Speed Response

The LUMIX GF8 incorporates 16.00-megapixel, large Digital Live MOS Sensor complying with Micro Four Thirds system standard that achieves both higher resolution and higher sensitivity image recording with less noise. The image processor Venus Engine features its advanced noise reduction systems. It features high level of noise is control thanks to the expanded controllable area of noise. This makes it possible to remove large block of noise which was formally hard to detect and helps produce clear, smooth image especially for the nighttime scenery. The combination of the Digital Live MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine achieves fine detail reproduction, making it possible to capture clear image even in low lit situations and allows max. ISO 25600 while achieving minimum ISO 100 (Extended).

The LUMIX GF8 features high-speed Light Speed AF, making it possible to capture even the fast-moving subject clearly. The camera and the lens exchange the digital signal at max. 240 fps to minimize the time to focus. The LUMIX GF8 realizes the high speed burst shooting at approx.5.8 fps (AFS) / approx.5 fps (AFC, 1-area AF) in 16.00-megapixel and max. 40 fps using an electronic shutter. Also, AF Tracking enables consecutive shooting to capture moving subject in sharp focus at approx.4 fps*.

The Low Light AF help users to get in-focus shot even in extremely low-lit situations such as under the moonlight or the starry sky. Sharp focus can be set on the target subject even when you cannot use an AF assist lamp.

In addition to the conventional Face Recognition AF, the LUMIX GF8 incorporates Face / Eye Detection AF which automatically sets focus right on the eye of human face. With the Pinpoint AF, users can magnify the target area to set focus by 5x by just touching it on the monitor. The One-shot AF enables using AF even in MF mode by just touching the icon on the screen to set rough focus on the subject and you can go back to MF just to adjust precise focus.

The LUMIX GF8 records stunningly smooth, high-resolution full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (60 Hz) / 50p (50 Hz) videos in AVCHD Progressive or MP4 (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. High quality sound can be recorded with Dolby® Digital. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind. 

* In 1-area-focusing AF mode.

– Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds in Europe and some Asian areas.
– Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [MP4] is 29 minutes 59 seconds or up to 4 GB.
– You can check the recordable time on the monitor. (For [FHD] in [MP4] format, the file size is large and so the recordable time will drop below 29 minutes 59 seconds.)

3. Easy Wireless Connectivity via Wi-Fi® with Smartphones

The LUMIX GF8 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) to offer more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. Once connecting the camera and smartphone/tablet installing Panasonic’s dedicated application software Panasonic Image App for iOS / Android, users can shooting / browsing / sharing images remotely. 

Connecting the camera to the smartphone/tablet is quick and easy with a press of Fn1/Wi-Fi* button or by reading the QR code. Plus, the LUMIX GF8 users are eligible to have free 100GB storage on Google Drive™ to save photo and video data*.

* The service is available for two years after the activation.

4. A Host of Advanced Functions Packed in a Sleek Body with Ease of Use

Although the LUMIX GF8 packs a host of advanced functions, it features sleek, stylish profile with high mobility.  Every part including button and dial is carefully chosen to achieve high quality design and operability. The leather-touch grip is ergonomically designed and easy to hold. Dressed in fashionable colors – silver, brown, pink and orange, the LUMIX GF8 makes perfect match for unisex users to enjoy high quality photo shooting daily.

The LUMIX GF8 comes with Rec.Setting Reset button on the back. All recording settings can be reset with the button and it is helpful for users who made wrong settings unconsciously. 

5. Other Features

iA+ (Intelligent Auto) Mode for Photo and Video

For beginners, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode supports taking beautiful pictures with a variety of shooting-assist functions including AF Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition, Intelligent ISO Control and Food Recognition.

Scene Guide

The Scene Guide* offers 20 sample pictures shot by professional photographers. Users can choose the one closer to the situation they are going to shoot and optimum parameters for shooting the scene will be automatically set. Furthermore, shooting procedure, technical advice and recommended interchangeable lens for the scene can be shown for users to learn photography. 

* Video recording using Scene Guide is not possible in some scenes.

Creative Control

The LUMIX GF8 integrates a variety of artistic functions that adds fun to digital photography. The popular Creative Control mode features a total of 22 filter options – Expressive / Retro / Old Days / High Key / Low Key / Sepia / Monochrome / Dynamic Monochrome / Rough Monochrome*1 / Silky Monochrome*1 / Impressive Art / High Dynamic / Cross Process / Toy Effect / Toy Pop / Bleach Bypass / Miniature Effect*2 / Soft Focus*1 / Fantasy / Star Filter*1 / One Point Color / Sunshine*1 mode. Effect parameter of each mode is also adjustable. Also, LUMIX GF8 is capable of taking pictures “with” and “without” filter effect simultaneously, so that users can compare them to choose later.

*1 For photo only.

*2 Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long.) 

Snap Movie

Users can record video in designated short period of time (2/4/6/8 sec) as they shoot “moving photos”. In this function, rack focusing or addition of fade effect (color in/out, black in/out, white in/out) are available. Those short video clips are easy to be shared using Panasonic Image App and It is also possible to connect them in any order you like and even to add music instead of recorded sound on the combined file later.

Time Lapse Shot

The camera automatically starts recording photos at time lapse sequence once the start time, interval and the number of pictures to shoot are set. 

Stop Motion Animation

This function enables producing a stop motion (stop frame) video in camera with the pictures that are sequentially shot while moving the object by degrees. This effect makes the object appears as if it is moving by itself.

Silent Mode

This mode switches shutter from mechanical to electronic and turns all sound (AF, operation) off while suppress emission of AF assist lamp and flash with just a single setting for special shooting occasions.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 specifications

Body type
Body type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor
Max resolution 4592 x 3448
Other resolutions 4:3 (3232 x 2424, 2272 x 1704), 3:2 (4592 x 3064, 3232 x 2160, 1824 x 1216), 3:2 (4592 x 2584, 3840 x 2160, 1920 x 1080), 1:1 (3424 x 3224, 2416 x 2416, 1712 x 1712)
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 16 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 17 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 (extends to 100-25600)
Boosted ISO (minimum) 100
White balance presets 5
Custom white balance Yes (2 slots)
Image stabilization No
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, standard
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
  • Raw (Panasonic RW2)
  • MPO (3D)
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 23
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Focal length multiplier 2×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Tilting
Screen size 3″
Screen dots 1,040,000
Touch screen Yes (with touch AF, shutter, playback, menus)
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 60 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/500 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/16000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Scene modes
  • Portrait
  • Child
  • Scenery
  • Silky Skin
  • Backlit Softness
  • Relaxing Tone
  • 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 5.60 m (at ISO 200)
External flash No
Flash modes Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, flash on, flash on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction, flash off
Flash X sync speed 1/50 sec
Continuous drive 5.8 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, 3-shot/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, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing Yes (3 shots in blue/amber and magenta/green axes)
Videography features
Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 50p, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30p, 25p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p)
Format MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
Videography notes 24p only available with AVCHD
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n with NFC
Remote control Yes (via smartphone )
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description Lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 230
Weight (inc. batteries) 266 g (0.59 lb / 9.38 oz)
Dimensions 107 x 65 x 33 mm (4.21 x 2.56 x 1.3″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic and Fujifilm reveal joint sensor development, offering global shutter

05 Feb
Cross-sectional image of conventional Back Side Illumination (BSI) CMOS sensor compared to Panasonic’s Organic Photoconductive Film (OPF) sensor. (Image courtesy of Panasonic.)

Panasonic has announced that it has developed a new sensor using Organic Photoconductive Film (OPF), developed by Fujifilm, that is capable of recording a much wider range of tones (up to 3 EV greater dynamic range) than current silicon-based sensors, and in which each pixel is read out simultaneously to effect a true global shutter.

We first heard about this collaboration back in 2013, and it appears that the companies have made progress during that time. Similar to InVisage Quantum Film technology, the OPF sensor employs a thin, light-sensitive film on top of CMOS silicon circuitry. Panasonic says that the separation of the light conversion medium and electronic charge storage removes some design trade-offs that need to be made with conventional CMOS designs. The design allows for a larger active pixel area that makes it 1.2x more sensitive to light than normal photodiodes. Decoupling the photoconversion and storage areas also allows for the ability to store more total charge (higher full well capacity), resulting in 10x, or 3 EV, greater dynamic range. 

Additionally, the OPF layer is only 0.5 microns thick, or four to six times thinner than silicon photodiodes that are typically 2-3 microns in depth. According to Panasonic this expands the incident angle of light that can be collected to 60 degrees, compared to 30-40 degrees for conventional silicon sensors, which should allow greater flexibility in lens design. It should also help reduce false color and vignetting.

In addition to better sensitivity and dynamic range, the new technology brings other benefits as well. In particular, the OPF-based sensor will provide global shutter, by allowing all pixels to be exposed essentially at the same time by turning on and off the entire photosensitive area at once. The net effect is that all the lines of the sensor are essentially exposed simultaneously, as opposed to line-by-line as is the case with traditional ‘rolling’ electronic shutters. This helps avoid the dreaded ‘jello effect’ often seen in video, or the distortion of fast moving objects. It also helps avoid flickering and banding with artificial light sources, which with a ‘rolling’ shutter otherwise result in different rows on the sensor being exposed while the pulsating light source is on vs. off.

When combined with Panasonic’s historical strength in video-oriented products this will likely get the attention of the videography crowd. The potential benefits don’t stop there though. Panasonic has also developed a method of recording sequences of images at slightly different exposure values, that it calls Variable Sensitivity Multiple Exposure Technology. The process can track the direction of motion in the scene by tracing the subject as it moves across the scene becoming gradually darker from one frame to the next. If the camera knows it applied less exposure to the second frame than to the first, it can determine in which direction the subject is moving and at what speed. This could be of great assistance to AF algorithms.

The company is not absolutely clear about what practical uses it will put this new sensor to, but says ‘We expect this technology to be used widely in motion capture applications and also extend to other applications that have been thought to be difficult to realize unless high saturation global shutter or variable sensitivity multiple exposure.’ Panasonic is also developing a system for using cameras that replace wing mirrors in cars, and this technology will probably see the light of day in that area first, but the lessons learned will be very useful for its regular camera business. 

Press release:

Panasonic develops 10times Higher Saturation & Highly Functional Global Shutter Technology by controlling of Organic-Photoconductive-Film on CMOS Image Sensor

Osaka, Japan – Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has developed a new highly functional global shutter[1] technology for CMOS image sensor using organic photoconductive film (OPF)*1. This technology enables to capture high speed moving object up to 10 times brighter*2 scene in global shutter mode. In OPF CMOS image sensor, charge-storage function and photoelectric-conversion function can be set independently. By utilizing the unique feature of OPF CMOS image sensor, this technology solves the degradation of saturation signal[2] in conventional image sensor with global shutter function. Motion direction can be detected from acquired object’s signal level in one picture by fine control of shutter sensitivity by changing applied voltage to OPF which is hardly realized by conventional CMOS image sensors.

The newly developed highly functional global shutter technology contributes to high speed image sensing of moving objects without image distortion which appears in conventional shutter operation under very bright scene. We expect this technology to be used widely in motion capture applications and also extend to other applications that have been thought to be difficult to realize unless high saturation global shutter or variable sensitivity multiple exposure.

The new technology has the following advantages.

1. Wide incident angle (60 degrees), high sensitivity, high saturation and highly-functional circuits due to a unique feature of OPF, in which an OPF for photoelectric-conversion and a readout circuits are independent.

2. High saturation signal up to 10 times larger*3 than conventional image sensors with global shutter function due to Photoelectric Conversion Controlled Global Shutter Technology.

This development is based on the following new technologies.

1. CMOS Image Sensor Design Technology, in that, an OPF photoelectric-conversion part and a circuit part can be designed independently.

2. Photoelectric Conversion Controlled Global Shutter Technology that is realized by controlling of organic photoconductive film sensitivity.

3. Variable Sensitivity Multiple Exposure Technology which can detect the motion and its direction by changing image capturing sensitivity in each frame.

Panasonic holds 60 Japanese patents and 41 overseas patents (including pending) related to this technology.

Panasonic will present part of the research at the international conference ISSCC (International Solid-State Circuit Conference) 2016 which is to be held in San Francisco, USA on January 31 to February 4.

Notes:

*1: We are using an organic photoconductive film (OPF) that FUJIFILM Corporation has developed.

*2: Saturation signal per pixel area, compared with conventional silicon based CMOS image sensor with global shutter function.

More on the Technology

1. The OPF CMOS Image Sensor Design Technology, in that, photoelectric-conversion part and a circuit part can be designed independently.

The conventional image sensor consists of a silicon photodiode for capturing light, metal interconnects and an on-chip micro-lens. And, both a photoelectric-conversion function and a signal charge-storage function are executed by a silicon photodiode. On the other hand, in an OPF CMOS image sensor, a photoelectric-conversion function is executed by an OPF, instead of a silicon photodiode, and a signal charge-storage function is executed by circuits beneath the OPF. Both functions are almost independent, so an OPF CMOS image sensor can achieve the following features.

Expansion of the incident light range to 60 degrees and reproduction of faithful color.

An OPF with high optical absorption coefficient[3], instead of a silicon photodiode, is adopted, the thickness of an OPF has been reduced to just 0.5 microns, four to six times thinner than silicon photodiodes. Since the conventional silicon photodiode needs at least 2 – 3 microns in depth, the range of incident angles was limited to around 30 – 40 degrees. An OPF, achieved with the OPF CMOS image sensor technology, has enabled the expansion of this range to 60 degrees, efficiently utilizing light entering at an angle for faithful color reproduction with no color mixing. It also gives greater flexibility in lens designs, facilitating the reduction of overall camera size.

Boost of sensor sensitivity by 1.2 times compared to conventional silicon image sensors to deliver clear images, particularly in dark conditions.

The transistors and metal interconnects in each pixel, fabricated using Panasonic’s semiconductor device technology, are coated with an OPF. The area of the light receiving section becomes limited in conventional image sensors because of the existence of metal interconnects and the need to form a light shield film to prevent light incidence into areas other than the photodiode in each pixel. However, an OPF CMOS image sensor technology coats the sensor with an OPF, which can harvest all the light received on the sensor. This unique structure and high quantum efficiency of OPF boosts sensor sensitivity by 1.2 times compared to conventional silicon image sensors to deliver clear images, particularly in dark conditions.

Cross-sectional image of conventional Back Side Illumination (BSI) CMOS image sensor and OPF CMOS image Sensor

Design of OPF and circuits completely independent and realization of high-performance (high-saturation)

In the architecture of an OPF CMOS image sensor, the OPF, that converts light into electric signals, and the circuits, that store electric signal charges and readout electric signals, are designed completely independently. Therefore, by selecting an OPF, photoelectric-conversion characteristics, wavelength, sensitivity, etc., can be set with flexibility.

Moreover, in conventional image sensors, it is necessary to place both a silicon photodiode and circuits (transistors and capacitors) on silicon substrate in each pixel, so an area of circuits is limited. On the other hand, in an OPF CMOS image sensor, it is not necessary to place a silicon photodiode, so high-performance circuits, such as high-speed or wide dynamic range[4], can be formed on a silicon substrate.

In particular, in an OPF CMOS image sensor, by providing a large capacitor for storing signal charge, a saturation value[2] of electric signal can be significantly increased from conventional image sensors.

2. Photoelectric Conversion Controlled Global Shutter Technology that is realized by controlling of organic photoconductive film sensitivity.

Conventional CMOS image sensors with global shutter function require storage located near photoconversion area which makes it difficult to simultaneously shrink the pixel size and enlarge the saturation signal. Developed “Photoelectric conversion controlled global shutter technology” realizes shutter function by controlling of photoelectric conversion efficiency by only modulating applied voltage to OPF, without additional in-pixel circuit and no degradation of saturation signal. And developed “high saturation pixel technology” by pixel gain switching operation can capture under extremely bright scene, up to 10 times or more saturation signal per unit square pixel than conventional CMOS image sensor with global shutter function. This technology will solve imaging problems caused by rolling shutter distortion, flash bands[5] and LED flickers[6] in very bright scene.

Comparison of Global shutter pixel structure

3. Variable Sensitivity Multiple Exposure Technology which can detect the motion and its direction by changing image capturing sensitivity in each frame.

Conventional multiple exposure cannot detect the direction of motion because the capture sensitivity is fixed. Panasonic have developed “variable sensitivity multiple exposure technology” by controlling the voltage applied to OPF with elapse of time, which is hardly realized in conventional silicon based image sensor. We can get several images of different exposure time and different exposure sensitivity in one picture that enables character recognition by choosing optimum exposure time, so direction of motion can be detected by acquired object’s signal level. This technology enables sensing of moving object detection and motion directions.

Technical Terms:

[1] Global shutter

Shutter operation which can capture the image at the same time in all pixels.

Ordinary CMOS image sensor operates in rolling shutter mode in which exposure and shutter operation is executed row by row.

[2] Saturation/Saturation signals

Maximum amount of electric signal that can be handled by image sensors. Receiving a signal greater than this value leads to highlight clipping.

[3] Optical absorption coefficient

A constant value that indicates how much light is absorbed into a material, when incident light enter to the material.

[4] Dynamic range

Range of brightness that can be captured. (the ratio between highest and lowest signal can be captured by image sensor)

[5] Flash band

stripe shaped contrast appears in captured image, because light flashes during image sensor capture the image row by row pixel (rolling shutter operation).

[6] LED flicker

Imaging phenomenon resulting in incomplete image capture, caused by a LED’s (traffic, headlights, signs, etc.) frequency and a camera’s imaging speed.

Captured images of rotating propeller by different shutter mode

Multiple exposure images by Variable exposure time and sensitivity

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic to launch Lumix DMC-CM10 without phone functionality

20 Jan

Panasonic has announced that the next version of its Lumix DMC-CM1 smartphone will dispense with its phone functionality to concentrate on being a camera. The Lumix DMC-CM10 will initially only be available in Japan, and is very much the same as the original DMC-CM1, but while it will run on the Android 5.0 operating system it will not be equipped to make phone calls. It will, however, be equipped with LTE communication facilities, and will be able to send text messages and send and receive data via telephone networks with an appropriate SIM card in place. Panasonic will provide its own network access for users as part of its Wonderlink service, where CM1 and CM10 owners can get 3GB a month with 150Mbps download speeds for 1480 yen/£9/$ 12.50. 

The camera appears to have the same lens and sensor as the DMC-CM1, and exactly the same body and features. It will be available from 25 February in silver and only 500 will be made per month. While the price isn’t clear yet it appears from the Panasonic store in Japan that it will be around 100,000 yen/£600/$ 850. 

For more information see the Panasonic Japan website. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic adds Leica 100-400mm F4-6.3 tele-zoom to Micro Four Thirds lens lineup

09 Jan

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Panasonic is adding a high-end super telephoto zoom lens to the Micro Four Thirds lineup: the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 ASPH. This lens has the longest focal length of any MFT lens, and Panasonic promises fast autofocus thanks to its 240 fps AF drive speed.

This lens is equivalent to a whopping 200-800mm when attached to a Micro Four Thirds body and features much-needed ‘Power’ optical image stabilization to keep things steady. It has has one aspherical, one UED, and two ‘regular’ ED elements, as well as a nine-bladed circular aperture. The minimum focus distance is 1.3m, with a magnification of 0.25x. 

A cool feature of this lens is its compact tripod collar which rotates with the camera body, taking the buttons with it. The collar has a tripod screw mount built into it, into which a longer (included) ‘foot’ can be added if additional clearance is need. The zoom lock is built into the lens barrel, as is a small pull-out lens hood (a full-sized hood is available as an optional accessory). The 100-400mm is also sealed against dust and moisture.

The Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400 F4-6.3 will be available in early April at a price of $ 1799.99.

View our hands-on preview of the Panasonic Leica DG 100-400mm F3.5-5.6

Press release:

Panasonic Launches LUMIX G 100-400mm Telephoto-Zoom, LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR Lens

New lens combines 200-800mm zoom (35mm equivalent) and 4K video compatibility in a durable and lightweight body

Las Vegas, NV (January 5, 2016) – Panasonic has today introduced a new telephoto lens for its LUMIX G range of Micro Four Thirds System cameras – the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH. Telephoto-Zoom (H-RS100400) with Power Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.).

Small, light and highly durable, the latest addition to Panasonic’s range of interchangeable lenses is perfectly suited for photographing birds and other wildlife in all types of environments.

The lens is constructed of 20 elements in 13 groups and incorporates a number of aspherical and extra low dispersion elements to assure best quality and avoid flaring. The advanced construction of the new Telephoto-Zoom leads to highest quality standard earning the LEICA Logo for a LUMIX Lens once again.

Outstanding image quality and Telephoto-Zoom performance

Elegantly designed with a metallic black finish, the new 100mm-400mm LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR lens from Panasonic provides superb image rendering across the entire zoom range. The lens’ 200-800mm focal length (35mm equivalent) and 0.5x Magnification capability provide highly detailed shots from distance, as well as stunning close up capability– ideal for subject matter regardless of shape and size.

In order to capture steady, vibration free images across the entire zoom range, the lens also incorporates Power O.I.S. to keep unwanted shaking under control and ensure pictures look crisp and clear. 

The 100mm-400mm lens is also suited to a variety of photographic styles – with nine diaphragm blades providing a circular aperture to produce a smooth and beautiful bokeh.
 
Smaller and lighter than other Telephoto-Zoom lenses

When compared with conventional super telephoto DSLR lenses, the latest addition the LUMIX G line up offers outstanding mobility – perfect if you’re travelling and don’t want to pack too much. Similarly, the lens also boasts a durable, gapless construction so you no longer have to worry about unwanted dust or light rain damaging your equipment.

In addition to the lens’ practical size and weight, a compact, two-part tripod mount has also been incorporated to enable faster conversion between landscape and portrait orientation. While conveniently and speedily turning to the 90° angle, the levers for Focus Limiting, Power O.I.S. and the manual focus switch remain right at your fingertips as they do not move when you turn the lens. 

The lens also incorporates an integrated, hide-away hood to help you capture that perfect shot, without having to worry about sun glare.

Stunning 4K video capability

Panasonic’s new LEICA Telephoto-Zoom lens is perfectly suited for 4K video recording with its construction assuring the best contrast and colors. Furthermore the Telephoto-Zoom incorporates Panasonic’s high speed and precise 240 fps AF-motor. Due to the modern design, filming can also be conducted silently, so you can get up close to the subject without drawing attention.

As well as high resolution video, the lens’ 4K capability also enables you to take photos like never before. Panasonic’s 4K Photo function – found on LUMIX G cameras including the LUMIX DMC-G7 – lets you extract an 8-megapixel still from 4K video (30fps) easily right on the camera’s screen with a simple fingertip touch.

Key features:

  • Longest focal length for Micro Four Thirds
  • Compatible with Dual Image Stabilization
  • 240fps AF Drive
  • Zoom ring lock
  • Weather Sealing
  • Integrated Quick Shifting Tripod Mount
  • Integrated shift-away lens-hood

Panasonic Leica DG 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size FourThirds
Focal length 100–400 mm
Image stabilisation Yes
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Aperture
Maximum aperture F4.0 – F6.3
Minimum aperture F22.0
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Aperture notes Circular blades
Optics
Elements 20
Groups 13
Special elements / coatings 1 aspherical ED, 1 UED, 2 ED elements
Focus
Minimum focus 1.30 m (51.18″)
Maximum magnification 0.25×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Micromotor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Extending front
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter Yes
Physical
Weight 985 g (2.17 lb)
Diameter 83 mm (3.27″)
Length 172 mm (6.75″)
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock Yes
Filter thread 72.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar Yes

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 / TZ100 puts 1″ sensor and 10x zoom in your pocket

08 Jan

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Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC TZ100 / ZS100, the first compact superzoom camera to include a 1″-type sensor. Despite having a sensor four times larger than most travel zoom cameras, the ZS100 manages to incorporate a 25-250mm equivalent zoom into a very small body. It also finds room for a built-in viewfinder and two full control dials. It shoots 4K video and incorporates a host of features based on that capability, many of which utilize its touchscreen rear LCD. The camera will be available from March 2016 at a cost of around $ 699.

Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 / TZ100 overview

Press Release:

The new LUMIX DMC-ZS100 – Raising the bar for compact travel cameras

Panasonic’s latest compact camera includes a 1-inch sensor and 4K functions for outstanding performance and usability on the go

Las Vegas, NV (January 5, 2016) – Panasonic has today launched the new LUMIX DMC-ZS100, a premium  compact travel camera that boasts performance typically associated with expensive interchangeable lens models. Despite the camera’s small size, the latest addition to the LUMIX ZS range combines a host of features and a powerful 10x zoom to make it the perfect travel companion for even the most demanding photographers and videographers.

A large 1-inch MOS sensor, one of the biggest of any camera in its class, combines with Panasonic’s Venus engine to capture consistently bright and beautiful images wherever your travels take you. And with innovative features such as 4K Photo and Post-Focus, it’s never been easier to capture the exact frame that you visualized when looking through the lens. What’s more, with simple control and connectivity, you can share your adventure with friends and family at the press of a button.

Capture you travels in outstanding quality
The 1-inch sensor’s large pixels are capable of capturing more light, resulting in shots that look crisp, clear and natural, even when photographing at high ISO, such as at dusk and dawn. The Venus engine also provides unrivalled color accuracy for a travel camera – the unique hues, saturation and luminosity of a multi-colored sunset, for example, are individually processed and carefully adjusted to reproduce breathtakingly authentic results.

The LUMIX DMC-ZS100 is the first in its series to incorporate a F2.8-5.9 LEICA DC lens, which allows you to achieve true-to-life images with stunning depth of field. The lens also features a versatile 10x zoom range of 25mm-250mm (35mm camera equivalent), making it ideal for photographing birds and other elusive wildlife.

In addition to stunning photo quality, the camera also provides 4K video recording capability that fits easily into your pocket. The LUMIX DMC-ZS100 offers smooth, high quality video recording in 4K 3840×2160 at 24 and 30 fps in MP4; as well as high-resolution Full HD 1920×1080 60p videos in MP4. With four times the resolution of Full HD, the resulting 4K video brings the sights and sounds of your travels to life, just as you remember capturing it.

Achieve professional quality results, every time
As well as recording high resolution videos, the camera’s 4K capability also enables you to capture accurate photos like never before. For the first time in a travel camera, Panasonic’s 4K Photo function allows you to extract an 8-megapixel still from 4K video (30fps) with total control and precision, so even fleeting moments of action, such as the exact moment you hit the water diving into the sea, can be captured and enjoyed for a lifetime.  

Another new addition to the LUMIX ZS range is the Post-Focus feature, which allows you to choose the focal point of any picture, even after it’s taken. The LUMIX DMC-ZS100’s 0.1s Light Speed Auto Focus and Depth from Defocus (DFD) capability combine to calculate the distance between the camera and the subject, capturing optimal focus for 49 individual areas within each frame. Once the photo is taken, you can then manually select the exact area you want to focus on – from the minutiae of your subject’s eye, to an individual bird as a flock takes flight. What’s more, from a single photo you can export multiple shots with different focal points.

In complete control of your creativity
With such a wide array of advanced functions and controls, the LUMIX DMC-ZS100 has been designed for fast and practical usability. The Live View Finder (LVF) features 1,166K-dot resolution, as well as LVF AF that detects when you’re about to take a shot. The camera also provides extensive manual controls so you can put your photography skills to the test, including dedicated physical rings and dials for settings such as zoom, aperture, shutter speed, manual focus and ISO level.

Share your memories
Once you’ve captured an array of beautiful photos and video, the LUMIX DMC-ZS100 makes it fast and simple to share them with friends and family. Combining Wi-Fi and QR code connectivity, it is easy to connect the camera to a smartphone or tablet, allowing you to post to social media almost as soon as they’ve been recorded.

Additional features

 • 3.0inch 1,040k dot touch screen
 • 5 AXIS HYBRID O.I.S and Level Shot functions
 • 10fps burst photo mode (full resolution – 5fps with AF)
 • Face / eye tracking AF
 • In-camera RAW data development
 • Wide Panorama function
 • Full wireless control and photography via the Panasonic Image App

The DMC-ZS100 will be available at www.shop.panasonic.com  and valued channel partners at the end of March in both silver and black for $ 699.99.

Panasonic Lumix ZS100 specifications

Price
MSRP $ 699 / £549
Body type
Body type Compact
Body material Metal, composite
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)
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 v2.3)
  • Raw (Panasonic RW2 format)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 25–250 mm
Optical zoom 10×
Maximum aperture F2.8 – F5.9
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 (4X)
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 1,040,000
Touch screen Yes
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.46×
Viewfinder resolution 1,166,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 60 sec
Maximum shutter speed 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 8.00 m (at Auto ISO)
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 50.0 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
Resolutions 4K/UHD (3840 x 2160 @ 30p/24p), 1920 x 1080 @ 60p/60i/30p/24p, 640 x 480 (30p)
Format MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
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 No
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description Lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 300
Weight (inc. batteries) 312 g (0.69 lb / 11.01 oz)
Dimensions 111 x 65 x 44 mm (4.37 x 2.56 x 1.73″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
GPS None

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Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

08 Jan

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Panasonic has just announced the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 Leica DG Vario-Elmar lens for its LUMIX G range of Micro Four Thirds System cameras. We’ve gone hands-on with the high-end, super-telephoto zoom that sports the longest focal length available for the MFT system. 

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

With a whopping 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 200-800mm, the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm affords the longest focal length available for the MFT system. This should make it a boon for photographing birds, wildlife, and landscapes – without breaking your back due to weight and size.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

In fact, as you can see here, the 100-400mm Leica lens is quite hand-holdable, which is remarkable for the 800mm equivalent reach the lens provides. Naturally, the small size and weight do come at a cost: with an equivalent maximum aperture of F8 and F12.6 on the 200mm and 800mm equivalent ends, respectively, subject isolation and noise performance on a MFT camera won’t be the same as what you might get with a full-frame 800mm F5.6 lens. Which, by the way, would run you $ 13k and weigh your pack down an extra 10 pounds. This lens weighs a modest 985g, or ~2.2 lbs in ‘Merican.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Can you spot the difference from the last image? It’s subtle, but in this shot we’ve extended the integrated shift-away lens hood that reduces sun glare. The hood just snaps back and forth, which makes it quite convenient – no need to take the hood off, flip it around, and reattach it.

Additionally pictured here is the Unlock <–> Lock ring which allows you to lock the zoom, so the barrel doesn’t extend inadvertently.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Here’s the lens at its shortest, zoomed out to 100mm. Focal length demarcations are provided for 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400mm.

There’s a focus range limiter which allows you to limit focus to subjects only beyond 5m. A direct AF/MF switch allows you to shut off AF, and a Power O.I.S. switch allows you to engage or disengage the the image stabilization system. If you’re using a DMC-GX8 you can use both the optical image stabilization in the lens and the built-in sensor-shift stabilization to provide incredibly effective vibration reduction.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Here we’ve extended the lens to its maximum telephoto setting: 400mm. While the lens extends quite a bit at this setting, it still remains very hand-holdable. Impressively, the lens sports a durable, gapless construction so unwanted dust or light rain shouldn’t damage it. As such, the lens is described as weather sealed.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

A convenient, two-part tripod mount is integrated into the lens. It’s a rotatable mount that allows for quick and easy swapping between landscape and portrait orientations. Unlock the tripod mount screw with your left hand and…

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

… speedily turn the mount 90º for portrait orientation shooting.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Under the hood, this lens packs some impressive features. Among them: a 9-blade aperture for smooth out-of-focus highlights, and a 240 fps drive AF linear motor with high speed and precision for fast focus. With the correct lens profiles, we hope Panasonic cameras with Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology will be able to focus this lens quickly for fast-paced shooting.

Focus is also silent, which means you can use autofocus during filming without the focus drive ruining your soundtrack.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

And that’s not all. The lens is constructed of 20 elements in 13 groups, with one aspherical and a number of extra low dispersion elements to ensure minimal flaring and other optical artifacts. The lens also boasts an impressive minimum focus distance of 1.3m, yielding 0.25x magnification (0.5x equivalent).

The lens, which is made in Japan, will be available in mid-April for $ 1799.99.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Far-reaching: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 / TZ100 hands-on preview

07 Jan

Panasonic Lumix DSC-ZS100 / TZ100 basic specs

Panasonic is using CES 2016 to announce the latest two models in its series of travel zoom cameras (known as the TZ series in most of the world or ZS in North America). While one of them is a logical replacement for the existing models, the TZ100/ZS100 is a genuinely more advanced thing altogether, squeezing a 1″-type sensor into a body only slightly larger than we’ve become used to from cameras in this category.

Traditionally travel zooms have used small sensors (~29mm2) to allow the inclusion of long lenses in a small overall package. Impressively, the ZS100 fits a much larger sensor (~116mm2) while still offering a useful zoom range and sensibly-sized form factor. The larger sensor offers better image quality, which has prompted Panasonic to offer a maximum ISO of 12800 on the ZS100, with an extended setting of 25600.

ZS100 / TZ100 Lens

The ZS100 has a 10X zoom, offering a 25-250mm equivalent reach – just enough range to classify it as a proper superzoom. And, in all honesty, probably enough for most applications for many people: we suspect the push beyond 80x zooms has as much to do with being able to boast a bigger number on the store shelves than because contemporary consumers find themselves needing so much more zoom than they used to.

The ZS100’s lens starts out as a very respectable F2.8 maximum aperture but very quickly slides towards the F5.9 that you’re limited to at full zoom. By 50mm equivalent it’s already dropped to F4 (F11 equiv., given the crop factor), and it’s at F5.1 (F13.9 equiv.) by the time you get to 100mm equivalent – this isn’t about to offer you shallow depth-of-field portraits. The camera does use Panasonic’s Depth-from-Defocus system that interprets subject distances based on an understanding of its lens characteristics – we’ve found this system to support surprisingly effective at subject tracking on previous cameras.

Viewfinder specs

The ZS100 has a 1.166M-dot equivalent viewfinder. That word ‘equivalent’ makes clear that the finder features a field-sequential design, updating red, green and blue information one after the other, rather than including separate color elements at each ‘pixel’ position. The 0.2″ finder is pretty small which the optics don’t do much to rescue. On the plus side it does include an eye sensor to allow automatic switching when you come to use it.

Using the viewfinder pulls the battery life down to 240 shots per charge from the otherwise pretty typical 300 shots per charge.

Higher-end ambitions

It’s not just the sensor that suggests the ZS100 is the most serious travel zoom in the series so far. It features two full control dials, a full-sized dial on the top plate of the camera as well as a ring around the outside of the lens. It also gets a touchscreen (something even the flagship LX100 doesn’t have) that can be used either just to point-and-shoot or to reposition the the AF point while shooting through the viewfinder.

In addition, the ZS100 has four customizable buttons, along with five touchscreen slots that can be customized for more fast access.

One thing that detracts from its higher-end ambitions is the camera’s construction: the camera feels rather lightweight an insubstantial. This is only an impression, of course: we have no way of knowing how durable the build quality is at this point. What’s certain, though, is that it doesn’t have the reassuring heft that we usually encounter in cameras costing this much.

4K capabilities for both movies and stills

As you’d expect from Panasonic, the ZS100 offers 4K video recording and a host of features based around it. As well as the video recording itself: UHD capture at up to 30p (25p for the TZ version), the camera offers a range of photo features derived from the video feed. 

There’s the now-familiar 4K Photo mode of course, which records short clips of video so that you can grab individual frames from it, including an option that captures the 30 frames before and after you hit the shutter. Then there’s post-shot focus, which shoots video while racking focus from the nearest to the further object it can find in the scene, so that you can choose the perfectly focused shot. The ZS100 is the first Panasonic camera to have a dedicated button for the mode.

4K Live Cropping

New to the ZS100 are two as-you-shoot video options that benefit from the camera’s 4K capabilities. The first is the option to crop a 1920 x 1080 region from 4K video then produce a stabilized pan across the rest of the 4K frame. The other gets the camera to zoom in on a 1920 x 1080 region of the frame, as the video runs (akin to the ‘Ken Burns effect’). These effects are easily achieved in most high-end editing software but their inclusion in the ZS100 means they can be generated in-camera and incorporated into video clips cut together using less expensive or free software.

Wi-Fi

Just to top it all off, the the ZS100 includes Wi-Fi and in-camera Raw conversion, allowing images to be fine-tuned before passing them off to your smart device. Panasonic’s ‘Image App’ allows remote control of the device and all the other things you’d expect of a contemporary connected camera.

The only thing that’s missing is an NFC antenna – between the cost of the hardware and the fact that Apple won’t let iOS owners utilize NFC for anything so frivolous as camera connection, Panasonic chose to use on-screen QR codes to communicate the necessary connection credentials to other devices.

A more conventional offering

Alongside the ZS100/TZ100, Panasonic has also announced the ZS60, which will be known as the TZ80 outside North America. This model is much more in keeping with the travel zoom models Panasonic has built before (a subset of the market it pioneered).

The ZS60 uses a small 18MP CMOS sensor, allowing it to pack a 24-720mm equivalent zoom into a small package. The downsides are that it’s never a terribly fast lens (F3.3-6.4, or F18-35 in equivalent terms) and it loses the ZS100’s large thumb dial on the top plate, making do with a smaller combined dial/four-way controller. Beyond this, the features it offers are broadly similar to the ZS100 (including 4K video capture), just with a lower maximum ISO setting and no electronic shutter mode. It will sell for around $ 450.

Panasonic ZS100 / TZ100 in context

It’s been two-and-a-half years since Sony introduced the first compact with a 1″-type sensor and redefined what is possible from a compact camera. Since then, as you might expect, the number of 1″-type compacts have continued to expand. Up until now it’s been possible to choose from pocketable cameras with short zooms or much larger cameras with more reach, what there hasn’t been is something offering a little of both. The ZS100 finally fills this gap: a small camera with a big sensor and a long zoom. The cost is that rapidly dropping aperture as you zoom, of course.

The small, field sequential viewfinder is the other other compromise that stands out on the ZS100 but that seems more likely to hit the $ 699 price point, rather than just a size concern. To put this price in perspective, it’s the same as the launch price of Canon’s G7 X, $ 100 less than the viewfinder-touting Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 Mark III, all of which have considerably shorter (but brighter) lenses.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic updates five Lumix G lenses with Dual IS support

15 Dec

Panasonic has released firmware updates for five Lumix G lenses, adding support for the maker’s Dual IS technology. The feature was introduced in the Lumix DMC-GX8 camera; with this update, a total of eleven lenses are compatible with that model’s Dual IS system, including the Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 24mm F2.8 Macro and collapsible Lumix G Vario 12-32mm F3.5-5.6.

Panasonic’s Dual I.S system uses both the GX8’s body I.S and lens I.S together for improved image stabilization, ‘achieving a more powerful handshake correction,’ according to Panasonic. The new firmware is available for the following five lenses:

  • Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm F2.8 Macro ASPH Mega OIS (H-ES045) Ver.1.0?Ver.1.1
  • Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-150mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS (H-FS45150) Ver.1.1?Ver.1.2
  • Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS (H-FS12032) Ver.1.0?Ver.1.1
  • Panasonic Lumix G Vario 35-100mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS (H-FS35100) Ver.1.0?Ver.1.1
  • Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS (H-HS043) Ver.1.0?Ver.1.1

The updated firmware is available for download from Panasonic’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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