Panasonic rolls out Lumix GH2 at Photokina

Panasonic kicked off Photokina with the previously leaked Lumix GH2. It stands as the first Micro Four Thirds camera to get a truly upgraded MOS sensor and shoots at 16 megapixels with a wider sensitivity range of ISO 160 to 12,800 and a faster, 23-point autofocusing system. The sensor along with a new Venus Engine FHD processor also makes room for 5FPS burst shooting and 1080i video at 60 frames per second instead of 30.

Upgrading the camera gives it the option of shooting in 3D through a new lens; the optional 12.5mm f12 has two optical elements and creates stereoscopic photos that are usable with most 3D displays.

A swivel out touchscreen LCD still acts as an important (though not mandatory) control mechanism with tap-to-focus, subject tracking and area focus. The electronic viewfinder is still similar in resolution but has been upgraded to a more natural 60 frames per second. Photos and videos can still show on a TV through HDMI out.

Panasonic doesn't ship the GH2 until early December, but it will ship with three different kit levels. A body-only version will cost $900, while a version with the familiar 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 standard lens will carry a $1,000 price. Long-range shooters can pay $1,500 for a version with Panasonic's 14-140mm f4-5.8 lens.

Ahead of the GH2 itself, three lenses will come out in November for use with both the GH2 and most other MFT cameras. The 12.5mm f12 3D lens will be the least expensive of the trio at $250, while an ultra-lightweight 14mm f2.5 pancake lens will demand $400. A new telephoto lens, the 100-300mm f4-5.6, touts optical image stabilization and will cost $600.

By Electronista Staff

Post tools:

TAGS :  

digital imaging, Panasonic, Lumix, Micro Four Thirds