Panasonic has revealed a pair of new cameras in the Lumix line. The Lumix DMC-LF1 is a 12-megapixel compact camera with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, while the Lumix DMC-G6 is a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds shooter capable of a high-speed burst mode at 7 frames per second, and a half-second booting time.
Panasonic has formally unveiled the Lumix GF6 Micro Four Thirds camera. As previously leaked, the new Lumix GF6 offers a number of improvements over the GF5 from last year, including the introduction of Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, alongside an upgrade from the GF5's 12.1-megapixel sensor to a 16-megapixel Live MOS version.
Details relating to an upcoming Panasonic camera have leaked online. The Lumix GF6, an upcoming mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera expected to be announced on April 9th, is seen to have the same 16-megapixel sensor as used in the Lumix GX1, improving on the Lumix GF5, as well as built-in NFC for quick sharing of photos and videos between the camera and other devices.
Panasonic has announced when it will start selling the Lumix GH3 in Japan. A release date for mid-December suggests that the Micro Four Thirds, mirrorless camera will be making its way to other markets, if not close to the end of the year, then at the start of 2013. Details of camera-bundles and launch-day accessories have also been revealed.
Panasonic has finally revealed the Lumix GH3 mirrorless micro four thirds camera. The official announcement ahead of Photokina effectively confirms the specifications leak that took place two weeks ago, and follows another leak of the camera's promotional video by the company's own YouTube account late last week.
Today's deals from DealNN include price breaks on digital cameras, printers, and more. Amazon.com today is offering a discount on the Panasonic Lumix 16.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera, complete with 2.7-inch LCD display, four outdoor scene-modes, and support for 720p HD video recording. Currently featured at DealNN, the camera has dropped $80 off its original list price and can be purchased for only $99.
A new invention dubbed X-Cap aims to protect the lenses of DSLR and other interchangeable lens cameras. Working just like the built-in lens caps in point-and-shoot cameras, the X-Cap mounts onto the lenses and automatically shuts to protect them. The inventor, Mr. Tsang, is based in Taiwan and hopes to create his own company Freestyle Model Work along with a Freemod brand.
Panasonic has announced four new cameras in its Lumix range. One of the new models, the SZ5, is a compact camera with Wi-Fi connectivity. While it can connect to a wireless router, it can also use iOS and Android apps on mobile devices for remote shooting, using the handset display as a monitor and viewfinder, with controls for focus and zoom functions. It also has 10x optical zoom, "Sonic Speed" autofocus, a three-inch LCD with a high angle mode that adjusts the backlighting based on the environment, and a 14.1-megapixel CCD aided by Panasonic's Venus engine for image processing.
Panasonic has formally revealed its GF3 revamp, the Lumix GF5 Micro Four Thirds camera, confirming the leaks that preceded its announcement. The camera incorporates a number of advancements over the GF3, but largely retains the same design. On the inside, the GF5 now sports a completely revised 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor paired with the latest Venus processor.
Lensbaby has begun shipping its Composer Pro special effects attachment for mirrorless, interchangeable lens cameras. With it, a photographer can reproduce tilt-shift or another specific effect without having to turn to a full DSLR. The Composer Pro works with Panasonic and Olympus Micro Four Thirds cameras, Sony's NEX line, and Samsung NX cameras.
A site called nPhoto has just shared what appear to be official photos of the upcoming Lumix GF5 camera from Panasonic. They follow up from yesterday's less formal photo leak, and the source confirmed that the ISO range will be the same as that offered by Canon's EOS 7D and 60D DSLRs. This would put it at 100 to 12,800.
Panasonic may have a quick refresh of the Lumix GF3 just a year after it first arrived. Skipping a whole version number out of superstition, the GF5 was briefly shown in an Instagram photo (direct link still active) from Panasonic brand promoter Angelababy of Hong Kong. On the surface, the Micro Four Thirds camera appears very similar to the small GF3, but the grip has come from the GX1.
Panasonic's Lumix line got one more update Tuesday night with pricing for the five point-and-shoots we saw at CES. The range-leading SZ1 and SZ7 cameras will cost $180 and $200 each. Both have 25-250mm equivalent lenses, with differences mostly revolving around 720p video in the SZ1 and going to 1080i in the SZ7.
Panasonic's Lumix line got further upgrades Tuesday with two new rugged cameras. The TS4 is its new, toughest camera and can withstand water depths of up to 40 feet, drops of up to 6.6 feet, most dust, and temperatures down to 14F. Like some of the newest rugged cameras, it has an altimeter and a barometer log, although it now has the new GPS system of the ZS20 to load map data from a DVD for advanced geotagging.
Panasonic used the lead-in to the CP+ show to introduce even more Lumix point-and-shoot cameras past what it showed earlier in the month. The 20X, 24-480mm ZS20 as the flagship hopes to cure some of the problems of compact superzooms with a new internal structure and nano surface-coated lens that hope to cut back on lens flares and ghosting. A new GPS system both handles the usual geotagging and can even load map data from a DVD like one would car navigation, filling in much more information for 82 countries, such as landmarks.
Panasonic brought five new Lumix point-and-shoot cameras to CES and we got some initial impressions. They include the mid-range FH6 and FH8 and the entry-level S2. All cameras felt really light, with their construction largely plastic.
Leica continued its recent tradition of upscaling Panasonic compact cameras on Thursday by unveiling the V-Lux 3. A close cousin of the Lumix FZ150, the superzoom centers on a 25-600mm (24X) equivalent, f2.8-5.2 lens. It makes a rare step down in resolution, from 14 to 12.1 megapixels, but the CMOS sensor both helps in low light as well as offering the same 1080p, 60 frames per second video and 12 frames per second burst still shooting as its Panasonic counterpart.
Panasonic's rejuvenated plans for an international smartphone launch were revived after a potential scoop from Japan's Nikkei [sub. required]. The Japanese electronics firm was reportedly in talks with a major carrier that operates at least within Europe. Asia and North America were also part of the plans, the business paper said.
Panasonic as anticipated switched its focus back to more experienced photographers with a new compact Lumix Micro Four Thirds camera. The GX1 is the first in the small-body series to get an upgraded 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and has better low-light performance along with an ISO 12,800 sensitivity ceiling. Customization is also once again more important: it now has C1 and C2 modes that support a total of four user presets, two programmable buttons, and a thumb wheel.
Panasonic gave a minor surprise with its Lumix updates by unveiling its first 3D camera. The DMC-3D1 guns after the same market as the Fujifilm Real 3D line. It revolves around two 12.1-megapixel cameras, each with 25-100mm lenses, that together produce a stereoscopic 3D effect.
A Panasonic promo page (video below) has inadvertently tipped the company's hand for the launch of the Lumix GX1. As hinted, the camera should be a return to more professional-like control for Panasonic's smallest Micro Four Thirds body with a thumb wheel and other customizable controls. It will be the first compact MFT camera from the company with an upgraded sensor, likely taking the 16-megapixel sensor from the G3, and a likely updated Venus image processor.
Panasonic's shift back to experienced photographers became apparent early Saturday after a new leak of the GX1. The details caught by Mobile01 in Taiwan had it using both a 16-megapixel sensor and a new image processing engine, the combination of which could reach ISO 12,800. Dedicated controls and expansion make their comeback, such as a command dial on the thumb grip and a combination of both a pop-up flash and a hot shoe.
Nikon's long rumored mirrorless interchangeable lens camera received not just a vowed release this year but also a tentative price. A report [sub. required] in Japan's Nikkei pointed to sources who understood the camera would cost the equivalent of between $900 and $1,300. At the cost level, the camera would be equivalent to higher-end mirrorless cameras like the Olympus E-P3 or Sony NEX-7, although Japanese pricing usually includes tax and tends to be higher.
At the preliminary IFA days in Berlin, Panasonic is showing off two 3D-capable cameras. The first is an unnamed Lumix 3D prototype and a dual-lens digital camera with the ability to shoot 3D HD video and capture 3D images. It uses two newly-developed 4X zoom lenses with thin, folded optics. The lenses allow wide angle through to telephoto shooting and have optical image stabilization. 3D HD video is captured through a stereoscopic side-by-side method.
One more Panasonic camera rounded out a series of introductions on Friday with its own distinct edge. The Lumix FZ150 ultrazoom focuses most on its sensor and new processing power. A fresh 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor not only helps improve its performance in low light and motion but lets it record 1080p video at 60 frames per second in the new AVCHD 2.0 spec.
Panasonic's point-and-shoot Lumix cameras got their own upgrade Friday with the line's first Wi-Fi capable version. The FX90 after an initial setup can push photos and videos directly to Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, or YouTube without needing a computer or an Eye-Fi card. When away from home, it also has a matching app for Android and iPhones, Lumix Link, to share photos locally and use the device's 3G or 4G if the owner wants to make them public.
Panasonic addressed one of the most common complaints of mirrorless interchangeable lenses, the mismatch in size between the body and lenses, with a new set of Lumix lenses and a new camera bundle. The Lumix G X 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 is just over an inch long, as thick as some pancake lenses, but still has the same fast focusing, stabilization, and optics as the original Micro Four Thirds kit lens. Instead of the traditional zoom ring, it has a motorized lever to reach its 3X range.
Panasonic has introduced two new cameras the Lumix FZ47 and LS5. The FZ47 is the latest addition to Panasonic’s FZ-series super-zoom line and brings 24x optical zoom (25mm ultra-wide angle) and the ability to shoot video in 1080i. It is powered by a 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor and can take high-resolution consecutive shots at 3.7 fps in 12.1-megapixel full-resolution and maximum 10 fps at 3-megapixel recording.
AnPanasonic camera division head Ichiro Kitao in the wake of the Lumix GF3 detailed a plan to swing back to the professional side both for the GF series and as a whole. Despite the greater beginner focuses of the GF2 and now the GF3, Panasonic was going to once again have a more veteran-friendly version of the small Micro Four Thirds camera line, Kitao told PhotoRadar. In the future, the GF series would be split more distinctly between the two camps.
Just months after unveiling the GF2, Panasonic has unveiled a third iteration in the Lumix GF3. The new model is just over 16 percent smaller and lighter than the GF2 and designed even more for those graduating from point-and-shoot cameras than pros. Its control set is simpler still, though this includes an improved touchscreen interface, and brings in a "miniature effect" (tilt-shift) art filter.
Leica on Thursday morning upgraded its smallest camera line through the V-LUX 30. Its body is a more premium adaptation of the 14-megapixel Panasonic Lumix ZS10 that revolves around Leica's own 16X, 4.3-68.8mm f3.3-5.9 lens in a compact body. The V-LUX adaptation goes all black and ships with both Adobe's Photoshop Elements 9 and Premiere Elements 9.
Panasonic has unveiled its Lumix FH7 16-megapixel camera. The device is entry-level point-and-shot 3.5-inch touchscreen device allows users to enable Touch Auto Focus (AF), Touch Zoom, Touch Shutter and Intelligent Scene Selector by touching its capacitive display. In playback mode users can drag the image across the screen with their finger to browse the collection of photos, while also allowing onboard touch editing of photos.
Panasonic confirmed rumors Thursday by launching its first third-generation Lumix, the G3. The camera is considered the smallest swappable-lens model to still pack a viewfinder and does so by moving some of its button and dial controls to its three-inch, swiveling touchscreen. Autofocusing is also much more powerful: it now can not only get finer-grained tap-to-focus control but has a new precise contrast AF routine that can lock in as quickly as a tenth of a second (on a 14-140mm lens) by doubling the CMOS sensor's live sample rate to 120FPS.
As promised, Panasonic has now revealed prices for its Lumix ZS10, ZS8 and FX78 point-and-shoot cameras introduced late in January, along with the rugged Lumix TS3. The four arrive late this month, and share Leica lenses, HD video recording capabilities and Panasonic's iA full-auto scene mode. The ZS10 will cost $400, The ZS8 $300, the FX78 $350 and the TS3 $400.
Panasonic on Tuesday revealed pricing for its HD still and video cameras introduced at CES, including the 3MOS HD camcorders and FH-series point and shoots, among others. The 3MOS sensor-equipped HDC-HS900 will have a $1,400 price tag, the TM900 $1,100 and the SD800 $850. The three have the ability to record 1080p60 video and can create 3D videos when paired with an optional, $350 conversion lens.
Panasonic today committed itself to pricing and ship dates for the Lumix GF2. Its smallest Micro Four Thirds camera will sell for $500 in body-only form, $600 for a kit with the 14-42mm lens and $700 for a version with the 14mm f2.5 pancake lens. The 12.5mm, f12 3D lens will be available by itself for $250.
Panasonic on Friday began shipping the Lumix GF2 to retail stores. The extra-compact Micro Four Thirds camera should be on store shelves now, although it hasn't said to what extent this includes the US. UK online retailers currently list the camera as in stock, but major American sites such as Amazon, B&H and J&R so far say it remains unavailable.
Panasonic added a third and more unique Lumix model as part of its camera introductions on Tuesday. The TS3 replaces the ruggedized TS2 and gets a number of features tailored to outdoor shooting. Along with GPS positioning to geotag shots, it has an altimeter, barometer and compass to help navigate and get information for the final image.
Panasonic on Tuesday announced a few upcoming additions to its Lumix lineup of point-and-shoot digital cameras. The Lumix ZS10 ultrazoom upgrades to a new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor, a 24mm ultra wide angle lens with 16X optical zoom and 1080p recording. It can also geotag photos and videos thanks to its integrated GPS sensor and related software, and take 3D photos by shooting 20 consecutive shots and using the two best for stereoscopic mode.
Panasonic's Lumix GF2 edged closer to launch today with a pre-order listing at Amazon. Just one version is on view and comes in black with Panasonic's own 14mm f2.5 pancake lens. The pricing is lower than expected at $700 for the full kit, although it doesn't have a release date.
Panasonic has announced the expansion of its ultraslim Lumix FP series of digital cameras with the DMC-FP7 and DMC-FP5, which take stills as well as 720p HD video. Like the models introduced last year, the FP7 and FP5 both have a flush mounted, 4x optical zoom lens and a touchscreen LCD for viewfinding and controlling camera settings. Both cameras have 70MB of internal memory. The FP5 is a 14.1-megapixel camera and uses a 4:3 ratio, 3in. LCD. The FP7 is 16.1-megapixels, with a 16:9, 3.5in. LCD.
Panasonic has introduced four new cameras to its Lumix FH-series of digital cameras. The cameras take 720p HD video and offer shutter speeds as fast as 0.005 seconds for still photos. The FH27 and FH25 upgrade the FH20 introduced last year with a 16.1-megapixel sensor and a Leica DC 28mm-equivalent wide angle lens with 8x optical zoom. The FH27 features a 3-inch LCD touch control screen, while the FH25 has a standard 2.7-inch LCD.
Olympus and Panasonic are planning to launch cameras at CES that could include a very advanced Olympus compact, newly escaped details showed on Wednesday. The XZ-1 would have the same 10-megapixel sensor as Panasonic's LX5 but an even brighter lens, shooting at an f1.8 aperture at its minimum 28mm focus and never going higher than f2.5 at its 112mm maximum range. The lone 4/3 Rumors photo shows a pop-up flash and a hot shoe for an external flash or other add-ons.
Panasonic's teamwork with Leica has arguably been one of the better partnerships between mainstream and high-end camera brands; some of Leica's lens treatments have led to enthusiast cameras like the Lumix LX3. Straddling the line is the Lumix DMC-FX75. While a more mainstream, pocketable point and shoot, its fast f2.2 lens and a full touchscreen interface might get some to leave their bigger rigs at home. Electronista will find out just how many in its FX75 review.
Panasonic's Lumix GF2 Micro Four Thirds camera introduced at the start of November will soon arrive in Japan. Dated for December 3, the GF2 is expected to arrive stateside sometime in January. The camera, claimed to be the world's lightest with interchangeable lenses and of the Micro Four Thirds design, sports a three-inch touchscreen, a 23-point autofocus system and a 12-megapixel MOS sensor.
Panasonic announced today it will start selling Android-powered smartphones in Japan in 2011, maintains a Tuesday report. The handsets will arrive in other global markets sometime in 2012, and will be relatively high-end, as the plan is to compete with Apple's own iPhone and Samsung's range of Galaxy S handsets. Panasonic will try to make up for its late arrival by focusing on a high level of networking between the phones and existing Panasonic hardware.
Panasonic tonight unveiled the Lumix GF2. The Micro Four Thirds camera is reportedly the lightest and one of the smallest swappable lens models in the world, having shed 19 percent of its size and seven percent of its weight. The pop-up flash remains and is designed to improve bounce flash results for close shots. It's also compatible with Panasonic's new 3D interchangeable lens, the Lumix G 12.5mm f12, making it capable of taking photos in 3D.
Panasonic's Lumix GF2 was confirmed today by a sighting of a promo. An ad for the imminent Salon de la Photo (Photography Salon) in Paris has shown the compact Micro Four Thirds camera as a "world exclusive" for the show. As the Salon begins on Thursday, 4/3 Rumors notes that it's certain the camera will be made public at the same time.
A sequel to Panasonic's extra-compact GF1 may launch this week based on leaks of both official and unofficial information. South Korea's Radio Research Agency has listed the GF2 as registered on Monday. Two sources for 4/3 Rumors, meanwhile, claim both to have seen the device and to know that it should be unveiled within a matter of days.
Panasonic Japan today officially unveiled its surprise entry into the mobile market, the Lumix Phone. The phone appears to be running a Panasonic proprietary OS, but as expected, it centers on the ability of the phone to take high-quality photos, as well as being able to instantly share pictures or collaborate with them.
