Showing posts with label Panasonic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Panasonic. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Micro Four Thirds, Olympus PEN and Panasonic GF1 - an overview


Rik Fairlie had an article posted at NYTimes about the Micro Four Thirds standard, the Olympus E-P1, E-P2, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and the other options currently available, here's what he has to say:

“The ‘R’ in D.S.L.R. refers to the reflex of the mirror,” said Sally Smith Clemens, a product manager for Olympus. “Without a mirror box, it’s not a D.S.L.R.”
The want of a mirror means that Micro Four Thirds cameras are more compact and lighter than D.S.L.R.’s, yet they produce better photographs than point-and-shoots because they have a larger image sensor. As a rule of thumb, larger sensors deliver better photos because they have greater light-gathering capabilities. But that generalization is not absolute, because factors like the camera’s image processor and lens quality also come into play.
Buy the Olympus PEN E-P1 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Silver Body/Black Lens)

Read the full Micro Four Thirds article at NYTimes.com

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Canon EOS 500D wins best SLR title


Canon's EOS 500D has won European SLR Camera of the Year in the annual contest run by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA), the membership of which includes AP.

The EOS 500D was described by judges as an 'excellent DSLR for both novices and advanced amateurs'.

The citation added: 'The quality of the HD video is so impressive that it might provoke the beginning of a new movie-making hobby for some users.'

Buy a Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Olympus's E-P1 was named Camera of the Year, judges applauding the appeal of its elegant retro design. (Buy Olympus PEN E-P1)

Nikon's D3x won the title European Professional Camera and Canon's EOS 5D Mark II triumphed in the Advanced Camera category. (Buy a Nikon D3x)

The European Lens award went to the 'lightweight and affordable' Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM. (Buy Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM AF Lens Nikon)

EISA's best lens for travel was the Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Macro. The top zoom lens accolade was handed to Sony's 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM. (Buy Tamron 18-270mm Canon)

Photo Innovation of the Year honours went to Fujifilm's Super CCD EXR imaging sensor.

Multimedia Camera of 2009-2010 was Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1. 'It combines the advantages of a compact camera with those of a DSLR: it is lightweight, has a small body, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and Live View.' (Buy Panasonic GH1)

Via Amateur Photographer

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

AsiaOne: New cameras to rival DSLRs

Kenny Chee at AsiaOne says:
A NEW breed of digital cameras which aims to bridge the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and professional digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras looks set to take photographers here by storm.

In the last two weeks, two different models of the new breed - known as micro four thirds - were launched here by Olympus and Panasonic.

Previously, there was only one such camera available here, launched by Panasonic last October.

The new cameras use an imaging technology similar to DSLRs', but packed inside a much-less-bulky body.

Buy a Panasonic DMC-GH1 12MP Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera with 1080p HD Video

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Micro Four Thirds vs. Four Thirds vs. dSLR - what?

Does anyone know of any P&S using any of the systems? How does a DSLR get to be compared "vs" Four Thirds?

Leonard Goh at Cnet Asia has a short comparison and some interesting notes around the Micro Four Thirds and Four Thirds lenses.


He also says "there are actually more variations between these three classes of cameras." Oh rly?
If you're tired of letting your point-and-shoot control your shots and want to upgrade to a more advanced camera, there are plenty of choices out there. You may have come across dSLRs such as the Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D5000. Then there are shooters like the Olympus E-620 which uses the Four Thirds System. Last but not least, there is the Micro Four Thirds System found on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1.
Read the article at asia.cnet.com

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Panasonic updates firmware for LUMIX G VARIO lens


A new firmware was released for the LUMIX G interchangeable lens LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014045).

Users will be able to download the latest firmware ver.1.1 from Panasonic support sites. The firmware includes improvement of auto focus performance in AFC mode for taking photos. It also enhances performance of auto focusing and stability of O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) while reducing noise of aperture control for taking movies when mounted on DMC-GH1(Except for FHD mode).

The new firmware was released worldwide at GMT: 6:00 25th of May, 2009 at http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/.

Buy a Panasonic 45-200mm f/4.0-5.6 Lumix G Vario MEGA OIS Zoom Lens for Panasonic Digital SLR Cameras

News via Panasonic

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Panasonic announces New Accessories for Lumix G Micro System

Two new adaptors were announced, the M Mount Adaptor DMW-MA2M and R Mount Adaptor DMW-MA3R, to further enhance the photographic experience with cameras from the Lumix G Micro System.

The M Mount Adaptor and R Mount Adaptor are developed under support of Leica Camera AG, making it possible to attach Leica M lenses (DMW-MA2M) or R lenses (DMW-MA3R) on DMC-G1 and DMC-GH1. Users can enjoy outstanding image rendering offered by the combination of high quality Leica lenses and Lumix G cameras that are full of Panasonic's cutting edge digital technologies. These adaptors also allow users to use the movable MF assist function, which enlarges the selected area when focusing manually.

Via Panasonic UK news

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Panasonic Announces Pricing for Lumix GH1: MSRP $1499.95, wow


Secaucus, NJ (May 6, 2009) – Panasonic today announced pricing for the highly-anticipated LUMIX DMC-GH1, the new Micro Four Thirds digital camera with Full-High Definition (HD) video recording ability, which will be available in early June for a suggested retail price of $1499.95. The LUMIX DMC-GH1 includes the LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens as part of the kit. The new lens, designed to support HD movie recording, features a silent motor and continuous auto focusing (AF) capability – a differentiator from traditional DSLRs.

In the U.S., the LUMIX GH1 will be available in black and has advanced photography features, such as the ability to record AVCHD 1080p/24p High Definition video, yet is easy enough for entry-level users to understand and take beautiful photos and videos. With Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode* - a user-friendly setting made popular in the LUMIX line of digital point-and-shoot camera products, both entry-level and more experienced DSLR users can enjoy a complete suite of technologies that allow beautiful photo-taking and engage automatically – no setting adjustments needed.

For those looking for more creative control in their digital camera, the LUMIX GH1 can adjust shutter speed during motion recording, giving the videos a special look, particularly suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects. Also, the LUMIX GH1 allows users to control the aperture, which is convenient when there are several subjects at varying distances. By adjusting the aperture, the user can focus on the foreground and blur the background – or vice versa – even during video recording.

“Since redefining the traditional DSLR category last year with the LUMIX G1 – which eliminated the internal mirror and thus dramatically reduced size of the camera body and lenses – Panasonic has been working to expand its award-winning LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds System line. Panasonic wants to offer increasingly innovative products and features that make photography fun and easy,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The introduction of the LUMIX GH1, allows photographers of all levels to take superior quality photos and shoot HD video with a more compact, easy-to-use camera that provides increased creative capabilities.”

The LUMIX GH1 provides cutting-edge video recording features, including the ability to record high-resolution full HD (1920 x1080) video at 24 fps or smooth HD video (1280 x 720) at 60 fps using an AVCHD format (MPEG-4/H.264), which provides the important benefit of doubling the HD quality recording time compared with Motion JPEG. The LUMIX GH1 features a dedicated video record button on the back of the camera which lets users instantly start recording videos, even while shooting still photos – removing the fear of potentially missing a must-see video moment.

For more information about the Panasonic LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds System, including the award-winning LUMIX G1, and to place a pre-order for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

Source: Panasonic Press Release

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Panasonic GH1 price revealed


Cnet's Crave senior editor Lori Grunin has a short post about the high price of the new Panasonic GH1, which is available for preorder for $1500 at J&R. Yes, that's 1.5 grand for the Micro Four Thirds camera with a kit lens.

Given that J&R doesn't generally offer the deepest discounts and that the camera isn't really shipping yet so competitive pricing hasn't kicked in, I expect the street price to be closer to $1,299--still pretty pricey, even with the bundled 14-140mm (28-280mm equivalent) lens.

Then again, it's a new technology and probably a new market segment, so who knows what price the market will bear. The question is, would you pay that much, assuming the photo quality and performance can match a similarly priced dSLR?


Via Crave, J&R via photorumors.com

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Panasonic GH1


Akihabara News says that The Panasonic GH1 Kills The DSLR, TV-Industrial Complex.

A major step was just taken that will revolutionize how video is produced and consumed. It’s called the Panasonic GH1.

Though hardly the first digital camera to shoot HD video (notable examples include the Canon 5D Mark II and the Nikon D90) the GH1 manages to provide jaw-droppingly-good HD video (1080p) in a smaller and less-expensive package* than its predecessors and rivals. This means that any idiot with a thousand bucks, a subject, and a PC can become a movie producer.

This is a MASSIVE opportunity for anybody with film-making experience. You have the opportunity to be involved in a revolution. Yes, the democratization of HD video will mean declining prestige, and an increasingly flooded content marketplace. But at the same time, it allows content creators to put more professional-looking creations on the web and garner maximum exposure before the big studios begin to adapt to the new platform.

If there is to be an internet video production star made, he/she will be made king very soon. As I said earlier, this is an amazing time to be alive.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Panasonic Announced Two New Micro Four Thirds Lenses


On March 3, 2009 Panasonic launched two new lenses for its LUMIX G Micro System – the innovative digital interchangeable lens camera system – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. and the LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. Both lenses are compatible with the newly announced LUMIX DMC-GH1 digital camera, which can record High Definition (HD) AVCHD 1080/24p video, and its award-winning sister camera, the LUMIX DMC-G1 digital camera.

The new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S., available as part of the kit with the DMC-GH1, or separately, incorporates an inner focus direct-drive linear motor for focusing. This allows fast and accurate contrast auto focus (AF) to operate smoothly and silently – a necessity for video recording. Adopting the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. offers a long zoom of 14-140mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-280mm), suitable for a wide range of shooting situations – from scenery to portraits to telephoto shots – all possible with a compact and lightweight lens.

The LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. uses four aspherical lenses and two ED lenses to achieves dramatic downsizing – despite its powerful 10x optical zoom – and still minimizes distortion and chromatic aberration. Panasonic's Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) is incorporated in the lens, making it easy to shoot clear shots even in telephoto shooting or in low-light situations – as this feature minimizes blur caused by hand shake.

Panasonic's other new lens, the ultra-wide-angle zoom interchangeable lens LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH features an astonishingly wide-angle zoom range of 7-14mm (35mm camera equivalent; 14-28mm). Its compact and lightweight size makes it easy for users to carry while they are on the go. Taking advantage of its 114-degree wide-angle view, users can fit more subjects in a frame – even when the shooting distance is limited, for example, while shooting indoors. This expansive view gives users great flexibility and a rich perspective when shooting photos or video.

The high-performing, yet lightweight LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. achieves its compact size by incorporating two aspherical lenses and four ED lenses in a unit of 16 elements in 12 groups. The resolution of the images is high, even at its wide-end and features F4.0 brightness through its entire zoom range thanks to a large diameter glass-molded lens embedded within the body.

When both of these news lenses are mounted on the LUMIX DMC-GH1, users can take advantage of the advanced contrast AF system including Face Recognition, offering a variety of convenient and fun shooting. Seven aperture blades give the aperture a rounded shape that, when shooting at a larger aperture, produces an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas. Featuring highly-durable metal mounts, the new lenses use multicoated lens elements to reduce ghosting and flares, helping to deliver a positive user-experience – whether shooting HD videos or taking beautiful digital photos.

Via Panasonic press release

Buy a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Lumix G Vario 14-45 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS Lens (Black)

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 review

Australian site Smarthouse has a review of the Panasonic DMC-G1, an entry level DSLR camera aimed at beginners in the single lens reflex camera world. Here's a bit from what they wrote:

The Panasonic Lumix G1 is a great camera for first time DSLR users - it functions and feels like a DSLR but has digital camera functions that will make shooting fun and easy. And with its small and light form factor, this camera can be taken in trips without being a burden to users.

Despite having the features of a DSLR, users will find that the G1 is easy to operate. The 3-inch LCD screen can be flipped and rotated, allowing a user to take pictures from various angles. The camera also comes with various scene modes (Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Macro, and Night) and a simple iA (Intelligent Auto) mode to further simplify camera use. Also available on the G1 are the usual advanced modes (Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, Manual exposure, Custom mode) found on other DSLRs in the market.

Read the full review here or buy a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit

Monday, March 9, 2009

Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. Ultra Wide Angle

DMC-GH1 Lumix G Micro System Camera with LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH lens

Taking advantage of its wide, 114-degree angle of view, users can easily fit subjects into the frame even when shooting indoors where the distance is limited. The world looks extraordinary when viewed through the new lens, allowing photos and movies to be recorded with a uniquely rich perspective.

This high-performance lens system achieves outstanding compactness by combining 16 lens elements in 12 groups, including two aspherical lenses and four ED lenses. Image resolution is high from corner-to-corner even at the wide-angle setting. It also features F4.0 brightness over the entire zoom range thanks to its large-diameter glass moulded lens elements.

When mounted on the DMC-GH1 Lumix G Micro System Camera, the new lens allows use of the advanced contrast AF system, which includes a Face Recognition function, for more convenient, more enjoyable shooting. 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. The LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH lens also features a highly reliable metal mount, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimize ghosts and flare to further enhance its optical performance. The optimally designed lens hood enables use even under strong sunlight.

From Panasonic press release/web

Panasonic DMC-GH1: D-SLR Photo Quality and Full-HD Movies

The new DMC-GH1 is called a CREATIVE HD HYBRID because it records not only high-quality photos but also high definition 1080/24p or smooth 720/60p HD (High Definition) movies in AVCHD* format. Continuous AF can be used while recording movies, to further boost operating ease. Taking advantage of its system camera design, the DMC-GH1 features the potential for unlimited photo expression by allowing the use of different lenses for specific shooting situations and subjects. High-quality sound recording with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator and a host of other creative options, including manual settings, giving the DMC-GH1 even greater versatility.

In addition to its high levels of performance for both photos and movies, the DMC-GH1 incorporates the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode,** a hallmark of LUMIX cameras that now includes Face Recognition,*** a function that "remembers" faces once the faces are registered. When a familiar face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize the focus and exposure to capture it beautifully. This clever function makes it easy to get sharp and clear photos of special subjects in a group of people. iA mode is also available in movie recording. It automatically selects the most suitable scene mode and helps to correct hand-shake, focus and brightness problems -- making it a one-stop solution for capturing beautiful photos and movies.*

Operating ease is an important element of the LUMIX G Micro System identity, and it is highly evident in the DMC-GH1. For example, the clever design of the DMC-GH1 helps to prevent missed shooting opportunities for both photo and movie recording. To start recording a movie during shooting photos, the user simply presses a special, one-touch movie recording button. Most of the settings used for photo shooting carry over to movie recording without requiring any additional setting.

Via Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic today introduces two new lenses for its LUMIX G Micro System

Panasonic introduced two new lenses for its LUMIX G Micro System – the innovative digital interchangeable lens camera system – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. and the LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. Both lenses are compatible with the newly announced LUMIX DMC-GH1 digital camera, which can record High Definition (HD) AVCHD 1080/24p video, and its award-winning sister camera, the LUMIX DMC-G1 digital camera.

“Panasonic is excited and proud to expand our LUMIX G Micro System – with the addition of these two new Micro Four Thirds lenses, as well as the LUMIX DMC-GH1, which can record superb High Definition video, “said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “We firmly believe that consumers of all skill levels can benefit from the advanced features we are able to pack into these new compact lenses and camera bodies.”

Click photo to download hi-res version

The new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S., available as part of the kit with the DMC-GH1, or separately, incorporates an inner focus direct-drive linear motor for focusing. This allows fast and accurate contrast auto focus (AF) to operate smoothly and silently – a necessity for video recording. Adopting the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. offers a long zoom of 14-140mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-280mm), suitable for a wide range of shooting situations – from scenery to portraits to telephoto shots – all possible with a compact and lightweight lens.

The LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. uses four aspherical lenses and two ED lenses to achieves dramatic downsizing – despite its powerful 10x optical zoom – and still minimizes distortion and chromatic aberration. Panasonic's Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) is incorporated in the lens, making it easy to shoot clear shots even in telephoto shooting or in low-light situations – as this feature minimizes blur caused by hand shake.

Click photo to download hi-res version.

Panasonic’s other new lens, the ultra-wide-angle zoom interchangeable lens LUMIX G VARIO

7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH features an astonishingly wide-angle zoom range of 7-14mm (35mm camera equivalent; 14-28mm). Its compact and lightweight size makes it easy for users to carry while they are on the go. Taking advantage of its 114-degree wide-angle view, users can fit more subjects in a frame – even when the shooting distance is limited, for example, while shooting indoors. This expansive view gives users great flexibility and a rich perspective when shooting photos or video.

The high-performing, yet lightweight LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. achieves its compact size by incorporating two aspherical lenses and four ED lenses in a unit of 16 elements in 12 groups. The resolution of the images is high, even at its wide-end and features F4.0 brightness through its entire zoom range thanks to a large diameter glass-molded lens embedded within the body.

When both of these news lenses are mounted on the LUMIX DMC-GH1, users can take advantage of the advanced contrast AF system including Face Recognition, offering a variety of convenient and fun shooting. Seven aperture blades give the aperture a rounded shape that, when shooting at a larger aperture, produces an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas. Featuring highly-durable metal mounts, the new lenses use multicoated lens elements to reduce ghosting and flares, helping to deliver a positive user-experience – whether shooting HD videos or taking beautiful digital photos. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.


From Panasonic press release

Monday, January 26, 2009

Panasonic Lumix G Micro-System: Best Of Both Worlds

The Lumix G Micro-System combines the ease of use from ultrazoom and compact cameras and the interchangeability of lenses and power of DSLR cameras. The Micro Four Thirds standard offers a wide selection of lenses and good optical performance.

The models are based on the new Micro Four Thirds System standard that greatly reduces camera size and weight. The DMC-G1 with Full-time Live View LCD and Live View Finder bring you to the new horizons of creative possibilities.


Here is the list of compatible lenses:
"Even with their extremely small size, these high-performance lenses feature Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), which makes it easy to shoot super-clear shots even in low lighting by suppressing hand-shake blur. Characterized by their compact size and light weight, both lenses bring out the full capabilities of the 4/3 image sensor, and support the Contrast AF function of the DMC-G1."

LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. (details)

  • Minimum focus distance of 30 cm over the entire zoom range
  • MEGA O.I.S. - Panasonic's advanced hand-shake correction technology
  • Circular aperture diaphragm
  • Multi-coated lens elements minimize ghosts and flare
  • Contrast AF system support
  • Utilizing a durable metal mounting
LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S. (details)

  • 3 ED lenses for a superb optical performance
  • MEGA O.I.S. - Panasonic's advanced hand-shake correction technology
  • Circular aperture diaphragm
  • Multi-coated lens elements minimize ghosts and flare
  • Contrast AF system support
  • Utilizing a durable metal mounting
About the Micro Four Thirds System

The Micro Four Thirds System is an interchangeable lens camera system that was designed and developed to optimize the characteristics of digital technology. It carefully preserves the image quality of the 4/3-type image sensor, while reducing the size of the camera body and particularly the size of wide-angle lenses. The Micro Four Thirds System also offers excellent expandability and adaptability to future functions.

Visit the Micro Four Thirds System standard website

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Panasonic HDC-HS20, HDC-TM20 and HDC-SD20 Camcorders


The HDC-HS20, HDC-TM20 and HDC-SD20 are Panasonic's introductory HD camcorder models, recommended for new or intermediate users wanting an easy-to-use camcorder that still produces beautiful and vivid video worthy of sharing with friends and family. All three models feature a 16x optical zoom and a Leica Dicomar lens, but differ in recording media and thus vary slightly in overall size and weight.

The HDC-HS20 is a hybrid model capable of recording onto its internal 80 GB hard disk drive or an SDHC/SD Memory Card (optional accessory). The HDC-TM20 is a twin memory model that can record onto its built-in 16 GB memory or an SDHC/SD Memory Card (optional accessory), and comes in three body colors: black, silver and red. The HDC-SD20 uses an SDHC/SD Memory Card as a recording media and thus is extremely compact and lightweight. All three models also feature AF Tracking.

All Panasonic's 2009 High Definition camcorder models enable the transfer of recorded data to an Apple Macintosh computer so that recorded video clips can be edited in HD image quality using iMovie software.

Suggested retail prices for all camcorders are as follows:
  • $799.95 for the HDC-HS20
  • $649.95 for the HDC-TM20
  • $599.95 for the HDC-SD20
All models come in black and will be available in April 2009.

Via ecoustics.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Leica D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm f2.8-3.5 lens reviewed by CameraLabs


Pretty old article, but worth a read...

When Panasonic announced its debut digital SLR, the Lumix L1, back in February 2006, it’s fair to say a great deal of attention was focused on its kit lens – after all this was no ordinary bundled optic. The D Vario Elmarit 14-50mm was not only Leica’s first lens designed specifically for a digital SLR, but by sporting optical stabilisation, also became the first Four Thirds lens to actively combat camera-shake.

In the months following the announcement, existing Olympus DSLR owners wondered if the Leica zoom could be an option for their cameras; indeed such was the hype behind the lens some even discussed the possibility buying the Lumix L1 kit just to get hold of it. Their prayers were answered in September 2006 when at Photokina, Panasonic confirmed the Leica lens was not only fully compatible with existing Four Thirds DSLRs, but would also be sold separately in the near future. Now that time has come, we’re pleased to publish our full test report of the Leica lens.

Read the full review here.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 review at CameraLabs

Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ28 is a 10.1 Megapixel super-zoom camera with DSLR-styling and an 18x optically-stabilised zoom range. Announced in July 2008, it comes one year after the Lumix FZ18. The new model is strongly based on its predecessor, but features higher resolution, a larger screen, HD movie recording and quicker burst mode, along with a number of tweaks to the controls, viewfinder, menus and auto systems.

The optical range may appear to be the same 18x, but the lens specification on the new FZ28 is slightly different. The equivalent focal length has slightly widened from 28-504mm to 27-486mm. In practice this difference is barely noticeable, but the important thing is the enormous compositional flexibility such a range delivers, taking you from decent wide angle to super-telephoto coverage. It really will cover you for almost any situation.

Read the full review at CameraLabs.


Monday, January 12, 2009

CES: Panasonic announces high-end hard drive camcorders



The new HDC-HS300 and HDC-HS250 both have 120GB hard drives for up to 50 hours of footage. The HS300 targeted to release in April with a price tag of $1400 offers manual controls, external mic support and electronic viewfinder.

Main features:
  • Full HD 1920x1080 Recording
  • 3MOS camcorder System
  • 120GB HDD and SD card slot
  • Manual Ring, Electrical Viewfinder and Cold Shoe
  • Intelligent Auto Mode and AF Tracking
  • 10.6 Megapixel Still Images
  • Lens Brand Leica Dicomar Lens
    F Value F1.8(WIDE)/2.8(TELE)
    Optical Zoom 12x
    Digital Zoom 30x- 700x
    Focal Length 4-48mm
    Filter Diameter 43mm
    35mm Film camera Equivalent 44.9-539mm (16:9) [Motion Image] / 41.3-496mm (3:2), 40.8-490mm (16:9), 45.0-540mm (4:3) [Still Image]

The HDC-HS300 is a hybrid camcorder that records Full HD images either on an SD (or SDHC) Memory Card or the built-in 120GB hard disk drive. A 32-GB SDHC Memory Card can hold around 12 hours of recorded video clips (in HE mode). The HDC-HS300 camcorder can copy recorded video images from the SD Memory Card to the hard disk, or vice versa, with easy operation.

Buy Panasonic HDC-SD9 AVCHD 3CCD Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom w/8 GB SD Card

The HDC-HS300 camcorder features the Full HD 3MOS sensor, developed by Panasonic based on its proven 3CCD technology. The Panasonic 3MOS sensor system captures more vibrant, true-to-life colours, greater detail and richer gradation.

Recording Format MPEG4-AVC/H.264 (AVCHD standard compliant)
Recording Mode HA (17Mbps / VBR) , (1920 x 1080) / HG (13Mbps / VBR) , (1920 x 1080) / HX (9Mbps / VBR) , (1920 x 1080) / HE (6Mbps / VBR) , (1440 x 1080)
Playback Mode HA (17Mbps / VBR) , (1920 x 1080) / HG (13Mbps / VBR) , (1920 x 1080) / HX (9Mbps / VBR) , (1920 x 1080) / HE (6Mbps / VBR) , (1440 x 1080)
Audio Recording System Dolby Digital (5.1ch)
Microphone 5.1ch Surround, Zoom and Focus Microphone

Also new to Panasonic's HD camcorder line are the new entry-level models: the HDC-HS20 ($800), which records to both an 80GB hard drive and an SD/SDHC card; the HDC-TM20 ($650) records to a 16GB solid-state drive and SD/SDHC card; and the HDC-SD20 ($600), which records to SD/SDHC cards only. All three models will be available in April.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 reviewed by digitalcamerareview

As the first production Micro Four Thirds camera, the G1 represents both a revolutionary product and a fundamentally new overarching technology. Using interchangeable lenses, a large sensor, and a traditional shutter mechanism, but no mirror or optical viewfinder, the G1 is part DSLR and part point-and-shoot. The obvious concern with this "hybrid" design approach is that the resulting device will simultaneously compromise the best aspects of both point-and-shoots and SLRs: in trying to be a jack of all trades, as the saying goes, the G1 runs the risk of ending up a master of none. If the road to a final version of the G1 was paved with potential trouble spots, however, Panasonic seems to have successfully steered a course to a polished camera that feels, in our experience with the device, anything but cobbled together.

Read the full review here.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 12.1MP Digital Camera with Lumix G Vario 14-45 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS Lens (Blue)

The LUMIX G1 is as easy to use as a compact digital camera,
with the stunning photo quality of a digital SLR camera. It's a new-generation digital interchangeable lens camera that does away
with the mirror box and complies with the new Micro Four Thirds System standard. In short, the G1 writes an entirely new chapter in the evolution of the digital interchangeable lens camera.

Full-time Live View shows you before you shoot how the settings change the photo
The G1's Full-time Live View is revolutionary. It lets you see in
the LCD how adjusting the exposure, white balance, aperture and
even the shutter speed will affect the photo. This kind of super-easy
live view shooting has never before been possible with a
conventional digital SLR camera.

Micro Four Thirds: The open standard that led to the mirror-less body
The G1 adopts the Micro Four Thirds System standard, developed as
an extended version of the Four Thirds System standard for digital
camera systems. Using this standard, and developing a camera
body that eliminates the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit,
we managed to reduce the lens mount diameter by about 6 mm
(compared with the conventional Four Thirds camera) and shorten
the flange-back distance* by about half. The result is a digital
interchangeable lens camera that's both extremely compact and
highly mobile.

Check full specifications and more details at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 product page.