Panasonic G5 mirrorless, new lens announced (with preview, samples!)
posted Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 1:00 AM EDT
Panasonic's just-announced Lumix G5 compact system camera follows in the footsteps of last year's G3, a mirrorless model to which it bears a fair resemblance, despite a restyling and a larger hand grip. What happened to the G4 designation, we hear you ask? Simple answer: the number four is considered unlucky in some Asian cultures. G4 was skipped for much the same reason that we doubt you'll ever see a Lumix G13. ;-)
There's much more to the Panasonic G5 than a jump in model number, though. There's a new sixteen megapixel image sensor and Venus Engine image processor capable of providing true 60 frames per second Full HD video, not to mention full-resolution burst shooting at six frames per second, if focus is locked from the first frame.
The G5 retains the electronic viewfinder of its predecessor, but adds back in the adjacent proximity sensor that was dropped in that model, allowing for eye-start autofocus and automatic switching of display types. Another interesting change in the Panasonic G5 is the ability to use touch focus on the tilt/swivel LCD panel while shooting with your eye to the electronic viewfinder. The LCD panel itself is also refreshed, with higher resolution than in the past.
Panasonic hasn't yet announced pricing and availability for this new model, but we do know it'll ship in three body colors: black, white, or silver. There's a lot more to tell about the Panasonic Lumix G5, and we're here to tell it. We've just posted our hands-on Panasonic G5 preview, so click now, and find the full story! (Or head straight on over to our Panasonic G5 test images!)
At the same time as launching the Panasonic G5, the company has also revealed a new lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The Panasonic H-FS45150 lens is, as the model number would suggest, one bearing a 45-150mm focal length range. The LUMIX G VARIO 45-150 mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. has an ultra-quiet, inner-focus design with a compact, lightweight body, and includes Mega O.I.S. image stabilization. The optical formula consists of 12 elements in nine groups, including two aspherics and one Ultra-High Refractive Index lens, plus a seven-bladed aperture, and multi-coating to prevent ghosting and flare. Colors for the lens will include black and silver; pricing and availability have not yet been revealed.
(120 x 83 x 71 mm)
Micro Four Thirds (approx. 0.85 in. diagonal)
18.31 megapixels (total)
16.05 megapixels (effective)
4608 x 3072 (14.2 megapixels)
4608 x 2592 (11.9 megapixels)
3456 x 3456 (11.9 megapixels)
3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
3264 x 2176 (7.1 megapixels)
3264 x 1840 (6.0 megapixels)
2448 x 2448 (6.0 megapixels)
2336 x 1720 (4.0 megapixels)
2336 x 1560 (3.6 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1744 x 1744 (3.0 megapixels)
1824 x 1368 (2.5 megapixels)
1824 x 1216 (2.2 megapixels)
1824 x 1024 (1.9 megapixels)
1712 x 1712 (2.9 megapixels)
28 - 84mm (35mm equivalent)
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Modes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Range: Lens dependent; GN=10.5 (ISO 160, m)
Max. clip length: 1,799 seconds (1920x1080)
Press Release
Panasonic Introduces The LUMIX G5, The Newest Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera From Lumix G Line
The New LUMIX G5 Offers High Image Quality with High Speed Response Time
July 18, 2012 (Secaucus, NJ) – Panasonic today announced a new addition to the popular line of LUMIX G series cameras, the LUMIX DMC-G5. The newest Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera offering from Panasonic, the LUMIX G5, features a newly integrated 16.05-megapixel Live MOS sensor and redesigned Venus Engine to render clear, crisp images in both photo and video recording. Featuring a compact, lightweight body with built-in flash, the LUMIX G5 boasts ultra-high mobility while offering users powerful camera performance which achieves spectacular image quality, realizing true-to-life photo details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color production.
The LUMIX G5’s high-grade lens and precision AF (Auto Focus) achieves high resolution, optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction to produce lifelike image rendering and high precision auto exposure and white balance for faithful color reproduction. A redesigned Venus Engine features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities, producing clear, crisp images in both photo and video recording. The 3DNR detects smooth areas or edges in photos and adjusts the strength of noise reduction (stronger for smooth portion, milder for edge portion) to maintain object descriptiveness. The Multi-process NR quickly detects brightness in each part of a picture and applies optimal noise reduction in multiple steps. The newly incorporated HDR (High Dynamic Range) allows for several pictures consecutively shot at different exposure levels to be overlaid, producing a single composite picture to eliminate over-exposure or under-exposure.
Like all cameras in the LUMIX G series, the LUMIX G5 adopts Contrast AF (Auto Focus), so focusing is controlled by the image sensor. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy, especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F values. To further advance the Contrast AF, the G5 incorporates full-area Touch AF, making it possible to set the focus on any point in the field of view. Additionally, ultra high-speed Light Speed AF, quickly locks onto a subject, making it possible to capture even fast moving subjects clearly. Combined with Touch AF control and high-speed burst shooting at six frames per second in 16.05-megapixel full resolution, it has never been easier to capture fast-moving objects clearly.
The LUMIX G5 offers users simple operation controls with minimal stress, so users can concentrate on shooting. A newly added function lever conveniently located near the shutter release allows for direct adjustment of zoom*1, exposure or aperture*2 control and can be used to magnify images in playback mode and page flip in menu mode. Additionally, the combination use of the function lever and turn-and-push rear dial allows users to adjust major shooting settings, accelerating the camera’s simple, intuitive operation.
The LUMIX G5’s large, bright 1,440,000-dot equivalent LVF (Live View Finder) retains outstanding viewability and features approximately 100% field of view. Suppressing color breakup, the LVF assures stunning image view for any subject or scene. The LVF is newly designed to integrate an eye sensor for the LUMIX G5, which allows image output between the LVF and LCD screen to be switched automatically with the eye sensor on the LVF (which features optional sensitivity of high, low and off). Additionally Eye Sensor AF (Auto Focus) automatically starts focusing when the photographer looks into the EVF to capture spur-of-the-moment shooting opportunities.
A large, 920,000-dot high resolution LCD screen with wide-viewing angle rotates 180 degrees to the side, tilts 270 degrees up and down and offers approximately 100% field of view. Touch screen operation on the LCD screen allows for simple shooting or playback of images and the new Touch Pad function enables the use of both LVF and LCD simultaneously, which encourages more intuitive shooting. Lag time of image output has been minimized by approximately 18% compared to the LUMIX G5’s predecessor, the LUMIX G3, making it easier to monitor fast-moving subjects. The Level Gauge give the camera the ability to automatically detect the horizontal or vertical angle of view so that photos shot in a portrait aspect will automatically be displayed vertically, no matter which lens is used. The newly added Electronic Shutter mode allows silent operation which is helpful in areas where silence is needed.
Creative Control Mode has been upgraded in the LUMIX G5 with an increase of filter options from five options to 14, adding Soft Focus*3, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect and Star Filter, in addition to the conventional Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, Hi Dynamic, Miniature Effect*4 modes. With the new GUI menu tab, switching filter effects is seamless. A preview of filter effects can be seen on the large LCD screen via Live View mode and the camera intuitively recommends filters depending on the scene that the camera detects in iA (Intelligent Auto) or iA Plus mode. Furthermore, iA Plus mode allows users to adjust defocusing area in the background, exposure compensation and white balance for more flexible control while activating automatic shoot assist functions such as AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent D-range Control, Face Recognition and Intelligent Scene Selector.
For beginner users of interchangeable lens system cameras, the LUMIX G5 features the new Scene Guide which offers 23 sample pictures shot by professional photographers. Users can choose the photo closest to the situation that they are shooting and optimal parameters for shooting the scene will be set automatically*5. Additionally, procedures, technical advice and recommended interchangeable lens options for the scene can be shown to allow users to better understand and learn photography.
Not only does the LUMIX G5 produce stunning still imagery, but it also records high quality video. With the ability to record high-resolution full-HD 1,920x1,080 60p videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4) or MP4*6 format, subjects with fast motion and fine details are reproduced clearly. In addition to practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets the user enjoy professional-like selective focusing which allows the focus to be shifted while shooting video and AF Tracking easily locks onto a subject to focus, even when it moves. The Extra Tele Conversion function extends zoom range Max 4.8x without deterioration of image quality. The LUMIX G5 features a dedicated video record button on the top of the camera body so users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photographs without changing any settings. The camera can also take photos while recording video live just by hitting the shutter button. Along with full-HD video capabilities, the LUMIX G5 also features high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator and noise from background wind is minimized with the Wind Cut function.
The LUMIX DMC-G5 will be available in black, white and silver in various kit options. Pricing and availability will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping. For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix
- * 35mm camera equivalent.
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When used with Power Zoom lenses H-PS14042 or H-PS45175.
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In M(Manual) mode
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For photo only
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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)
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Video recording using Scene Guise is not possible in some scenes.
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30p in MP4
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Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
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"AVCHD Progressive", "AVCHD", the "AVCHD Progressive" Logo and the "AVCHD" Logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
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Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
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HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
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All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
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This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
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Some accessories are not available in some countries.
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The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.
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Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
About Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American Subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. and Canada. The Company’s portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more.
Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicdirect, and additional company information for media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
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Panasonic Introduces New Digital Interchangable Lens For LUMIX G Series
Panasonic's Premium LUMIX G Vario 45-150mm Telephoto Zoom Lens Achieves Exceptional Image Quality In A Compact, Lightweight Design
July 18, 2012 (Secaucus, NJ) – Panasonic is pleased to announce a new interchangeable telephoto zoom lens for the Digital Single Lens Mirrorless LUMIX G that complies with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the LUMIX G VARIO 45-150 mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS45150). Featuring an ultra-compact size and lightweight body, the new LUMIX G VARIO 45-150 mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. lens offers a versatile zoom range of 45-150 mm (35 mm camera equivalent: 90-300 mm) which is suitable for impressive telephoto shots.
The new LUMIX G VARIO 45-150 mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. lens incorporates Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), which makes it easy to shoot super clear shots even in low-lit situations by suppressing the blur caused by a hand movement. The lens’s superior inner focus system enables excellent resolution and contrast from full life-size magnification to infinity and the inclusion of a stepping motor makes focusing action smooth and silent for use in both video and photo recording. When mounted on the cameras of the LUMIX G line, users can also take advantage of the high-speed, high-precision AF (Auto Focus) System.
Comprised of 12 elements in nine groups, one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens and two aspherical lenses in the LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. achieves uniform sharpness from the center to the corners for high optical performance. The lens’s seven aperture blades produce an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas, even when shooting at large aperture. Additionally, a multi-coated lens element reduces ghost and flare, to deliver high optical performance.
Available in a sophisticated metal look, the new LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. will be available in black or silver. Pricing and availability will be announced 30 days prior to shipping. For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras and lenses, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
- Four Thirds™ and Micro Four Thirds™, and Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries.
About Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American Subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. and Canada. The Company’s portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more.
Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicdirect, and additional company information for media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
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