Panasonic announces new 1-inch-sensor premium compact, updated 30x travel zoom and officially debuts 100-400mm lens
posted Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 2:45 PM EDT
CES 2016 announcements continue, this time with a trio of Panasonic news. In addition to full product information on the upcoming Panasonic Leica 100-400mm supertelephoto zoom lens, Panasonic is also debuting two new compact cameras: an updated Panasonic ZS60 30x travel zoom and an all-new premium compact, dubbed the Panasonic ZS100, that features a 1-inch sensor and a 25-250mm equivalent zoom.
First up is Panasonic's premium travel compact, the Panasonic ZS100. This camera combines a 20.1-megapixel 1" MOS sensor with a 10x optical zoom lens to provide outstanding performance and usability. The ZS100 features a 3" 1,040k dot touch screen, 4-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization and Level Shot, 10fps shooting (5fps with full autofocus), in-camera RAW data development, and a Wide Panorama function. The ZS100 also is able to capture 4K video and includes Panasonic's 4K Photo Mode.
With a larger sensor than the ZS60, the ZS100's 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor is able to capture crisper, more detailed images when shooting at higher ISOs. The Venus Engine-powered camera captures colors with "unrivaled" accuracy, with hue, saturation and luminosity being individually processed. The ZS100 is the first camera in its series to utilize a Leica f/2.8-5.9 lens, which provides a 25-250mm equivalent focal length range and "stunning" depth of field.
Capable of recording 4K video at 24 and 30fps, the ZS100 provides serious video performance in a form factor that you can slip into your pocket. The 4K Photo function allows you to extract 8-megapixel still images from 30fps 4K video. Like the ZS60, the ZS100 also includes the new Post-Focus feature, allowing you extensive versatility with images, even after capture. The ZS100 will be available at the end of March for US$699.99 in both black and silver finishes.
Next, we have the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS60 travel zoom camera. This small camera packs a lot of performance into its lightweight 10-ounce body. It features a 1/2.3" 18-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording capabilities, and a 30x optical zoom Leica lens. Additionally, the ZS60 has a 0.2-inch 1,166k-dot equivalent electronic viewfinder, contrast autofocus with Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology (which you can read about here), and a 10 frames-per-second burst photo mode (although it shoots at 5fps with full autofocus).
According to the company, the 18-megapixel MOS sensor allows you to capture excellent images in all lighting conditions and in combination with Panasonic's Venus image processing engine, you can capture high-quality images even in low light. The ZS60's built-in 24-720mm equivalent Leica lens provides a very versatile 30x optical zoom. You'll be able to get closer to the action with the 720mm optical zoom capabilities, but you will also be able to capture wide, sweeping landscape images. Further, to help keep things steady when shooting at long focal lengths, the ZS60 features 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization.
With a dedicated control ring that gives the user smooth control over settings including zoom, aperture, and shutter speed, the ZS60 puts the control in your hands. If you happen to miss focus, or just change your mind after you've captured the image, that's okay with Panasonic's new Post-Focus feature, which allows you to select from 49 individual focus areas within each image. Once you've capture the desired image, you can press the dedicated wireless button on the ZS60 and share them to a mobile device or tablet. The LUMIX ZS60 will be available in March in silver and black finishes for an estimated retail price of US$449.99.
For Micro Four Thirds cameras, Panasonic has announced the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 ASPH telephoto zoom lens with Power Optical Image Stabilization.
This new lens has 20 elements in 13 groups and incorporates both aspherical and extra low dispersion elements. The metallic black lens weighs 34.74 ounces (985 grams) without lens hood and tripod mount and is approximately 6.75 inches (171.5 millimeters) long. Despite its compact size, the 200-800mm equivalent lens includes numerous features, such as a 240fps autofocus motor and silent operation, which makes the 100-400mm lens well-suited for video recording.
Compatible with Panasonic's Dual Image Stabilization, this weather sealed lens is the longest focal length available for Micro Four Thirds and will be available in early April for US$1799.99.
Panasonic has also expanded their camcorder line-up with five new additions, including two 4K-capable camcorders. The 4K HC-WXF991 and HC-VS981 follow-up on Panasonic's first 4K camcorders that were released last year and also include the 4K Photo Function seen in the Lumix ZS100. The three new 1080p camcorders are the W580, V380, and V180. All five cameras include Panasonic's Level Shot function and 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization and all except for the V180 have wireless capabilities, including the ability to simultaneously record scenes from multiple cameras using Wireless Multi Camera Recording. Availability and pricing information was not available at the time of writing.
For more information on these new Panasonic cameras and the 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 lens, stay tuned to Imaging Resource.
Update, 3:30pm: These products are now available for pre-order. Placing an order, for this or any other product, using one of our trusted affiliates helps support the site!
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100, $697.99 - B&H, Adorama (black, silver)
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60, $447.99 - B&H, Adorama (black, silver)
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Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens, $1,797.99 - B&H, Adorama
