Samsung's NX1 mirrorless wasn't the only 4K camera announced at Photokina as Panasonic announced two 4K models aimed at the consumer crowd.
While both of them are fixed-lens cameras, the LX100 takes the shape of a typical compact, but the CM1 is something we haven't seen yet: a smartphone with a real compact camera lens that shoots 4K video. Panasonic also showed off a 35-100mm f/4-5.6 lens, and a compact interchangeable lens micro 4/3 camera, the GM5.
First up, here is the CM1, which is one of the more interesting products to come out of the show (via cinema5D):
Video is no longer available: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJiJfGY_tLA
The specs:
- 1-inch 20 Megapixel sensor
- Leica DC Elmarit 10mm f/2.8 (28mm equivalent)
- 2.3GHz Quad-Core Snapdragon 801 CPU
- 4K Video and Photos
- Full Manual Control during Videos/Photos
- 4.7-inch 1080p Display
- 16GB Internal Storage
- Micro SD card slot
- Android 4.4 OS
- 2600 mAh battery
- Availability: Launching in France and Germany first to test the market
- Price: About $1,165 (900 Euros)
We've seen some other camera/phone/Android combinations before, but this is the first one that combines 4K video, high-resolution stills, and a real lens. The huge selling point of something like this is that it's more portable than a compact camera, but should have much better quality than your average smartphone due to its lens. You probably won't be shooting any movies on it, but it's looking like it might be an extremely solid camera to have accessible in your pocket at any time.
Here is the other 4K camera announced from Panasonic, the LX100:
And some footage:
- 16.8MP 4/3" Multi-Aspect MOS Sensor
- Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34 mm (35 mm equivalent: 24-75 mm) f/1.7-2.8 Lens
- 3840 x 2160: 30 fps, 24 fps
- 1920 x 1080: 60 fps, 30 fps
- 1280 x 720: 30 fps
- 640 x 480: 30 fps
- 24-75mm (35mm Equivalent)
- 2,764k-Dot EVF
- 3.0" 921k-Dot Rear LCD Screen
- 200-25600 (Extended Mode: 100-25600)
- Manual Control Rings and Dials
- Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
- External Flash Included
- Availability: November 2014
- Price: $900 with Built-in lens
And here's the final video from Panasonic showing off the LX100:
Panasonic also showed off the GM5, another compact, but while this one is "limited" to 1080p 60fps, it has an interchangeable mount to go along with its Micro 4/3 sensor:
- 16MP Digital Live MOS Micro 4/3 Sensor
- LUMIX G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
- Venus Engine Image Processor
- ISO 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600)
- 1920 x 1080 60p, 60i, 50p, 50i, 25p, 24p
- 1280 x 720 30p, 25p
- 640 x 480 30p, 25p
- 1,166k-Dot Viewfinder
- Contrast AF & Focus Peaking
- Continuous 5.8 fps at 16 MP
- External Flash Hotshoe
- Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Highly Compact Magnesium Alloy Body
- Price: $900 with 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
And finally, the 35-100mm f/4-5.6 Micro 4/3 lens, which will retail for $400:
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Your Comment
37 Comments
Sometime in the next four or five years, this bubble is going to pop and we will all be better for it. Honestly, this is getting ridiculous at this point.
September 16, 2014 at 6:36PM
What bubble? What's ridiculous?
September 17, 2014 at 1:53AM
Sorry if all of this bores you…
If only the rest of us had your wisdom
September 17, 2014 at 7:31AM
This is starting to look like an amazing year for Panasonic.
September 16, 2014 at 6:36PM, Edited September 16, 6:36PM
GM5 and Canon 7D mark II, both with 60fps 1080p, announced at the same day. But one is half of the price.
Of course all come down to the quality, because the difference is not that big (a good set of lenses is more expensive than $900) and they are, primarily, still cameras. But I believe we are here for the video capabilities and it's embarrassing to Canon if you keep the Cinema line in your head (I'm thinking in the C100). If I wanted a straight forward dedicated video camera to cover events and stuff like that, it would be really hard to pay $5000 in a camera that makes 1080p at 30fps max. It's sad. :-/
September 16, 2014 at 6:48PM, Edited September 16, 6:48PM
I thought it was really embarrassing when Apple announced that the iPhone 6 could shoot 1080p at 60fps and 720p at 240fps.
September 17, 2014 at 1:56AM, Edited September 17, 1:56AM
The Lumix LX100 needs to be seriously considered.
Basically it gives you 24mm at f1.7 while 1080/60.
My Canon can't do that -- I did not like my 28mm f1.8, I am not gonna buy 24mm f1.4 cause I already have 35mm f1.4 and my $600+ wide-wide angle is f3.5 at its best. Neither will give me 1080/60 due to the camera limitations.
Obviously, I still have no idea what LX100's dynamic range is, what its batteries cost, etc., but the hardware is what I wanted the 7D mII to have.
Adios.
September 16, 2014 at 7:01PM, Edited September 16, 7:01PM
Oh, and I submit to you -- this obsoleted the BMPCC.
September 16, 2014 at 7:05PM
An amazing camera instantly becomes obsolete when another amazing camera is released. That's logic.
September 17, 2014 at 12:16AM
Yeah, I just bought the pocket camera and am diving deep into RAW, I only bought 1 at $495, now I have to buy a second one at $1,000 as well as $1000 worth of SD cards so I can shoot interviews. But damn, it's an amazing camera and I just ordered the Voigtlander f0.95 17/5 and 42.5 lenses. I don't care what else comes out, I love the look of this camera when shot RAW.
September 17, 2014 at 1:59AM
In what regard? Your logic is misplaced. There's no way a 10bit RAW 1080p tiny little camera can become obsolete when there's so many newer cameras with less specs. I said this a while ago and still stand by it today. I'd rather shoot with a robust high bitrate 1080p camera than a watered down, weak codec 4k camera. Stop the pixel war and start shooting some movies.
September 17, 2014 at 5:14AM
Have to agree with Anthony and Julian - the BMPCC is a great little camera and will remain so regardless. I've just shot my first feature on one and to me that camera is a mini-miracle!
On the positive side - these new little 4k cameras look great. Exciting times for filmmakers!
September 17, 2014 at 2:27PM
I don't see how any of these are competitors to the BMPCC. (The LX7 and CM1 do not have interchangable lenses and the GM5 does not have 4K. All probably have fairly low bitrate and we have not seen the dynamic range yet.
September 17, 2014 at 4:26AM
Not sure these camera's shoot RAW video or Prores 422 HQ. Need to see the colour depth of codecs etc and the latititude.
September 17, 2014 at 10:52AM
It's true. And the DR it's very important too.
September 18, 2014 at 11:41PM
What blows me away is how the highlights in the LX100 aren't really being blown out. The images look nice from this small camera. A good B camera that probably doesn't take as many accessories as the BMPC.
September 16, 2014 at 7:12PM
OK, I think they meant to say the CM1 is a smart camera, not a smartphone. I could be wrong though.
September 16, 2014 at 7:12PM, Edited September 16, 7:12PM
nevermind, its a smartphone... interesting
September 16, 2014 at 7:16PM
.....-_-
HOLY BALLS!
September 16, 2014 at 10:06PM
this is ridiculous...I suddenly feel pressure to get 4k from my camera, as if HD is completely dead. I hate how companies put high end features into ridiculous products like a camera phone and then walk around claiming that it amazing. Then random children in the neighborhood get "4k Cameras" and think they are oh so wonderful. Resolution isn't king of all the specs. I guess it has its place, like 240fps on Iphone.
September 16, 2014 at 11:09PM
+1. Yes this is definitely ridiculous now ....... Unlike you I don't feel any such pressure. I think it's all a ploy to bring the consumer market in the 4k Frey to sell TVs .... That's all. But here ain't no 4k broadcasters. Sell sell sell, smh. RED created a monster and promptly left the party whistling lol
Sigh ^_^
September 17, 2014 at 12:48AM
I never thought of it like that! Its the tv's fault! but having said that, I still wouldn't mind a RED...I got hooked sadly..
September 17, 2014 at 11:42PM, Edited September 17, 11:42PM
"it has a micro 3/4 sensor" - he says as if its the best feature ever..
September 16, 2014 at 11:13PM
O my..... this is the 4k year... In my imac, the video test sees espectacular... I know thats is a technology that have some years to install yet (monitors 4k, screen phones 4k, etc) but it's very interesting.
September 16, 2014 at 11:34PM, Edited September 16, 11:34PM
Of course Sony, Panasonic, and so forth, are going to put 4K in their new cameras, BECAUSE THEY SELL 4K TV! How are you going to convince an entire generation that 4K is the most important thing in the world if they don't put that in ALL of their products...
Still... I kinda like it. It sure as hell doesn't make the cameras worse. But eventually we all will have to upgrade to both 4K cameras and tv's, but that is a couple of years away.
September 17, 2014 at 1:46AM, Edited September 17, 1:46AM
Good for Panasonic, they do deliver great value and I have been very happy with the reliability of their cameras!
September 17, 2014 at 3:21AM
Even though almost nobody has a 4K monitor or TV, it's good to see that technology is ahead of our needs and companies aren't afraid of releasing this new tech for the public. Maybe in seven years it will be worth it, but for now this a niche market, until let's say a vast minority have the money to update their computers and TV's (and TV channels) to 4K video.
Right now it's a good opportunity to get nice (downscaled from 4k) 1080p footage for semi-pros
September 17, 2014 at 4:10AM
"oh wait guys, let me grab this....CUT!"
September 17, 2014 at 5:21AM, Edited September 17, 5:21AM
The FZ1000 is a much more interesting consumer 4K camera than these ones...
September 17, 2014 at 6:25AM
Is it youtube or something else that makes it appear there is no "crispness" to the focus in these videos? IE, the detail in the bark, the building lines, etc. never seem to be truly in focus. I've noticed in the past that Panasonic commercials seem to have a "softer" focus, but I am beginning to wonder if it is inherent in their products.
September 17, 2014 at 7:23AM, Edited September 17, 7:23AM
The CM1 has just 15 frames in the 4k mode - no real 4k but still a good concept. By the way have a look to the Leica pendant of the LX100...so much prettier...
September 17, 2014 at 7:38AM, Edited September 17, 7:38AM
"Oh, I'm much to creative to shoot 4K. I can't believe all these camera people going on an on about this. They don't know anything about real art."
-Half the comments on every article on a new camera these days.
September 17, 2014 at 7:39AM, Edited September 17, 7:39AM
That LX100 looks like an awesome camera. Been waiting for something like this to come out. 4/3 sensor (which is awesome, puts it around with the BMPCC, GH4 and others), 4k video @ 30 and 24fps, (not just one frame rate, but two.) 1080 has that 60fps for a little slow-mo action (would of sold it for me 100% if it did 120fps @ 720), comes with manual controls, and I think the best feature is that built in lens. I can start using it straight out of the box. No need to have to go out and buy additional lens which can add up quick. Im a filmmaker that is ok with losing a few good features for others. I don't mind that built in lens, I prefer that cause I grew up filming on my VX2100 which has a built in lens. Give me an affordable tool that shoots clear video and doesn't require so many additional accessories to run it and ill let my creativity take care of the rest.
September 17, 2014 at 11:09AM, Edited September 17, 11:09AM
too much 4k for today
September 17, 2014 at 12:03PM
yeah...today the videos not all are in 1080p (it's sad) and now 4K everywere...
September 18, 2014 at 3:44AM
what?
September 19, 2014 at 1:42PM
Ive never done it before...but now that these ultra small 4K cameras are coming out, Im tempted to see how nicely I could film a movie at the theater. Bring one of these and a zoom recorder and you've a pretty good pirating system. haha
September 22, 2014 at 4:21PM