Adding to their already impressive lineup of mirrorless 4K video-shooting cameras, Panasonic has announced two brand new cameras that can shoot UHD video up to 30fps: the Lumix DMC-GX8 which will retail for $1,200 and the $600 DMC-FZ300. While the FZ300 features an impressive built-in zoom, the real showstopper between these two cameras is the sensor stabilization on the GX8. By working in conjunction with optical image stabilization, this camera is capable of some amazingly steady handheld shots.
The splash and dust-proof GX8 has also received an addition that hopefully finds its way into higher-end Panasonic cameras: an EVF that extends and rotates up to allow you to keep the camera lower than eye level just like you would with a rotatable LCD screen.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8
With its brand new 20MP sensor, the GX8 seems to be a step up from the GH4 in certain respects, so it will be interesting to see if we find this sensor in a future GH5, or if Panasonic will keep the megapixel count lower for their more video-centric camera.
And some footage:
Here are the main specs of the GX8:
- 20.3 MP, 5184 x 3888 Micro 4/3 Digital Live MOS Sensor
- Venus Engine Image Processor
- MP4 Recording resolutions:
- 3840 x 2160p / 30 fps, 24fps (100mbps)
- 1920 x 1080p / 60 fps (28 Mbps)
- 1920 x 1080p / 30 fps (20 Mbps)
- 1280 x 720p / 30 fps (10 Mbps)
- 640 x 480p / 30 fps (4 Mbps)
- AVCHD Recording Resolutions
- 1920 x 1080p / 60 fps (28 Mbps)
- 1920 x 1080p / 30 fps (24 Mbps)
- 1920 x 1080p / 24 fps (24 Mbps)
- 1920 x 1080i / 60 fps (17 Mbps)
- ISO 100-25,600
- Tilting 2.36m-Dot 0.77x OLED EVF
- 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
- 10 fps Shooting with AF-S
- DFD AF System, 4K Photo Modes
- In-Camera Image Stabilization, Dual I.S.
- Weight: 1.07 lb with Battery and Memory Card
- Availability: August 2015
- Price: $1,200 Body Only
Nick Driftwood also took a look at the camera. Here's his overview and some footage:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300
Intro video:
And the main specs of the FZ300:
- 12.1 MP, 4000 x 3000 1/2.3" MOS Sensor
- Venus Engine Image Processor
- Leica DC Vario-Elmarit f/2.8 Lens
- 25-600mm (35mm Equivalent)
- 3840 x 2160p: 30 fps, 24 fps
- 1920 x 1080p: 60 fps, 30 fps
- 1280 x 720p: 120 fps, 30 fps
- 640 x 480p: 240 fps, 30 fps
- 1.44m-Dot 0.7x OLED EVF
- 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Free Angle Touchscreen
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
- ISO 100-6400
- 12 fps Shooting, 4K Photo Mode
- 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+, DFD AF System
- Availability: September 2015
- Price: $600 with Built-in Lens
Panasonic Post Focus
Here's a little bit from the company on this function (which will be coming to cameras like the GX8 and the FZ300 in future firmware updates:
With the Post Focus function, the best image can be selected from the 4K burst images shot with different focus areas. Once the composition is fixed, you are free from the job of serious focusing. In addition, this function can be used for creative photography such as landscapes or portraits. Users can pull different impressions out of one picture by changing the subject to enhance it with focus. The operation of the Post Focus function is quite easy – just touch the point where you want to set focus while playing back the image, no matter where the original focus area is, and the image with different in-focus area will be produced as a separate photo.
I would imagine you'll see many more of these modes, especially as cameras shoot and focus faster all the time. For those who aren't as skilled, or for situations where you're firing off photos very fast, this looks like it will be a welcome addition. For those shooting video, your focus pullers are safe for now (even with improvements in video AF), as this is a stills-only function.
Check out the links for more and to pre-order.
