Digital Camera Review » Panasonic

Panasonic DMC-GH2 Review

Cuzzy — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:34:49 +0000

Panasonic DMC-GH2

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is a new Micro Four Thirds compact system camera with a 16 megapixel multi-aspect Live MOS sensor and Full 1080p HD video with continuous autofocus at variable frame rates, including cine standard 24fps. Successor to the DMC-GH1 model, the GH2 also features extremely fast contrast-detect autofocus, a touchscreen control system with touch-based functions like Touch AF/AE and Touch Shutter, upgraded Venus Engine FHD processor, faster 60fps Live View, a multi-aspect electronic viewfinder, a 3-inch swivelling and tilting LCD screen, Optical Image Stabilisation to help combat camera-shake, ISO range of 160-12800, and a Supersonic Wave Filter to remove unwanted dust. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 comes in black or two-tone black/grey and costs £899.99 / $1000 with the 14-42mm lens and £1299.99 / $1500 with the 14-140mm lens. In the US it’s also available body-only for $900.

According to DP review:

The GH2 is a complex camera. Not only does it offer the most advanced specification of any G-series camera so far, it is also amongst the most customizable of any model in its class. Judged purely as a stills camera, the GH2 is satisfying in almost every respect. Where it falls down, like previous G-series cameras, is slightly murky JPEGs and a color response that favours accuracy over attractiveness which can be problematic in some situations (especially portraiture). The GH2 isn’t the fastest camera in the world either, and cannot match the Canon EOS 60D or Nikon D7000 when it comes to continuous shooting performance.

According to cnet:

While not best overall, the GH2′s still-shooting performance can certainly compete with class leaders, and is improved a lot over the GH1′s. It’s still a bit slow on start-up–it takes about 1.3 seconds to power on, focus, and shoot–but it can focus and shoot in 0.3 second in good light and 0.6 second in dim. JPEG shot-to-shot time runs 0.6 second, which increases to 0.8 second for raw; with flash enabled it jumps to about 1.5 seconds. For continuous shooting the camera averages about 4fps.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 – Review

Cuzzy — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:01:26 +0000

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is the first Micro Four Thirds released by Panasonic. But the camera is almost like a digital SLR while everyone expects a compact body in it. This camera of Panasonic is almost similar to the E-P1 of Olympus. But unlike Olympus E-P1 it has a built in flash, and a good focus speed. The price of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 ranges from $ 644.99 to $ 899.99.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 has a very excellent photo quality for its rank. It is very comfortable to use and it has interchangeable lenses, the best ever interchangeable seen till today. Using the adapter Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 can raise the Four Thirds lenses. It is conveniently small and has a good LCD screen. The manual control seems to be much convenient for most of the users. The external of the camera is very solid and firm. It is rated to be very user friendly due to its trouble free user interface. It has a HD video of 720p which is more than enough for a normal user. But the capturing cannot be refocused during the clip. The auto shooting mode is much appreciated by most of the users. It is compact enough to fit into small and comfy purses. The portability is much easier than the other models.

Most users feel that the hot shoe of the camera is a design flaw. It doesn’t have a faster shutter speed compared to other cameras. It is not pocket able and some people are not contented with the size of the camera. They need it much compact than what it is now. The battery life is also short. Action shots are pretty impossible with Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1.
You can always have a very friendly and lovely shooting with Panasonic Lumix BMC-GF1.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10

Cuzzy — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 05:25:41 +0000

This is the latest in our series of new ‘Quick Reviews.’ We will be using this format for cameras that are operationally similar and identical in terms of output to models we’ve already reviewed. We test to confirm the image quality is identical (noise tests and shots of our ‘compared to’ studio scene at all ISOs), then concentrate the review on the differences between the two cameras. To learn everything about the camera you are interested in we recommend reading not only the Quick Review but also the full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 is (with the G2) the latest of Panasonic’s pioneering G-series mirrorless system cameras. The G10 is a new camera, but in many ways it represents a synthesis of elements from other models in the series. The G10 has the same sensor as the G2, and like the original G1 it is styled to resemble a ‘traditional’ DSLR, but like the GF1, its LCD screen is fixed, not articulated. Unlike the GF1, the G10 offers a built-in EVF (of the same specification as the optional DMW-LVF1E viewfinder unit which is available for the GF1), but its resolution is lower than that of the G1, GH1 and G2, at 202k dots pixels compared to 1.4 million. The G10′s EVF is of the more conventional grid type, too, as opposed to the field-sequential display used in the G2.

Basically then, the G10 is a stripped-down version of the G2, aimed squarely at entry-level users. The essentials remain the same (sensor, AF/metering system) but the G10 lacks the more expensive extras found in the higher-end model such as a touch-sensitive articulated LCD screen and high-resolution EVF. As such, the G10 is a ‘budget’ model, and represents Panasonic’s first real attempt with a Micro Four Thirds camera to compete with entry-level DSLRs. Can it compete with the likes of the Canon EOS 1000D and Nikon D3000? Read on to find out.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75

Cuzzy — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:08:14 +0000

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75 is a powerful compact digicam featuring a new Leica DC VARIO-SUMMICRON F2.2 lens with a 5x zoom range. It provides 170% more light than a standard F2.8 lens, allowing for higher quality images in low-light shooting situations. Also built into the FX75 is a 3.0-inch intelligent touchscreen LCD, Power O.I.S, Evolving iAuto (intelligent auto), Sonic Speed AF and 720p HD video capture with a separate video recording button that keeps

the camera always ready to record. The 3.0-inch LCD display has 230,000 dots of resolution, while the touchscreen keeps all of your camera options easily accessible. The touchscreen system also allows you to touch any spot on the LCD to not only focus from, but also to capture the image without pressing the shutter release.

Panasonic Lumix FX75 Features:

* 14.1-Megapixel, 1/2.33″ CCD imaging sensor
* Leica DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5x optical zoom lens
* 35mm equivalent: 24-120mm, F2.2 – 6.3 (W) / F5.9 – 6.3 (T) 5x zoom lens
* Power O.I.S. system
* 3.0-inch Touchscreen LCD, 230,000 dot resolution
* 720p HD video recording in the AVCHD Lite compression
* One-Touch video recording button
* Evolving iA (intelligent auto)
* Sonic Speed AF
* Backlight Compensation
* Photo and Movie Face Detection
* Intelligent Exposure Photo and Movie
* Intelligent ISO Control
* Intelligent Scene Selector
* Face Recognition
* HDMI output
* 40MB internal memory
* Li-Ion Rechargeable battery
* 360-pictures per charge battery life (CIPA)

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Panasonic Sample Gallery

Cuzzy — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:34:05 +0000

There are samples gallery from panasonic lumix DMC-FZ100, The shoots are really magnificent. For those who really have Lumix can try the gallery. There are interactive studio comparison tool that can give you clear edge on what your dealing with.If you’ve a couple of minutes to spare the quickest way to discover all that the tool has to offer is probably to watch this short video walkthrough of the main features.

If you have a small monitor (such as a netbook) you may find that you don’t have enough vertical resolution to see everything. Click on ‘Open in Full Screen mode’ to launch a window containing the same page in horizontal orientation.
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Panasonic 3D lens

Cuzzy — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 06:27:57 +0000

Panasonic has announced it is developing a digital 3D interchangeable lens for the Micro Four Thirds system, to be launched by the end of the year. The lens will include two optical paths, projecting left and right image pairs onto the camera sensor. These twin images can later be combined to provide a single 3D image using the company’s 3D image processing system and displayed using one of its Viera televisions. The company says it will be the first such lens for a digital system.

The system is likely to work in a similar manner to the one introduced with the company’s HDC-SDT750 camcorder, launched earlier this morning. This attachment lens also projects pairs of images onto the sensor of a modified version of one of the company’s existing camcorders. Unlike this system, the development press release for the Micro Four Thirds lens focuses on still images – it is not yet clear whether existing Micro Four Thirds cameras could (or could be modified to) shoot video with the lens.
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Panasonic releases TZ10, TZ9, TZ8 and FT2 firmware updates

Cuzzy — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 02:36:59 +0000

Panasonic has released firmware updates for its Lumix DMC-TZ10, DMC-TZ9, DMC-TZ8 and DMC-FT2 digital compacts. Version 1.1 for all the cameras improves flash exposure with the Inon S-2000, D-2000, Z-240 third-party underwater flash strobes. The TZ10′s latest firmware also improves the overall stabilty of the camera. The firmware updates are available for download from Panasonic’s website.

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Panasonic reveals more details of AG-AF100 Micro Four Thirds camcorder

Cuzzy — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 02:45:56 +0000

Panasonic has released more details of its AG-AF100 professional Micro Four Thirds HD camcorder. It is capable of recording up to 12 hours of video using its two SDXC compatible slots. It offers 1080 and 720 video recording in frame rates of 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25 or 23.9p with the top two rates interlaced in 1080 mode. The camcorder also features industry-standard HD SDI and XLR connectors and is compatible with the company’s line up of Lumix G lenses, filters and adapters for using 35mm lenses.

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Panasonic DMC-FX75/FX70 with F2.2-5.9 lens

Cuzzy — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 07:28:31 +0000

Panasonic has announced the DMC-FX75 (FX70 in Europe), a 14 megapixel touch-screen compact camera with 5x zoom lens. The 24-120mm image stabilized, Leica-branded lens offers a maximum aperture of F2.2 at the wide-angle end but only F5.9 at the long end. It also features AVCHD Lite 720p video with the ability to split video clips in the camera. The camera is available in Black in Europe and both Black and Silver in the US.

Press Release:

Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new Lumix 14.1-megapixel DMC-FX70 with F2.2 super bright 24mm ultra wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens and powerful 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 24mm to 120 mm on a 35mm camera), which captures almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to ordinary 35mm cameras, resulting in remarkable images with unprecedented width and depth. Adding to Lumix’s popular slim and stylish FX series, the FX70 is truly a hybrid camera that records high quality HD movie in AVCHD Lite

Newly developed F2.2 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON Lens – the brightest in class
The DMC-FX70 packages a LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON high quality lens that boasts an astonishing brightness of F2.2, like no other stylish compact digital cameras. Comprising 7 elements in 6 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses with 5 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit passes Leica’s stringent standards and delivers an exceptional optical performance. Also, the 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens, rare on a compact camera, gives photographers a wider range of composition possibilities with approx. 213% larger viewing space compared to that of a 35mm camera.

The F2.2 lens is approximately 1.6x brighter than the F2.8 lens, itself generally considered a bright lens, and allows the FX70 to shoot at higher shutter speed and capture stunningly clear, sharp, blur-free images in lower lighting situations. Together with the anti-blurring function in the iA mode, FX70 never allows any subject to be blurred making it easy to produce beautiful photos with pleasing soft background focusing thanks to the shallow depth of field provided by the extra light.

Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, Intelligent Zoom is available with the FX70 extending the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x, and maintaining the picture quality even when using a digital zoom. This means the 5x optical can virtually extend to 6.5x equivalent. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 10.5x by using the centre part of the CCD.

Take motion picture recording to the Next-Level with New Generation AVCHD Lite and iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode
In addition to Motion JPEG images, the DMC-FX70 can record high-definition motion picture in AVCHD Lite. The camera can record up to double the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format and the picture quality is greatly enhanced thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. The FX70 also features Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio.

The popular iA is also available in motion image recording. The POWER O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer), Face Detection, and Intelligent Scene Selector support shooting beautiful movie with ease and the Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. Auto Focus tracking function is also available in movie recording, locking onto the subject to keep it in focus even if it moves.

Furthermore, the 5x optical zoom can be used in movie recording too, with the newly added Video Divide function, users can divide the video into two sections to shorten or delete the unwanted part on the spot in the camera. You can cut out a clear still image from a movie in the camera thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind.

Evolving iA Mode Makes Every Photo Blur-less
Panasonic incorporated Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of mis-shots. Building on the success of past FX models, the FX70 enjoys further improvement with the inclusion of a new Motion Deblur mode**. Combined with the outstanding brightness of the lens and the POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), the DMC-FX70 thoroughly prevents any kind of blur – whether from the user’s handshake or the subject’s motion.

New Motion Deblur mode is a comprehensive integration of the Intelligent ISO Control, which automatically adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed according to the subject’s movement., The advanced contrast control system of Intelligent Exposure, that also optimises the exposure to prevent over/under exposure part in a picture. The camera judges the appropriate shutter speed to suppress the motion blur according to the movement of the subject and the shutter speed rises as high as possible activating the high sensitivity recording by pixel mixed readout method.

In iA mode the camera does all the work, activating AF tracking, Face Detection with Face Recognition, POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, and Intelligent Exposure. This leaves the user free to simply compose the shot and press the shutter button, with the assurance that the image will be clear, beautiful and properly exposed.

Intelligent Resolution Technology Compiled in the New Venus Engine HD II
The high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine HD II is incorporated in the FX70 to enable the recording of beautiful photos and high-definition movies, with higher quality signal processing including the Intelligent Resolution technology.

With the Intelligent Resolution technology outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas are automatically detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges more clearness while giving a moderate accentuation to the texture areas to look more finely detailed. To the soft gradation part, superior noise reduction process of the Venus Engine HD II is applied to make it smoother. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology, Intelligent Resolution, precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way for it. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and movie recording.

The multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine HD II supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx. 0.005 second and the camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities together with the Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus). In addition to outstanding performance, the high performance Venus Engine HD II is also more energy efficient compared with the conventional Venus Engine HD, extending the battery life up to 360 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.

The Intuitive Touch-control shooting on the Large, Easy-to-see LCD
The DMC-FX70 adopts an easy to use, large, 3.0 inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD with full touch-screen operation. Menus now look clearer and easier to navigate, thanks to the new Display Size option.

Once you lock on the subject by a touch, the camera tracks the possible object or person with the Auto Focus tracking function, even if it moves. With the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode and a touch on the background or scenery to the scenery mode. All menu settings are available with touch control and in the shooting screen you can directly touch the icon to change its setting quickly.

The touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also for playing back images with outstanding visibility. You can play back the image you want out of hundreds of stocks by touching in the thumbnails. To play back images one by one in order, you can drag the image over the screen with a finger to browse the collection of photos as you flip over the pages of the book. Max. 16x of enlargement is also operated easily with touches.

The screen brightness automatically adjusts in 11 steps as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times. The 3.0-inch large screen reflects fine details, making it easy to check the focus before shooting. It also serves as a small photo and video viewer, allowing the user and friends to enjoy viewing the still and motion images together.

Included software
The latest version of exciting software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition comes bundled with DMC-FX70. With quick start-up and fast read-in of images, the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition makes it possible to sort and organise photos not only of those newly taken but also of those stored in your PC. The Face Recognition function recognises the faces in each of the pictures and automatically sorts the photos by the registered faces. You can also enjoy slideshows with a variety of effects and use your iTunes music library as background music. Motion pictures can be uploaded directly to YouTube using the built-in YouTube uploader even in HD (High Definition) quality. It also lets you create a 360-degree rotation panorama file in MOV, which is especially easy if Panorama Assist mode in the camera is used. Experience and feel the outstanding benefit of the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition. It will surely allow you to view, edit and archive your captured photos and motion pictures with greater ease and fun.

The sleek and slim DMC-FX70 combines an elegant combination of both technical specification and style, making it the perfect camera for any occasion. The FX70 will be available from August 2010.

* Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
** The picture size may be reduced.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8

Cuzzy — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:42:07 +0000

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 digital camera pursues excellency in both design and function. The Lumix FP8, with 12.1 megapixels, features a high-quality 28mm wide-angle, 4.6x Leica DC lens with folding optics–encased in a futuristic-looking stylish body.

In addition to its unique design, the FP8 also features advanced functions including high-speed Auto Focus (AF) and Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) suite of technologies. With a fast AF, combined with a high-speed start-up of only 0.95 seconds, the FP8’s fast response catches even the most fleeting shots. Panasonic’s iA, a popular feature on Lumix cameras, now includes POWER Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) which features double the repression power compared to the previous image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S. The hand-shake generated when pressing the shutter button, or when shooting at night with a slow shutter speed, is significantly minimized by the improved POWER O.I.S. to help reduce blurry photos.

The FP8’s design has intricate detailing which features blue LED cursor buttons that glow when pressed, and its centered back panel gives it an overall ultra-modern and unique look. Additionally, the 2.7-inch large Intelligent LCD offers a dynamic and clear view of the scenes and subjects being photographed. In the Face Recognition mode, up to three people can be simultaneously recognized to show their names on the monitor once registered. Additionally, the powerful battery life of the highly energy-efficient image processing LSI, Venus Engine V, allows users to take approximately 380 pictures.

HD Movies with VIERA Link Networking: Records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With HD component output capability, the user can enjoy watching photos and video in stunning HD quality by simply connecting the camera to a television via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).
Scene Modes: Twenty-seven scene modes are available with the FP8, including the High Dynamic mode which helps to capture a scene with moderate exposure, even though the scene may contain both bright and dark areas together.
PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0: Included with the FP8, this software allows users to view, edit and archive captured photos and videos with greater ease. The new PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 features dramatic speed-up of operation and also allows users to store and sort for photos by a specific, recognized face in the image.