Archive - September 2018

Panasonic develops its first full-frame mirrorless camera: Introduces LUMIX S Series with two inaugural models

New cameras are the world’s first full-frame models to support 4K 60p/50p video recording, and also feature Leica Camera’s L-Mount

Panasonic Corporation has developed two models of its first Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera with a 35 mm full-frame image sensor, the LUMIX S1R and the S1. These models are the world’s first[i] full-frame cameras to offer 4K 60p/50p video recording, and the Dual I.S. image stabilisation system. As the inaugural LUMIX S series models, Panasonic aims to release them on the global market in early 2019.

Scott Mellish, Product Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic, said: “LUMIX continues to forge the way and set new directions in imaging with the announcement of the S Series.  This marks a new era of growth and opportunity for LUMIX – with the S Series providing Panasonic with even greater reach into the world of the professional, while we continue to grow the highly-regarded G Series.

“Importantly for the photographer, Panasonic’s alliances with Leica Camera and Sigma see an impressive array of adaptor-free lenses available at launch.”

Prototypes of the new cameras are being unveiled at Photokina 2018 in Cologne, Germany.[ii] The key features of the LUMIX S1R and S1 are as follows:

  1. Highly expressive detail and outstanding versatility achieved with the newly-developed 35 mm full-frame image sensor and image processing engine
    (Effective pixels: approximately 47M for the S1R and 24M for the S1)
  2. World’s first support for 4K 60p/50p video recording in a full-frame Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera.
  3. World’s first full-frame camera with Dual I.S. (Image Stabilisation), enabling handheld shots for dark or distant scenes that would previously have required a tripod or other equipment.
  4. A double slot for XQD memory cards and SD memory cards, the first for Panasonic; and a rugged triaxial tilt LCD, delivering ease of use and supporting professional photography and videography.
  5. Leica Camera’s L-Mount, making it possible to use interchangeable lenses that meet the L-Mount specifications of the partners[iii] Leica Camera and Sigma. Expressiveness is further enhanced by increasing options for interchangeable lenses.

Panasonic will also build a lineup of LUMIX S series compatible lenses, developing more than ten by 2020, including a 50 mm/F1.4 single focal length lens, 24-105 mm standard zoom lens, and 70-200 mm telephoto zoom lens.

In addition, for the LUMIX G series of Micro Four Thirds Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras, Panasonic has begun developing a LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25 mm F1.7 lens that will achieve the world’s first[iv] zoom with maximum aperture of F1.7 across the entire zoom range.

 A new chapter in LUMIX history

For the 100 years since its founding in 1918, Panasonic has strived to help realise better lives for customers around the world by responding to their needs. With a vision of creating a new photo culture in the digital camera era, in 2008 Panasonic released the LUMIX G1, the world’s first[v] Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera. Over the ten years since then, Panasonic has continued to lead the industry with product innovations, such as the world’s first[vi] camera supporting 4K video recording; cameras equipped with the Dual I.S. (Image Stabilisation) system, combining stabilisation both inside the camera unit and the lens; and the world’s fastest autofocus[vii] function using the company’s proprietary DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology.

The LUMIX G Series GH5, G9, and GH5S cameras have gained a solid reputation among professionals and high-level amateurs across the world for the quality of their images and ability to capture the vitality and beauty of life.

Scott Mellish added:

“Panasonic developed the G Series as a compact system, providing greater scope for photographers to work in challenging locations, with a lightweight kit to capture amazing travel and wildlife shots.

Working closely with our users to further perfect the system, we developed enviable innovations such as 4K and Dual I.S.  Now, we’re introducing these and other capabilities in a full-frame body to further revolutionise the world of the professional photographer. We’re excited about the opportunities the S Series will bring.”

The S Series has the user-friendliness and robustness essential for professional photography and videography; and incorporates an entire array of Panasonic technology refined over a century in the consumer electronics business and ten years developing Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras. This includes digital technology like image and signal processing, plus optical and heat dispersion technology and more. Panasonic’s LUMIX strategy will see the company continue to provide new value to customers through the unique features of the LUMIX G series; while also moving further into the professional market through the introduction of the full-frame LUMIX S series.

[i] World’s first support for 4K 60p/50p video recording in a full-frame Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera. Regarding the inclusion of the Dual I.S. image stabilisation system, this is for a full-frame Digital Interchangeable Lens System Camera. As of September 25, 2018, when announced in Germany, according to Panasonic data.

[ii] Photokina is a leading exhibition for the photographic and imaging industries (to be held through September 26 to September 29 in 2018, at the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany).

[iii] The L-Mount Alliance: a strategic cooperation between Leica Camera, Panasonic and Sigma (announced on September 25, 2018 in Germany)

[iv] For an interchangeable lens for use with a Digital Interchangeable Lens System Camera. As of September 25, 2018, when announced in Germany, according to Panasonic data.

[v] For a Digital Interchangeable Lens System Camera. As of September 12, 2008, according to Panasonic data.

[vi] The GH4 Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera capable of 4K video (as a Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera, as of February 7, 2014), and the GX8 Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera with Dual I.S. onboard (as a Digital Interchangeable Lens System Camera, as of July 16, 2015), according to Panasonic data.

[vii] For a Digital Interchangeable Lens System Camera. As of November 8, 2017, according to Panasonic data.

  • Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
  • SUMMILUX and L-Mount are registered trademarks of Leica Camera AG.

 

Panasonic develops world’s first* full-range F1.7 wide zoom lens for the Micro Four Thirds System Standard

LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm[ii] F1.7 under development

Panasonic Corporation is developing the world’s first[i] full-range F1.7 10-25mm wide zoom digital interchangeable LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX lens (35mm camera equivalent: 20-50mm).

Taking full advantage of the Micro Four Thirds system standard, the new LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 lens achieves both a wide angle and a compact design in its class, despite its large diameter. It is the first interchangeable lens to be introduced to the market featuring a full-range F1.7 high-speed aperture, covering the wide to standard zoom range. It is also designed and developed to support video recording in addition to still imaging.

Scott Mellish, Product Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic, said: “This new lens demonstrates Panasonic’s commitment to further innovation for the G Series. Videographers will appreciate the versatility the 10-25mm range provides, allowing them to move from an ultra-wide to medium focal length quickly without changing lenses. Such a wide range delivers the equivalent of 4 prime lenses in their kit.

“The F1.7 aperture delivers stunning performance, from low light conditions to soft defocused backgrounds. This is the definitive ‘workhorse’ lens for the busy professional, spanning situations from documentary interviews to an atmospheric wedding shoot.”

Integrating a clickless aperture ring that provides smooth, seamless aperture control, the new LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 lens aims to be the ultimate photo/video-hybrid digital interchangeable lens. A prototype is being exhibited at Photokina[iii] 2018 in Cologne, Germany.

LEICA DG lenses are designed to clear the stringent quality standards certified by LEICA to boast excellent optical performance. The new LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 achieves exceptional precision and expressive imaging over the entire zoom range.

Pricing and availability for the new lens are yet to be announced. Panasonic is committed to further expanding the camera and lens lineup for the Micro Four Thirds system to meet the needs of creative photographers.

For further information, please visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.

[i] *As of September 25, 2018

[ii] 35mm camera equivalent:20-50mm

[iii] Photokina is a leading exhibition for the photographic and imaging industries (to be held through September 26 to September 29 in 2018, at the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany)

  • Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
  • SUMMILUX is a registered trademark of Leica Camera.

 

Panasonic announces firmware update for LUMIX DC-GH5, DC-GH5S, DC-G9 and DC-GX9 to enhance performance and usability

Panasonic Corporation has announced new firmware update programs for the LUMIX DC-GH5 (Firmware Version 2.4), DC-GH5S (Firmware Version 1.2), DC-G9 (Firmware Version 1.2) and DC-GX9 (Firmware Version 1.2) to further enhance their performance and usability.

The new firmware includes the following upgrades:

LUMIX DC-GH5 Firmware Ver.2.4

  1. Improvement of AF performance
  2. Improvement of video recording operation

LUMIX DC-GH5S Firmware Ver.1.2

  1. Improvement of AF performance
  2. Improvement of stability during HDMI output
  3. Improvement of video recording performance
  4. Improvement of operation under specific lighting conditions (fluorescent lights, etc.)

LUMIX DC-G9 Firmware Ver.1.2

  1. Improvement of AF performance
  2. Improvement of operation under specific lighting conditions (fluorescent lights, etc.)

LUMIX DC-GX9 Firmware Ver.1.2

  1. Improvement of operation under specific lighting conditions (fluorescent lights, etc.

The details of the new firmware update for DC-GH5/GH5S/G9 will be available at the following pages and the firmware programs are scheduled to be released on the LUMIX Global Customer Support website in late October 2018.

LUMIX DC-GH5 Firmware Ver.2.4
http://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/gh5_firmware.html

LUMIX DC-GH5S Firmware Ver.1.2
http://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/gh5s_firmware.html

LUMIX DC-G9 Firmware Ver.1.2
http://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/g9_firmware.html

LUMIX Global Customer Support
http://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/index.html

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Panasonic raises the bar for AV enthusiasts with release of premium DP-UB9000 Blu-ray player

Panasonic has today announced that its much-anticipated premium DP-UB9000 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player will be available in Australia in November.

Aaron Waters, Product Marketing Manager – Audio & Video, Panasonic, said:

“The UB9000 is the benchmark in Blu-ray home entertainment for the discerning enthusiast. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision technology deliver outstanding picture quality, while THX® certification replicates the finely nuanced colours and rich, detailed images required to precisely reproduce the filmmaker’s intentions. The UB9000 is highly engineered for unparalleled sound with a dedicated audio power supply and a vibration-reducing chassis.”

The reference-class player has been named this year’s ‘2018 High-End UHD Blu-ray Player’ by the European Imaging Sound Association (EISA) in recognition of Panasonic’s commitment to performance and design.

Aaron Waters added:

“The EISA award is one of the most prestigious consumer recommendations that a product can achieve. The EISA judges’ acclaim recognises the player’s market-leading picture and sound, as well as citing its impressive design and build.”

Powered by a Hollywood Cinema Experience (HCX) Processor, the UB9000 was expertly developed and refined by specialists in the heart of Hollywood, delivering stunningly precise colours and optimal brightness. Regardless of the type of content, the result is a thrilling home entertainment experience, just as the filmmaker intended. The player also boasts HDR adjustment technologies to deliver excellent detail across dark and bright scenes, maintaining fidelity regardless of the TV or viewing environment.

The UB9000 offers extremely high sound quality thanks to its analogue audio circuits, including a dedicated audio power supply, a high-performance D/A converter, and XLR balanced output. Furthermore, the newly-developed drive base and two-layer chassis achieve a low centre of gravity and low vibration. An aluminium finish completes the premium design.

The player also offers hands-free easy operation thanks to voice control from Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant[i]. Simply speak to an enabled device and conveniently fast forward or pause your favourite movie without using the remote control.

The UB9000 reproduces Ultra HD Blu-ray, Video on Demand (Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video) and USB content. It will be priced at $1649rrp and will be available in mid-November from specialist consumer electronics retailers.

UB9000 – Rich, reference quality sound for the audiophile

Key audio features include:

Dedicated audio power supply with AC/DC conversion circuit and 10-line isolated DC regulator circuit

The use of a positive/negative, isolated power conversion circuit for audio provides a high dynamic range, and reduces the voltage fluctuations and noise caused by digital circuits. In addition, high-quality audio grade electrolytic capacitors and a newly developed Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) switching transformer decreases the impedance of power.

The digital and analogue power supplies for the D/A converter are isolated. The analogue channel is further separated into 2 channels and 7.1 channels, and for the 2-channel output, the reference voltage of the left and right channels is isolated, making a 10-line regulator circuit and reducing mutual effects to improve distortion. Moreover, high-quality audio grade electrolytic capacitors are used in the analogue channel to minimise noise.

Analogue audio circuit

A high-performance D/A converter with input compatibility, high S/N, and high dynamic range is provided for each of the 2 channel and 7.1 channel circuits. The analogue circuits for 2 channel and 7.1 channel output are mounted onto special glass-epoxy circuit boards. Together with the use of quality components, such as low-noise operational amplifiers and audio grade electrolytic capacitors, a totally balanced signal transmission is achieved by using differential circuits all the way from the D/A converter output to the XLR output terminal. The 2 channel and 7.1 channel output terminals are also separated. Moreover, the 2 channel output is equipped with a balanced XLR output terminal in addition to the RCA terminal.

Chassis with high rigidity and lower position for the centre of gravity

A newly-developed drive base with a 3-dimensional, thick steel plate fixes the optical disc drive to the centre of the 2-layer chassis, to reduce vibration and noise during disc rotation. The use of a 2-layer structure with a heavy steel plate for the chassis achieves a low centre of gravity and low vibration. Thick aluminium is used on the front and side panels. This raises the rigidity of the chassis and reduces vibration.

7.1-channel analogue audio output

The UB9000 supports analogue 7.1 channel audio for direct connection to a home theatre system for life-like surround sound. In addition, the UB9000 terminal is gold-plated to resist oxidisation and maintain high signal conductivity.

Twin HDMI pure AV (Audio/Video Isolated Twin HDMI)

The UB9000 features dual HDMI outputs for isolating and transmitting TV (4K video) and amplifier audio. By separating audio and video signals, unwanted noise is suppressed, resulting in high-quality audio reproduction.

High-res audio playback

The new Blu-ray player is designed for high-resolution audio reproduction. In addition to conventional WAV/FLAC/MP3/AAC/WMA formats, DSD (11.2MHz/5.6 MHz/2.8 MHz) ALAC and AIFF music files can also be reproduced. Simply connect to a home audio system to enjoy music sources equivalent to studio master sound quality.

Digital tube sound with up-sampling

The distinctive, warm and comforting sound characteristics of tube amplifiers are faithfully simulated on the UB9000. Six different kinds of sounds from vacuum tubes with 96-kHz/192-KHz up-sampling can be enjoyed in exceptionally high quality.

For more information, please contact Panasonic on 132 600 or visit www.panasonic.com.au.

[i]  A Google Home or Amazon Alexa speaker is required