Archive - November 2020

OTTAVA™ SC-C70MK2 All-in-One Music System: Refined sound and design arrives for Christmas

Technics has launched the new Premium Class OTTAVA™ SC-C70MK2 all-in-one music system, designed for high-quality audio enjoyment in style.

The SC-C70MK2 further refines the sound quality, capabilities, and design of the original SC-C70. Audio performance on this latest model is enhanced with an exclusively developed 8-cm woofer unit and 2-cm dome tweeter unit.

In keeping with the Technics premium design philosophy, the sleek and attractive SC-C70 is available in a choice of silver or black and sports an aluminium top panel, louvred front grille and unique manual CD tray.

Aaron Waters, Product Marketing Manager – Audio and Video, Panasonic, said:  “The SC-C70MK2 all-in-one music system offers pure sound, convenient set up and streaming, and a design to match modern interiors. Arriving in time for Christmas, this is the perfect gift for the discerning music lover who wants to enjoy their music collection as well as audio from today’s diverse sources.”

The SC-C70MK2 features a new tweeter combined with an acoustic lens whose shape is optimised to deliver more expansive sound. Just like its predecessor, the SC-C70MK2 features a 2.1ch speaker system that includes a 12-cm subwoofer. The speaker system is powerfully driven by three units of Technics’ original digital amp, JENO Engine, to reproduce full-bodied sound from a compact unit. ‘Space Tune Auto’ with an integrated microphone allows for quick calibration and optimum performance in a range of room environments.

The music system supports a wide range of music sources including CD and radio as well as streaming services such as Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2 and Deezer. The SC-C70MK2 also works with Google Assistant.

The new model is available now via selected audio specialist retailers.

Premium Compact Stereo System SC-C70MK2: $1649 RRP

Re-mastered sound quality for an expansive, rich soundscape

Newly Developed Speaker Units & Acoustic Lens

The SC-C70MK2’s 8-cm woofer unit offers significant improvements, such as the reduced weight of the voice coil, enhanced airflow and increased rigidity of the diaphragm. The woofer provides superb response and sound clarity to reproduce mid- and high-frequency sounds comfortable to the ear. The high-res-ready 2-cm dome tweeter unit features a lighter silk diaphragm to provide beautiful lingering sound. What’s more, the acoustic lens is optimised for the new tweeter shape and enhances the expansiveness of reproduced sound.

Faithful sound with three JENO Engines and LAPC

Three “JENO Engine” full digital amplifier units ensure faithful reproduction of rich sounds with the 2.1ch configuration, driving the left and right channels and subwoofer. The SC-C70MK2 also features the LAPC function, which is load adaptive amplifier technology developed by Technics to ensure perfect alignment with the speakers. The system measures the phase and impedance properties of the integrated speakers and optimises the resulting sound output using the data it has obtained.

Twin Power Supply Circuit System for noise reduction

Regular power supplies use one transformer to supply power to the amp, and digital circuits, so if there is any load fluctuation or if noise occurs on a circuit, other circuits are affected, which results in degradation of sound quality. The SC-C70MK2’s power supply system includes independently installed switch mode power supply circuitry for the amp and the other circuits. This eliminates mutual interference, thereby reducing sound degradation caused by noise or power supply fluctuations. In addition, a layout with dedicated transformer and amp circuits enables the shortest possible connection to further reduce noise.

Re-master enhances sound quality from streaming sources

The high-precision signal processing circuitry of the JENO Engine expands the frequency band of Bluetooth and Internet radio sources – in which high-frequency signals are commonly lost due to signal compression – to a range equivalent to that of a CD source. This eliminates the lack of expansiveness in high-frequency sound and the loss of sound detail, and delivers enhanced sound quality.

Optimised sound space, easy enjoyment of music content and a diversity of connectivity

Space Tune™

The SC-C70MK2 features Space Tune™ Auto to achieve balanced sound at the press of a button. This function measures test tones via a built-in microphone to analyse the distance to walls and the effects of sound reflection. It then automatically optimises the sound field. Three presets (Free, Near the Wall, and Near the Corner) allow for easy setting, and the Technics Audio Center app can also be used to precisely adjust the sound quality to the listening position.

Chromecast built-in

The Chromecast built-in function supports a wide variety of music streaming services for easy casting from a smartphone app. And since the data is streamed directly to the main unit, there is no degradation in sound quality, and the user can select from a diverse range of music.

Works with Google Assistant

If a Google Assistant built-in device is included in the same network, Google Assistant can be used to operate SC-C70MK2 music playback and other functions. When the user doesn’t have a smartphone app, or when hands are full, music can be easily played by voice command.

Multi-room

With a number of Chromecast built-in speakers, a variety of music streaming services can be played in several rooms, or different music can be played from room to room*. In addition, if you use the ‘Technics Audio Center app’ and have another app-compatible Technics device, you can also enjoy other music sources in multi-room such as Bluetooth, AUX, Optical input, USB, Internet radio and SC-C70MK2-compatible streaming music.

* The Google Home App is required.

Complete Compatibility

In addition to CDs and radio, this model is now compatible with Chromecast built-in, and supports a wide range of music streaming services, as well as being compatible with Spotify Connect, Deezer and Internet radio. It also supports AirPlay 2, Bluetooth Wi-Fi, network playback, USB memory playback and analogue/optical input. The UI of the iOS/Android smartphone app, “Technics Audio Center App” has also been redesigned, making it easier to use than ever before.

Favourite Function

Up to 9 presets can be set on the main unit, such as favourite internet radio stations, and USB songs. This makes it possible to listen to your preferred music without even starting up an app.

For more information please see: technics.com/au

Panasonic announces firmware update programs for LUMIX S Series S1H, S1R, S1, S5 and LUMIX G Series G100 cameras and further planned upgrades for the LUMIX S1

Panasonic has announced that it will release firmware update programs on 24 November 2020 for the LUMIX DC-S1H (Ver.2.2), S1R (Ver.1.6), S1 (Ver.1.6) and S5 (Ver.2.0) LUMIX S Series full-frame mirrorless cameras; and for the DC-G100 (Ver.1.1) LUMIX G Series MFT (Micro Four Thirds) mirrorless camera.

Panasonic is also pleased to announce a future firmware update exclusively for the LUMIX S1 (Ver.2.0) to further enhance functions and performance. This is scheduled for the first half of 2021.

Firmware Update Programs to be released on 24 November 2020

DC-S1H Firmware Version 2.2 DC-S1R Firmware Version 1.6
DC-S1 Firmware Version 1.6 DC-S5 Firmware Version 2.0

  • Improved AF performance (S1H, S1R, S1)

The AF improvements introduced with the S5 will be available on the S1R, S1H and S1 for both video recording and still shooting. In addition to the eye, face and body, the head is also separately recognised by real-time detection technology to provide even more precise focusing. The camera keeps tracking subjects when they move quickly, turn away, tilt their head or move far away from the camera. Also, improvements to DFD technology have enhanced AFC, which allows the camera to keep tracking small or fast-moving subjects and capture them in crisp focus.

  • Human/Animal recognition can be set ON or OFF when the AF mode is set to [1-Area] or [1-Area+]. (S1H, S1R, S1, S5)
  • [AF+MF] can be used during video recording (S1H, S1R, S1, S5)
  • Recognition performance during video recording in V-Log has been improved. (S1H, S1, S5)
  • [SS/Gain Operation] function has been added. (S1R, S1, S5)
  • [Red REC Frame Indicator] is available. (S1R, S1)
  • It is possible to play back vertical videos vertically. (S1H, S1R, S1)
  • 4K video files can be transferred to a smartphone via Wi-Fi. (S1H, S1R, S1)
  • [Horizontal Image Flip(Monitor)] / [Vertical Image Flip(Monitor)] enables to reverse or not to reverse the monitor image when the free-angle monitor is rotated. (S1H,S5)

Firmware Update Programs to be released on 24 November 2020 – S1R only

  • 5K (4992×3744) video recording in MOV is available.
5K 30p/25p/24p 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP 200Mbps LPCM
  • [Like 2100(HLG)] has been added in [Photo Style] to support 10-bit HDR video recording.
  • High-Resolution audio recording using an XLR Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1 is available and it can be controlled with [XLR Mic Adaptor Setting] menu. *MOV only
  • [Luminance Level] function supports the 10-bit mode.
  • 4K 60P/50P 4:2:2 10-bit video output over HDMI is supported.

Firmware Update Programs to be released on 24 November 2020 – S5 only

  • C4K (4096×2160) MOV can be recorded.
C4K 60p/50p 4:2:0 8-bit LongGOP 150Mbps LPCM
C4K 30p/25p/24p 4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP 150Mbps LPCM
C4K 30p/25p/24p 4:2:0 8-bit LongGOP 100Mbps LPCM
  • RAW Video Data output over HDMI is supported.
[5.9K] / [4K] / [Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K] 12-bit RAW Video Data can be output over HDMI.
Apple ProRes RAW can be recorded on Atomos NINJA V.

*All functions may not be available depending on the situation.
*Software that supports Apple ProRes RAW is required to edit RAW video recorded with NINJA V.
*Apply the LUT (Look up table) available on the following customer support site for the same color grading as V-Log/V-Gamut. https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/lut/s1h_raw_lut/
  • It is possible to display a Vector Scope.
  • [Master Pedestal Level] function has been added.
  • [L.ClassicNeo] and [L.Monochrome S] have been added to Photo Style.

DC-G100 Firmware Version 1.1

  • The camera will be compatible with LUMIX Webcam Software (Beta).
  • [Horizontal Image Flip(Monitor)] / [Vertical Image Flip(Monitor)] enables to reverse or not to reverse the monitor image when the free-angle monitor is rotated.

Firmware Update Program to be released in the first half of 2021

DC-S1 Firmware Version 2.0

The LUMIX S1 will continue to evolve to meet the demands of users. [5.9K] / [4K] / [Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K] 12-bit RAW video data can be output over HDMI, thus, the RAW video data can be recorded on Atomos Ninja V*1*2. Also, 5.9K/C4K internal video recording, 4K60p/50p 4:2:0 10bit recording as well as Anamorphic mode and Timecode will also be available*2. The firmware itself enables manual setting of Dual Native ISO.

*1 5.9K(5888×3312) 29.97p/25p, 4K(4128×2176) 59.94p/50p, Anamorphic 3.5K(3536×2656)/50p.
*2 To activate functions related to MOV and V-Log video recording, a Software Upgrade Key DMW-SFU2 (sold separately) is required. Users who already have the DMW-SFU2 do not need to purchase an extra DMW-SFU2.

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

New LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 large-aperture prime lens announced

Panasonic is pleased to introduce a new large-aperture medium-telephoto prime lens designed for LUMIX S Series full-frame mirrorless cameras. The LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 (S-S85) produces a beautiful bokeh to enhance the expressiveness of portrait photography.

The highly mobile S-S85 is extremely compact being only 82mm in length, and also very lightweight at around 355 grams. The rugged dust/splash-resistant[i] design withstands use under harsh environmental conditions down to a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius.

It is the first to be released in a series of four F1.8 large-aperture S Series lenses based on the L-Mount system. These new lenses will all have the same positioning of controls for ease of use and a common barrel diameter that provides the convenience of using the same filters. Using lenses of a similar size and diameter also makes it easier to switch between lenses when an S Series camera is mounted on a gimbal, for example.

James Choi, Product Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic said: “The introduction of the S Series’ first F1.8 compact prime lens gives creators even greater creative flexibility from the LUMIX S full frame mirrorless system. With its lightweight yet robust design, using the S-S85 with a powerhouse hybrid camera like the S5 creates a small form factor combination that delivers outstanding performance and ergonomics.”

Comprising 9 elements in 8 groups, the use of 2 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses effectively suppresses both axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification. The filter diameter is 67mm, with a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm. The LUMIX S-S85 also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing.

LUMIX S 85mm F1.8 (S-S85) lens: RRP $1099
The lens will be available in December 2020 from leading photographic specialists.

In addition to the four F1.8 large-aperture lenses, a 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens is also under development. Panasonic and the L-Mount System Alliance are committed to the expansion of the L-Mount lens lineup to meet the needs of the global photographic community.

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

[i]Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.

To avoid damage when using the camera under these conditions, it must be used in accordance with associated instructions in the manual.