New from Panasonic: Lumix DMC-G6, 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens, Lumix DMC-LF1

Panasonic has just announced a new member to their lineup of mirrorless digital cameras: the Lumix DMC-G6. This camera succeeds the G5 and adds to it an array of performance and imaging enhancements, many of which are focused around improved movie recording and the integration of built-in wireless connectivity. Enhancing the G6 is the new Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH POWER O.I.S. lens, which is also an update of a former product and features an increased maximum aperture and lighter overall weight. In addition, the Lumix DMC-LF1 has also been announced, and is positioned well as a high-grade point-and-shoot camera that features a manual control ring and an electronic viewfinder.

Lumix DMC-G6

The Lumix DMC-G6 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera, which is available in a kit with the Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH MEGA O.I.S. lens, features a 16.05 megapixel Micro Four Thirds Digital Live MOS sensor and a Venus Engine image processor to produce high-resolution imagery with notable image quality and sharpness. This sensor-and-processor combination also works to create highly extended sensitivity, to ISO 25600, while working to minimize noise levels for clearer imagery in low-light situations. Also providing greater support when working in dim conditions is the Low Light AF function, which can quickly acquire focus in darker scenes even without the use of the AF assist lamp. When combined with the Full-area Touch AF ability, gaining focus in any light condition on any area of the image is a simple and realistic task, to support working in most lighting conditions. The Venus Engine also supports the overall Light Speed AF system, which garners fast and precise focusing capabilities ideal for subject-tracking applications. This fast focusing ability is especially noticeable when working in continuous-burst shooting modes at up to 7 fps, or up to 5 fps with AF tracking. The camera and lens exchange data at a rate of 240 fps to intelligently and continuously check for focusing accuracy to maintain true sharpness at these faster shooting rates.

A host of imaging features is available to either give you complete control over imaging settings, or for using an intelligent system to automatically determine settings, based on the scene you are photographing. In-camera HDR will automatically record several bracketed images of a scene at once and then combine them into a single image that exhibits a longer tonal range with greater detail in the highlight and shadow regions. iA (Intelligent Auto) mode and iA Plus Mode are enhanced automatic shooting modes that will quickly and intelligently set exposure settings by analyzing the lighting conditions of a scene and determining the best possible exposure combination to render the scene accurately. For more aesthetic applications, Creative Control mode is available and provides 19 different settings for modifying the appearance of imagery. These settings include Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus and more.

Besides still-imaging performance, the G6 also features a wealth of video-recording control and supports shooting full HD 1080p video in multiple frame rates up to 60 fps, in a choice of either the AVCHD or MP4 format. While recording video, full manual control is possible by using P/A/S/M modes for a variety of exposure control settings. Touch AF and Touch AE are also supported to give an extra layer of refinement for determining focus and exposure in the scene, and enable precise spot-metering abilities for either setting.

Sound can be recorded using the internal stereo microphone, which features a Wind Cut function to produce clearer sound that is adjustable across 19 selectable steps. Additionally, a 3.5mm jack is integrated into the design to support the use of an external microphone for even greater control over the recorded sound. Aside from traditional video-recording possibilities, both a time-lapse and a stop-motion animation feature are available for in-camera combining of numerous still images into one fluid moving picture.

Live-view monitoring, image playback and menu navigation can all be done on either the rear 3.0” 1,036k-dot tilting touchscreen LCD monitor, or via the 1,440k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder. This large OLED EVF provides 100% frame coverage and a high contrast ratio of 10,000:1 for the utmost clarity when monitoring. The EVF also provides an additional point of contact between you and the camera, further helping to steady shooting in low light, or with longer lenses. The LCD monitor can flip out to the side, then tilt forward or backward to better support shooting from high or low angles, and its touchscreen design enables intuitive menu navigation as well as exacting control over both focusing and exposure points within the scene. In addition to touch control over focus, you can also set focus using multi-area, 1-area, tracking and face-detection methods. An AFF (AF Flexible) mode can automatically recognize subjects and then adjust focus if they move just prior to your releasing the shutter. In manual-focus mode, focus peaking has been integrated into the camera to provide a more objective means for gaining sharp imagery.

In addition to all of the distinctive imaging performance of the G6, full-fledged-wireless connectivity is also integrated into the camera’s design and supports direct and instant transferring of image files. NFC (Near Field Communication) technology provides a simple means for sharing imagery between your camera and mobile devices, with connection times taking just a few seconds and involving an intuitive overall process. The Instant Transfer feature will automatically save each freshly captured image to a linked mobile device, or you can manually select each image to transfer when going through the playback menu. Wireless connectivity also enables remote shooting and viewing capabilities when used in conjunction with a mobile device and the Panasonic Image App.

Remote live-view monitoring and the ability to control core camera features make this system highly effective when working away from your camera. Furthermore, wireless transferring abilities are also possible for simply uploading files straight to social networking sites or cloud sites, for inputting locational data for geotagging and for printing wirelessly or viewing images at home.

Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH POWER O.I.S. Lens

Pairing well with the G6 is the new Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH POWER O.I.S. Lens, which is available in black or silver and has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 28-280mm, covering wide-angle to telephoto perspectives to suit working in a wide variety of shooting scenarios. Considering this lens’s zoom range, its light weight and compact form factor aid in its portability and versatility. It is a good all-around lens for working with most subject matter. The lens construction includes three aspherical lenses and two extra-low dispersion elements to help minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions while also contributing to overall high image sharpness and clarity. Lens elements have also received a multi-coating to reduce surface reflections that cause ghosting and lens flare, leading to clearer imagery with greater contrast.

An inner focusing mechanism maintains the overall lens length for greater control and also provides quiet focusing abilities that are well suited to video-recording applications. When used in conjunction with the G6 or GH3 (or other future cameras that feature high-speed contrast AF), the lens supports 240 fps sensor drive AF for use in subject tracking and fast-paced, continuous-focusing performance. For working at the longer end of the zoom range and in low-light situations, a POWER O.I.S. optical image stabilization system helps to counteract the appearance of camera shake, and effectively leads to sharper imagery.

Lumix DMC-LF1 Digital Camera

Lastly, Panasonic has also announced a new point-and-shoot camera that blends both DSLR-inspired-handling features with the accessibility that one is accustomed to with most compact cameras. The Lumix DMC-LF1 Digital Camera, which is available in black or white, features a 12.1 megapixel 1/1.7” High Sensitivity MOS sensor to produce high-quality imagery with expanded low-light sensitivity to ISO 12800. This low-light sensitivity is further benefitted by the sensor’s impressive signal-to-noise ratio, which leads to rich tonal gradations and a wide dynamic range for photographing in challenging lighting conditions. The sensor performance also realizes fast continuous-shooting capabilities, up to 10 fps in full resolution, while using a mechanical shutter for greater exposure control and image rendering. Full HD 1080i video recording is supported in multiple frame rates up to 60 fps in either the high-quality AVCHD or Internet-friendly MP4 format. Benefitting both still and movie recording is the Sonic Speed AF system, which offers full-time autofocusing with enhanced subject tracking and motion-detection capabilities.

The LF1 also features a newly designed Leica DC Vario-Summicron f/2-5.9 7.1x optical zoom lens, which gives a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 28-200mm. The wide maximum aperture, coupled with the extensive zoom range covering wide-angle to telephoto perspectives, is well suited to most general photographic situations and enables greater control over focus in dimly lit conditions. A POWER O.I.S. optical image-stabilization mechanism is integrated into the design as well, and helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for producing sharper imagery at the long end of the zoom range or in lower lighting. An Active Mode is also available when using the image-stabilization mechanism, to help render sharper, more fluid movies with reduced shakiness.

Where this camera truly separates itself from many others is through its integration of useful ergonomic features, such as the electronic viewfinder and control ring. The EVF features 200k-dot resolution and provides 100% frame coverage for accurate and vivid live-view monitoring at eye level. The EVF also serves as a third point of contact between you and the camera, generating more stability for sharper imagery, and the viewfinder is a more effective tool for precise composition in bright sunlight. The control ring, which is positioned around the lens, contributes to more efficient handling of the camera and allows for selectable control of frequently used settings such as zoom, aperture, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity and creative effects. Also available for image monitoring, review and playback is the 3.0” 920k-dot LCD monitor, which has automatic brightness adjustment across seven steps, and an anti-reflective coating for more effective use in brighter lighting.

Designed to benefit those new to shooting is a range of Composition Guides that overlay compositional guides automatically over the image while viewing, to help achieve generally aesthetic imagery. Available patterns include the Rule of Thirds Offset, Diagonal Lines, Tunnel, Radiation 1, Radiation 2 and S-shape, each of which can be employed to help resolve difficult scenes and create a pleasing overall composition. An electronic level gauge is also available in-camera to ensure plumb and level lines. Benefitting exposure settings are both the iA and iA Plus modes that intelligently analyze the lighting and scene, to determine an appropriate exposure for accurately rendering details. When using the iA Plus mode, you gain more creative control over the final look of your imagery with background defocus, white balance and exposure-compensation settings. Additionally, Creative Control and Creative Panorama modes are also incorporated and allow for applying 13 different filter settings, or for in-camera creation of panoramic imagery.

Finally, just as with the G6, the LF1 also features built-in-wireless connectivity to support direct, instant transferring of imagery to mobile devices and to networked computers or TVs in an easy and seamless manner. Near Field Communication simplifies the overall process for sharing, and the Instant Transfer function makes backing up imagery an automatic part of the shooting workflow. Remote shooting and monitoring are also supported when used in conjunction with the Panasonic Image App, and give you the ability to remotely control camera settings from a mobile device and see a live-view image at a rate of 30 fps, on your smartphone or tablet.

To learn more about these Panasonic products, speak with a B&H sales professional in our New York SuperStore, over the phone at 1-800-606-6969 or online via Live Chat.