Panasonic Announces New Mirrorless Camera, Upgraded Leica Lenses

Panasonic has announced a trio of updates to its celebrated Micro Four Thirds system with its latest offerings, the LUMIX G9 II mirrorless camera, the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 35-100mm f/2.8 and Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II lenses, along with a brand-new battery grip compatible with the G9 II, S5 II, and S5 IIX.

LUMIX G9 II

Teased earlier this year, the G9 II introduces the Phase Detection Autofocus in the Micro Four Thirds LUMIX G Series cameras. Addressing what had long been a concern with Panasonic cameras, this addition is paired with new AI-powered recognition technology for improved and dependable autofocus accuracy and speed. The G9 II also features a brand new, 25.2MP sensor and a new processor with twice the power for high-speed production of high-resolution images with natural, three-dimensional texture and realistic color tones.

Other highlights from the G9 II’s improved imaging system:

• Up to three seconds of continuous burst shooting at 60 fps in AFC mode, 75 fps in AFS mode when using the electronic shutter, and up to 1.5s of pre-burst recording

• Capture larger-than-life imagery with Handheld High-Res mode, which takes multiple images by shifting the sensor and synthesizing them into a single 100MP RAW or JPEG image

• Autofocus now features 779 focus points for improved tracking ability and performance in difficult lighting situations

• Improved human and animal recognition, including subject distinction between species and in groups of people and animals, and the introduction of animal eye-, car-, and motorcycle-ecognition algorithms

• Robust image stabilization system with 8-stop Body Image Stabilizer, 7.5-stop 5-axis Dual I.S. with perspective distortion correction for video, and high mode for advanced Active I.S.

• REALTIME LUT function enables personalized color palettes in addition to new preset modes such as LEICA Monochrome

In addition to the advancements in stills photography, the G9 II is distinguished from its predecessor in its fuller embrace of video. Panasonic states its aim is to eliminate the borders between photo and video creativity, letting the creator operate unselfconsciously. Aided by its new sensor/processor duo, the G9 II makes it easier to create high-quality videos with several advanced functions for those prepared to take advantage of them.

• 10-bit 4:2:0 bit depth at 5.8K (4:3) full sensor or 5.7K (17:9) recording at up to 60 fps for flexible framing options with different social media formats

• Capable of up to 4K 120p for slow-motion video

• Supports V-Log, a flat, neutral gamma curve and an equivalent 13+ stops of dynamic range

• Supports ProRes 422 codec delivering outstanding image quality with low compression

• Recording and playback are supported using an external SSD via USB

• Active image stabilization reduces camera shake when shooting on the move

• Up to four audio inputs when using optional XLR Microphone Adapter

With the G9 II, Panasonic has made a powerful machine that gets out of the way of its user with simplicity and speed. The camera also features two SD slots, an HDMI Type A output port, wireless control and image transfer via the LUMIX Sync app, as well as USB-C charging while powered with the appropriate battery charger, available separately.

Adding to this optimized operability is the new DMW-BG1 Battery Grip, which extends the battery life with the space for a second battery while also improving handling, especially in the vertical orientation with its included buttons and eight-directional joystick.

Upgraded LEICA DG Zoom Lenses

Just as the first G9 was announced alongside a powerful ultra-zoom geared toward sports and wildlife photographers, so has the G9 II been announced in tandem with the upgraded Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II Lens and its fast telephoto zoom counterpart, the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 35-100mm f/2.8.

Panasonic has managed to shave off more than a centimeter of length from the 100-400mm ultra zoom, which has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 200-800mm, and further made it compatible with its 1.4x and 2x teleconverters for a massive zoom range covering up to a 1600mm equivalent zoom range. The 2x teleconverter also introduces 1x magnification for improved macro capabilities. The optical structure, designed in accordance with strict Leica standards, features one aspherical element, two extra-low dispersion elements, and one ultra-extra-low dispersion element to produce detailed and textured high-resolution, high-contrast images. The lens is also newly freeze resistant and features an on-body Zoom Limit Switch.

Similarly, the new 35-100mm f/2.8 zoom has a 70-200mm 35mm equivalency and is also designed in accordance with strict Leica standards, with a pair of extra-low dispersion elements and one ultra extra-low dispersion elements. A new anti-reflective coating on the interior of the lens barrel joins the Nano Surface coating to strengthen the lens’s anti-flare properties. The lens’s POWER Optical Image Stabilizer, which is compatible with LUMIX Dual I.S., combines with a linear autofocus motor that offers quick and quiet focusing, particularly beneficial to the expanding video capabilities of the Micro Four Thirds System. The lens, like its longer counterpart, also incorporates the new freeze-resistant properties for working in adverse environments.

This latest generation of Panasonic Micro Four Thirds hardware is a serious gambit to attract creators who want a superlative set of tools that produce great results without getting in the way. What do you think of these latest additions? If you have the original camera or lenses, would you want to make the switch to the new and improved versions? Let us know down below!