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Panasonic firms up pricing for Lumix DMC-G1 mini-DSLR for mid-November launch
We had it on good authority that Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds debut, the Lumix DMC-G1, was tracking for a November release at $799, and Panasonic USA just dropped some PR to exactly that effect. We'd prefer an exact calendar date to Panny's vague "mid-November" timeframe, but we're sure we'll live. Alongside the camera Panasonic will be launching the Lumix G Vario 45-200mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. telephoto Micro Four Thirds lens for $350. Panasonic's also still chatting up a G1 followup for 2009 that will include HD video capabilities, which probably should've made it into round one if you ask us.
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1 tentatively priced for USers at $799
Take this with a pinch of NaCl, but Adorama has it that Panasonic's Yasunori Takase confessed to a US price tag on the newly unveiled Lumix DMC-G1. During a leisurely chat at Photokina, the higher-up noted that the Micro Four Thirds camera would hit US soil for $799, though he didn't bother to mention an expected ship date. If you'll recall, we found that the G1 would start shipping at the tail end of October for ¥80,000 (around $750); considering that, we'd say $799 sounds about right over on this side of the world.
Panasonic unveils video-capturing Lumix G prototype
We just barely got our unsteady mitts on the upcoming Lumix G1, yet already Panasonic is teasing with something of a successor, currently dubbed the "G." It uses the G1's same micro four thirds body design, ditching the mirror and optical viewfinder in favor of case slimness, but adds a stereo microphone on top and record button on back for high-def video capture -- rare stuff on a consumer digi-cam with a replaceable lens. No word on price or availability, but given the G1 isn't slated to hit Japan until October we wouldn't expect this one until sometime next year. Meanwhile, if you tend to prefer pictures of the non-moving variety, LetsGoDigital also has some test images taken by a pre-release G1. The 640x480 snaps themselves aren't anything to get too excited about (unless you're a Formula One fan), but do prove that the camera can indeed take pictures.Read - Panasonic Lumix GRead - G1 Test Photos
Panasonic Lumix G1 hands-on
We got to handle Panny's new micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix DMC-G1, this evening. It's obviously small for a interchangeable lens camera, but it's not stunningly small. The build quality shows that Panasonic isn't kidding around here: the camera is a hefty and solid, with a decent shutter click and no-nonsense manual controls. The 3-inch LCD also doesn't disappoint, though the digital viewfinder is a tad disorienting, and precise focusing could be an issue. Yes, we fully recognize the irony of taking crummy photographs of a camera, but work with us here.%Gallery-32235%
Panasonic's Lumix G1: world's first micro Four Thirds camera
Here you have it, the world's first micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix DMC-G1. Panasonic calls it the "world's smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera," a fancy of way of saying it's not a traditional DSLR nor is it a regular point and shoot -- it's something in between. Remember, the micro four-thirds format ditches the internal mirror and prism while maintaining a DSLR-sized sensor -- in this case, we're looking at a new flip-out, 3-inch, high resolution (1.44 million pixels!) Live viewfinder and a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS Sensor. That allows this cam to weigh in at 385-grams (0.85-pounds) and just 20-mm thick. Rounding out the specs are optical image stabilization (MEGA OIS), intelligent ISO, AF tracking, face detection, HDMI output, and intelligent scene selector with Venus Engine HD image processing and a Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system under the hood. Pricing will be announced in October. The cats over at dpreview have a preview model in house if you want a detailed first-look. Trust us, you should.Update: In Japan, the G1 will go on sale on October 31st. The body alone is expected to cost ¥80,000 (about $750 tax inclusive) on up to ¥120,000 (about $1,200 tax inclusive) with bundled LUMIX G Vario 45-200mm F4-5.6 MEGA OIS lens.%Gallery-31752%[Via Digital Camera resource page and 1001noisycameras and Impress]Read -- Press ReleaseRead -- Preview
Panasonic pushes out 14.7MP DMC-FX150 pocket shooter
Taking the wraps off of three cameras at once just isn't good enough for Panasonic, so how's about a fourth? The pocket-friendly LUMIX DMC-FX150 arrives in a trio of stylish hues (black, gold and silver) and features an admittedly absurd 14.7-megapixel sensor, 28-millimeter wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, a 3.6x optical zoom and a host of manual controls to boot. This shooter can also capture shots in RAW format, and the usual suspects -- you know, red-eye correction, optical image stabilizer, face detection, intelligent ISO, etc. -- are all there. If this one fits the bill, expect to receive one of your own for $399.95 when picking it up next month.[Via Impress]
Panasonic reveals DMC-FZ28 megazoom, DMC-LX3 and DMC-FX37
Shortly after Samsung unveiled its summer stable of cameras, along comes Panasonic with a new trio of its own. Kicking things off is the zoom-infatuated DMC-FZ28, which features a remarkable 18x optical zoom, 10.1-megapixel sensor, Intelligent Auto Mode, Auto Focus and a 27-millimeter wide-angle lens. Moving on, we see the DMC-LX2's rightful successor -- the unimaginatively named LX3 -- which lands in August alongside the aforementioned FZ28. Said shooter packs a 10.1-megapixel sensor, F2.0 24mm LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens and the ability to capture 720p movies at 24fps. Bringing up the rear is the pocket-friendly LUMIX DMC-FX37 (due in September), which touts a 25mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC lens, 10.1-megapixel sensor (are you sensing a trend?), a 5x optical zoom and 720p movie mode. Ready for the sting(s)? Try $449.99, $499.95 and $349.95 in order of mention.[Via LetsGoDigital]Read - DMC-FZ28Read - DMC-LX3Read - DMC-FX37
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ50 gets official in US: Picasa / T-Mobile HotSpot-friendly
Panny's Lumix DMC-TZ50 isn't brand new or anything -- after all, we first caught wind of this WiFi-equipped point-and-shoot late last month in Japan. Nevertheless, Panasonic is now announcing that said camera will be heading Stateside with 802.11b/g capabilities, access to T-Mobile HotSpot service and the ability to upload photos directly to Google's Picasa Web Albums -- exactly like we saw at CES. Specs wise, you'll find a 9.1-megapixel sensor, 10x optical zoom, 28mm wide-angle lens, 720p movie mode, SD expansion slot, video output, red-eye correction, optical image stabilization, the Venus Engine IV and a 3.0-inch LCD monitor to boot. Unfortunately, there's still no word on when (or if) this technology will filter out to more Panasonic models, but folks interested in this here camera can pick one up next month for $449.95.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ10 gets reviewed
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-LZ10 certainly won't win over many folks on its looks alone, but Photography Blog found that it more makes up for its rather bland exterior where it counts, and they've given the 10-megapixel camera high marks across the board in their new review. Winning the most praise is the camera's full manual controls, which proved to be enough to get Photography Blog to declare the LZ10 "one of the most versatile compacts in its class." Just as importantly, it also found the image quality to be an improvement over the previous generation models, with the 5x, 30mm wide-angle zoom lens turning in some great results and the camera's image stabilization feature actually proving to be quite useful. Less than useful, however, was the camera's ISO 800 and 1600 settings which, like most cameras in this class, proved to be more of a gimmick than anything. The site was also a bit disappointed by the camera's slightly awkward control system and slow maximum apertures, among other minor quibbles, but those apparently weren't enough to stop it from getting an impressive 4.5 out of 5 rating. The sub-$250 price tag certainly didn't hurt things either.
Panasonic's DMC-TZ50: a TZ5 with WiFi and Picasa photo sharing, maybe
Take Panasonic's 9.1 megapixel TZ5 with 10x optical zoom and 3-inch LCD, slap in some 802.11b/g WiFi and what do you get? This, the Lumix DMC-TZ50. As with most WiFi cameras, the TZ50 can upload your pictures from any WiFi hotspot but is then locked into specific image sharing sites; in this case, Panny's own Lumix Club. There is hope for a more open model, however, when the TZ50 goes global. After all, the Panasonic / T-Mobile WiFi demo we saw at CES tied images to Google's Picasa. Ok, it's not Flickr but it's a start. Available May 16th in Japan for ¥49,800 or about $500. [Via Impress]
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 features touchscreen, 720p movie mode
If Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FX500 skipped out on PMA in order to get fitted with a touchscreen LCD monitor and HD recording capabilities, we'd say it was certainly a smart move. This well-spec'd shooter sports a pocket-friendly design, a 10.1-megapixel sensor, a 25-millimeter ultra-wide-angle lens, 3-inch touchscreen, 5x optical zoom and a swank movie mode capable of logging clips at 1,280 x 720 at 30fps. For those worried about said feature chewing through their SD / SDHC card (or the 50MB of built-in memory), WVGA (848 x 480) and VGA (640 x 480) video modes are available as well. You'll also find such niceties as optical image stabilization, red-eye correction, face detection and Auto Focus tracking for good measure. Drooling yet? Chew on the choice of black or silver and get your $399.95 ready to drop come May.[Via PCMag]
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FS20 point-and-shoot gets reviewed
It hasn't even been a full month since Panasonic's PMA lineup was revealed, but the folks over at PhotographyBLOG have already had a chance to put the succulent Lumix DMC-FS20 through a series of paces. Upon whipping this shooter out, it was immediately praised for having a 4x wide-angle zoom and and a very pocket-friendly design, and thankfully for those looking into picking one up, the good news didn't stop there. Small niggles such as the lack of a true optical viewfinder and noticeable noise at high ISOs were overshadowed with buckets of compliments. Put simply, the cam was seen as "almost identical to the FX55" (albeit at a lower price point), and overall, it managed to snag 4.5 out of 5 twinkling stars from the powers that be.
Hands-on with Panasonic's seven new Lumix models
Wow, that's a lot of Lumixes! If there's one thing to be said for Panasonic's digital imaging division, it definitely gives the consumer quite a large variety of models to choose from. And some, like the TZ4 and TZ5, offer pretty compelling features, such as a relatively monstrous 10x optical zooms in a relatively pocketable form factor. For the full list of models in the gallery below, which run the gamut from 8.1 to 10.1 megapixels, be sure to check out the official announcement post from a few days back.%Gallery-15029%
Panasonic gets official with PMA camera lineup
Panasonic didn't exactly do the best job keeping its PMA camera lineup a secret before things got official, but it looks like it's finally gotten its act together and it's now loose pictures details on the whole lot of them. As expected, those include new entries in the company's LZ, FS and TZ-series as well as, perhaps most notably, the FX35 (that's the tiny one up above), which is the first Lumix with a 25mm wide-angle lens. Hit up the appropriate read links below for the official word on each camera from Panasonic, or just head on over after the break for a rundown of the key specs.Read - Panasonic Lumix FX35Read - Panasonic Lumix LZ-SeriesRead - Panasonic Lumix FS-SeriesRead - Panasonic Lumix TZ-Series
Panasonic leaks own PMA line-up including FX35 with 25-mm wide-angle lens
Next in line for their pre-PMA blowout is Panasonic. Unfortunately, no details are available at the moment as their RSS feed seems to have spilled the beans. Nevertheless we can expect new LUMIX cams from their FS-, LZ-, and superzoom TZ-series. They'll also be launching a new FX35 -- their first Lumix with a 25mm wide-angle lens. More just as soon as Panny gets its house in order.
Panasonic's Lumix LS80: the most exciting digital camera ever
We know how difficult it will be not to get your shorts twisted over Panasonic's latest digital camera offering, the Lumix LS80, but please try. When a product is marked by such breathtaking features as 8.1-megapixel resolution, 4 x zoom, "MEGA O.I.S." image stabilization, ISO up to 1600, SDHC card support, and 16:9 recording modes, it's easy to get carried away -- though we suggest simple breathing exercises to keep your pulse in check. The new model is available in stylish black, pink, or silver, no word on price or release date, so just keep your heart medication nearby.
Hands-on with Panasonic / T-Mobile WiFi camera technology
Recall that elusive wireless Lumix that Panasonic was developing in conjunction with T-Mobile? Turns out, Panny's still mulling over what camera to put the WiFi technology into, but the demo camera seen at CES was a DMC-TZ3. If the on-site representative is to be believed, it'll first be seen in a point-and-shoot, but there's no definitive plans for it expand onto "a lot" of models. Hit up the gallery below if you're interested in seeing the technology in action -- from upload to Picasa viewing, it's all there. %Gallery-13141%
Panasonic, T-Mobile developing first wireless Lumix camera
Details are admittedly scant at the moment, but it appears that Panasonic and T-Mobile are collaborating on some front to develop the first ever wireless Lumix digital camera. If you couldn't guess, the cam will feature integrated access to T-Mobile HotSpot and will give owners the ability to beam images directly to Picasa Web Albums. The elusive Lumix -- which still sports no model number -- will apparently come bundled with a full year of complimentary HotSpot access, but we're told absolutely nothing else specs wise. On that note, we're not even given a clue as to when said camera will launch nor how much it'll run, but at least we've got something to keep an eye out for, right?
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 reviewed
Panasonic first took the wraps off its Lumix DMC-FX55 camera back in July, but reviews of it have been fairly slow in coming, with the folks PhotographyBLOG seemingly among the first to offer their take. On the whole, they seem to have been mightily impressed with the camera, and especially its better than usual 28mm wide-angle lens, quick focusing, and its "Intelligent Auto" mode, which they say provided "great results in most situations." They also found the overall image quality to be improved over previous generation Lumix models, with the camera's new image stabilization system a welcome addition. On the downside, the camera apparently proved to be less adept at higher ISO settings, with the ISO 800 and 1600 settings virtually useless due to noise. The seems to have been an acceptable compromise, however, as PhotographyBLOG goes as far as to call it a "fantastic" point-and-shoot camera, and giving it an impressive 4.5 out of 5 rating.
Panasonic intros Lumix DMC-L10 DSLR
Panasonic's still relatively new to the DSLR game, but it looks like it's intent on proving its worth, and it's now rolled out its second such camera: the Lumix DMC-10. This one clocks in at a hefty 10.1 megapixels, and boasts a swiveling 2.5-inch LCD, along with Panasonic's Venus Engine III image processor, a "Supersonic Wave Filter" dust reduction system, and some nifty features like face detection and "intelligent ISO control." You'll also get a LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-50mm / F3.8-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA OIS lens with the camera, which can of course be swapped out if you're looking to mix things up a bit. Look for this one to be available sometime this October with an MSRP of $1,300.%Gallery-6584%
