Panasonic is very busy this CES season, as they have launched three different cameras for enthusiasts, professionals and for someone who is looking for something compact. The cameras are the GH5, GF9 and the FZ80.
The GH5 is the company’s premier professional camera. At its core is the new 20.5 megapixel microFourThirds Live MOS sensor with no low pass filter. Along with the new Venus Engine imaging processor, the camera can capture UHD 4K video at 60p and 50p (8-bit 4:2:0), with a bit rate of 150Mbps and no cropping (it uses the full width of the sensor). DCI 4K (24p) and UHD/30p video also offer a 150Mbps bit rate with 10-bit 4:2:2 colour. It is encased in a rugged, weatherproof body with 5-axis image stabilization (with 'Dual IS 2' support), dual UHS-II SD card slots and a large electronic viewfinder. It also supports up to 9 fps bursts with continuous AF (12 fps with focus locked). For connectivity, the camera supports the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, as well as Bluetooth.
For enthusiasts, the FZ80 brings a long zoom lens as well as a larger sensor in a camera body that is barely bigger than last year. It has the same 60x, 20-1200mm F2.8-5.9 zoom lens but adds an 18MP sensor and updated processor, bringing the video spec up to 4K/30p (for clips of 15 minutes or less). Not only that, a high-speed video mode has also been added, with resolutions at 240 fps 640 x 480 and 120 fps 1280 x 720. Other features include 10 fps bursts (with focus locked), a 3" 1040k-dot touchscreen LCD, electronic viewfinder and, of course, Wi-Fi.
Lastly, for those who are looking for something small and compact, the new GF9 is perfect for you. It sports a 16MP Four Thirds sensor with no low-pass filter. It adds Panasonic's latest Venus Engine and Depth from Defocus autofocus system along with UHD 4K video and all of the things that come with it, such as 4K Photo mode. The 3-inch touchscreen LCD can flip upward by 180 degrees for easy selfie, and built-in WI-FI. Also for the first time, the GF9 will feature microSD as standard storage, rather than normal SD cards.
The cameras will be on sale starting from February, with the GH5 retailing at USD 1999 body only (~RM 8919), the FZ80 for USD 399 (~RM 1780) and the GF9 for USD 549 (~RM 2449) with the collapsible 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 lens. Stay tuned to TechNave for Malaysia availability.
COMMENTS