Panasonic just announced not one, but two new cameras. The Panasonic GX8 and FZ300, share the ability to record 4K (UltraHD) internally up to 30fps as well as a trio of 4K Photo still shooting modes for capturing continuous 8 MP stills at a 30 fps shooting rate. The GX8 features an interchangeable lens design, Max ISO 25,600, an updated Micro Four Thirds sensor, now at 20.3 Megapixels, as opposed to the 12.1 Megapixel 1/2.3″ High-Sensitivity MOS sensor paired up with the Venus Engine image processor on the fixed lens FZ300. Speaking of the fixed lens on the new FZ300, which shares a similar design to its FZ100 predecessor, the built-in Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens offers a truly expansive 24x, wide-angle to super telephoto range of perspectives with a 25-600mm equivalent focal length with a constant f/2.8 aperture, which is vital for a smaller sensor.
Panasonic GX8
Helping to achieve the utmost sharpness when photographing handheld, Dual I.S. combines the GX8’s sensor-shift image stabilisation technology with lens-based image stabilisation to compensate for a broader range of movement types to render sharper, clearer imagery. Dual I.S. requires the use of compatible Lumix lenses featuring O.I.S.
The FZ300 on the other hand features a 5-axis image stabilisation, which helps to compensate for camera shake when recording HD movies (not known at this point if it works in 4K), the 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ is an advanced image stabilisation system that minimises the appearance of blur when shooting one-handed video. It corrects for five types of camera shake that commonly affect more dynamic movement types that occur while moving when recording.
Also benefitting from the image stabilisation system, a Level Shot Function detects the horizon line within scenes and helps to keep it level even if the camera is tilted.
GX8 Hands-On Field Test by TheCameraStoreTV
Panasonic GX8 Camera Review from Wex UK
Panasonic Lumix GX8 4K sample footage
Panasonic GX8 Highlights
- 20.3 MP Digital Live MOS Sensor
- Venus Engine Image Processor
- Micro Four Thirds System
- Tilting 2.36m-Dot 0.77x OLED EVF
- 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
- 4K UHD Video Recording at 30/24 fps
- Full HD 1080/60p
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
- 10 fps Shooting with AF-S and ISO 25600
- DFD AF System, 4K Photo Modes
- In-Camera Image Stabilization, Dual I.S.
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC |
| Video Format | 4K MP4 3840 x 2160p / 30 fps (100 Mbps) 3840 x 2160p / 24 fps (100 Mbps) High Definition MP4 1920 x 1080p / 60 fps (28 Mbps) 1920 x 1080p / 30 fps (20 Mbps) High Definition MP4 1280 x 720p / 30 fps (10 Mbps) Standard Definition MP4 640 x 480p / 30 fps (4 Mbps) High Definition AVCHD 1920 x 1080p / 60 fps (28 Mbps) 1920 x 1080p / 30 fps (24 Mbps) 1920 x 1080p / 24 fps (24 Mbps) High Definition AVCHD 1920 x 1080i / 60 fps (17 Mbps) |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Video Clip Length | Up to 29 Min 59 Sec |
| Audio Recording | Built-in Mic: With Video, Stereo Optional External Mic: With Video, Stereo + Mono |
Panasonic DMC-FZ300 Highlights
- 12.1 MP 1/2.3″ MOS Sensor
- Venus Engine Image Processor
- Leica DC Vario-Elmarit f/2.8 Lens
- 25-600mm (35mm Equivalent)
- 1.44m-Dot 0.7x OLED EVF
- 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Free Angle Touchscreen
- 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
- Full HD 1080p/60p
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
- ISO 6400, 12 fps Shooting, 4K Photo Mode
- 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+, DFD AF System
Panasonic FZ300 Video Specs
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160p: 30 fps, 24 fps 1920 x 1080p: 60 fps, 30 fps 1280 x 720p: 120 fps, 30 fps 640 x 480p: 240 fps, 30 fps |
| Video | |
|---|---|
| Video Clip Length | Up to 29 Sec 59 Sec |
| Audio Recording | Built-in Mic: With Video, Stereo Optional External Mic: With Video |
The DMC-GX8 is priced at $1,200 at B&H, and the FZ300 superzoom is $600. The GX8 is expected to be available mid August, and the FZ300 a month later in September.
[via 43Rumors / Source: Panasonic]
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