Overview of Panasonic Lumix system cameras

The main competitive advantages of this model are support for 4K video recording with “cinematographic” frame rate of 24 fps and Full HD with 200 Mbit/s bitrate, ability to output 10-bit picture with 4:2:2 color sampling to external recording devices, availability using optional handgrip of specialized connectors for professional peripherals and a whole range of options that make it easy to adjust camera settings when recording video, easy to control and adjust audio, as well as further editing of footage.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

16.1 Megapixel 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 3″ 79 990 Dollars.

“The Lumix DMC-GH4 System Camera is designed to win the hearts of videographers, not just photographers. And, because of the range of functions and specifics – in a professional environment. And in this it succeeds.

The main competitive advantages of this model are the support of 4K video recording with “cinematographic” frequency of 24 fps and Full HD with 200 Mbit/s bitrate, ability to display 10 bit image with 4:2:2 color sample on the external recorders, availability using the optional handle of special connectors for professional peripherals and the whole set of options, which simplify the setting of camera while recording video, audio control and regulation as well as the further editing of the footage.

Wrapped in a rugged magnesium casing, the camera is small enough for its intended purpose, despite its pseudo-slide-over format. The DMC-GH4 retains its lead on a number of parameters, even after the arrival of the full-frame Sony A7S. In particular, the “side effect” of the powerful computing electronics was the impressive growth of the continuous shooting speed up to 12 fps in RAW format with 40 frames per burst. Naturally, in this case we will need a very productive, and therefore expensive memory card UHC-I third class. An enhanced sharpness-by-contrast detection system boosts the shutter speed to 7.5 fps in focus tracking mode and shortens the time between releasing the shutter without any loss of point accuracy.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6

16,1 mP 14-140 mm F4-5.8 3″ 25 700 Dollars.

The DMC-G6 has long lacked a successor. GH-series cameras are too deep into video recording, and it is not rational to offer them to photographers. DMC-G6, in its turn, on the set of parameters doesn’t reach the level of serious models for experienced amateurs and professionals. Compared to its competitors, it’s only impressive because of its price, which is actually on par with the entry-level models. Here’s where the fun part comes in.

Abstracting from the original positioning, DMC-G6 turns out to be quite a desirable acquisition for an amateur. It’s no match for the speed of today’s older mirrorless cameras. But recording 7 fps with locked focus and 5 fps with tracking in this price segment few can offer. There’s no current hybrid autofocus, but the proprietary contrast sharpening system does the job quite well.

The pseudo-mirror format is a win-win for those who put operability at the top of their list of camera requirements. There are less buttons, switches and levers on the body here than GH4, but it practically doesn’t affect comfort of control and speed of access to main shooting functions. The photographic toolkit of the model is extensive. Many scene modes, photo editing tools and filters are a bonus, making it a great way to influence images in high demand by amateurs.

Capacitive touch screen swivel display demonstrates the high resolution even by today’s standards. Electronic viewfinder is noticeably more modest in size and clarity than the older model.

Video mode options in G6, truncated in comparison to the videographic model, will be more than enough for the majority of amateurs. Full HD movies at 60 fps with progressive scan can be shot using PASM exposure control modes and adjusting the most important recording parameters. Again in this price segment, this is almost unique.

Specifications:

	Manufacturer	Panasonic
Model	Lumix DMC-G6
Average price*	860
Sensor	Type	Live MOS
Size, mm	17,3×13,0
Effective pixels, millions	16,1
Lens, focus	Bayonet compatible optics	Micro Four Thirds
Digital zoom, magnification	–
Image stabilization***	–
Manual	+
Photo Shooting	ISO sensitivity**	160-12800 25600
Shutter speed range, sec	60-1/4000
Scene programs	23
Mode A	+
S Mode	+
M Mode	+
Manual white balance	+
Leading number of built-in flash, m	8,3
Connecting an external flash	Hot-shoe
3:2 image format	+
16:9 aspect ratio	+
RAW	+
Speed of shooting frames per burst	7 fps 9 RAW
Video and audio	Video, pixels	1920×1080@60p
Sound of video	+
Sound Commentary	–
Voice recorder	–
Camera	LCD monitor, inches	3,0
LCD monitor resolution, thousand pixels	1036
Viewfinder****	je
Memory cards	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Power*****	Li-ion 340
Dimensions, mm	123x85x71
Weight, g	340
Date of Announcement	24.04.2013

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

16.1 Megapixel 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 3″ 39,900 Dollars.

DMC-GX7, released on the market before the appearance of GM series cameras, was a kind of testing ground for Panasonic designers to find and refine solutions to create a line of cameras with spectacular appearance. The body of the device is executed from a magnesian alloy that gives it not only reliability but also solidity. Truth be told, the camera feels kind of heavy for its relatively small size. The price is high because of the quality of the workmanship, the choice of materials, and the unconventional design, rather than because of the functions and features.

Original design is built-in electronic viewfinder that swivels upwards through 90 degrees. This greatly expands the number of available angles in which you can compose your shot while looking through the eyepiece. In practice, however, it’s more convenient to use touch screen with tilt-adjustment mechanism. It is big and clear, and in the bright sun there are no problems with its readability.

It is Panasonic’s first “system” camera to use the sensor shifting stabilization system. It works, as the manufacturer assures, with any optics and is more effective at shooting video due to the greater amplitude of oscillation. When installing optics with built-in vibration suppression system, the user has the right to choose which mechanism to prefer. The small sensor format and short focal length make the micro 4/3 system highly compatible with older lenses of various systems of course, with the use of adapters , so for lovers of retro-optics the presence of a universal system of vibration suppression will be especially useful.

Of course, apart from the impressive design the device offers a good set of functions. From predecessors and fellow GX7s, it has a short shutter speed of 1/8000s which, among other things, makes it possible to use larger apertures in bright sunlight to achieve a small focal length. The camera has a function of highlighting contrasting borders in the image – focus-picking. It is an excellent aid for manual focusing. In addition, the GX7 can offer a tool for adjusting the tone curve when shooting in JPEG.

Specifications:

	Manufacturer	Panasonic
Model	Lumix DMC-GX7
Average price*	new
Matrix	Type	Live MOS
Size, mm	17,3×13,0
Effective pixels, millions	16,1
Lens, focus	Bayonet compatible optics	Micro Four Thirds
Digital zoom, magnification	4x
Image stabilization***	M
Manual	+
Photo Shooting	ISO** ISO sensitivity	125-3200 25600
Shutter speed range, sec	120-1/8000
Scene programs	23
Mode A	+
S-mode	+
M Mode	+
Manual white balance	+
Drive number of the built-in flash, m	6,3
External flash connection	–
3:2 image format	+
16:9 aspect ratio	+
RAW	+
Shooting speed frames per burst	5 fps 7 RAW
Video and sound	Video, pixels	1920×1080@60p
Video sound	+
Sound Commentary	–
Recorder	–
Camera	LCD monitor, inches	3,0
LCD monitor resolution, thousand pixels	1040
Viewfinder****	je
Memory cards	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Power*****	Li-ion 350
Dimensions, mm	123x71x55
Weight, g	402
Announcement Date	01.08.2013

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1

16,1 mP 12-32 mm F3.5-5.6 3″ 28 000 Dollars.

The first representative of Lumix GM series reminded everybody about the main advantage of system cameras – compactness, which for some reason was forgotten by many producers recently. The little GM1 with a 12-32 mm “kit” zoom fits easily into a jacket or jacket pocket, and with one of the Lumix G 14 or 20 mm twin lenses even into a pants pocket. The camera beats even smaller competitors in size and weight. At the same time it has a lot of other great advantages besides the miniaturization.

In the slim magnesium body with thickness of only 3 cm the constructors managed to contain a 16-megapixel sensor of 4/3 format, a new design mechanical shutter, the micro 4/3 mount, a 3-inch touch screen with resolution of more than a million points and even a pop-out flash. For “hot shoe” there was no place, but on the top panel there is a wheel for selecting modes, a function key and a lever for selecting focus modes. The GM1 almost exactly matches the GX7 in its array of photographic modes and functions. The smallest member of the Lumix family has also acquired a small set of new features thanks to a series of software and electronic improvements. The camera itself knows how to assemble cartoons from several separate photos, can record time-lapse video – a set of frames taken at a long interval and played back at normal speed. The wide set of program filters and effects will enrich amateur photographer’s creative leisure.

Interesting shutter used in the camera. It uses a miniature stepping motor directly connected to the shutter mechanism. It can handle shutter speeds up to 1/500 s. Shorter exposure times, up to 1/16,000 s, are achieved by an electronic shutter. The maximum speed in continuous mode increases from 7 fps to 40 fps. Autofocus is fixed in this case.

The only significant drawback is the low battery capacity of 650 mAh. Its charge, according to the manufacturer’s claims, should be enough to shoot 230 frames, but, obviously, engaging one of the complex video recording modes, say, time-laps, will quickly drain the battery.

Specifications:

	Manufacturer	Panasonic
Model	Lumix DMC-GM1
Average price*	new
Sensor	Type	Live MOS
Size, mm	17,3×13,0
Effective pixels, millions	12,1
Lens, focusing	Bayonet compatible optics	Micro Four Thirds
Digital zoom, multiplicity	4x
Image stabilization***	–
Manual	+
Shooting	ISO sensitivity**	160-6400 12800
Shutter speed range, sec	60-1/16000
Scene programs	23
A-mode	+
S Mode	+
M mode	+
Manual white balance	+
Guide number of built-in flash, m	4
External Flash Connection	–
Aspect ratio 3:2	+
16:9 aspect ratio	+
RAW	+
Shooting Speed frames per burst	5 fps 7 RAW
Video and sound	Video, pixels	1920×1080@30p
Video sound	+
Audio Comments	–
Recorder	–
Camera	LCD monitor, inches	3,0
LCD monitor resolution, thousands of pixels	1036
Viewfinder****	–
Memory cards	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Power*****	Li-ion 230
Dimensions, mm	99x55x30
Weight, g	173
Date of announcement	17.10.2013

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5

16.1 megapixel 12-32 mm F3.5-5.6 3″ NEW

Based on the GM1, Panasonic decided to develop a separate series of miniature mirrorless cameras with its basic and top models. Thus, novelty DMC-GM5 doesn’t replace the predecessor, and only supplements the line, becoming some flagman of supercompact “system” devices Lumix. This has an impact on functionality and, of course, on price.

The device is a bit bigger than DMC-GM1 which is first of all due to the built-in electronic viewfinder that Panasonic developers like so much these days. It has its own advantages: great removal of exit pupil, proximity sensor with focus activation function, 100% reproduction of Adobe RGB space, adjustment of brightness, saturation and contrast. At the same time, the viewfinder is not large, nor is it among the leaders in terms of resolution of the built-in LCD monitor.

Developers cleverly used the forced increase in the area of the body, which should have a positive impact on usability. A new space above the screen introduces a click wheel for selecting shooting parameters and two customizable function keys. The ledge on the top panel accommodates a hot shoe for external flashes. This is especially true when you consider that the built-in flip-out blitz has been superseded by the electronic viewfinder. The DW-FL70 miniature flash with a guide number 7 at 100 ISO , which comes with the DMC-GM5, should handle scene highlighting at first, until the user gets a more serious and functional blitz.

The electronic stuffing for the most part remained the same, but it was taught new tricks. Sensor readout speed doubled, improving the response of the hybrid autofocus. The continuous shooting speed is increased by a whole frame per second. The processor now has time to perform a fairly complex image processing in real time: two dozen special creative effects can be applied not only when shooting normal photos, but also in creating panoramic images and even when recording video. The quality of Full HD recording has been improved by increasing the scanning method from interlaced to progressive at 60 frames per second.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6

16.1 Megapixel 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 3″ 18 900 Dollars.

Panasonic GF6 is best for getting to know the micro 4/3 system. Olympus has not updated its entry-level mirrorless cameras for far too long, and it seems that nothing will change in this area in the foreseeable future. The current PEN series junior models are getting bigger, more serious in terms of equipment and more expensive in terms of execution.

GF6 in its turn is optimal budget solution with optimal ratio. It doesn’t deliberately cut functionality, significantly reduce design cost or use outdated components. Yes, the camera, which was placed on the market in the middle of last year, of course, is not different actuality of hardware and technology, but it fully meets the requirements of its audience.

The camera’s interface is well adapted for beginners and people who have never held a camera more complex than an automatic “point-and-shoot” before. The combination of a 16 megapixel sensor and the Venus Engine processor provides a decent level of detail, good color reproduction and quite effective noise reduction. The screen here has a responsive touch panel and displays a high-definition picture. The camera is equipped with a tilt mechanism for easy framing when taking pictures from difficult angles. One of the favorite amateur genres – self-portrait, so the developers have taken care of the possibility of turning the display 180 ° upwards, so that the photographer could see himself on it. Of course, you can also integrate a Wi-Fi interface so that self-portraits and other photos and videos can be immediately published on the web. Easy connection setup solved by using NFC technology.

The camera has a built-in flash no hot shoe though . Superfluous controls removed from the body, but added a zoom lever: the camera comes with a compact zoom lens with motorized zoom lever. The camera itself is made in a plastic casing with metal inserts. The camera is noticeably heavier than the much more expensive and almost all-metal DMC-GM5, but it’s not much bigger in size.

Specifications:

	Manufacturer:	Panasonic
Model	Lumix DMC-GF6
Average price*	650
Sensor	Type	Live MOS
Size, mm	17,3×13,0
Effective pixels, millions	16,0
Lens, focus	Bayonet compatible optics	Micro Four Thirds
Digital zoom, magnification	–
Image stabilization***	–
Manual	+
Photography	ISO sensitivity**	160-12800 25600
Shutter speed range, sec	60-1/4000
Scene programs	23
A mode	+
S mode	+
M mode	+
Manual white balance	+
Leading number of built-in flash, m	5,0
Connecting an external flash	–
3:2 image format	+
16:9 aspect ratio	+
RAW	+
Capture speed frames per burst	4.2 fps 7 RAW
Video and sound	Video, pixels	1920×1080@60p
Video sound	+
Audio commentary	–
Voice recorder	–
Camera	LCD monitor, inches	3,0
LCD resolution, thousand pixels	1040
Viewfinder****	–
Memory cards	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Power*****	Li-ion 330
Dimensions, mm	111x65x38
Weight, g	323
Date of announcement	09.04.2013