Panasonic Updates 3 Digital Camera Series

2016.09.19

Panasonic is showing three new digital cameras at Photokina 2016. Each is designed to deliver a substantial advancement among the most popular digital camera segments.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 boosts the popular LX-series of compact cameras with a 20 megapixels 1" CMOS sensor that is 4X larger than previous compact LX cameras. The sensor is paired with an ultra-bright 24-72mm F/1.4 - 2.8 lens with built-in stabilization. The LX10 also introduces 4K video to the series.

Like the LX7 which precedes it, the LX10 offers dual control-dials plus a direct aperture-ring. It offers full manual controls as one expects from a premium digital camera. The new 1" CMOS sensor in this camera lets it offer an expanded ISO 80 - 25600 sensitivity range. A hybrid shutter allows it to take images from 1/16000s to 60s, plus Bulb exposures up to 2 minutes.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 is scheduled to ship this November for $699 USD or $999 CDN. Amazon, Adorama and B&H Photo are ready to accept pre-orders using these links.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 is the second Panasonic bridge camera with a 1" sensor, now pushing the lens to an impressive 20X optical zoom with a 24-480mm F2.8-4.5 lens. The FZ2500 uses the same 20 megapixels 1" CMOS sensor as its predecessor which we reviewed here. This one is likely the same as in the LX10. It offers an ISO 80 - 25600 expanded sensitivity range.

The FZ2500 has a fast hybrid shutter which can shoot mechanically at 12 FPS or electronically at 50 FPS. Anything above 7 FPS at full-resolution loses Live-Preview and Continuous AF though. This camera is equipped with a deep buffer to capture 80 JPEG or 30 RAW files in a single burst of 20 MP. Panasonic's own 4K Photo mode allows it to capture 8 MP images at 30 FPS for up to 2 seconds.

Panasonic put a strong emphasis on video for their FZ2500. The camera can record 4K Ultra-HD video at 30 FPS or 1080p Full-HD at 60 FPS. To avoid changes in aperture during filming, this digital camera provides 2 ND filters, a 4X and a 16X one. They can be combined to provide 64X darkening too using a simple slider button on the side of the lens barrel. While the new lens extends when powered-on, its focus and zoom mechanism are internal to provide a better experience while capturing video.

This prosumer ultra-zoom offers a large 2.4 megapixels EVF with Eye-Start sensor and 0.74X magnification. There is a 3" rotating touchscreen LCD on the back with 1 megapixels. Both EVF and LCD naturally show 100% coverage. As an advanced model, the FZ2500 offers dual control-dials plus no less than 5 customizable function buttons.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 is scheduled to ship this Novemeber for $1199 USD or $2600 CDN. Amazon, Adorama and B&H Photo are accepting pre-orders. Click on the previous links to order yours.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 introduces a weatherproof enthusiast mirrorless digital camera with in-body 5-axis image-stabilization and a 2.4 megapixels 0.74X magnification EVF with Eye-Start sensor built-in. Along with dual control-dials and a high number of external controls, the G85 appears to be a compelling offering for advanced photographers looking for a light-weight yet capable interchangeable lens camera.

The G85 is built around a 16 megapixels Four-Thirds CMOS sensor without anti-alias filter. This allows it to maximize lens sharpness. It has a standard ISO 200-25600 sensitivity range which expands down to ISO 100 for longer exposures when needed. There is a hybrid shutter which captures images continuously at 9 FPS with shutter-speeds from 1/16000s to 60s and allows Bulb exposures up to 2 minutes. Unsurprisingly, this mirrorless can record 4K Ultra-HD video at 30 FPS or full 1080p HD video at 60 FPS.

The design of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 appears highly ergonomic and pleasant to look at. Its dual control-dials are comfortably accessible and there is a classic Exposure Mode dial and Drive Mode one. The back of this camera shows its exceptionally large EVF plus a 3" rotating touchscreen LCD with 1 megapixels.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 is expected to ship next month for $899 USD or $1199 CDN. Get ahead of the wait by pre-ordering this handsome mirrorless camera at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo.

• Digital Camera
• Photokina