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Panasonic Announces 20-Mp 4K GX8      

16 July 2015

Panasonic has announced its mirrorless GX8 with a 20-megapixel sensor capable of 4K video housed in a splash/dust-proof magnesium alloy design that's a bit bigger and heavier than its predecessor. Its 2,360K-dot tiltable EVF is complemented by a 1,040K-dot, articulated, 3.0-inch OLED touch screen.

Physical improvements over its predecessor include a larger grip and redesigned top panel controls in the new magnesium alloy body. While there's no longer a built-in flash, the GX8 can sync as fast as 1/125 second using external flash connected via the hot shoe.

The new sensor can capture 4K video at 30 fps, uses DFD autofocus technology and a starlight mode.

The GX8 is also the first G series Panasonic to incorporate image stabilization and can coordinate its in-body stabilization with any lens stabilization available.

The company also said it is developing what it calls Post Focus technology to let you focus on a specific part of a photo after capture. Post Focus will be available on the GX8 via a firmaware update in late 2015 or 2016.

Thom Hogan has a brief look at the GX8 and Kirk Tuck finds it compelling with one exception, "no port for headphones."

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the GX8 include:

• Worry-Free Body Design. The magnesium alloy frame ruggedizes the splash-proof and dust-proof body.
• Dual Image Stabilization. Both body and lens image stabilization can work at the same time "to take advantage of both stabilizers not only in wide-angle shooting but also in telephoto."
• Image Quality. The 20.3-Mp sensor delivers more resolution with a 1/3-stop wider dynamic range than the GX7.
• 4K Video and 4K Photo. Using 4K video in 3840 x 2160 at 30p or 24p in MP4 unlimited options, you can simultaneously capture stills at 30 fps in 8-Mp equivalent resolution by grabbing a frame out of the 4K burst file.
• Viewfinder, Monitor. The tiltable 2,360K-dot OLED live viewfinder offers a 100 percent field of view while the 3.0-inch 1,040K-dot OLED touch screen rotates 180 degrees and tilts up 250 degrees.
• Autofocus. Depth From Defocus technology "calculates the distance to the subject by evaluating two images with different sharpness levels while consulting the data of optical characteristics of the current lens" to achieve ultra-high speed autofocus of 0.07 second.

For a complete list of features, see the news release below.

SPECIFICATIONS

Main specifications for the GX8 follow:

PANASONIC GX8 MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
Format	Micro Four Thirds with 2x crop factor
Sensor	21.770Mp Live MOS sensor Supersonic wave filter dust reduction
Aspect Ratios	4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1
Video	4K (30/24 fps), Full HD (60/30 fps), HD, VGA
Connectivity	WiFi, NFC, QR code connection UBS 2.0 High Speed microHDMI Type D/Viera Link monaural audio output, 2.5mm microphone input
Viewfinder	2,360K-dot OLED tiltable live finder
Monitor	1,040K-dot OLED articulated touch screen
Autofocus	Contrast AF system with DFD technology Face/Eye Detection, Tracking, 49-Area, Custom Multi, 1-Area, Pinpoint modes Starlight AF
Metering	1728-zone multi-pattern sensing system Multiple, Center Weighted, Spot modes
ISO	Auto, Intelligent ISO, 100 (Extended), 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12,800, 25,600 Up to 6400 in motion picture recording
Shutter	Focal-plane shutter Bulb (30-min. max), 1/8,000 to 60 seconds stills 1/16,00 to 1/25 second motion picture
Flash	Hot shoe for external flash Max. 1/250 second shutter speed sync
Power	Li-ion battery pack (7.2V, 1,200mAh) Yields about 330 images per full charge using rear monitor
Dimensions	5.24 x 3.07 x 2.48 inches
Weight	1.07 lb. with SD card, battery (no lens)

PRICE, AVAILABILITY

The LUMIX GX8 will available in a body-only option at Panasonic.com and photo retailers mid-August for $1199.99 in two versions, all black or silver top with a black bottom. Adorama is now accepting pre-orders.

For more information see the news release below.

The Ultimate Flagship of DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) Cameras; New 20.3-Megapixel LUMIX DMC-GX8 with Dual I.S. (Image Stabilizer)

Featuring Unprecedented Picture Quality and 4 K Video/Photo Capabilities

NEWARK, N.J. -- Panasonic is proud to introduce the new DMC-GX8 (GX8) Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera featuring a host of advanced functions packed in a splash/dust-proof rugged design. The LUMIX GX8 will be available at panasonic.com and photo retailers.

The DMC-GX8 integrates Dual I.S. (Image Stabilizer)1 for the first time in the LUMIX G series to gain powerful vibration correction. The Body I.S. and Lens I.S. can be switched in the LUMIX GX7 but both Body I.S. and Lens I.S. work at the same time to take maximum advantage of both stabilizers not only in wide-angle but also with telephoto. Almost any type of vibration can be effectively suppressed with this innovative image stabilization system featuring max.3.5x (wide)/1.5x (tele)2 wider correction angle. As a result, you can get a clear handheld shots in low-lit situations.

The new 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor excels both in response, sensitivity and dynamic range. The Venus Engine image processor dramatically boosts its performance with a quad-core CPU that performs high speed signal processing. Integrating superior noise reduction systems, the LUMIX GX8 enables shooting at max. ISO of 25,600. Sensitivity, gradation performance, resolution and color reproduction are dramatically improved to achieve even higher picture quality. It is also capable of high speed burst shooting at 8 fps/6 fps helping users not to miss critical photo opportunities.

4K is the advanced definition of video imagery that boasts stunning detail. The LUMIX GX8 is capable of recording smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K video in 3840x2160 at 30p(60Hz) or 24p in MP4. Taking advantage of 4K video recording performance, users can capture the photo opportunities at 30 fps in 8-Mp equivalent resolution to save it as a 4K Photo. It is easy to get 4K photos with three 4K Photo modes; 4K Burst Shooting, 4K Burst S/S (Start/Stop) and 4K Pre-burst.

The LUMIX GX8 has a large, tilt-able LVF that boasts the highest ever magnification ratio of approx. 1.54x/0.77x (35mm camera equiv.) in the LUMIX G family of digital cameras. It also features 2,360K-dot high resolution and 100 percent field of view. High-precision, high-speed dual OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays are adopted for both LVF and rear monitor, achieving high speed response with minimum time lag of less than 0.01 sec as well as 10,000:1 high contrast. The free-angle 3.0-inch 1,040K-dot rear monitor supports comfortable shooting even at a vertical angle. For quick, intuitive operation, a range of functions are allocated to the dials and buttons in the most suitable way.

The Contrast AF System features DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology and excels in both speed and accuracy by exchanging the digital signal between the camera and the lens at max. 240 fps, resulting in ultra-fast autofocus of approx. 0.07 sec. A variety of extensive AF functions including Face/Eye Detection AF, Pinpoint AF, One-shot AF and advanced Low Light AF enhance usability for a variety of shooting situations.

Thanks to the connectivity of WiFi with NFC (Near Field Communication), users can connect the camera to their smartphone and/or tablet to expand the flexibility in shooting/storing/sharing images.

Last but not least, the LUMIX GX8 has a highly durable, rugged design of a magnesium alloy die cast frame and sleek, sophisticated exterior with a grip and finely machined dials. The LUMIX GX8 includes the best possible technologies that will allow both the advanced amateur and the professional shooter to capture their subject perfectly every time.

The Dual Image Stabilizer

The LUMIX GX8 integrates Dual I.S. (Image Stabilizer)3 for the first time in LUMIX G series allowing for more powerful vibration correction. Conventional image stabilization in the camera (Body I.S.) and the interchangeable lens (Lens I.S.) can be switched. However, with the new Dual I.S., both Body I.S. and Lens I.S. work at the same time to take advantage of both stabilizers not only in wide-angle shooting but also in telephoto. With max.3.5x (wide)/1.5x (tele)4 wider correction angle, you can get clear handheld images even in low-lit situations where the shutter speed tends to be slower. Panasonic LUMIX G DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) Cameras offer a wide variety of digital interchangeable lenses and most of them are able to conform with Dual I.S.

For video recording, 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ (Optical Image Stabilizer Plus)5 which has been available in Panasonic's professional video camera development, corrects complex movement for more stable imagery.

Unprecedentedly High Picture Quality in the History of LUMIX Cameras

The LUMIX GX8 integrates the newly developed Digital Live MOS Sensor that helps achieve the highest image quality of LUMIX G digital cameras. By increasing the resolution from 16.0-Mp (GX7) to 20.3-Mp, higher descriptiveness is achieved and the faster digital signal readout enables higher speed burst shooting. Moreover the LUMIX GX8 features 1/3 stop wider dynamic range than the LUMIX GX7 which suppresses washout even in high contrast situations. The combination of the Digital Live MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine achieves clear image rendering with minimum noise even in low-lit situations and stunning picture quality in a natural way.

The Venus Engine image processor with quad-core CPU enables high speed signal processing. Optimizing the combination design of the sensor, the imaging engine and the low-pass filter enhances the resolution by approx. 15 percent in comparison with the LUMIX GX7. The aperture filter is capable of controlling a wider frequency range. It adjusts the amount of sharpness according to the frequency level, resulting in faithful stereoscopic effect. The advanced Multi-process NR (Noise Reduction) applies effective noise reduction and detail processing according to each component frequency. Plus, the newly added Random Filter granulates chromatic noise to be blended into the image more naturally. As a result, the max. ISO 25,600 is achieved. The Venus Engine also improves color reproduction with accurate evaluation of each color even if it is similar not only in color phase but also in saturation and luminosity. In addition, the Venus Engine in the GX8 excels in diffraction compensation to make the resulting image crisp and clear even when photographed with a small aperture.

4K Capability Bringing the Evolution in Videography/Photography -- 4K Video and 4K Photo

All LUMIX G cameras, especially the LUMIX GH4, are renowned for their capability of high quality video recording. The LUMIX GX8 records stunningly smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K video in 3840x2160 at 30p (60Hz) or 24p in MP4 unlimited in addition to the full-HD 1920x1080 60p (60 Hz) videos in AVCHD Progressive or MP4 (MPEG-4/H.264) format with practical full-time AF.

Taking advantage of 4K video recording performance, users can enjoy "4K Photo" with the LUMIX GX8. With 4K Photo, users can capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps in 8-Mp equivalent resolution by grabbing a frame out of the 4K burst file to save as a photo. Three exclusive functions are integrated to make the 4K photography even easier; 4K Burst Shooting, 4K Burst S/S (Start/Stop) and 4K Pre-burst. The 4K Burst Shooting allows almost unlimited shooting at 30 fps, which can be used just like regular photo burst shooting. The 4K Burst S/S (Start/Stop) mode starts consecutive shooting with a single press of a shutter button and stops it with the second press, which is more suitable for the shooting opportunities that require a longer waiting time. The 4K Pre-burst automatically records a total of 60 images right before/after the shutter release.

All these functions in 4K Photo allow users to save images in 8-Mp equivalent high resolution; 3840x2160 (16:9), 3328x2496 (4:3), 3504x2336 (3:2), 2880x2880 (1:1) without missing the shot. Notably photos shot with 4K Photo mode have Exif information and can be handled just as the images shot normally.

• MP4 Motion pictures with their file size set to [FHD], [HD] or [VGA]: Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 29 minutes and 59 seconds or the file size exceeds 4-GB. Since the file size becomes larger with [FHD], recording with [FHD] will stop before 29 minutes 59 seconds.
• MP4 Motion pictures with their file size set to [4K]: Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 29 minutes and 59 seconds. You can continue recording without interruption even if the file exceeds 4-GB, but the motion picture will be recorded/played back separately.

Stunning Mobility Supported by Mechanical Advancements

The LUMIX GX8 boasts a large, tiltable LVF that boasts highest ever magnification ratio of approx. 1.54x/0.77x (35mm camera equiv.) in the history of LUMIX G digital cameras. It also features 2,360K-dot high resolution and 100 percent field of view. High-precision, high-speed dual OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays for LVF (Live Viewfinder) and rear monitor. It also features an eye point of approximately 21mm, offering high visibility and comfort for users wearing glasses. The tiltable LVF offers extraordinary angle of view with unique shooting style -- looking down into the viewfinder to level the camera straight on the subject. Thanks to the newly designed large eyecup, the visibility of LVF is dramatically improved. Adoption of OLED for the LVF and rear monitor achieves high speed response with a minimum time lag of less than 0.01 sec as well as 10,000:1 high contrast which allows users to check white washout or black shadows more precisely.

Adopting a static-type touch control system, the free-angle 3.0-inch rear monitor with 1040K-dot high resolution features approx. 100 percent field of view. It rotates approx. 180-degree and tilts up by approx. 250-degree, making it easy to shoot from a high or low angle even in vertical composition.

To be tough enough to withstand even heavy field use, the LUMIX GX8 adopted a rugged design with the main structure composed of magnesium alloy full die cast front/rear frame. It also features splash/dustproof construction thanks to the sealing on every joint, dial and button.

To further enhance the controllability, the LUMIX GX8 comes with an exposure compensation dial in addition to the front/rear dials, which lets users set -5EV to +5EV. Users can change settings such as aperture and shutter speed with the front/rear dials and can also customize the assignment of functions even on Fn buttons. Furthermore, it is also possible to make a temporary shift of dial functions with Dial Operation Switch. For example, users can adjust white balance with a front dial and set ISO with a rear dial while choosing the shutter speed or seeing the noise effect, which is helpful in the complex lighting situations. Either AFS/AFC/MF can be switched with the dedicated focus lever.

The Top Level of AF Performance among Conventional dSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras

The Contrast AF in the LUMIX GX8 achieves higher speed and precision focusing with digital signal communication at max. 240 fps. Furthermore, the DFD (Depth Defocus) technology calculates the distance to the subject by evaluating two achieves ultra-high speed AF of approx. 0.07 sec. images with different sharpness level while consulting the data of optical characteristics of the current lens. As a result, the LUMIX GX8 achieves ultra-high speed AF of approx. 0.07 sec. This improvement will be noticed more as focal length increases. The speed of burst shooting is dramatically faster than the predecessor LUMIX GX7, boasting high speed burst shooting at 8 fps/6 fps to capture fast moving subject perfectly in-focus. The Low Light AF makes it possible to set focus on the subject more precisely even without AF assist lamp in extremely low-lit situations to -4EV, which is as dark as a moonlit night. Plus, the LUMIX GX8 integrates Starlight AF which allows users to shoot a star in the sky at night with autofocus. This can be achieved with accurate calculation of contrast values in a smaller AF zone. The focus detect area is increased from 23 (LUMIX GX7) to 49 points for more flexible composition and together with Custom Multi AF mode users can freely select the blocks to focus out of the 49 in the focusing area. In addition to conventional Face Recognition AF, the LUMIX GX8 newly incorporates Face/Eye Detection AF which automatically sets focus right on the eye of human face. With the Pinpoint AF, users can even magnify the target area to set precise focus. With the new algorithm of AF Tracking, not only the color but also the size and motion vector of the target are recognized, enabling the camera to lock on the subject even more securely. The result is the AF tracking performance of approx. 200 percent or greater which refrains the camera from losing the subject8.

Other Features

• Max.1/8000 Sec High Shutter Speed (Mechanical Shutter): The LUMIX GX8 offers highest mechanical shutter speed at max. 1/8000 sec not only to capture spur-of-the-moment action and fast moving subjects but also to allow users to use high-speed lens with an open aperture in outdoors to give impressive defocus.
• Max.1/16,000 sec High Shutter Speed (Electronic Shutter): The LUMIX GX8 offers highest electronic shutter speed at max. 1/16,000 sec (electronic) not only to capture spur-of-the-moment activity and fast moving subjects but also to use high-speed lens with open aperture even in the outdoors, to give impressive defocus.
• Easy Wireless Connectivity via WiFi with Smartphones ADVANCED: The LUMIX GX8 integrates WiFi connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to offer a more flexible shooting experience and easy instant image sharing. Once the camera and smartphone/tablet are connected by installing Panasonic's dedicated application software Panasonic Image App for iOS/Android, users can shoot, browse and share images remotely.
• Raw data development in Camera: The LUMIX GX8 is capable of processing the Raw image in camera. In addition to the color space setting (sRGB/AdobeRGB), the parameter of white balance, exposure compensation, contrast, highlight/shadow, saturation, noise reduction or sharpness can be flexibly adjusted while LUMIX's Photo Style, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Resolution can also be applied.
• Creative Control in P/A/S/M Mode: The LUMIX GX8 integrates a variety of artistic functions that adds fun to digital photography. The popular Creative Control mode features a total of 22 filter options. Effect parameter of each mode is also adjustable. Now it is possible to apply one of these filters even in P/A/S/M mode. Users can combine favorable settings and filter to make very creative images. Also, LUMIX GX8 is capable of taking pictures "with" and "without" filter effect simultaneously, so that users can compare them to choose later.
• Creative Panorama (ultra wide) ADVANCED: The Panorama Shot function allows shooting horizontal/vertical ultra-wide panoramic image by shooting sequential pictures easily. Combining with the Creative Control, users can get a dynamic, artistic image.
• Optional Accessories: The LUMIX GX8 offers a variety of optional accessories to expand the shooting experience. The Eye Cup DMW-EC3 is available making it even more comfortable to see the LVF. The External Flash DMW-FL360L (GN36), DMW-FL580L(GN58) are sold separately which can also be used as LED light in video recording. The external flash can be synchronized with max.1/250 second shutter speed.
• Focus Peaking
• Silent Mode
• Time Lapse Shot/Stop Motion Animation

The LUMIX GX8 will available at Panasonic.com and photo retailers mid-August in two versions: all black and silver top with a black bottom. The price will be $1199.99 and will be body only.

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