Panasonic G5 mirrorless camera gets September 13th release date in Japan

Posted on 23/08/2012 by Jamie Rigg

We enjoyed our short time with Panasonic's new mirrorless G5 in our hands-on last month, even if it was a little on the porky side. And, if you hail from the Land of the Rising Sun and had your heart set on one of these 16-megapixel shooters, Panny's announced you'll get your chance from September 13th. We're getting dangerously close to missing the stateside launch target of August, but where the US website is showing the G5 as unreleased, availability on Amazon tells a different story. We're reaching out for confirmation on that -- as well as pricing -- and will update should we hear more.

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Panasonic G5 mirrorless camera gets September 13th release date in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget’s back to school guide 2012: digital cameras

Posted on 17/08/2012 by Zach Honig

Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! The end of summer vacation isn't nearly as much fun as the weeks that come before, but a chance to update your tech tools likely helps to ease the pain. Today, we've got our optical viewfinders set firmly on digital cameras -- and you can head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here!

Your smartphone can take pictures, you say? Well, sure it can, but try snapping away at a frat party -- you're likely to walk away with a blurry mess. Your Facebook friends and future employers deserve an accurate account of those glory days, and you'll need a proper snapper to get the job done. College is as good a time as any to learn responsibility, but don't expect to walk out of the experience with all your gear unscathed. To that end, freshmen should look long and hard at our point-and-shoot picks, which include models that you won't be afraid to toss around, or drop in the jungle juice. After that come the mirrorless ILCs, which should satisfy the more advanced photogs in the bunch, followed by our digital SLR picks, which, sadly, may be out of reach of all but photography majors and deep-pocketed private school types. Finally, you'll have yet another opportunity to enter our fantastic giveaway at the bottom of the page, just after the break.

Continue reading Engadget's back to school guide 2012: digital cameras

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Engadget's back to school guide 2012: digital cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kipon preps Canon EF lens adapters for Micro Four Thirds, NEX cameras with electronic control

Posted on 25/07/2012 by Jon Fingas

Adapters to fit Canon's EF lenses on Micro Four Thirds and NEX camera bodies most definitely aren't new. Without any electronic link, though, that Lumix GX1 or NEX-F3 owner has had to focus by hand, sometimes without any aperture control -- what year is it, 1930? Kipon wants to make sure you'll never have to stoop to that level again through a pair of new adapters that keep the electronic controls working. As always with these parts, there's likely to be catches: we don't know the prices and ship dates, for one, and lens conversion can still hurt the autofocus speed. Even so, anyone who's been hoarding (or simply envious of) Canon glass now doesn't have to eye an EOS-M just to get a mirrorless camera with the lens adapter they crave.

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Peripherals

Kipon preps Canon EF lens adapters for Micro Four Thirds, NEX cameras with electronic control originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 01:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IRL: Canon EOS 7D, Snapseed for iOS and Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-TS4 rugged camera

Posted on 20/07/2012 by Engadget staff

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

And we're back! Most of us Engadgeteers are freshly returned from a staff retreat to the countryside, and for whatever reason, we're in the mood to gab about cameras. This week, Steve explains his love for Canon's 7D, Darren makes a case for Snapseed and Dana takes Panasonic's rugged TS4 shooter into the Puerto Rican rain forest.

Continue reading IRL: Canon EOS 7D, Snapseed for iOS and Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TS4 rugged camera

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

IRL: Canon EOS 7D, Snapseed for iOS and Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TS4 rugged camera originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic’s Lumix lineup grows: DMC-G5 Micro Four Thirds, DMC-FZ200 superzoom and DMC-LX7 hands-on and sample shots

Posted on 18/07/2012 by Michael Gorman

It's been nearly half a year since Panasonic's Lumix series of cameras got any new members, but today the company is introducing three more shooters to the family. First up is the DMC-G5, the latest addition to the company's Micro Four Thirds lineup. It's the successor to the G3 and packs a 16-megapixel sensor capable of shooting 1080p videos at 60fps and stills in up to 6fps bursts at a max 12,800 ISO at full resolution. The G5's LVF has a proximity sensor to automatically switch between it and the camera's 920,000-dot capacitive screen depending on which one you're using to frame your shots. When the G5 goes on sale next month, you'll have your choice of black, silver and white models.

Gallery: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 hands-on

In addition to the G5, Panasonic's also introducing a new superzoom camera, the DMC-FZ200 and a high-end DMC-LX7 point-and-shoot. The FZ200 replaces the FZ150 and pairs a 12-megapixel sensor with a 25-600mm constant f/2.8 aperture Leica Elmarit lens with nano surface coating to reduce flare and ghosting. It has a 24x optical zoom and shoots 1080p video at up to 60fps along with stills in up to 12fps bursts, though its max ISO is only 6,400. Meanwhile, the LX7 has arrived sporting a 10-megapixel sensor and a 24-90mm, f/1.4-2.3 Leica Summilux lens with the same nano surface coating as the FZ200. Like its Lumix brethren, it shoots 1080p video at 60fps, and shares the same maximum 12,800 ISO as the G5. It'll be available in black and pearl white when it ships in August. We got to spend some time with all three, so join us after the break to learn a bit about what its like snapping pics with this trio of Panasonics.

Gallery: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 hands-on

Gallery: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 hands-on

Continue reading Panasonic's Lumix lineup grows: DMC-G5 Micro Four Thirds, DMC-FZ200 superzoom and DMC-LX7 hands-on and sample shots

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Panasonic's Lumix lineup grows: DMC-G5 Micro Four Thirds, DMC-FZ200 superzoom and DMC-LX7 hands-on and sample shots originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 01:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 and other models arriving soon? (Updated)

Posted on 17/07/2012 by Daniel Cooper

A story published and then pulled by The Telegraph has revealed a range of new Panasonic cameras, including the new Lumix DMC-G5. The snapper will reportedly roll up with a 3-inch screen, a 16-megapixel Venus Engine VII sensor and a smoother, more rounded body. It should shoot Full HD video, crank up to ISO of 12,800 and find its way to the market as an entry-level kit costing £599 ($937), topping out at £879 ($1,375).

If a flagship ILC isn't your thing, then you may be tempted by a bridge shooter, the DMC-FZ200, which comes with a rather powerful 25-600mm lens capable of maintaining a f/2.8 aperture at any focal length. The company will also be outing the DMC-LX7 compact camera that'll offer full manual control as well as "decent" low-light photography. Details are thin on the ground, but since the company's expected to make an official announcement tomorrow, we shouldn't have too long to wait.

Update: We've had an email in from a tipster who has found a picture of the FZ-200 and a snap of an otherwise unmentioned FZ-60, which we've included after the jump if you'd like to take a peek.

[Thanks, Alex]

Continue reading Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 and other models arriving soon? (Updated)

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 and other models arriving soon? (Updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 07:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leica boosts compact portfolio with V-Lux 40 point-and-shoot, APS-C-equipped X2

Posted on 10/05/2012 by Zach Honig

Leica has built a name for itself in the compact market over the years with a handful of Panasonic rebrands -- these Lumix models come equipped with a matte black housing, Leica lens and that famous red dot, with the inflated price tag to match. With this latest batch of cameras, the company appears to be taking a more respectable approach -- at least with its high-end X2. But first, let's tackle the V-Lux 40. On the Panasonic front, this camera looks strikingly similar to the Lumix DMC-ZS20 we saw emerge after CES. Both cameras include 14.1-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensors, a 20x, 24-480mm f/3.3-6.4 optical zoom lens and 1080p video capture. The housing has been modified slightly to include a recessed control panel, Panasonic branding has been removed and the Leica logo added. Such luxuries more than double the camera's price from $269 to $699. Ouch. You can pick up the V-Lux 40 beginning today, or you can grab two virtually identical ZS20s for the same amount, with significant cash to spare.

You may remember the Leica X1, but you probably don't. This $2,000 shooter was determined to be overpriced when it launched way back in 2009, and now the APS-C-equipped series has returned for a refresh. Dubbed the X2, this year's flavor ups the ante with a 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor (boosted from 12.2) while retaining that beloved $2k sticker price. The compact all-in-one includes a fixed 24mm Leica Elmarit f/2.8 ASPH lens, which the company validates as a "classical focal length for photojournalism," and a 2.7-inch 230k-pixel LCD on the rear. There's also an option to add a Viso-Flex 1.4MP viewfinder with a 90-degree swivel function, along with a shoe-mounted mirror finder. The $1,995 camera's price tag may be tough to swallow -- but only until you discover the gratis copy of Adobe Lightroom in the box. Both the ~~ZS20~~ V-Lux 40 and X2 are available now. Snap past the break for the pitch from Leica.

Gallery: Leica V-Lux 40

Gallery: Leica X2

Continue reading Leica boosts compact portfolio with V-Lux 40 point-and-shoot, APS-C-equipped X2

Leica boosts compact portfolio with V-Lux 40 point-and-shoot, APS-C-equipped X2 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 17:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic Lumix GF5 looks identical to its predecessor, offers similar specs for $100 more (hands-on)

Posted on 05/04/2012 by Zach Honig

It's been a bumpy ride for Panasonic's GF line of Micro Four Thirds cameras. The GF1, an excellent mirrorless camera for its time, was soon replaced with a less-capable entry level model, the GF2. Then another, the GF3. And now, it's time to say hello (again) to the GF5. For better or worse, the GF3 won't be going away -- it'll sit tight at its new $500 price point (with a 14-42mm kit lens), ready to confuse consumers looking to purchase its nearly identical, yet $100 pricier, pseudo-replacement. Both cameras come equipped with 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensors, though the newer model adds a "High Picture Quality" distinction -- it's been dubbed a 12.1-megapixel "High Picture Quality" Live MOS sensor. So, naturally, we're going to expect some pretty incredible images. Panasonic has also added an ISO 12,800 "extended" mode (the GF3 topped out at a native ISO 6400). There has been a jump in the video department, with 1080/30p MP4 recording joining the 720p mix. Burst mode capabilities have seen an increase as well, from 3.8 frames-per-second to... 4. Finally, it's slightly larger, due to a more substantial (and more comfortable) grip, though battery life has dropped from 340 shots to 320, likely due to a new processing technique aimed at further reducing noise in low-light captures.

The GF3 and GF5 look so similar that we mistakenly photographed the former for a minute or two, only realizing the error when we flipped on the LCD. The 5 has a much-improved touchscreen, with a 920k-dot resolution (460k dots on the GF3). It looks gorgeous by comparison, but amateurs making the switch from a point-and-shoot may not take notice. The features they'll appreciate most relate entirely to the GUI, and include a highlight window for selection options, 14 filters with a realtime preview option, a background image that appears on the main menu and a filter recommendation while in Intelligent Auto. This feature works by suggesting that you apply the Expressive or Toy Effect if you're taking a macro shot, for example. Other additions include a stereo microphone for video capture, though the left and right mics are positioned oddly near each other -- on either side of the word "MIC" on the top of the camera, with the right mic angled towards the left -- so we can't image that you'll be getting a true stereo effect. Like its predecessor, the GF5 is clearly designed with beginners in mind -- more advanced photogs should consider the GX1 -- but with a $599 sticker price (with 14-42mm lens), it's sure to be a hit.

Gallery: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 hands-on