Newark, NJ—Panasonic’s compact Lumix DMC-GX85 mirrorless, interchangeable-lens camera is targeted at enthusiasts looking for an alternative to larger DSLRs. Nearly half the size of most DSLRs, the GX85 employs a 16 megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor. The low-pass filter was excluded to boost fine detail resolving power by “nearly 10% over previous 16 megapixel sensors,” according to Panasonic.
The GX85 uses a new 5-axis dual IS (image stabilizer) system for more effective blur suppression. Combining an OIS (optical image stabilizer, 2-axis) with a BIS (body image stabilizer, 5-axis), the system is engineered to compensate for a larger range of movement than before. It was developed to allow users to create blur-free photos and video from wide to tele, even in low light.
The camera’s 16MP sensor works with a new Venus engine designed to achieve crisp, high-res images with high contrast and color reproduction. In addition, the GX85 adopts a new electromagnetic drive in the shutter unit to reduce the shock caused by the movement of shutter diaphragm, as well as minimize the shutter sound.
The GX85 uses a 49-point contrast AF system that features DFD (depth from defocus) technology to provide focusing speed and accuracy by exchanging the signal between the camera and the lens at a maximum 240 frames per sec. Specs state this results in 0.07-sec autofocusing speeds as well as burst shooting at 8 fps (AFS) or 6 fps (AFC) to capture fast-moving subjects. In custom multi-AF mode, users can select the blocks to focus out of the 49 in the focusing area. Other AF functions are face/eye-detection AF, pinpoint AF, one-shot AF, advanced low-light AF and starlight AF to shoot a star in the night sky.
Also notable is a 2,764K-dot live viewfinder (LVF) with 100% color reproduction. The 16:9 wide-screen LVF offers 1.39x/0.7x (35mm equivalent) magnification and 100% field of view. Complementing the LVF is a 3-inch, 1,040K-dot, touch-screen LCD monitor with a 100% of field. The LCD tilts up by 80º and down by 45º for high- or low-angle shooting.
Creative features include 22 filters and the L.monochrome mode in photo style for monochrome capture with gradation said to be comparable to black-and-white film. Focus bracket and aperture bracket are also additions to conventional exposure bracket and WB brackets, which allow users to choose the best shot later. And, Panasonic added its post focus function to permit users to select an in-focus area even after shooting. To get multiple shots with different focus points with a single shutter release, users can shoot in post focus mode and touch on the point where they want to set focus while playing back.
Key also is the GX8’s 4K (3,840×2,160) video recording capability at 30p or 24p. It also records Full HD 1,920×1,080 video at 60p with full-time AF. And photographers can use the 4K photo function to capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps by extracting frames from 4K video. Three modes are provided—4K burst, 4K burst (start/stop) and 4K pre-burst—all of which enable the saving of 8MP-equivalent photos. Plus, a new option in 4K photo mode is a light composition function that synthesizes images by choosing and saving a brighter pixel. This makes it possible to produce a more dramatic image of situations such as fireworks.
Other features include: 4K live cropping in video to yield stable panning or zooming while recording; a solid grip for stable holding even in one hand; a front/rear dual dial system; creative control in PASM mode; RAW in-camera processing; silent mode; time-lapse shot; and stop motion animation. Wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi with smartphones allow photographers to use the Panasonic Image app to shoot, browse and share images remotely.
Optional Lumix Accessories
Panasonic also announced the compact DMW-FL200L external flash (GN20). The DMW-FL200L provides 90º vertical bounce lighting and can be used as an LED light when video recording. It also features wireless shooting capability.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 will be available the end of May. It will retail for $799.99 in both silver and black versions with a 12–32mm kit lens. panasonic.com
