Newark, NJ—Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GX7 mirrorless compact system camera, aimed at serious enthusiasts, features a magnesium alloy die-cast frame in black and silver and an integrated 90º tiltable LVF (live viewfinder).
Panasonic developed a new 16 megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor for the DMC-GX7 that’s engineered to achieve high resolution and high sensitivity image recording with minimum noise. The sensor utilizes Semiconductor Fine technology to improve color saturation by 10% and a redesigned on-chip lens to enhance light condensation to achieve 10% higher sensitivity. Noise generation is said to be minimized in the pixel circuit and digital signal readout circuit for better S/N ratio by 25%, and detail reproduction by 10%, compared to the DMC-GX1, for better low-light performance. In addition, its Venus Engine image processor features advanced noise reduction systems and combines with the Live MOS sensor to achieve ISO 25,600.
The GX7’s contrast AF (autofocus) system is designed for speed and accuracy by exchanging digital signals between the camera and the lens at 240 frames per sec. AF functions include low-light AF (-4 EV), pinpoint AF and one-shot AF to help comply with a range of shooting situations. In pinpoint AF, picture-in-picture display is available and the magnification ratio of in-frame picture is selectable from 3x to 6x. Focus-peaking AF is also available for more precise control of focusing.
Specs state the new LVF boasts a 2,764k-dot resolution and 100% color reproduction. The 16:9 widescreen LVF provides 1.39x/0.7x (equivalent) magnification and a 100% field of view. It also comes with an eye sensor that automatically turns on/off according to the photographer’s action, and eye sensor autofocus automatically begins to focus when a user looks into the LVF. In addition, an eyecup, DMW-EC1GU, made of elastic material is sold separately to enhance comfort in viewing with the naked eye or with glasses.
The camera is capable of recording Full HD 1,920×1,080 60p video in AVCHD progressive and MP4 formats with stereo sound. Full-time AF and tracking AF are also available in video-recording mode. Other video functions include cinema-like 24p recording with the bit rate of 24Mbps and PASM mode.
Other features include: burst shooting at 5 fps and max. 40 fps using an electronic shutter; 4.3-fps shooting with AF tracking; a new in-body image stabilizer that’s nearly as effective as MEGA OIS; a silent mode where the camera switches the shutter from mechanical to electronic and turns all sound (AF operation) off while suppressing emission of the AF-assist lamp and flash for special shooting occasions; and creative functions such as creative panorama, time-lapse shot, stop motion animation, clear retouch and creative control mode with 22 filter effects.
In addition, two separate dials on the front and back provide direct control over aperture, shutter speed or exposure, and its live view function makes it possible to adjust highlight/shadow separately with the dials. For more control, three patterns of settings can be customized in addition to three preset patterns. Plus, the Fn (function) tab is newly integrated into the menu, which means a total of nine functions can be assigned.
The DMC-GX7 integrates Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to provide instant image sharing via Panasonic’s dedicated application software and the Panasonic Image app for iOS/Android smartphones and tablets.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 compact system camera will ship body only in silver for $999.99 or with a 14–42mm II silver kit lens for $1,099.99 in October. panasonic.com
