Secaucus, NJ—Panasonic debuted its Lumix G “X” lens that retracts to help minimize its size without compromising focal length or image quality. The premium Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Asph/Power OIS (H-PS14042) lens will be available with Panasonic’s smallest, lightest compact system camera—the DMC-GF3X—as a lens kit option.
With electric-powered zoom operation, the retractable power zoom H-PS14042 lens is 26.8mm in length and weighs approximately 3.35 ounces, while offering a zoom range of 14-42mm (35mm equivalent, 28-84mm) for a range of scenes.
Also announced was another Lumix X lens—the G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4.0-5.6 Asph/Power OIS—which is 90mm in length and weighs 7.4 ounces. The new lens system features two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses to suppress chromatic aberration. All Lumix X lenses employ Nano Surface Coating to help minimize ghosts and flaring, are compatible with the Panasonic Lumix G series, and comply with the Micro Four Thirds system standard.
“Panasonic continues to innovate in digital photography by offering advanced features in small and compact bodies, thus addressing the consumer’s need for camera equipment to be lightweight and easy to carry,” said Darin Pepple, senior product manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics. “With the new Lumix X series of premium lenses, we do not sacrifice size for quality, and Panasonic still offers top-of-the-line image quality for our G series but in a smaller design that makes it extremely mobile.”
With the Lumix GF3X, the camera and lens combination can achieve “light speed” AF of approximately 0.1 second, utilizing Power OIS (optical image stabilizer) to make it easier to shoot clear photos even in low light. A zoom lever on the lens barrel gives users a stable way to zoom, and manual focusing is available via a manual focus lever for more precise control.
With its small compact profile, the Lumix GF3 boasts a high-speed, contrast AF system and quick response times, and it is capable of 1,920×1,080 Full HD video capture in the AVCHD format. The Lumix GF3X will be available in a black body and black lens or a silver body and silver lens kit options in October for a suggested retail price of $749.99.
The Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Asph/Power OIS (H-PS14042) lens will also be available separately for $399.99.
The Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4.0-5.6 Asph/Power OIS (H-PS45175) is available in black and silver. $449.99. panasonic.com
