Newark, NJ—Panasonic Corporation developed its first digital single-lens mirrorless cameras with 35mm full-frame image sensors: the Lumix S1R and the S1. Both DSLM cameras are equipped with a 4K 60p video recording function and Panasonic’s Dual IS (image stabilization) technology.
“For 100 years since its founding, Panasonic has strived to help realize better lives for customers around the world by responding to their needs,” the company announced. “Working on the concept of creating a new culture of photography for a digital age with digital cameras, in 2008 Panasonic released the Lumix G1, the world’s first digital single-lens mirrorless camera.”
Over the 10 years since then, Panasonic introduced the first camera supporting 4K video recording, as well as cameras equipped with its Dual IS system. The system combines stabilization both inside the camera unit and the lens.
“In recent years, telecommunications lines have increased in speed while social media video sharing has gained popularity. As a result, more and more people are enjoying a hybrid of photos and videos, widening the range of expression in content production. This new field prompted the need for a new type of camera that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional photos and videos,” Panasonic added.
With this in mind, Panasonic adopted the Fuel the Photographer’s Creative Vision concept to develop a DSLM camera with a focus on the expressive capabilities for both photos and videos. The company is bringing these cameras to market as part of the Lumix S series. The goal is to provide “specialized value” to customers desiring higher expressiveness.
Moreover, the cameras are designed to be user friendly. They also offer an assortment of essential tools for professional photography and videography. They also incorporate Panasonic technology refined over a century. In addition, the Lumix S series builds on Panasonic’s 10 years of experience developing digital single-lens mirrorless cameras, including image or signal processing, as well as optical and heat dispersion technology.
Panasonic Lumix S Key Features
Key features of the newly developed cameras, the Lumix S1R and the S1, include “high definition and a high level of expression.” This is due to the new 35mm full-frame sensor and image-processing engine. The S1R’s sensor boasts 47 effective megapixels; the S1 has 24MP.
Moreover, both support 4K 60p video recording. In addition, both are equipped with Dual IS. The technology enables handheld shots for dark or distant scenes that would previously have required a tripod.
Also, the new DSLM models have a double slot for XQD memory cards and SD memory cards—a first for Panasonic. They additionally incorporate a triaxial tilt LCD monitor. Furthermore, they cameras employ Leica Camera’s L mount. As a result, photographers can use lenses that meet the L-mount specifications of Leica Camera and Sigma.
Panasonic Lumix S Lenses
In addition, Panasonic is expanding its lineup of Lumix S compatible lenses. The company will develop more than 10 lenses by 2020. They will include a 50mm f/1.4 fixed-focus lens and a 24–105mm standard zoom lens. In addition, Panasonic will offer a 70–200mm telephoto zoom lens.
Furthermore, for Lumix G series Micro Four Thirds DSLMs, Panasonic is developing a Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10–25mm f/1.7 lens. This lens will achieve the “world’s first zoom with maximum aperture of f/1.7 for the entire range,” Panasonic also announced.
Panasonic will also launch Lumix Pro, a service and support program for Lumix professionals. The program helps ensure that professionals can receive service and repair benefits globally. Additional program details will be available when the program launches in October.
Prototypes of the new full-frame DSLM cameras as well as lenses will be on exhibit at photokina 2018. Panasonic plans to release the cameras in early 2019.
