Two firms are actively growing merchandise for 2 distinct digital camera techniques: Fujifilm and Panasonic. In Fujifilm’s case, it’s the APS-C X Collection and the medium-format GFX System. For Panasonic, it’s the Micro 4 Thirds platform and the L-Mount system, which incorporates full-frame mirrorless cameras and lenses. We’ll take a look at Fujifilm subsequent week, however for now, the eye is on Panasonic and its reasonably fascinating (and numerous) yr of product launches. Panasonic’s Micro 4 Thirds 12 months Was Very Quiet However Not Dangerous Usually, these recaps are damaged into cameras and lenses. Nonetheless, for Panasonic, it makes extra sense to take a look at digital camera techniques. The primary one is Micro 4 Thirds, and there’s not a lot to say. That stated, till earlier this week, there was even much less to say. Panasonic waited till the buzzer. In early June, Panasonic unveiled the Lumix GH7, its newest flagship hybrid Micro 4 Thirds digital camera. The GH7 sports activities a newly developed 25.2-megapixel BSI CMOS picture sensor and phase-detect autofocus, a pair of superior upgrades. Because of a big selection of unimaginable video options, the one actual “draw back” to the GH7 when it comes to all-around efficiency is that the comparatively small Micro 4 Thirds sensor comes with drawbacks. It has benefits, too, however picture high quality isn’t amongst them. PetaPixel‘s Jordan Drake shoots a lot of our YouTube content material utilizing the GH7, which is as sturdy an endorsement as any relating to how we really feel concerning the digital camera. It’s not excellent, nevertheless it’s a robust and extremely succesful digital camera, particularly for hybrid creators.
Then simply this week, Panasonic stunned all people by asserting two new cameras, a point-and-shoot ZS99 and the Lumix G97, a barely upgraded model of the G95 Micro 4 Thirds digital camera launched in spring 2019. The Panasonic ZS99, often known as the TZ99 in some markets, is a brand new compact point-and-shoot digital camera. | Credit score: Panasonic The G97 isn’t a show-stopper, and it doesn’t have a bunch of latest options. Nonetheless, it does have barely higher video recording choices, together with improved sluggish and fast capabilities, a higher-resolution rear LCD, Bluetooth 5.0, a brand new “Ship Picture” button, and a USB-C port as a substitute of archaic Micro-USB. Panasonic Lumix G97 | Credit score: Panasonic Technically, the Lumix G97 is not going to be obtainable till late February, however it’s on the listing as a result of it was introduced in 2024. As for brand spanking new Micro 4 Thirds lenses, there weren’t any.
One last observe on this part, solely as a result of it doesn’t match neatly anyplace else, Panasonic launched one other digital camera this yr value mentioning, the FZ80D. It is a barely up to date model of the FZ80 superzoom Kind 1/2.3 digital camera launched in 2017. This digital camera is of little significance to most of PetaPixel‘s viewers. Nonetheless, we like to see superzoom cameras get a bit of affection as they’re reasonably priced cameras for birders and wildlife fanatics. The digital camera has a 60x optical zoom lens starting from 20-1200mm equal focal lengths. I cherished the unique digital camera, so I’m blissful to see an up to date model hit retailer cabinets. Lumix S: A Enjoyable New Digicam and Some Nice New Lenses Panasonic’s full-frame Lumix S system, which makes use of L-Mount, had a a lot busier 2024 than the corporate’s Micro 4 Thirds lineup. Whereas there was just one new Lumix S digital camera, the S9, it has made fairly a splash with customers, if not reviewers. The Lumix S9 has lots of the S5II’s options in a a lot smaller and extra colourful physique. The digital camera ditches the digital viewfinder (boo!) however provides nifty in-camera Actual-Time LUT options (neat!). In a bid to win over smartphone customers and content material creators, the S9 is primarily profitable as a trendy full-frame digital camera however comes up brief when it comes to efficiency and suppleness. Nonetheless, the case for the Lumix S9 grew to become lots stronger a number of months after its launch when Panasonic launched the very compact 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 lens, maybe the proper optical companion for the S9.
The S9 launched initially alongside the heinously unhealthy new Lumix S 26mm f/8 lens, a $200 glorified digital camera physique cap with a set f/8 aperture and guide focus design. The lens has the dishonor of being PetaPixel‘s worst lens of 2024, however we received’t maintain that towards Panasonic an excessive amount of. Particularly as a result of the corporate’s different two new lenses are, just like the 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3, good. Within the case of the Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro, superb. A robust contender for PetaPixel‘s Finest Prime Lens of 2024, the Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro is the world’s smallest full-frame macro lens with a focal size past 90mm. It additionally has incredible optical efficiency. Win-win. The Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens could be very compact. | Credit score: Panasonic The Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 Macro can be a powerful new lens for full-frame L-Mount cameras. A much-needed all-in-one zoom, the lens is reasonably priced, light-weight, and versatile.
Whereas the Lumix 26mm f/8 guide pancake lens is disappointing for thus many causes, the opposite three new Lumix S lenses not solely stuffed essential holes in Panasonic’s L-Mount lineup however are nice merchandise in and of themselves. Grading Panasonic in 2024 Panasonic didn’t do a lot with its Micro 4 Thirds lineup this yr, however the Lumix GH7 is a wonderful digital camera. The Lumix G97 is an interesting late-year announcement however a minor replace to a fairly previous digital camera. We dinged OM System for not doing sufficient to maintain confidence excessive in Micro 4 Thirds as a platform, so Panasonic should undergo the identical destiny regardless of the GH7’s excellence (the OM-1 II can be glorious, for what it’s value). Panasonic pulls itself out of the doldrums by its different system, which has obtained rather more consideration in recent times, the full-frame Lumix S platform. Panasonic hasn’t deserted Micro 4 Thirds, nevertheless it’s evident that extra consideration has been given to full-frame. The Lumix S9 is a trendy little digital camera that bought rather more fascinating after a firmware replace and the brand new compact 18-40mm zoom lens arrived. The Panasonic Lumix S9 and new Lumix S 18-40mm lens are an important mixture. The 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens is incredible, and the 28-200mm all-in-one zoom fills a major void, not only for Panasonic, however for L-Mount at massive. If we have been grading Panasonic individually for its two techniques, it’d get a D- for Micro 4 Thirds and a B for the Lumix S. However when thought-about as a photograph firm at massive, Panasonic earns:
Grade: C Picture credit: Featured picture created utilizing an asset licensed through Depositphotos.
