12 AUSTRALIANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Panasonic releases new
Lumix DMC-GX
Panasonic has released the Lumix DMC-GX85, featuring new
technologies including five-axis image stabilisation (IS), an
advanced sensor and 4K Photo and Video.
The DMC-GX85 is Panasonic’s first G-series camera to
incorporate five-axis in-body stabilisation. This operates during
both photo and video recording, including 4K shooting, to
deliver stable imaging in situations where that was not previously
possible – from capturing images at slow shutter speeds or with a
telephoto lens, to handheld video shooting.
Furthermore, using any one of the 13 compatible Panasonic
lenses, users can also enjoy Dual IS, which now combines the
new five-axis in-body stabilisation with the original two-axis
optical stabilisation in the lens. This provides stabilisation in
both photo and video from wide angle to telephoto, and offers
the photographer effectiveness even when shooting handheld
with lenses such as the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm.
The camera’s 16-megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor sees the
low-pass filter removed for even more detailed images, with an
improvement in resolution of around 10 per cent. At the same
time, Panasonic’s new Venus Engine suppresses moiré.
The DMC-GX85 has a new shutter mechanism,
electromagnetically driven instead of spring driven, meaning
a reduction in size for a smaller camera profile. In addition,
the shutter is much quieter and shock caused by the shutter is
virtually eliminated, even in challenging shooting situations.
The DMC-GX85 backs these new capabilities with all
the benefits of Panasonic’s 4K feature suite. 4K Video offers
four times the resolution of Full HD and easy-to-use 4K Live
Cropping for stable panning and zooming during recording.
The camera also offers 4K Photo – now with a dedicated on-
camera button – with 4K pre-burst mode which shoots 30 frames
per second before and after the shutter is released. Post Focus
mode allows the user to choose the focal point of an image, after
the shot has been taken.
The DMC-GX85 has a high-resolution 2764K-dot electronic
viewfinder and a tilting 3-inch, 1,040K-dot rear monitor.
The DMC-GX85 is available now in black or two-tone silver
and black and retails for $1099 (body only); $1199 (with 12-32mm
lens); $1449 (with 12-32mm and 45-150mm lenses); and $
(wit h 14 -140mm lens).QUICK SNAPS
AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY JUNE 2016Kickstarter success for retro art lens
A successful Kickstarter campaign is set to result in the launch of a new retro-style
art lens that pays homage to the world’s first optic lens.
Lomography says its new Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens was inspired by
the world’s first optic lens designed by Chevalier and Daguerre in 1839 when a
Chevalier Achromat Lens was attached to a Daguerreotype camera.
Lomography’s latest offering launched on kickstarter.com has more than
doubled its goal with over a month still to run. The maker says its Daguerreotype
Achromat Art Lens is suitable for use on modern cameras and designed to
produce the “signature character of the Chevalier lens which bathed images in an
alluring veil of light.”
The Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens features an interchangeable Waterhouse
Aperture System with maximum aperture of f2.9 that’s designed to help
photographers produce both stylish soft focus and sharp images.
For extra special effects, the lens also has two special aperture plates, the
Lumiere and Aquarelle, which reportedly produce radiant light and textured
background effects.
The Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens is suitable for direct attachment to modern
cameras such as Canon (EF) and Nikon (F)
and many other cameras with suitable
adaptor mounts.
Focal leng t h
is 64mm with
minimum focusing
distance of 0.5m,
and the Waterhouse
aperture range is
f2.9 to f16.
The lens is also
available in black or brass body
variations.
More info: lomography.com/achromat
Impossible Project unveils
I-1 instant cameraA classic-style instant camera that combines modern digital technology with
analogue film was revealed in the US this week by Impossible Project.
Speaking at Bloomberg Businessweek’s annual design conference, Impossible
Project CEO Oskar Smolokowski revealed the I-1 camera is a revamp of the classic
Polaroid instant format in a modern digital package.
The I-1 shoots on Impossible Project’s type 600 film, which has been reverse
engineered from Polaroid’s discontinued 600-type film, and features a simple
design with few buttons and no knobs. The camera’s functions can also be
controlled via an iOS app connected via Bluetooth.
An LED f lash circling the lens auto-adjusts to ambient light and distance, while
the app can be used to
trigger the camera, adjust
aperture, shutter speed,
f lash settings, and includes
different effect presets.
The camera is powered
by an integrated USB-
rechargeable battery.
The Impossible Project
I-1 instant camera is
expected to be available
from May 10 for $299 (US).
More: eu.impossible-
project.comHAVE A LOOK AT
THE KICKSTARTER
CAMPAIGN.