The Lumix S series: Panasonic steps into the race of the Mirrorless
Panasonic made a huge announcement for mirrorless camera fans, they have officially begun to produce their own. At the Photokina event in Cologne, Panasonic announced the new S series, which is their debut in to the full frame mirrorless camera world. The Lumix S1R and the S1, took the headlines and both devices are expected to arrive in early 2019.
Features
Both cameras boast a full super 35 sized sensor that is almost four times the size of the older micro four thirds sensor in the Panasonic GH4. The two cameras target slightly different users. The Lumix S1R has a 47MP sensor and is made for seasoned photographers. The S1 has a 24MP sensor and is crafted for those that need a mix of both professional video and photo shooting.
Each camera has built in body image stabilization alongside a three axis tilting LCD. They can shoot 4K video up to 60fps. The cameras come with two different card slots, one for the normal SD card and the other for the XQD cards. While not so popular and highly in use at the moment this is a beneficial addition for the future. XQD cards can virtually reach speeds up to 400 megabytes a second, giving you serious recording power. The Panasonic GH4 currently records at a speed 8 times lesser than this. Based on their decision to add this slot it seems the S series cameras are going to require huge recording speeds which normal SD cards wont be able to deliver in some situations.
Lenses for the S series
Another big announcement for Panasonic is that they will now be using the Leica L mount on their new S series. Leica announced two new L mount prime lenses the same day, a 35mm f/2 and a 50mm f/2. Panasonic too will be manufacturing their own lenses. They are already working on three new L mount lenses, a 50 mm f/1 prime lens, a 24-105 mm zoom and a 70-200mm telephoto lens.
By the time of launch there will be 8 Leica L mount lenses along with 3 Panasonic lenses available. Panasonic has also announced they will be developing seven other lenses in the same year as the release of the S series. Leica is not the only company that will be developing lenses for the S series. Sigma is also included in this partnership and will also be manufacturing their own L mount lenses. A broad variety of lenses will hit the market by the time these new cameras reach customers.
The future of the Micro four thirds
Panasonic has also clarified that the full frame and the micro four thirds series of cameras will coexist and will progress with one another. That is some positive news for those worried about their current Panasonic cameras. They have gone as far as to announce a new wide angle lens for the micro four thirds, which is a 10-25 mm with a constant f/1.7 aperture. This is basically the same as having 5 different prime lenses but in the same lens. No information given regarding the pricing of any of these products. However, It would be a sound inference to think that the price points will lie somewhat in the same range as Sony’s full frame cameras.
Links:
Sony Mirrorless Cameras
Panasonic Lumix Series
