Category: Panasonic

Best Compact Cameras in 2024

Compact cameras continue to hold a special place for enthusiasts and professionals alike. These pocket-sized powerhouses offer the perfect blend of portability and performance, making them ideal for capturing stunning shots on the go. As we are in 2024, the compact camera market is brimming with exciting new offerings that cater to a wide range of photography needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best compact cameras of 2024, highlighting their key features, strengths, and weaknesses.

Capture the perfect moments without the bulk—discover the best compact cameras of 2024.

With advancements in technology, compact cameras now offer high-quality images in a portable package. This guide will help you navigate through the top compact cameras available in 2024, catering to various needs and budgets.

Continue reading “Best Compact Cameras in 2024”

Best selling cameras for 2023 at MAP Camera

Here are the best-selling new cameras for 2023 at MAP Camera Japan:

  1. Nikon Z8
  2. Nikon Zf
  3. Sony α7C II
  4. Canon EOS R6 Mark II
  5. Sony α7RV
  6. Sony α7IV
  7. Fujifilm X-T5
  8. Ricoh GR IIIx
  9. Sony α6700
  10. Canon EOS R8
  11. OM System OM-1
  12. Fujifilm X-H2
  13. Fujifilm X-T30 II
  14. Ricoh GR III
  15. Nikon Z fc
  16. Fujifilm X-S10
  17. Sony ZV-E10
  18. Leica Q3
  19. Canon EOS R10
  20. Sony ZV-E1

Via MAP Camera

Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. Lens for L-Mount Announced

Panasonic has just officially announced the smallest and lightest zoom lens for full-frame L-mount mirrorless cameras: Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. Lens. The US price is $897.99, and it is now available for pre-order at B&HPhoto/ Adorama. Shipping is scheduled to start at the end of April 2024.

With an impressive zoom range and exceptional portability, the Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. Lens serves as an ideal complement to your full-frame L-mount mirrorless camera setup. Notably, it stands out as the inaugural wide-to-tele zoom lens to join the S-series lineup, offering a broad focal length spectrum that eliminates the need for multiple lenses when capturing both portraits and landscapes.

Despite its remarkable capabilities, this lens maintains a remarkably compact and lightweight design, weighing just approximately 413g. Representing the first wide-to-tele zoom lens in our esteemed S series, it delivers not only high resolution and exceptional photographic performance but also breathtaking bokeh. Moreover, the lens facilitates close-up photography from a minimal distance of merely 3cm from the lens tip.

Enhancing its appeal further, the lens features high-speed, high-precision autofocus functionality that operates silently. Additionally, its compatibility with 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (Image Stabilizer) technology ensures effective compensation for blurring in various shooting scenarios, empowering photographers to focus on capturing their subjects with confidence. Continue reading “Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. Lens for L-Mount Announced”

Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports and 15mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Announced, Available for Pre-Order

Sigma has just officially announced two new lenses for Sony E and Leica L mounts: Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens and Sigma 15mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens. Both the lenses are now available for pre-order at  B&H/ Adorama. Continue reading “Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports and 15mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Announced, Available for Pre-Order”

Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for L-Mount Announced

At CES 2024, Panasonic officially announced the new Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro lens for full-frame L-mount mirrorless cameras. Panasonic calls it “the world’s smallest and lightest medium-telephoto fixed focal length macro lens.”

Impressively small and lightweight (weighing approximately 298g), the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro is a medium-telephoto fixed focal length macro lens is suitable for a wide range of situations, from close-up photography to natural snaps and portraits. The US price is $997.99 and it is available for pre-order at Amazon/ B&H/ Adorama. Shipping is scheduled to start on February 4, 2024.

Key Features

  • Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
  • Fast Macro Prime
  • Dual AF System: Linear & Stepping Motors
  • 1:1 Magnification, 8″ Minimum Focus
  • Two UED Elements, One ED Element
  • Three Aspherical Elements
  • 9-Bladed Circular Diaphragm
  • Dust- and Splash-Resistant Design

Press Release: Continue reading “Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for L-Mount Announced”

Panasonic S1 II / S1 IIx Rumored Specifications

A new set of rumored Panasonic S1 II/ S1 IIx specifications have been leaked online. According to the specs sheet, both Panasonic full frame camera feature 6K 120 and 4k/120 video recording, a new Venus image processing engine, Dual I.S. image stabilisation, a double slot for XQD memory cards and SD memory cards, and a triaxial tilt LCD screen.

Panasonic S1 II / S1 IIx Rumored Specifications

  • 34MP stacked sensor
  • Slim, sealed magnesium body
  • Built-in Fan (no overheating in direct sunlight at 50º C)
  • Built-in ND filter
  • Video: 6k 120, 4k 120 no crop
  • Improved IBIS
  • Improved autofocus with AI chip
  • Improved battery life
  • Improved dynamic range for video and photo.
  • Improved low-light performance
  • Price around $3,000
  • No AA filter

The current Panasonic S1 (Amazon, B&H, Adorama)

Read more Panasonic Mirrorless and Panasonic Rumors.

Also join the Mirrorless Camera Users Facebook Group to share your Panasonic photography.

New Firmware Updates Announced for Panasonic S5II And S5IIX

Panasonic has announced a new firmware update program for its LUMIX S5II and S5IIX cameras to enhance performance and usability.

The S5II Firmware Version 2.2 / S5IIX Firmware Version 1.3 will improve/update:

  • AF-Point Scope function – AF-Point Scope function to magnify the focus position during AF has been added.
  • High-Resolution Mode – The shutter speed at high-resolution mode can now be set to max. 8 seconds with the long exposure noise reduction applied. Thanks to the image stabilizer, [Handheld High-Res] mode has been added to enable recording pictures with higher resolution even without using a tripod.
  • Improved MF Assist – It is now possible to magnify the full-screen mode display in MF Assist up to approx. 20x allowing more precise MF.

The firmware program will be available to download free of charge from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II body: $1,997.99 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II with 20-60mm Lens: $2,297.99 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX body: $2,197.99 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX with 20-60mm Lens: $2,497.99 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens Officially Announced

Sigma today officially announced the new 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary ultra-wide lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. The US price of the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN is $599 and will be available from October 26th. Pre-orders open at Adorama | B&H and soon Amazon.

The ultra-wide 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary zoom lens will be available in Sony E, Fujifilm X and Leica/Panasonic/Sigma L-mount, giving a 15-27mm equivalent range in full-frame terms. This lens will be perfect for travelers, vloggers, and family photographers looking for excellent image quality as well as mobility. With its f/2.8 maximum aperture and 7-blade diaphragm, pleasant bokeh and strong low-light performance is ensured. Continue reading “Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens Officially Announced”

Panasonic Lumix G9 II and Two New Lenses Officially Announced

Panasonic officially announced the new Panasonic Lumix G9 II mirrorless camera and new Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH & 35-100mm f/2.8 POWER OIS Lenses.

Check out the pre-order links to major stores below :

Panasonic Lumix G9 II body: $1,897.99 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Panasonic Lumix G9 II with 12-60mm f/2.8-4 Lens: $2,497.99 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

$500 off on Panasonic Lumix G9 II with 12-35mm f/2.8 Lens: $2,295.98 at B&H.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 35-100mm f/2.8 POWER O.I.S. Lens: $1,147.99 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens: $1,597.99 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Panasonic DMW-BG1 Battery Grip: $347.99 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Panasonic Lumix G9 II Key Features

  • 25.2MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor
  • C4K/4K 60p 4:2:2 10-Bit Video Recording
  • 100MP Handheld High-Res Mode
  • 5-Axis Sensor Stabilization; Dual I.S. 2
  • 3.68m-Dot 0.8x-Magnification OLED LVF
  • 3.0″ 1.84m-Dot Free-Angle Touchscreen
  • 779-Point Phase-Detection AF System
  • ISO 25600 and 75 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Dual UHS-II SD Slots; Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
  • Weather-Sealed Design

100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH POWER OIS Lens Key Features

  • Micro Four Thirds System | f/4 to f/22
  • 200-800mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
  • Compact Ultra Telephoto Zoom
  • .5x Max. Magnification (35mm Equivalent)
  • POWER O.I.S., Dual I.S. Compatibility
  • Rotating Tripod Collar & Built-In Hood
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Dust, Splash, and Freeze Resistant

35-100mm f/2.8 POWER OIS Lens Key Features

  • Micro Four Thirds System | f/2.8 to f/22
  • 70-200mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
  • Fast Telephoto Zoom
  • POWER Optical Image Stabilizer
  • UED and ED Elements
  • 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2 Compatible
  • Splash, Dust, and Freezeproof Design

Press Release: Continue reading “Panasonic Lumix G9 II and Two New Lenses Officially Announced”

Panasonic G9 II to be Announced in September?

Good news folks!! Panasonic G9 II is rumored to be announced in September 2023.  Panasonic LUMIX G9II camera is expected to feature phase detection autofocus.

The Panasonic G9 price is around $899 for body-only. However the camera was listed as discontinued in Japan. Check availability at B&HPhoto.

Here’s what to expect from Panasonic G9 II.

  •  Scheduled to be announced in September
  •  upgraded sensor
  •  improved stabilization
  •  Phase detection AF

OM SYSTEM is also expected to release two new lenses in 2023.

  • OM ED 50-200mm F2.8 PRO lens   (NO “IS”?)
  • OM ED 50-250mm F4 lens