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&HPhotoAdorama. 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”

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 (AmazonB&HAdorama)

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 AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II with 20-60mm Lens: $2,297.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX body: $2,197.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX with 20-60mm Lens: $2,497.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Hot Deal: Venus Optics Laowa 15mm F2 FE Zero-D Lens for $649

Hot Deal!!! Today, B&H launched a great deal on Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D Lens for only $649! This is $200 cheaper than regular, available for Canon RFNikon ZSony E and Leica L mounts.

  • Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D Lens–$200 Off
Key Features
  • Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
  • Three Extra-Low Dispersion Elements
  • Two Aspherical Elements
  • Rectilinear Design, Low Distortion
  • Frog Eye Dust & Water-Repellent Coating
  • Manual Focus Design
  • Manual Aperture Ring Can Be De-Clicked
  • 5-Blade Diaphragm

Venus Optics lenses are sold at Adorama and B&H.

Leica M11 Monochrom and Leica Summilux-M 50mm F1.4 ASPH Lens Announced

Leica announces M11 Monochrom, a 60-megapixel camera built for black and white photography.

The M11 Monochrom is a digital rangefinder sporting a 60-megapixel full-frame backside-illuminated monochromatic image sensor. This is the same resolution as the standard color Leica M11 camera, and the M11 Monochrom also features the same multi-resolution functionality, allowing users to swap between 18, 36, and 60-megapixel resolution, complete with varying crop factors (sort of like swapping between different prime lenses).

The M11 Monochrom will be available from today at a price of $9195. Check availability at Adorama | B&H | Amazon.

Continue reading “Leica M11 Monochrom and Leica Summilux-M 50mm F1.4 ASPH Lens Announced”

Panasonic Lumix S1H II Leaked Specs, Coming in April?

It’s been a long time since we talked about the Panasonic Lumix S1H II. The Panasonic Lumix S1H II is causing a lot of excitement in the camera world with rumors of its imminent launch and leaked specs.

Camera enthusiasts are looking forward to the arrival of the Lumix S1H II, believed to be the successor to Panasonic’s highly acclaimed Lumix S1H camera. It is said that the S1H II could be announced in April, with leaked specs revealing some really impressive specs.

Panasonic has a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the best hybrid cameras on the market, with the Lumix GH6 and the original S1H two of the most popular options for content creators. The S1H is particularly loved by filmmakers for its outstanding video capabilities, including 6K resolution, 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording, V-Log / V-Gamut, and an impressive 14 stops of dynamic range. Although primarily designed for video, the S1H also takes great photos thanks to its 24 MP sensor.

Panasonic Lumix S1H mirrorless camera is now in stock and shipping in the US: $3,997.99 at Adorama | B&H Photo | Amazon.

With the recent success of the Lumix S5 II and S5 IIx, it’s no surprise that Panasonic is looking to incorporate some of the latest and greatest technologies into its other cameras. The new autofocus and tracking system in particular has received a lot of praise from critics, and the Lumix S1H II is likely to be one of the first cameras to receive this upgrade. Continue reading “Panasonic Lumix S1H II Leaked Specs, Coming in April?”

Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Lens Announced

Along with the new Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX, Panasonic also announced a new S-series lens, the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro. The compact, lightweight full-frame lens joins two existing “budget” lenses in the LUMIX S system, the LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 and the LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 Macro O.I.S.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro lens will be available by the end of March for $799.99.

Pre-order links:

Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Lens: $797.99 at B&HAdorama.

Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Lens Features

Covering a versatile wide-angle focal length range, the Panasonic Lumix 14-28mm f/4-5.6 MACRO Lens is well-suited for everything from landscapes and cityscapes to street scenes and architecture. An excellent choice for travel photography and everyday shooting, this full-frame lens delivers beautiful images across the entire zoom range and is a great choice for still photography, vlogs, and other video content.

  • Compact ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for use with full-frame Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras.
  • Minimum focusing distance of just 5.9″ throughout zoom range for working with close-up subjects.
  • Micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change and professional quality video.
  • Optimized for video, an advanced optical design minimizes focus breathing when changing focal lengths.
  • Lens design includes one aspherical ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) element, one aspherical element, three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) elements, and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) element.
  • Dust and splash-resistant construction for use in inclement conditions, plus a fluorine coating on the front lens element to protect against dust, dirt, and smearing.
  • Rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.

Press release:

Panasonic Announces a New Compact and Lightweight Ultra Wide-Angle Zoom Lens with Macro Capability

Las Vegas, NV (January 4, 2023) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce a new cost-effective ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO based on the L-Mount system. The LUMIX S Series offers three budget-friendly lenses including the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO (S-R1428), LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 (S-R2060) and LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. (S-R70300) to cover 14mm ultra wide-angle to 300mm telephoto. All of these lenses achieve high optical performance and stunning mobility fit to LUMIX S5 series cameras for both photo and video.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO is comprised of 14 lens elements in 10 groups including one aspherical ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens, one aspherical lens, three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. The use of aspherical lenses realizes both high descriptive performance and beautiful bokeh. The three ED lenses effectively suppress chromatic aberration. Despite its compact size and approximately 345g of light weight, the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO boasts 0.25 (at 14mm) – 0.5x (at 28mm) macro capability. Taking advantage of the minimum focusing distance of 0.15m at entire zoom range, it can be used for close-up shots with beautiful bokeh. It is suitable for versatile situations including sweeping landscape shots in ultra-wide-angle of view.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO is capable of smooth, silent operation to work with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision AF system with the sensor drive at max 240 fps.

For the non-linear setting, focus is shifted with a variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring. Focus is shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for the linear setting. Sensitivity (the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees to enable intended focus operation¹. The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, which was a fatal problem of all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography. Together with a micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change, professional quality video can be recorded.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO and LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens feature a common overall length and position of control parts to provide practical advantages in use. The weight and the center of the gravity of these lenses is similar, making it easy to exchange lenses quickly with minimum balance adjustment when the camera is on a gimbal.

The rugged dust/splash-resistant² design withstands use under harsh conditions even at -10° Celsius for high mobility. A fluorine coating is applied to the front lens element to secure water/oil-repellency. An ND/PL filter with 77mm diameter can be attached.

Panasonic and L-Mount system alliance is committed to the development of L-Mount lenses for the further expansion of its lineup to fulfill the needs of customers.
The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO will be available at valued channel partners for $799.99 at the end of March.

Notes

¹ The maximum sensitivity differs by camera model, up to 1080 degrees on S5II, S5IIX and BS1H (as of January 2023).
² Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.

• L-Mount is a trademark or registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX Officially Announced

The new Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX mirrorless cameras are now officially announced. The new Panasonic cameras add phase detection autofocus to its 24MP CMOS sensor and uses the L mount shared with Leica and Sigma.

Pre-order links:

Panasonic Lumix S5 II body: $1,997.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II with 20-60mm Lens: $2,297.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX body: $2,197.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX with 20-60mm Lens: $2,497.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama. Continue reading “Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX Officially Announced”

Panasonic Lumix S5 Mark II and S1 Mark II Announcements Scheduled for 2023

Panasonic S5 Mark II and S1 Mark II are coming ! According to latest rumors, Panasonic S5 Mark II will be announced at CP+ event  in February 2023 while the S1 Mark II announcement scheduled for Q3 2023.

There are rumors that Panasonic would launch a new Lumix S5 Mark II mirrorless camera for L-mount in February 2023, at the CP+ show in Japan.

This Panasonic Lumix S5 Mark II model will replace the current LUMIX S5, which was officially announced in September 2020.

There is no information about the specs of the Panasonic S5 Mark II, but it seems that attention will be focused on whether it will adopt the image plane phase difference AF that has been mentioned in recent Panasonic interviews. Panasonic S5 Mark II will be more expensive than the current Panasonic S5.

Will the “LUMIX S5 Mark II” be announced for this “CP+2023”? If this rumor is correct, the second generation S series will be introduced from “S5“.

By the way, CP+ 2023 is scheduled to be held at Pacifico Yokohama from February 23rd to 26th as a hybrid event of on-site and online events.

$300 off on Panasonic S5 body: $1,697.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

$300 off on Panasonic S5 with 20-60mm Lens: $1,997.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

via asobinet

Leica M11 Sensor Review and Test Results (100 Points)

DxOMark completed their full in-depth review for 60MP BSI sensor inside the Leica M11 camera. According to their sensor review and test results; the Leica M11 achieved an excellent overall DxOMark sensor score of 100 points, with a combination of 26.3 bits color depth, 14.8 EV dynamic range, and 3376 ISO low-light score.

With an overall sensor score of 100, Leica M11 is a state-of-the-art high pixel count full-frame 35mm format sensor.  This is also 4 points higher than the Leica Q2  at 96 points, the last best performing Leica sensor they tested. Continue reading “Leica M11 Sensor Review and Test Results (100 Points)”