Panasonic Reveals New LX7, G5 and FZ200 Digital Cameras

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Panasonic has reinforced its stake in the digital camera market with three brand new models, each one in its own category. We’ve got the new LX7 compact, the mirrorless G5, and finally the FZ200 bridge camera.

Starting off with the LX7, Panasonic is looking to build on the LX5, which was one of the most popular compact digital cameras in the past year. Despite being a compact it boasts a very fast wide-angle f/1.4 Leica lens with full manual controls and even Full HD 1080p video capture.

A 10.1-megapixel MOS sensor provides high quality snaps with an ISO rating up to 12,800, working nicely alongside Panasonic’s own Venus VII image processor. The camera is geared towards the more experimental and experienced photographer, with a focus on manual controls. You have an aperture ring, control pad and mode dial for tweaking those all-important settings to get the desired shot.

The LX7 will be available in September, priced at £449.

On top of the LX7, Panasonic unleashed an impressive bridge camera in the form of the FZ200. Designed to be the go-between for people looking for compact camera functionality but DSLR looks, this camera is much bigger than the LX7 and features a rotating flip-out 3-inch LCD screen.

The image sensor is a 12-megapixel job accompanied by Panasonic’s Venus image processor, which will shoot up to ISO 6800, but the real magic is in the lens. It’s a wide 4.5mm to 105mm lens which maintains an aperture of f/2.8 all the way through. Panasonic have opted for Leica DC Vario-Elmarit optics for this model, which is impressive for its price range.

The Panasonic FZ200 will be priced at £499 and available from the end of August/beginning of September.

Finally, Panasonic impressed with the new G5, which is a flagship mirrorless model. A little smaller but similar in shape to a DSLR, this model features interchangeable lenses and lightning-fast autofocussing.  If you’re wondering why Panasonic skipped from the G3 straight to the G5, the number 4 is considered bad luck in its home country of Japan – they also did this with the GF range.

A 16-megapixel sensor sits alongside the same Venus VII image processor from the LX7 inside, providing an impressive ISO range of up to 12,800. Video recording is Full HD 1080p as you might expect, in 50p quality for both AVCHD and MP4 file formats.

As you can hot-swap different lenses with this model, Panasonic launched two new options to go with it: a wide f/2.8 Vario 12-35mm option and an f/4 45-150mm, both being power OIS for great image stabilisation.

The G5 has a price tag of £599 for the camera body, £699 when accompanied by a 14-42mm kit lens, £829 with the 12-35mm Vario lens, or £899 with the big 45-150mm Vario lens. All options will be available to buy in August.

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