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Panasonic Announces a Firmware update to get your GF cameras ready for the new Lumix G X lenses. Sad

The World's First Digital Interchangeable Power Zoom Lens* LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-PS14042) *For a digital…

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admin·Oct 11, 2011·12 min read
Panasonic Announces a Firmware update to get your GF cameras ready for the new Lumix G X lenses. Sad
Press Release
The World's First Digital Interchangeable Power Zoom Lens* LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-PS14042) *For a digital interchangeable lens as of August 26, 2011. Panasonic is pleased to announce a new cutting-edge interchangeable lens LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. with electric-powered zoom operation from the new premium lens brand "X" for LUMIX G Micro System that complies with Micro Four Thirds System standard. Crystallizing Panasonic's optical technologies, the "X" lens features superb image rendering for lifelike textures, crisp edge-to-edge contrast, a unique Nano Surface Coating for minimal ghosts and flaring and natural atmospheres with remarkable transparency. Although the lens is not a single focus length lens but is a zoom lens, the retractable-type zoom lens boasts outstanding compactness with approx. 26.8mm* in length and approx. 95g in weight to realize ultra-high mobility. Notably, the astonishingly short overall length is realized by the inclusion of 4 aspherical lenses. The zoom lever on the lens barrel gives user a stable zooming while manual focusing is also available with manual focus lever for more precise control.

The new LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. lens offers a versatile zoom range of 14-42mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-84mm) suitable for a wide range of scenes from dynamic landscape to portrait. Comprising of 9 lenses in 8 groups, the lens system features excellent contrast at entire zoom range. The inclusion of 4 aspherical lenses that helps achieving the downsizing of lens unit also improves optical performance by minimizing distortion, even at the 28mm wide end. The 2 ED lenses effectively compensates for the chromatic aberration.

Plus, Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating technology is adopted to minimize the reflection at entire visual light range (380nm-780nm) by applying the extra-low refractive index coating with nano-sized structure on the surface of the lens. It results in the super clear picture with dramatic reduction of ghost and flare.

The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) which is newly integrated in the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. makes it easy to shoot super clear shots even in low-lit situations such as in night time or indoors. With the improved sensitivity of the gyro sensor, the new POWER O.I.S. suppresses large, slow movement 2x more effectively**.

When mounted on the cameras of LUMIX G Micro System, users can take advantage of the contrast AF system and the convenient functions applied from it. Adopting an inner focus system driven by a stepping motor, the superior optical design realizes outstanding smoothness to support the high speed AF system of LUMIX G cameras. It achieves approx. 0.1 second Light Speed AF*** thanks to the downsizing of focus lens and its amount of movement. By speeding up the aperture control, shutter time lag is also shortened by approx. 40% compared with the LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S..****

With its minimum focus distance of 0.2m (14-20mm) / 0.3m (21-42mm), the new lens provides a maximum photographic magnification of 0.34x (35mm equivalent). 7 aperture blades consists a circular aperture diaphragm and produces an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas even shooting at large aperture.

Offering more fashionable, sophisticated look with two color option of black and silver, the new LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. perfectly matches any color of cameras from LUMIX G Micro System to be a part of the photographic life.

* When the lens is retracted. ** Compared with the conventional MEGA O.I.S.. *** The time for focusing on the subject is measured with the DMC-GF3 to move the lens position to "2m" from "infinity" position at wide-end. The firmware of the GF3 must be updated to Ver.1.1 or later. Panasonic measurement method. **** Measured with DMC-GF3. The time required to start exposure after the shutter button is fully pressed after the lens position is moved from "infinity" to "2m". The zoom position is at wide-end. The firmware of the GF3 must be updated to Ver.1.1 or later. Panasonic measurement method.· Four Thirds™ and Micro Four Thirds™, and Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries.

Specification

  LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42MM / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S.
LENS CONSTRUCTION 9 elements in 8 groups (4 Aspherical lenses, 2 ED lenses)
NANO SURFACE COATING YES
MOUNT Micro Four Thirds mount
OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZER YES (POWER O.I.S.)
FOCAL LENGTH f = 14mm to 42mm (35mm camera equivalent 28mm to 84mm)
APERTURE TYPE 7 diaphragm blades / Circular aperture diaphragm
APERTURE RANGE F3.5 (Wide) - F5.6 (Tele)
MINIMUM APERTURE F22
CLOSEST FOCUSING DISTANCE 0.2m / 0.66 ft (14-20m), 0.3m / 0.98 ft (21-42mm)
MAXIMUM MAGNIFICATION Approx. 0.17x / 0.34x (35mm camera equivalent)
DIAGONAL ANGLE OF VIEW 75° (W) - 29° (T)
FILTER SIZE ?37mm / 1.5inch
MAX. DIAMETER ?61mm / 2.4inch
OVERALL LENGTH Approx. 26.8mm / 1.1 inch*
WEIGHT Approx. 95g / 3.4oz (excluding lens cap and lens rear cap)
STANDARD ACCESSORIES Lens cap, Lens rear Cap, Lens storage bag
OTHERS Electric zoom lever, Manual focus lever

* When the lens is retracted.

Interchangeable Lens LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175)

The World’s First Digital Interchangeable Power Zoom Lens* LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175)

*For a digital interchangeable lens as of August 26, 2011.

Panasonic is pleased to announce a new cutting-edge interchangeable lens LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175) with electric-powered zoom operation from the new premium lens brand "X" for LUMIX G Micro System that complies with Micro Four Thirds System standard.

Crystallizing Panasonic’s optical technologies, the new "X" lens features superb image rendering for lifelike textures, crisp edge-to-edge contrast, a unique Nano Surface Coating for minimal ghosts and flaring and natural atmospheres with remarkable transparency.

The industry’s first adoption of Multi-Actuator Floating Inner Focus System* which controls 3 lens groups separately by the individual actuator achieves downsizing in both size and weight. It also achieves high descriptive performance for resolution and contrast at entire zoom range 45-175mm (35mm camera equivalent: 90-350mm) without changing the overall length.

Although the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. covers long zoom range from standard to telephoto, it boasts outstanding compactness with approx. 90.0mm in length and approx. 210g in weight to realize ultra-high mobility. Notably, the astonishingly short overall length is realized by the inclusion of 2 aspherical lenses. The zoom lever allows stable zooming with ease even when shooting moving subject.

The new LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. lens offers a versatile zoom range of 45-175mm (35mm camera equivalent: 90-350mm). Notably high contrast and resolution is assured for images shot at its wide-end, which means it is suitable for taking portrait. In addition, subject distant away like sports or wildlife animal can be captured sharply even at tele-end.

The lens system features the inclusion of 2 ED lenses, which suppress chromatic aberration, contributing to high descriptive performance at entire zoom range. Plus, Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating technology is adopted to minimize the reflection at entire visual light range (380nm-780nm) by applying the extra-low refractive index coating with nano-sized structure on the surface of the lens. It results in the super clear picture with dramatic reduction of ghost and flare.

The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) which is newly integrated in the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. makes it easy to shoot super clear shots even in low-lit situations such as in night time or indoors. With the improved sensitivity of the gyro sensor, the new POWER O.I.S. suppresses large, slow movement 2x more effectively**.

When mounted on the cameras of LUMIX G Micro System, users can take advantage of the contrast AF system and the convenient functions applied from it. Adopting an inner focus system driven by a stepping motor, the superior optical design realizes outstanding smoothness to support the Light Speed AF of approx. 0.15 second***. By speeding up the aperture control, shutter time lag is also shortened by approx. 20% compared with the LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S..****

7 aperture blades consists a circular aperture diaphragm and produces an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas even shooting at large aperture.

Offering more fashionable, sophisticated look with two color option of black and silver, the new LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. perfectly matches any color of cameras from LUMIX G Micro System to be a part of the photographic life.

* For a digital interchangeable zoom lens as of August 26, 2011. ** Compared with the conventional MEGA O.I.S.. *** The time for focusing on the subject is measured with the DMC-GF3 to move the lens position to "2m" from "infinity" position at wide-end. The firmware of the GF3 must be updated to Ver.1.1 or later. Panasonic measurement method. **** Measured with DMC-GF3. The time required to start exposure after the shutter button is fully pressed after the lens position is moved from "infinity" to "2m" at wide-end. The firmware of the GF3 must be updated to Ver.1.1 or later. Panasonic measurement method.· Four Thirds™ and Micro Four Thirds™, and Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries.

Specifications

  LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175MM / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S.
LENS CONSTRUCTION 14 elements in 10 groups (2 aspherical lenses, 2 ED lenses)
NANO SURFACE COATING YES
MOUNT Micro Four Thirds mount
OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZER YES (POWER O.I.S.)
FOCAL LENGTH f=45mm to 175mm (35mm camera equivalent 90mm to 350mm)
APERTURE TYPE 7 diaphragm blades / Circular aperture diaphragm
APERTURE RANGE F4.0(Wide) - F5.6(Tele)
MINIMUM APERTURE F22
CLOSEST FOCUSING DISTANCE 0.9m / 3.0ft
MAXIMUM MAGNIFICATION Approx. 0.2x / 0.4x (35mm camera equivalent)
DIAGONAL ANGLE OF VIEW 27°(W) - 7.1°(T)
FILTER SIZE ?46mm / 1.8inch
MAX. DIAMETER ?61.6mm / 2.4inch
OVERALL LENGTH Approx. 90mm / 3.5inch (from the tip of the lens to the base side of the lens mount)
WEIGHT Approx. 210g / 7.4oz (excluding lens cap and lens rear cap)
STANDARD ACCESSORIES Lens cap, Lens hood, Lens rear cap, Lens storage bag
OTHERS Electric zoom lever, Manual focus ring, Manual zoom ring

Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera DMC-GF3X

The LUMIX GF3 Comes with the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. as a New Lens Kit DMC-GF3X Achieving Both Stunning Picture Quality and Ultra High Mobility

Panasonic is pleased to announce a new lens kit DMC-GF3X that comprehends the world’s smallest digital interchangeable lens system camera DMC-GF3* and the world’s first digital interchangeable power zoom lens LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-PS14042)**.

LUMIX G Micro System realizes high-quality photo images with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction. In the stunningly slim, compact profile, the DMC-GF3 boasts high-speed, precision Contrast AF system and quick response. The camera is also capable of 1,920 x 1,080 full-HD video in AVCHD format. Advanced AF system including practical full-time AF and tracking AF is available in video recording so that every user can enjoy high quality video recording with maximum ease. The camera also comes with 2 color modes - Creative Control and Photo Style- to make photos and videos look more impressive. The body is made of aluminum which features lightness and high-specific strength. The newly designed body profile incorporates ergonomic grip which offers comfortable hold despite its ultra compact size.

The new premium "X" lens LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. offers a versatile zoom range of 14-42mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-84mm) suitable for a wide range of scenes from dynamic landscape to portrait. Crystallizing Panasonic’s optical technologies, the X lens features superb image rendering for lifelike textures, crisp edge-to-edge contrast, a unique Nano Surface Coating for minimal ghosts and flaring and natural atmospheres with remarkable transparency.

With electric-powered zoom operation, the retractable-type zoom lens boasts outstanding compactness with approx. 26.8mm*** in length and approx. 95g in weight to realize ultra-high mobility. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) makes it easy to shoot super clear shots even in low-lit situations such as in night time or indoors.

Users can take maximum advantage of both DMC-GF3 and the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. such as the Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second**** when used together. Offering a variety of stylish color combination - body (black) x lens (black), body (red) x lens (black), body (brown) x lens (black), body (white) x lens (silver) and body (white) x lens (silver), the highly portable DMC-GF3X kit makes users enjoy high quality photography in a daily life.

* For an interchangeable lens system camera with a built-in flash as of June 13, 2011. ** For a digital interchangeable lens as of August 26, 2011. *** When the lens is retracted. **** The time for focusing on the subject is measured with the DMC-GF3 to move the lens position to "2m" from "infinity" position at wide-end. Panasonic measurement method.· Four Thirds™ and Micro Four Thirds™, and Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries.

Panasonic Announces the Firmware Update Program for DMC-GH2 / G3 / GF3 / GF2 for Enhancing the Functions of the New Power Zoom Lenses

Panasonic announces the new firmware update program for the digital interchangeable lens system cameras DMC-GH2, DMC-G3, DMC-GF3 and DMC-GF2 of LUMIX G Micro System. The firmware version 1.1 will be released to enhance the functions when the camera is used with the new power zoom lenses - LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-PS14042) and LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175).

The following functions will be available with the new firmware:

- Display of the ?ocal length When you zoom, the focal distance is displayed and you can confirm the zoom position. - Step zoom When you operate the zoom, the zoom will stop at positions corresponding to predetermined distances. - Zoom resume When you switch the power switch [ON], the zoom positions when you last switched [OFF] are automatically restored. - Selectable zoom speed Users can select the speed of electric-powered zooming.

The new firmware program ver.1.1 will be available worldwide from the beginning of October

The power zoom lenses can be used with DMC-GH2, DMC-G3, DMC-GF3 or DMC-GF2 if the firmware is not updated. However, Panasonic recommends all users to update it.

 

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