CES JANUARY 2019 UPDATE
Following its development announcement at Photokina in September 2018, Panasonic has announced the key features of the new LUMIX S full-frame mirrorless cameras at CES 2019.
As yet we still don’t know the prices but the Lumix S1 and S1R and L-Mount lenses will be available from the end of March 2019.
The key features revealed include HLG Photo mode and High Resolution Mode. Here’s what we know so far:
HLG Photo Mode
HLG Photo mode enables images with be captured with greater than normal dynamic range. This means that the highlights and shadows have more details while the colours should be richer and more natural.
According to Panasonic’s announcement, HLG Photos are recorded as an HSP file. These files can be viewed on the HLG-compliant monitors and televisions via an HDMI cable connection. Panasonic doesn’t mention it, but we’re presuming that they can also be converted to other file types for viewing on other devices.
High Resolution Mode
This mode makes use of the S1 cameras’ in-body stabilisation (IBIS) to enable 8 consecutive images to be shot with the sensor shifting in between each capture. These eight files are then merged into a single image by the new Venus Engine.
This multiple-image system enables more details to be captured. It’s an ideal mode for landscape or similar images that have lots of fine detail.
It seems that this High Resolution mode is able to work when the camera is hand-held but we’ll be looking for clarification on the matter. Apparently, when there are moving subjects in the scene, there are sub-options that can be set to suppress motion blur. According to Panasonic, it enables “photographers to use this mode just like when they shoot in a normal photo shooting mode”.
PHOTOKINA SEPTEMBER 2018 ANNOUNCEMENT
Rumours of the Panasonic, Leica, Sigma collaboration are true, as Panasonic has announced two full frame cameras, the Lumix S1 and S1R, and a partnership with Sigma and Leica Camera to develop more than 10 S Series lenses by 2020.
The Panasonic full frame cameras were announced as a development project, with a release date slated for early 2019. The Panasonic S1 will use a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor, while the Panasonic S1R will boast a 47-megapixel sensor.
The Lumix S1 will be positioned as a hybrid entry-level full-frame camera designed for both stills and video, while the Lumix S1R will be aimed at professional users.
Both Panasonic full frame cameras will feature the same body design and specifications, with the sensor being the main difference between the Panasonic S1R and S1.
The Panasonic full frame cameras will be the world’s first to support 4K video recording in a full frame digital single lens mirrorless camera at 60p/50p, Panasonic says.
Panasonic is also stating that the Lumix S1 and Lumix S1R will boast the world’s fastest autofocus for interchangeable lens cameras.
What’s more, the company says the Lumix S1 and Lumix S1R will be the world’s first full frame cameras equipped with Dual IS image stabilisation.
Other features include dual slots for XQD and SD memory cards and a vari-angle LCD screen.
L-Mount
Both new Panasonic full frame cameras will employ Leica’s L-mount, and the company will work with Leica Camera and Sigma to develop a range of optics for the S Series.