Panasonic Lumix GX7 16MP DSLM Camera Introduced With 1080p Recording
The Panasonic Lumix GX7 has cropped up in leaks a couple times this month, first in the German magazine Foto and later on Japanese website Digicame. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait long to find out if the leaks were true: Panasonic just launched the camera. This digital single lens mirrorless (DSLM) offering features a 16-megapixel sensor and a fairly small retro-looking metal body.
The GX7 is being hailed as a street camera, smaller in size than a heftier DSLR camera and thus better suited for situations where one might prefer to be more discreet. As we heard in the specs that surfaced earlier this month, the camera features a 90-degree tiltable live view finder offering 100-percent color reproduction and 2,764K dot equivalent resolution. Such is achieved using a field sequential system.
As mentioned, the camera features a 16-megapixel sensor and can record video in up to 1080/60p full HD, doing so with both AVCHD and MP4 format options. Audio is stereo via a couple of on-board microphones, and autofocus is available as both full time and tracking options. There's a "cinema-like" 24p video mode with a max bitrate 24Mbps. Full manual image modes are available – p/s/a/m – also doubling for video recording.
Another rumor that turned out to be true is the use of in-camera stabilization offered using Lumix MEGA OIS technology, working alongside non-optically stabilized lenses. There's also focus peaking, which is indicated in live view. Pin-Point Auto Focus offers magnification settings from 3x to 10x, while One-Shot Auto Focus allows users to transition into manual focus for fine-tuning adjustments.
Around back, users will have a 3-inch tiltable LCD with 1040k-dot resolution and 100-percent FOV display to work with. The body is made from magnesium alloy, which Panasonic says makes it both lightweight and durable. There's a Silent Mode feature that switches the device from mechanical to electronic shutter for reduced noise, as well as shutting down the lights on the unit for extra-discreet photography sessions.
As promised, the GX7 features both NFC and WiFi connectivity, and has 22 Creative Control effects in addition to a panorama image mode. Oddly enough, Panasonic still hasn't officially announced the camera in the US, although it has been launched in several other places across the globe. Regardless, the camera is available for pre-order in the US from several retailers, with the body-only being priced at $999.
SOURCE: 4/3 Rumors
