  Click on the camera to find out more. Intro by Skip Cohen With Photokina taking place last week, there was one exciting announcement after another from Panasonic about the LUMIX line. It's time to meet the FZ2500. With a new 20x optical zoom Leica DC VARIO - ELMARIT lens, Panasonic once again lives up to it's tagline, "Changing Photography!" Key Features:
I've been shooting with Panasonic's mirrorless technology for three years now. It's totally revitalized my love for having a camera in my hands. While I don't make a living as a professional photographer, and often know more that I let on, that doesn't change my passion or appreciation for the craft. These days I'm pretty much NEVER without a LUMIX camera. I've shared a number of posts from the Luminary team as well as my own images over the years, and here's a new camera I can't wait to get my hands on. The video above is only a couple of minutes and it's the perfect way to start the morning. Between the images and the music, it's simply soothing. As you watch the video, besides appreciating the 4K technology involved, think about how it's been put together. Yes, it's an infomercial, but think about how you'd tell your own story without a single word being spoken - just video and music. The introduction to the press release is below. Just click on the "read more" to connect to the complete press release, giving all you "tech weenies" a chance to enjoy some amazing technology. Interested in staying on top of everything going on with LUMIX? Wander over to the LUMIX Lounge and meet the entire Luminary Team. This group of talented artists and educators are on the road non-stop and they need to be in your network. You'll never be disappointed! COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic is proud to introduce new LUMIX compact digital camera DMC-FZ2500 (FZ2500) that boasts exceptionally high performance in both photography and videography. The newly developed 20x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens serves as the eye of the camera to achieve excellent detail. An inner zoom structure dramatically enhances the stability of the lens to offer smooth zooming much like a professional camcorder. By combining the built-in ND filters, 4 setting modes of ND filter are available with direct switch operation: -2EV(1/4), -4EV(1/16), -6EV(1/64) and AUTO*1. Users can record videos while keeping the exposure level the same with a fixed shutter speed or with a fully open aperture even in high brightness. Seamless iris control with a nine-blade aperture diaphragm and new galvanometer-type actuator is also equipped. READ MORE...
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 by Skip Cohen
Panasonic has been unveiling one new member of the LUMIX family after another this week. Take a minute, (okay 1:26), to watch the G85 promo video above. There are some remarkable new features in this new member of the family, and I love the fact that it's weather-sealed as well. Panasonic's tagline all along has been "Changing Photography." Well, I've been shooting with various members of the LUMIX family for the last three years, and they're certainly holding true to their word! Stay on top of everything they announce with regular visits to the LUMIX Lounge. Meet the Luminaries and keep track of their speaking schedule. This is one of the most diverse groups of artists in professional photography and they're regularly on the road with workshops and presentations to help you become a better photographer. Here's the press release from earlier in the week on the new G85 - (G80 in European markets and G81 in Asian markets.) LUMIX G85 - A Splash/Dust Proof Field Shooting Camera - Featuring New 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2 and 4K Technologies COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic is proud to introduce the DMC-G85 (G85), a new rugged-design DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) camera, as the latest member of the LUMIX G Series. The LUMIX G85 incorporates a host of advanced technologies and practical functions in a compact body for field use. The 5-axis Dual I.S. (Image Stabilizer)* 1 is further advanced in the LUMIX G85 as the new "5-axis Dual I.S. 2," boasting even more effective suppression against blurring. By adopting a new gyro sensor, the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) and B.I.S. (Body Image Stabilizer, 5-axis) are finely controlled to take maximum advantage of both stabilization systems. Users can enjoy blur-free photo and video shooting not only in wide angle but also in telephoto, even in low light situations. Plus, the adoption of a new shutter unit and magnesium front panel reduces shutter shock by approx. 90% to suppress even the slightest level of shake. Read more...  With in-camera "focus-stacking", as an artist you can capture images which normally would be impossible focus. Officially introduced just hours ago at Photokina, meet the LUMIX LX10 - this new member of the family is loaded with new features. Check out the video below as good buddy and Luminary, Rick Gerrity takes it for a spin in San Francisco. You can check out more of Rick's images along with the other members of the Luminary team in the LumixLounge. It's just a click away and loaded with great content from some of the most diverse artists in photography today! Here's Panasonic's full press release - check out the features!
COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic is proud to introduce the LUMIX LX10, the ultimate compact camera, as the latest addition to the popular LX Series. The new LUMIX LX10 boasts the newly developed F1.4 high-speed LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens and the large, 1-inch High Sensitivity MOS Sensor with 20.1-megapixel resolution. LUMIX LX10 performance has been enhanced by integrating a 4K video recording capability*1 and advanced functions for creative use in a sleek, compact body. The LUMIX LX10's LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens features a fast F1.4-2.8 aperture (35mm camera equivalent: 24-72mm) with an aperture ring that allows direct, intuitive control of the aperture to take maximum advantage of this high-speed lens. Stunning macro shots with intricate detail can be taken with a minimum working distance of 3 cm. The 1-inch MOS Sensor enables high-quality image recording with extraordinary detail. The combination of the High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and a Venus Engine achieves a maximum ISO 12,800 high sensitivity recording with high picture quality that goes beyond the limits of compact digital cameras. For even faster response and higher mobility, the LUMIX LX10 boasts a high-speed, high-precision AF with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology*2, which shortens the focusing time. It calculates the distance to the subject by evaluating two images with different sharpness levels at a high 240 fps signal exchange speed. As a result, the LUMIX LX10 achieves an ultrahigh-speed AF of approx. 0.12 sec*3. This benefit increases as the focal length grows. The LUMIX LX10 offers high-speed burst shooting at 10 fps (AFS) / 6 fps (AFC) to capture fast-moving subjects in crisp focus. Thanks to the touch-control system, users can focus quickly right on the subject and even release the shutter with touch operation to capture fleeting photo opportunities. The LUMIX LX10 records smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K videos in 3840x2160 at 30p(60Hz) or 24p in MP4. Taking advantage of 4K technology, users can enjoy 4K PHOTO shots and a variety of derivative functions, such as the new Focus Stacking, Post Focus, Light Composition, and 4K Live Cropping. For more creative freedom, Creative Control, Creative Panorama and Photo Style options are available. The LUMIX LX10 is capable of shooting images in RAW format and developing them inside the camera. The LUMIX LX10 integrates a 180-degree tiltable 1,040K-dot rear monitor with touch-control system. Equipped with a built-in lens cover, the seamless metallic profile features a stylish ring and dial of curved aluminum. It achieves both high-quality look and intuitive operation. The 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ (Optical Image Stabilizer Plus)*4 offers a versatile angle of view while suppressing handshake in both photo and video recording. The LUMIX LX10 also includes Wi-Fi® connectivity to offer a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. The new Panasonic LUMIX LX10 packs an exceptional F1.4 high-speed lens and large, 1-inch MOS sensor in a sleek, stylish pocket-sized body to stimulate creativity anytime, anyplace as the ultimate compact camera with high-quality photos and videos. *1 Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 15 minutes with [MP4] in [4K] *2 Works for still image recording. *3 At wide-end, AFS, 1-Area AF, Live View mode 60fps, based on the CIPA standard. *4 5-axis compensation works in video recording except for 4K video recording. 1. New F1.4-2.8 / 24-72mm LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens Panasonic newly developed the F1.4-2.8 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens system with 3x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 24-72mm) and an aperture ring. The lens unit boasts high-speed F1.4 and F2.8 even at the tele-end. It enables high-speed shutter release to capture clear, sharp images even in low-lit situations as well as giving a beautiful defocus to the background to make the subject stand out for impressive photos and videos. The lens unit consists of 11 elements in 9 groups, including 6 dual-sided aspherical lenses and low-dispersion lenses adopted for two of them to adjust axial chromatic aberration, achieving high-speed F1.4. The use of 6 aspherical lenses and optimization of the optical design achieve beautiful, smooth defocusing with an invisible edge line, and the onion ring effect is suppressed by Panasonic's unique aspherical lens mold technology. In addition, a newly adopted 9-blade aperture diaphragm helps to produce bokeh effects with a smooth, circular shape. In addition, 6 groups of lenses are driven independently, which helps to downsize the lens barrel. 2. 1-inch large 20-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and Venus Engine The LUMIX LX10 incorporates a large, 1-inch High Sensitivity MOS Sensor with 20.1-megapixel high resolution. The 1-inch sensor is 3 times larger than the LX7's 1/1.7-inch sensor (multi-aspect). The rich amount of light helps to produce impressive defocusing with shallow depth of field. The image processor Venus Engine dramatically boosts performance with a new quad-core CPU that enables the high-speed signal processing required for rich video recording such as 4K. Advanced Multi-process NR (Noise Reduction) applies effective noise reduction and detail processing to each component frequency. Plus, a newly added Random Filter granulates chromatic noise to blend it into the image even more naturally. As a result, a max. ISO 12,800 is achieved. The aperture filter is capable of controlling a wider frequency range. It adjusts the amount of sharpness according to the frequency level, achieving rich depth. The Venus Engine also improves color reproduction with the accurate evaluation of each color even it is similar not only in color phase but also in saturation and luminosity. The combination of the large MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine dramatically reduces noise and improves S/N ratio, to allow shooting at ISO 12,800. It achieves stunning picture quality going beyond the limits of compact digital cameras. *1 Sensor total pixel is 20.9-megapixel. 3. 4K capability brings evolution to videography/photography – 4K video and 4K PHOTO The LUMIX LX10 records stunningly smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K videos in 3840x2160 at 30p (60Hz) or 24p in MP4*1*2 in addition to Full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (60Hz) videos in AVCHD Progressive or MP4 (MPEG-4 / H.264) format with practical full-time AF. Taking advantage of 4K technology, users can enjoy 4K PHOTO shots with the LUMIX LX10. With 4K PHOTO, users can capture the fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps by extracting the best frame from a 4K burst file to save as a photo. Plus, multiple images can be automatically saved as 4K PHOTO shots all at once in the LUMIX LX10. A maximum of 150 frames in five seconds can be saved following a designated frame. In addition to these, the LUMIX LX10 also enables 4K Live Cropping in video recording that achieves stable panning or zooming in video recording. Thanks to its digital operation, panning and zooming images are smooth because it does not physically move the zoom lens. Users can make a perfect Full-HD video by adding impressive effects after recording the original footage in 4K. *1 About motion picture recording / 4K PHOTO recording - Use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 4" or higher when recording motion pictures. - Use a card with SD Speed Class with "UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3)" when recording motion pictures with [MP4] in [4K] or [4K PHOTO]. (SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.) - Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 29 minutes and 59 seconds with [AVCHD] in [FHD/60p] [FHD/60i]. - Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 15 minutes with [MP4] in [4K]. - When using an SDHC memory card: You can continue recording without interruption even if the file size exceeds 4 GB, but the motion picture file will be divided and recorded/played back separately. - When using an SDXC memory card: You can record a motion picture in a single file. - Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 29 minutes and 59 seconds with [MP4] in [FHD/60p] and High Speed motion pictures. You can continue recording without interruption even if the file size exceeds 4 GB, but the motion picture file will be divided and recorded/played back separately. - MP4 motion pictures with [MP4] in [FHD/30p] [HD]: You can continue recording without interruption even if the file size exceeds 4 GB or 30 minutes in length, but the motion picture file will be divided and recorded/played back separately. *2 Max.29 min 59 sec. 4. Advanced macro shooting for creative freedom The LUMIX LX10 excels in macro shooting capabilities thanks to Panasonic's cutting-edge optical/digital technologies. Stunning macro shots with intricate detail can be taken with a minimum working distance of 3 cm (wide). The LUMIX LX10 also comes with the Post Focus function, which enables users to select the in-focus area even after shooting. This is helpful especially in macro shooting where strict focusing is required or for changing expressions by changing the focused subject. This function has been developed by combining the high-speed, high-precision DFD (Depth From Defocus) auto focus technology with 4K technology. The newly integrated Focus Stacking function allows users to adjust the depth of field after shooting by combining multiple images shot with the Post Focus function inside the camera. Strict focusing is not required during shooting as the user can get the desired image by defocusing or by pan-focusing the image by simply selecting the focus area after shooting. This is beneficial when shooting macro shots of insects, small accessories and so on. In addition, the LUMIX LX10 incorporates a Light Composition function in the 4K PHOTO mode. The camera synthesizes images by choosing and saving brighter pixels. This makes it easy to produce luxurious, dramatic images of situations such as fireworks or night scenes inside the camera. 5. Other features
Intro by Skip Cohen Bob Coates is no stranger to SCU and Luminary Corner. In fact, he's become one of our most published guest post authors and it's always with strong helpful content. In this new post he's sharing some great images and suggestions to help you get into infrared photography, which is simply a kick to add to your skill set and expand your creative technique. Bob's also a Panasonic Luminary and all of the images below were captured with a converted LUMIX G6 camera. You'll find more of Bob's work on his blog, and in the link he shared below about infrared. And, if you're interested in checking out the rest of the Luminary team, you'll find some incredibly talented and diverse artists in the Lumix Lounge. It's just a click away.   by Bob Coates Conversion to infrared is a great way to expand your photography options throughout the day. Bright sunlight is not exactly prime time for wonderful images with visible light as the contrast can block up shadows and you end up with "blah" everyday images. Infrared and bright sun mixed with some clouds and green lawns, trees and water you end up with a recipe for striking photography! One way to put some older gear to use is to convert your camera to infrared. In the days of film cameras you had to buy extremely light sensitive film that was easy to fog if it was exposed to the least bit of stray light. And a filter had to be added to the front of your lens that made it almost impossible to see well enough to focus. And then, you had to back off the focus just a bit to make up for the fact you were exposing for a different light spectrum. Oh, and all that PIA stuff you had to go through in the film days? Done. Over. Finished. Once you have your camera converted to infrared you can see your focus right on the back of the camera with no fuss, no muss. If you set your camera to show you black and white you’ll get a pretty close approximation of what the final photo will look like. There will be some post processing with your files to finish them off, but that can be a fun time exploring the possibilities. I used LifePixel for the conversion of my Lumix G6 camera. Just click here for some links to blog posts on infrared post-processing with which I’ve been experimenting. Lots of creative options there! Yours in Creative Photography, Bob   Images copyright Bob Coates. All rights reserved.
"Go as many places as you can. Take vacations. You can always make money - you can't always make memories!" Anon  Fly-fishing just below the Ruby Valley Dam  Click to read more about the specs of the FZ300 I wrote a post last Sunday about my experiences going off the grid for vacation recently. Here's another aspect - the challenge of what camera to take on the trip. I may not be a working professional photographer, but there's plenty of gear in the house, from full DSLR's to pocket point and shoots. So, like many of you, the challenge came up recently for vacation. Well, there was only one choice for me - the LUMIX FZ300. My wife, Sheila, has been wanting to play with something other than the little point and shoot she normally has, so I traded with her. I took the little point and shoot, a LUMIX ZS30, perfect for the pocket of my waders while fly-fishing and gave her a fast lesson in the FZ300. The FZ300 weighs 1 1/2 lbs, and that's with battery and memory card. It's got an F2.8 Leica lens with a 25-600mm zoom and although it's got a smaller sensor - it's the perfect camera to travel with. Plus, it shoots 4K video! It went everywhere with us, including some hikes into the mountains of Montana. So, Sheila's background in photography couldn't be more typical as a consumer. Thirty years ago she had a 35mm SLR, a little Yashica with a 35-70mm zoom. Pretty much used for family images, it might have taken her a month or more to shoot an entire roll. She's got a great eye and loves capturing detail. When she's got a camera in her hands, she just wants to capture memories and not be bothered with worrying about the settings. These images are all Sheila's from a week in Montana. I showed her how to set up the camera, and she used "IA", Intelligent Auto, most of the time. She loves playing with the zoom and remember, this was her first time using the FZ300. I've cropped a couple of her images, but overall these are screenshots right from her downloads. One of the great things about all the LUMIX cameras is their low-light capability. For example, on a day trip to Butte, we played tourist. We did a one hour tour of the William A. Clark House, the mansion of one of the copper kings, still an active bed & breakfast today. The house is dark, minimal lighting, high ceilings and fascinating. It's filled with authentic period pieces, right down to a special massage shower Clark had built, which is the only shower in the house used by guests today. In a small ballroom on the third floor, which had nothing but a ceiling fixture and a small window for light, Sheila got a great shot of a bird hat from the period. Inside a showcase of reflective glass, it couldn't have been tougher to light. And while the lighting in the kitchen was updated - the combination of the antique stove next to the DVD player and monitor was a kick. So, this is Luminary Corner, and ordinarily, I'm sharing images by the Luminary Team. However, today's post is about a remarkable little camera, the FZ300. The next time you're headed out for a little family time, but just don't want to carry a lot of gear - think about this camera. Sheila's a hobbyist, but imagine what an FZ300 will do in the hands of a professional! Interested in finding out more about the LUMIX line, visit the LUMIX Lounge (click on any image) and meet the rest of the Luminary team. They're one of the most diverse groups in professional photography, all sharing a common denominator, their passion for the craft.  The Berkley Pit , a flooded copper mine in Butte
  The reason for so many extinct species of birds today, might just be the craze to stuff them and put them on women's hats!  Not a lot of pictures from this hike because it was 42 degrees and we were in shorts. It was almost 70 at the bottom of the mountain, but at 8500 feet the temperature dropped and the clouds rolled in over the mountains. |
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