I've written numerous times about how Panasonic's LUMIX line of cameras keeps living up to their tagline of "Changing Photography." Well, it's not just the camera line that's brought back the spark for creativity for me personally, but the friendships I've made with the members of the Luminary team. My good buddy Daniel Cox shared this post about the G85 a couple weeks ago on The Corkboard Blog. While I don't normally share product reviews - LUMIX keeps expanding the family with incredible features and one new creative tool after another. It's a great review guaranteed to give you some solid feedback through Daniel's experience. Just click on the "read more" button to read the rest of the review. Join Dan and the rest of the Luminary team with a visit to the Lumix Lounge. This is an incredibly diverse group of artists and educators always willing to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images. Whether you're an active outdoor wildlife shooter or not, Daniel needs to be on your radar. Follow Daniel and Tanya's travels at Natural Exposures. If you're looking for amazing memory-making trips check out their travel schedule. Nobody does it better! Last summer Sheila and I caught up to them at their home in Bozeman. They're amazing hosts and there's no doubt in my mind if you're on a trip with them you're going to get the same attention! Panasonic LUMIX G85 Shooting Experience This past fall and early winter have given us a couple of new and exciting additions to the Micro Four Thirds world in the form of the Lumix G80/85 and the Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark ll. Just for clarification, the Lumix G85 is the model sold in North America and the G80 is sold in Europe. Both Lumix and Olympus bodies are innovative from a technology perspective, but the G85 fits the average user’s needs more economically in a way that only Panasonic is consistently doing—giving photographers great tools with durability and professional aptitude at affordable prices. And it’s the qualities of the G85/G80 I’m excited to share with you in this Blog post.
A Review Based on My Kind of Photography Keep in mind that my reviews of a particular camera are obviously from my own personal perspective based on how I use the camera. I won’t be getting into minute details unless those details affect how the camera performs in the situations I use it in. For more information on each and every possibility you should check out DPReview’s review of the Lumix G80/85. I’ve been shooting the G85 now for a little over three months. In that time I’ve had a chance to get a solid feel for this wonderfully compact, sturdy advanced enthusiast’s camera. In short, it handles exceptionally well, has some of Panasonic’s newest technologies, and all at a price that won’t bother most photographer’s spouses. Just think how nice it will be not having to sneak another camera in under your jacket:) Yes, I’m talking to you. The First Unboxing and Under the Hood Let’s start with the obvious—when you pull this camera out of the box. First of all, like all the MFT cameras before it, the G85 is small and compact. Even so, it has a solid feel. Before the G85 there was the G7, a somewhat similar MFT camera missing many of the great new features of the G85. Many photographers criticized the G7 as feeling too plasticky, a bit too light, and seriously underwhelming in its ability to instill confidence in its durability. So Panasonic did what they’ve been doing since jumping into building still photo and video cameras, they made serious improvements in the follow-up model which is the G85. A Metal Chassis The first thing Panasonic did was replace the front plate with a solid aluminum frame. The G85 has much more metal, and though I never did have an issue of any kind with my G7, many feel the added weight and heft of the new metal body is a welcomed addition. It comes with a small price in weight but one could argue it’s worth the cost.
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We had friends visiting over the weekend and decided to rent a boat and head north to explore the inland waterway towards Sarasota. We started at the bottom of the map to the right and turned around at the top. All we wanted was to cruise a little piece of the bay and do a picnic lunch on the water. Over the four-hour trip we followed the dark blue line on the map straight north and back. It was the perfect day to be out on the water and I never travel without a LUMIX camera. There are too many beautiful moments I've missed because the only thing I had to shoot with was my phone! I took my FZ300, my favorite travel camera. It was just the four of us, but we had a lot of goodies to take along - mostly food! Well, one of the fun benefits of Panasonic's mirrorless technology is the weight of the gear - at just a little over a pound and a half, it was nothing to throw in my back pack. The FZ300 has a 25-600mm zoom and it came in handy when we came upon a group of white pelicans. I've never seen one before and to find them all on a sandbar was a kick. It was as if they were waiting for a 4:00 pm bus. Here's where the FZ300 shines! We didn't want to move in too close and have them fly away. Plus, I was on a moving boat - no way to use a tripod. I shot at ISO 100, f4 1/2000. The FZ300 simply never disappoints and so often has made me look better than I deserve! Later in the trip the bridge opened for a sailboat. We were at least a quarter mile away and once again the 25-600 mm zoom came through with flying colors. I've written a lot about Panasonic, time and again energizing my love for photography. Remember, while I know more than I let on, my passion is helping you with the business and marketing side of imaging, not shooting. However, I love having a camera in my hands. It's especially fun for a day out with no true purpose but to capture images along the way with friends. The FZ300 is perfect! Don't take my word for it - visit a Panasonic LUMIX dealer and check the entire "family" out for yourself. The new GH5 is creating incredible buzz and loaded with some incredible features. And, Check out the Lumix Lounge and follow the Luminary team. They represent some of the very best and most diverse artists in photography. Just click on the banner below. Intro by Skip Cohen For the last two years I've written a lot about Panasonic's LUMIX cameras. With every new model they've added more creative tools. A few months ago we started talking about focus stacking. Rather than me explaining it, here's the definition directly from Panasonic. Even better watch the under two minute video below. What a kick! The Focus Stacking is a new function integrated in the latest LUMIX cameras. It enables users to adjust the depth of field after shooting by combining multiple images shot with Post Focus function inside the camera. Users do not need to focus severely while shooting because they can get the image with the defocus that they want, or a pan-focused image, by simply selecting the focus area after shooting. This is beneficial when shooting macro shots of insects, small accessories and so on. The Post Focus is a feature that lets users select the in-focus area even after shooting. This is also helpful especially in macro shooting where strict focusing is required or for changing expressions by changing the focused subject. Both Post Focus and Focus Stacking functions were developed by combining Panasonic's high-speed, high-precision DFD (Depth From Defocus) auto focus technology and 4K technology. Panasonic's tagline is "Changing Photography," and here's one more example. It's especially effective for artists working in macro. Visit the LUMIX Lounge for more images, videos and information about upcoming workshops etc. by Skip Cohen There are three reasons you should attend every possible convention you can work into your schedule; new products, education and networking. Panasonic's LUMIX team are giving you the opportunity to pick up a little of all three at WPPI, February 7-9. They're in booth 637 and it's the perfect place to have some fun while at the same time catch up on technology with the new LUMIX GH5. This new addition to the family is remarkable. You'll find all the technical information in a post I shared earlier in the month. Only at the Panasonic booth can you have some fun with a "subway ride" while taking the GH5 for a test-drive of your own. At the same time get to know the Luminary team and Panasonic's staff working the booth. These are all people who need to be in your network! Check out this video, "Beyond the Grid" from Neumann Films. It's all shot with the new GH5 and will give you a pretty good idea of just a few of the features and the quality of this new member of the family! Panasonic's tagline for LUMIX is "Changing Photography," and that's exactly what they're doing. But don't take my word for it - check out the camera lineup for yourself while you're at WPPI. You won't be disappointed! And, if you're not headed to Las Vegas, then stop in and visit a LUMIX Dealer. Just click on the link below to find the one nearest you.
LUMIX GH5 4K Mirrorless ILC Camera Body 20.3 Megapixels, 4K 60p & 4:2:2 10-bit Internal, Dual Image Stabilization 2, & WiFi + Bluetooth Intro by Skip Cohen
This is one of the most difficult announcement posts I've ever written because I don't know where to start! The GH5 was formally introduced this week at CES and is shipping in March. Panasonic's new flagship is so loaded with new technology it's hard to think through what to talk about first. So, start with the short video above. Then, check out this summary of features:
Here's the link to the press release for a better explanation of the technology behind this amazing new camera. I've been shooting Lumix cameras for the last two years, and the technology has completely revitalized my passion for the craft. Along with the GH5 announcement also comes a new home for Lumix videos. Check out the new YouTube channel dedicated to Lumix cameras. It's loaded with great content and will give you a chance to check out everything in the Lumix family! Panasonic's slogan is "Changing Photography." Well, they never slow down and today as a photographer you have the greatest selection of creative tools in the 175+ year history of imaging! Intro by Skip Cohen The best thing about this industry is all about the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft. Meet my buddy Mark Toal, part of Panasonic's Lumix Team, an artist, writer and educator. Mark's also part of the team at Mirrorless Photo Tips with two other pals, Joe and Mary Farace. Their blog is loaded with outstanding content every day along with lots of helpful material in their archives. The second best thing about our industry, is the amount of supportive content available and the willingness of so many artists to help you raise the bar on your skill set! Mark, Joe and Mary are three of those people, working every day to help us all become stronger artists. In talking about the LUMIX GX85 in this post from a few months back, Mark, as always, ties in a few educational elements. To find out more about how Panasonic is "Changing Photography" check out Mark's site, then visit "Mirrorless Photo Tips" and don't forget to wander over to the LUMIX Lounge and meet the Luminary team. You'll never be disappointed in the images and support they share. Even better, follow the event schedule and catch up to them live when they're teaching in your community! By Mark Toal One of my favorite cameras is Panasonic’s Lumix GX7. The size and feel of the GX7 combined with its image quality made it a pleasure to carry. I loved it so much that when I moved on to the Lumix GX8 I had my GX7 converted to Infrared so I could keep using it. When I heard about the brand-new Lumix GX85 my first thought was that with its 16-megapixel sensor I would still prefer the GX8’s 20-megapixel sensor. The GX85 like the GX8 has combined in-body and lens stabilization, 4K video, 4K photo mode and post focus so why would I step backwards? The answer is the camera’s overall fit and finish along with the lack of an anti-alias filter plus the addition of 4K video stabilization. The lack of an anti-alias filter produces sharper images with more detail. The anti-alias filter was originally added to digital cameras to prevent what’s called Moiré, which is why you don’t let someone wear a pin-stripe jacket when posing for a portrait. Without the filter, close together straight lines like screens, chain link fences and pin-stripes can turn into a eye-straining mess.
Camera companies have figured out how to deal with this in the camera's processor so the need for an anti-alias filter is less than it might have been in the recent past. A camera without the anti-alias filter will give you sharper images with the lenses you already own. Between its small size and extra sharpness the GX85 is more than likely going to be my carry everywhere camera. Intro by Skip Cohen Panasonic Luminary Bob Coates is back with a great little demonstration of two features now available in the new LUMIX cameras, focus stacking and focus bracketing. Bob's joined us numerous times here at SCU, most recently with a stunning portrait and backstory on "Why?" Check out Bob's blog Successful-Photographer.com. He's always sharing terrific information to help you build a more successful business. Plus, you'll find more great images from the rest of the Luminary team with a visit to the LUMIX Lounge. Bob's part of the most diverse team in professional photography, the Luminary team. They're always sharing great images and information to help you raise the bar on your own skill set. Panasonic never slows down in standing behind their slogan of "Changing Photography!" by Bob Coates A feature I have been looking for is now available in LUMIX cameras. I enjoy creating hyper depth-of-field images with focus stacking. This technique allows a photographer to use the sweet spot in the lens to capture and create a look in an image that cannot be created any other way. The first move in that direction Panasonic supplied a method that leverages the 4K Video in a Photo Mode to use all of the focusing points in the camera. This feature allows the pulling of an individual image to choose where to have the focus point after the capture, which can be done by viewing and selecting on the back of the camera or in post-production. You may also use the individual images for focus stacking. Focus Stacking makes it possible to have hyper-focus in your photograph. This is very useful in situations where you are shooting macro images or capturing a landscape and want the deepest depth of field possible. A pretty amazing thing is we can use the camera to automatically process the focus stack of all the images or choose which we would like to use to be able to hone in exactly where we would like focus to drop off. A new addition to the shooting menu now allows for focus stacking of full-size files. It’s called Focus Bracketing. You dial in how many exposures you would like to capture and the movement of the focus, with a single button push the images are captured. One more setting is available for the stack order. I recommend the 0-+ rather than the -0+ because when you are trying to blend the images it seems Photoshop has trouble blending the images when they are not in sequence. Your mileage may vary. Test away and let me know how you are creating your focus stacked photos. Creative possibilities are increasing with each new LUMIX camera being introduced. I’m looking forward to leveraging the post-focus and focus bracketing features more in the future.
by Skip Cohen
I had completely forgotten about this live Google+ hangout we did in the Panasonic booth at WPPI. There are some really good points about networking, attending conventions and building your business, brought out by Frederick Van Johnson, Kristen Jensen, Martin Bailey and me in this video. You'll find a lot more great content in the LUMIX Lounge online every day. Panasonic's Luminary team is one of the most diverse groups of artists and educators in the industry. They're always willing to help you raise the bar on your business, skill set and at times, even your lifestyle. I've written a lot about the FZ-300, which is my favorite travel camera. At only 1.5 pounds it's always in my backpack, no matter where we're headed. While it's got a smaller sensor, that doesn't change its potential for great images. I tend to bounce back and forth between "IA" and Aperture Priority, depending on what I'm doing. The image above was from a trip to Ohio while sitting on the back deck of one of our favorite restaurants. It's not meant to capture anything spectacular, except to show you the quality of the images when the 25-600mm Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens is racked out all the way. The FZ300 has a fixed lens and is just one member of the LUMIX family. Find out more about the complete LUMIX line and meet Panasonic's Luminary team with a visit to the LUMIX Lounge. Members of the Luminary team are on the road all year long speaking at workshops, retailers and conventions. Check out the event schedule and then make it a point to test drive mirrorless technology for yourself. Panasonic's tagline, "Changing Photography," couldn't be more appropriate. Just click on the banner below to visit the Lumix Lounge. Intro by Skip Cohen Luminary Corner is all about creativity, great images and the buzz around the leaders in mirrorless technology, Panasonic's LUMIX cameras. Most of the posts and images are all thanks to the Luminary team and today's post is from the LumixLounge archives by good buddy, Giulio Scorio. While Giulio and I share a whole lot of mutual friends, we first met officially at a Luminary meeting just three years ago. Besides his passion for imaging and his pure love for pushing the edge of the creative envelope, he's a non-stop enthusiast for traveling light. His business and success as an artist has solid roots in taking full advantage of technology and recognizing you don't have to have big heavy gear to capture outstanding images. This post was shared last Spring, and I love a number of points Giulio makes as he takes what some of you would call a "point and shoot" out for a test drive. Yeah, it's a product review, but nobody does it like Giulio. Even more fun, he's wearing one of his favorite hats, being a street photographer as he talks about the camera. The DMC-ZS100 is small, compact, but a giant when it comes to capabilities and results! This is an amazing camera with no shortage of features and opportunities to utilize the best of technology. The ZS100 is a 4K digital camera with a 20 megapixel sensor, 25-250mm F/2.8 - 5.9 Leica DC zoom lens and tops off with WiFi and an electronic viewfinder! Check out more of Giulio's work with a trip to his website. Then, wander over to the LumixLounge and meet some of the most creative artists in imaging today. They're diverse, creative and dedicated to sharing great images and information to help you raise the bar on the quality of your work. by Giulio Scorio The Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 is a camera I did not expect to like as much as I did, but it's different camera full of welcome surprises. Rather than go over specs, I thought I'd do something hands on, taking the camera to NYC and doing what I do naturally - create work I'm proud to show. Note: all images in this review were captured RAW+JPEG then processed from RAW in camera or are SOOC. The Utility of StyleThe first thing I noticed was the unique retroish quad-toned camera. It's a little like something from the early 90's, but I found that it really worked. It works like this: the ZS100 in the version I have looks so non-threatening that no one is paying attention to you on the streets. That's such a huge advantage to be able to blend in on the streets! After putting the camera in people's faces, no one said anything. I added a little personalization with a Lance Camera Strap and a Manfrotto Pocket Tripod. The utility of stealth in plane view is enhanced with AF that's insanely fast. The autofocus on the LUMIX ZS100 is so fast I stopped thinking about it. That's one less thing I have to consider while capturing what I see on the streets. I can't recall the AF failing me to the point of losing a shot much. Then again, I was not using the EVF or the LCD most of the time. Capturing on the streets of Chinatown with my thumb on shutter release, I trusted the camera to do it's job and it did pretty much every time. Putting my trust in the AF works most of the time. Not using the EVF or LCD here either. FYI the morie was visible to the naked eye it is not the sensor. The AF of the LUMIX ZS100 is FAST. The LCD helps with framing. ZOOOOOOOOOM and a Nice Screen Too
Video Features Designed for PhotographersHope you're not surprised to learn that the video (read photo at 30fps) features of the ZS100 are baller. The future of capturing decisive moments is video and with the ZS100, Panasonic brings us closer to the holy grail of capture which is 8K at 120FPS. With the ZS100 you can use a variety of 1080 video, but it's the 4K that rocks. Features like 4K Photo and post focus in addition to the normal (for LUMIX) awesome 4K video completes the capture capabilities of this baby beast of a camera. When combined with the stellar image stabilization and massive reach of the zoom, you can really get some cool effects like compressing perspective as seen below. What's more amazing is being able to pull a 8 megapixel still from video at any time, wifi that to your mobile device, edit and share. Connectivity and WorkflowSpeaking of in camera wifi, the ZS100 is full featured. You can use the Panasonic Image App to fully control the camera including zoom, syncing time, GPS and using your smart phone or table as an external monitor. Also worth a mention: no password is required by default so you can easily connect and get to work. One workflow that I enjoy is connecting with a person on the street, making their portrait and sharing my image with them on the spot via wifi. If you're rocking a mobile printer like the Polaroid Zip Mobile or Fuji Instax, wifi the shot to your device and give prints to those you photograph on the go. Now that's how you connect in the social network called real life. If you're shooting smart, it's RAW+JPEG with every shot. Even an iOS workflow like what I do can benefit from RAW+JPEG: if the shot is not to my taste I can quickly reprocess the RAW in camera then send a JPEG to my phone. Also, if you really want to get to know how your camera works best, use in camera RAW processing to understand how the ZS100 works with color and contrast then save your settings in camera so all your JPEGs have your custom look...awesome. If you're utilizing in camera RAW processing, I highly suggest this camera. Small cameras are wonderful because you can take them with you. Using the built in wifi, you're able to capture and share on the go, fully utilizing a mobile workflow is key to enjoying small cameras in my opinion. Of all of the happy surprises in the Panasonic LUMIX ZS100, the in-camera charging is top of my list. That's right, just plug a USB cord into your ZS and you're charging. What's more, you can opt to use the included USB charger, an iPhone (or Android) charger or a mobile battery pack. Love it! Overall, the ZS100 is a camera that is fully featured so a pro can appreciate it, but it's simple enough for the more casual shooter too. The LUMIX ZS100 is packed full of features found in cameras like the LUMIX GX8 while the addition of features like in-camera charging add to the overall positive experience. Furthermore, I gotta mention again that this little camera inspired me to create a series of photos which to me is priceless. If you already have a ILC kit and are looking for something small and full featured or looking for a dedicated camera with more reach than a smart phone you're gonna love the ZS100. One Powerful Surprise for MobilityRecommended LUMIX ZS100 KitHere's a basic kit with affiliate links to Amazon:
LUMIX ZS100 32GB U3 SD Card *Note U3 cards are required for 4K video Lance Camer Strap - Red Wrist Strap Manfrotto Pocket Tripod Polaroid Zip Mobile or Fuji Instax Panasonic Hybrid Charger |
AuthorsWelcome to Luminary Corner. Besides being a recognized member of the professional photographic community, each post author is a member of Panasonic's LUMIX Luminary team. Archives
November 2017
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