LUMIX, Micro Four Thirds “G9 Pro II” with high-speed continuous shooting of 75 frames per second and 8 steps of image stabilization – AV Watch

2023-09-13 01:10:00
G9 Pro II

Panasonic will release the “G9 Pro II” on October 27th as a new digital camera LUMIX product that uses a Micro Four Thirds mount and is capable of high video shooting performance and high-speed continuous shooting. The price is an open price, and the estimated retail price is around 230,700 yen for the body only, and around 303,900 yen for the kit that comes with the standard zoom lens “H-ES12060”.

Taking advantage of the strengths of the Micro Four Thirds mount, it is positioned as a camera for creators who seek mobility and high speed. A unique feature is that it uses the same body as the full-size S5II that was released the other day. Although the arrangement of internal parts is different, the shape and size are exactly the same. The weight of the G9 Pro II is about 50g lighter.

G9 Pro II From left: G9 Pro II, full-size “S5II”

The image sensor uses a 4/3 type Live MOS sensor with an effective 25.21 million pixels. Micro Four Thirds was said to have a limit of 20 million pixels, but it has surpassed that. Although the cell size has become smaller, it has been able to maintain the same high sensitivity characteristics as the previous model by greatly improving the signal-to-noise ratio.

Adopts 4/3 type Live MOS sensor with 25.21 million effective pixels

The combined engine is the new generation Venus engine. The dynamic range boost function is said to have dramatically improved the gradation expression of shadow areas during RAW shooting.

Furthermore, it is equipped with image plane phase detection AF, a first for the LUMIX G series. In addition to improving subject tracking, it also has a 779-point image plane phase detection AF area.

Recognition AF has evolved using deep learning technology. In addition to people, human eyes, and animals, “animal eyes”, “cars/motorcycles”, and “person recognition” are now also possible. This makes it possible to detect people with only their upper body, and the AF is less likely to fail even in scenes where the subject is coming toward you.

Animal eyes can also be recognized

In addition, real-time recognition AF has also been improved in situations such as when the subject is moving quickly, such as on a bicycle, when there are multiple people, or in scenes with backlight, low illumination, or point light sources. Even in scenes such as product introduction videos on YouTube where the product is shown in the hand between the photographer and the camera, the autofocus is now able to focus on the product at high speed.

Not only AF but also continuous shooting performance has been improved. The electronic shutter allows high-speed continuous shooting at 75 frames per second in AFS and 60 frames per second in AVC. By increasing the buffer memory, continuous shooting can be continued for more than 3 seconds. Blackout-free continuous shooting is possible when using the electronic shutter. It also achieves 10 frames per second even when using the mechanical shutter.

Experience advanced AF and continuous shooting performance

It is also equipped with a “pre-continuous shooting” function that records photos before the shutter is fully pressed. You can choose to go back in time from 0.5 seconds, 1 second, or 1.5 seconds. It also has a handheld high-res mode that allows you to shoot RAW and JPEG images with approximately 100 million pixels. This is equivalent performance compared to GH6.

The image stabilization function has also been strengthened, achieving powerful image stabilization of 8 stops with BIS and 7.5 steps with dual IS2, a first for LUMIX. Even lenses without OIS can be corrected by 8 steps of BIS. In addition, the 7.5-stop correction with Dual IS2 provides powerful image stabilization even in the telephoto range.

When the simultaneously announced lens “LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 II ASPH. / POWER OIS” is combined with the 2x teleconverter “DMW-TC20A”, it becomes a maximum of 1,600mm in 35mm equivalent, It is said that super-telephoto shooting is possible even when hand-held.

When “LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 II ASPH. / POWER OIS” is combined with the 2x teleconverter “DMW-TC20A”, you can experience up to 1,600mm in 35mm equivalent, so the presentation venue In his studio, a toy bird is set up in the distance.I was also able to photograph it from a height.

Image stabilization during video shooting has also been improved, and Active IS is now available. The electronic image stabilization part has evolved, making it possible to record videos more stably while walking, as well as more powerfully correcting images with large shakes taken while running. It is also possible to correct the phenomenon in which straight lines appear distorted due to perspective.

Improved image stabilization when shooting videos

Video can be shot at up to 120p with 4:2:0 10bit C4K/4K, and up to 60p with 4:2:2 10bit C4K/4K. You can even shoot at 5.7K, which is over 4K. ALL-I recording and V-Log shooting with a wide dynamic range of 13+ stops are also possible. It is also compatible with USB-SSD, and ProRes recording is also possible.

As for the operation system, the white balance, ISO and exposure triple buttons, and the front dual function buttons are inherited from the G9PRO. In addition to the joystick that supports 8 axes, the separately sold battery grip “DMW-BG1” also supports 8 axes.

The monitor on the back is a 3-inch 1.84 million pixel monitor with free angle specifications. The viewfinder has 3.68 million pixels and the eyepoint is 21mm. Adopted OLED with 0.8x magnification.

“LEICA Monochrome” has been newly added to the “Photo Style” that changes the finish of photos. By collaborating with Leica, “We learned the picture-making philosophy that LEICA has built over its long history, and incorporated this mode as a new form of expression.” The highlights are brighter than the existing “L. Monochrome D”, resulting in a monochrome expression with a more intense and dynamic impression.

Furthermore, it supports “real-time LUT”. You can record photos and videos with LUT applied to the camera body. LUT files will be published at any time on LUMIX Color Lab.

The external dimensions are approximately 134.3 x 90.1 x 102.3 mm (width x depth x height), and the weight of the main body alone is approximately 575 g.

The developer explains his commitment

At the presentation, project leader Takuo Taniguchi, who loves the first-generation G9, Kiyokazu Sasaki, who has been in charge of LUMIX product development since joining the company and worked on recognition AF, and Tomoki Nakanishi from the marketing department took to the stage for a talk session. .

From left: Mr. Kiyokazu Sasaki, Mr. Takuo Taniguchi, and Mr. Tomoki Nakanishi

Previously, Micro Four Thirds was said to have a limit of 20 million pixels, but we have surpassed that and achieved a 4/3 type Live MOS sensor with an effective 25.21 million pixels, and although the cell size has become smaller, the SN ratio has improved. By greatly improving the sensitivity, it maintains the same high sensitivity characteristics as the previous model. The ISO sensitivity can also be set from 100, making it easy to use when combined with a bright lens.

The advanced AF has increased the number of recognition targets, making it possible to focus quickly even in scenes where two people are approaching the photographer side by side, and to focus on objects that are difficult to predict on the ventral side, such as cars and motorcycles. It is appealing that it can follow the movement of the camera, allowing users to focus on composing the shot without having to think about AF.

Also, it is not only the electronic shutter that has achieved faster continuous shooting speeds, but also the mechanical shutter, which has achieved 10 frames per second, but there are stories of the hardships that were achieved by reconsidering the processing and cutting back and cutting down to achieve this. It was unveiled.

Image stabilization has also evolved from 6.5 steps to 8 steps, but this has been achieved by installing a high-precision gyro and improving the algorithm. “It has reached a level where we have to take it into account.” In addition, the gyro sensor is installed in the penta part.

In addition, we adopted the same body as the full-frame “S5II” because Micro Four Thirds is strong in telephoto, so we installed a wide-angle lens on the full-frame and a telephoto lens on the Micro Four Thirds G9 Pro II, making two cameras. Even in scenes where you are shooting while using different cameras, the advantage is that “the two cameras have the same operating feel and grip, so you can continue shooting seamlessly even if you switch.”

Project leader Mr. Taniguchi said, “The original G9 has been a product that has been loved for a long time, but when I was creating a new product, I thought about why it was loved so much. The process of recording images was very smooth, and it was a camera that any photographer would be familiar with.This is what we focused on with the G9 Pro II.It has not only improved depiction performance and AF, but also has a camera system that is extremely easy to use. I’ve spent a lot of time with this camera, both on weekends and on weekdays, both for testing purposes, and I’m very happy to have reached this day.I want it to be a camera that is loved by both professionals and amateurs for a long time.” commented.

Mr. Nakanishi said, “People may think that because the sensor is small, the depiction will not be good, but we feel there is potential in this size, and (even with the G9 Pro II) we have created an amazing image that defies common sense. The images are very well rendered.We have received comments from photographers such as “I never thought a Micro Four Thirds could produce such thin lines” and “I want it.”They say it’s a very nice camera. I can feel it,” he said, expressing confidence in the perfection of the G9 Pro II.

New lenses too

New lenses include “H-ES35100” (LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 35-100mm / F2.8 / POWER OIS) and “H-RSA100400” (LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 II ASPH) / POWER OIS) will also be released.

H-ES35100 is 67.4 x 99.9 mm (diameter x height) and weighs approximately 360 g. “H-RSA100400” is 83 x 171.5 mm (same) and approximately 985 g.

Application H-RSA100400 (LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 II ASPH. / POWER OIS) H-ES35100 (LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 35-100mm / F2.8 / POWER OIS)

Release commemorative YouTube distribution and cashback also available

A presentation by a Panasonic representative and a talk session with creators will be streamed on YouTube from 6pm on September 15th. Additionally, a nationwide Touch & Try Caravan will be held starting in Nagoya on September 16th, followed by Tokyo and Osaka. This will be an opportunity to touch and experience the actual machine. Please refer to the LUMIX website for details.

Additionally, a cashback campaign will be held to commemorate the release. The reservation period is from September 15th to October 26th, and the purchase period is from October 27th to January 14th, 2024. The application period is valid for entries postmarked by January 28, 2024.

You can get a cashback of 20,000 yen for the body alone, 2,500 yen for the lens kit, and a spare battery is also given as a bonus for those who pre-order. If you purchase eligible lenses at the same time, you will receive even more cash back. Please refer to the LUMIX website for details.

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