Unveiled: Panasonic Mirrorless GX8 + Long Zoom FZ300 with 4K Photo + 4K Video

4K is becoming a more and more desirable feature in compact cameras, and Panasonic is definitely listening, as demonstrated by the release of the Lumix DMC-GX8 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera and the Lumix DMC-FZ300 Digital Camera, both with advanced 4K Photo and UHD 4K Video capabilities. A long-awaited update to the company’s flat-type mirrorless camera line, the GX8 brings with it a higher-resolution, 20.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor and a Dual I.S. shake-compensation system that leverages both in-body and lens stabilizers simultaneously. In the compact world, the FZ300 brings a ruggedized body with splash and dust resistance, as well as improved AF speed and burst shooting.

Lumix DMC-GX8 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera

Of course, the highlight feature of Panasonic’s DMC-GX8 is the implementation of UHD 4K Video and 4K Photo modes in an increasingly compact Micro Four Thirds camera body. This is possible thanks to the use of the latest Venus Engine image processor and a newly developed 20.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor, which also enable the capture of highly detailed stills at sensitivities up to ISO 25600. Another development for Panasonic we can find in the GX8 is Dual I.S. with the ability to simultaneously combine in-body and in-lens stabilization systems to greatly minimize camera shake.

Delving deeper into the details of 4K reveal this camera’s ability to capture images at a UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 at up to 30 fps at 100 Mbps. This means users will be able to shoot high-resolution videos, as well as pull 8-megapixel stills from the image sensor while shooting, ensuring you won’t miss the decisive moment. There are a lot of different settings for this, including a 4K Burst for continuous capture, 4K Burst Start/Stop for extracting images later, and 4K Pre-Burst, which records one second before and after the shutter is pressed.

Body design has always been a huge part of the GX-line with a flat, rangefinder-like construction. This model uses a die-cast, magnesium-alloy frame with seals that provide splash- and dust proofing for use in less-than-ideal weather. It has a tilting 2,360k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with a 0.77x magnification for composing, along with a 1,040k-dot rear OLED monitor that tilts and swivels. The front, of course, features a Micro Four Thirds mount for compatibility with a vast range of lenses.

Speed has been improved in many regards, with a High-Speed AF system with Depth-From-Defocus (DFD) technology. This allows for lock-on speeds as fast as 0.07 seconds and a burst shooting speed of 6 fps with continuous AF. Low-light shooting is now possible at -4 EV with a Star Light AF mode, which is optimized for shooting the night sky. Also, the mechanical shutter is capable of speeds up to 1/8000-second while the electronic shutter can reach a maximum of 1/16000-second.

Other features implemented on this camera to improve video recording include a built-in stereo mic, a 2.5mm mic jack, Cinelike D and Cinelike V gamma profiles, and flicker reduction. Also, the GX8 has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for working with a smartphone or tablet and it will accept SD cards. In-camera RAW development is available, as well, for tweaking images without needing a computer. The camera will be available in black or silver.

Lumix DMC-FZ300 Digital Camera

Updating the long-zoom point-and-shoot line, the DMC-FZ300 shares many of the improvements found in the GX8, including 4K Photo and UHD 4K Video modes. This camera, though, offers a fixed zoom lens with a far reaching 25-600mm equivalent zoom range and an impressive constant f/2.8 aperture. Benefitting this zoom is a 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S.+, which reduces blur from camera shake at slower shutter speeds and longer focal lengths. Also, a Level Shot Function will detect the horizon line and maintain it when the camera is tilted.

The FZ300 enjoys faster autofocusing using Panasonic’s Depth-From-Defocus (DFD) technology. This system calculates the distance between foreground and background to bring the subject into focus in a single quick movement. This is possible through the use of the latest Venus Engine image processor in combination with the 12.1-megapixel 1/2.3" MOS sensor, which also works to create images with low noise at up to ISO 6400.

Body design has been improved with splash- and dust resistance while it utilizes both a 3.0" 1,040k-dot free-angle touchscreen rear LCD and 1,440k-dot 0.7x OLED viewfinder for image composition. Multiple dials are available on the sturdy handgrip for ease of operation, and a side lever on the lens barrel helps improve lens control. Additionally, it has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for use with the Panasonic Image app and a 3.5mm mic jack.