Just when I was beginning to think that connected devices were going to overrun the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Panasonic and Canon take the spotlight and show photographers that there's plenty for them at CES too.
Canon GX9 Mark II
The Canon GX9 Mark II.
I held the latest version of the GX9 last night at the Pepcom Digital Experience "Technology Tailgate" Event, and was amazed at how light and nimble it is. The big news about this 1"-sensor wonder is that Canon added its DIGIC 7 processor that allows for 8 fps when shooting RAWs. Basically, it's a muscle car squeezed into a compact. You can preorder the GX9 Mark II for $529 (in silver or black). It should be available next month.
Panasonic GH5
Panasonic GH5
Panasonic's flagship mirrorless camera definitely has a Hemi under the hood. Take a look at this list of highlighted specs.
- 20.3MP Digital Live MOS Sensor with Venus Engine Image Processor
- UHD 4K 60p Video (no crop)
- Internal 4:2:2 10-Bit 4K Video at 24/30p
- 5-Axis Sensor Stabilization; Dual I.S. 2
- 0.76x 3.68m-Dot OLED Viewfinder
- 3.2" 1.62m-Dot Free-Angle Touchscreen
- Advanced DFD AF System; 6K & 4K PHOTO
- ISO 25600 and 12 fps Continuous Shooting
- Dual UHS-II SD Slots; Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Where Panasonic is distinguishing itself from the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is with video performance. In addition to its still photography prowess, the GH5 is a serious movie making machine, from cinematic theater to corporate training.
The Panasonic GH5 should be available by the end of March for $1,997
Refreshed Lens Line Up from Panasonic
If there was ever any doubt that Micro Four Thirds rules the roost for mirrorless lens catalog, these latest updates from Panasonic should confirm what many of us already knew.
Case in point are four refreshed pro lenses, adding a new exterior finish and Dual IS performance when mounted to compatible cameras. They also include a micro step drive system that makes them even better suited for smooth focusing when recording video. The refreshed lenses include: 12-35mm f/2.8 II, 35-100mm f/2.8 II, 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II, 100-300mm f/4-5,6II.
Panasonic also introduced the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH. Power O.I.S. ($997) for pros who want a versatile zoom for just about any situation.
More Photography to Come
Other camera makers are making a splash at CES too. We'll keep the coverage coming. Stay tuned for more news.
Join me on my Instagram site as I explore the world of photography in Las Vegas.
