Mirrorless Camera News

Panasonic said at the photokina show in Germany today that it has developed two full frame mirrorless cameras: the 47MP S1R and the 24MP S1. According to Panasonic, these models are equipped with the “world's first: 4K 60p/50p video recording function and the Dual I.S. image stabilization system."

They will also be Panasonic’s first full frame cameras; previously the company used the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor format for its mirrorless cameras. Panasonic said it plans to release these two new full frame mirrorless models next spring.

Both the forthcoming Panasonic S1R and S1 will use Leica’s L-mount for its lenses. Earlier today, Panasonic joined forces with Leica and Sigma to form the L-mount alliance, in an attempt to create a new lens standard for full frame mirrorless cameras.

Here’s a rundown of some of the key features of the new Panasonic S1R and S1 cameras, according to a Panasonic press announcement:

• Creative capabilities: with high definition and high level of expression achieved with the newly-developed 35 mm full-frame image sensor and image processing engine. (Effective pixels: approximately 47M for the S1R and 24M for the S1)

• World's first support: for 4K 60p/50p video recording in a full-frame Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera.

• World's first full- frame camera equipped with Dual I.S. image stabilization: enabling handheld shots for dark or distant scenes that would previously have required a tripod or other equipment.

• A double slot for XQD memory cards and SD memory cards, a first for Panasonic

• A rugged triaxial tilt LCD: emphasizing ease of use and supporting professional photography and videography.

• An unlimited scope of applications: Leica Camera's L-Mount, making it possible to use replacement lenses that meet the L-Mount specifications of the partners Leica Camera and Sigma. Expressiveness is further enhanced by increasing options for replacement lenses.

Panasonic will also expand its line-up of LUMIX S series compatible lenses, developing more than ten by 2020, including a 50 mm/F1.4 fixed-focus lens, 24-105 mm standard zoom lens, and 70-200 mm telephoto zoom lens.

For the LUMIX G series of Micro Four Thirds Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras, Panasonic will begin developing a Leica DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25 mm F1.7 lens that will achieve the world's first zoom with a constant aperture value of F1.7. On top of this, the support services for professional photographers and videographers, which started in Japan in April last year, will be available in selected European markets and the United States this fiscal year.