Panasonic's huge announcement at Photokina 2016 isn't a camera that you can purchase in the next couple of months. Instead, it let the world know that the much-awaited 6K video recording-enabled Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5 is under development will be released at some point in 2017.6
Specs
Its top-end specs are astounding! An 18 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor that can record 6K videos at up to 30fps and 4K at 60fps, along with a pro-grade 4:2:2 10-bit uncompressed video output. If 6K isn't enough, you'll have to wait a little longer. Panasonic aspires to ship a camera that records in 8K in time for the 2020 Olympics.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5 will be released with three new zoom lenses, developed together with Leica. The wide-point 8-18mm, standard-angle 12-60mm, and telephoto 50-200mm zoom with all sports variable aperture designs that start at f/2.8 and lose only one stop, dropping to f/4 when zoomed all in.
Added goods
If you're looking forward to buying this year, then Panasonic will give you three new models from which you choose from, with only one from the trio supporting interchangeable lenses. Considered as a new entry in the company's Micro Four Thirds line-up, it is called the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 in the US market. It is placed above the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7, which will stay on sale. For the Europeans, the new model will be sold as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80.
Features
The camera dons a 16 MP Micro Four Thirds format image sensor with no optical low-pass filter, an SLR-style design, and advanced features such as 4K video capture, Panasonic's 4K photo mode, and a focus system that can focus on subjects while keeping up a 6fps burst rate. You can push the burst rate to 9fps by locking focus after the primary shot. Panasonic states that the shooting support gets you 40 RAW or 200 JPG images at that rate.
Price
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 releases in December and comes at a premium value of US$1,199.99. However, its build quality is similar to the less costly Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. Its chassis is polycarbonate and it needs weather fixing, two components you'll find in similar premium cameras like the Sony RX10 II and RX10 III.
