Cameras


Photokina 2018: Panasonic Is Ready to Go Full Frame

September 26, 2018

By Greg Scoblete

At Photokina, Panasonic threw its hat into the full-frame mirrorless ring with a preview of not one but two full-frame mirrorless cameras using Leica’s L Mount.

The S1R and S1 will offer 47-megapixel and 24-megapixel image sensors, respectively. They will deliver 4K/60p recording (a world’s first for this class of camera, according to Panasonic) and dual image stabilization. Panasonic plans to release the cameras in 2019.

While specs were sparse, Panasonic says the cameras will have two card slots—one for XQ memory, the other for SD cards. They’ll also have triaxial, tilting LCD displays.

Joining the camera will be more than 10 L-mount lenses through 2020, including a 50mm/F1.4 prime lens, 24-105mm standard zoom lens, and 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens. The S series cameras will also be compatible with all of Leica’s existing L-mount lenses for its SL, T and CL cameras.

Micro Four Thirds users weren’t totally left out in the cold, though. Panasonic also says it’s working on a Leica DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm F1.7 lens that will achieve the world’s first zoom with a constant aperture value of f/1.7. The company is also readying a support services network for professional photographers and videographers will be available in selected European markets and the United States later this year.