Lumix G100 is all about the bass (and treble)

Panasonic Australia has announced the ‘video-centric’ Lumix G100 with sophisticated audio options, available here from late July at a body-only RRP of $1099.

The Lumix G100 is the first interchangeable lens camera to feature  OZO Audio – from Nokia! – incorporating three microphones that allow the user to capture immersive sound. Whether you are behind the camera narrating, or in front of the lens speaking to camera, the OZO Audio system will track and capture sound.

Also new to the G100 are content sharing via smartphone at the touch of a button, Lumix Video Selfie via a free-angle monitor, and ‘Frame Marker’ with a range of popular aspect ratios.

Other capabilities include 4K video, Quick and Slow video modes, and V-Log L recording pre-installed for precise colour grading.

‘We’re excited to introduce this camera with an all-in-one audio solution unique in its class. It has two significant benefits that make it easier to create really engaging vlogs. Firstly, it can capture sound based on where you
are in relation to the camera – so whether you are in front or behind the lens, audio is clear and sharp,
actively reducing background noise. Secondly, OZO Audio works together with the G100’s autofocus
system to track and follow the sounds of the subject in focus when it is in front of the camera.’ said James Choi, Product Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Australia.

The G100’s three built-in microphones track and prioritise the subject while recording high quality sound. There are  five audio modes: Tracking, Surround, Front, Back and Auto.

The Tracking mode works in conjunction with Panasonic’s Face Recognition technology to analyse the scene and
automatically adjust the three microphones to converge on the location of the presenter or the subject. The end result is clear voice recording with consistent levels even when recording in crowds or
locations with ambient noise.

The Surround mode records audio in all directions to provide a 360° sound experience. The Back mode enables the camera operator/presenter to directly narrate the scene they’re shooting. Auto mode is best for unpredictable scenes and general recording situations, automatically switching between tracking and surround modes.
Other features
– The Lumiz Video Selfie mode captures the ‘vlogger’ (ugly word, that) and the background;
– Frame Marker includes 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 4:5, 5:4 and 9:16 aspect ratios;
– Video is at up to 4K (3840 x 2160) at 30p/25p/24p;
– 5-axis hybrid image stabilisation system for ‘stable, easy-to-watch video in situations such as recording while walking and talking.’
– Connects with Bluetooth 4.2; 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n); and HDMI;
– 20.3MP MOS Sensor without a Low Pass Filter, for sharp images with low noise;
– Shooting at up to ISO 25,600;
– 3680K-dot equivalent viewfinder;
– Post Focus mode allows the user to choose the focal point of an image after the shot has been taken, and Focus
Stacking combines focal points to achieve complete foreground to background focus.

Among accessories accompanying the G100 is a Tripod Grip – both a lightweight handgrip and mini tripod. It  connects via USB to start/stop video recording, release the shutter and enable/disable Sleep mode. It’s compatible with other Lumix cameras –  GH5, GH5S, G9, G95 and G85 following a firmware upgrade.

Lumix G100 Pricing
Body only: RRP $1099;
With Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. MEGA OIS lens: RRP $1299;
With 12-32mm lens and DMW-SHGR1E Tripod Grip: RRP $1399.