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This week in the news: Panasonic announced the new Lumix GH4 mirrorless camera with 4K video capability, and a grip accessory with time code, SDI and XLR ports; Nikon unveiled several point-and-shoot cameras; Ricoh came out the WG-4 tough camera and new mounts, as well as a K-Mount teleconverter; and Tamron is developing two new lenses: a 16-300mm for APS-C cameras, and a 28-300mm for full-frame.
This is your B&H Gear News Roundup for February 7, 2014. Follow us on Twitter for the latest news as it breaks.
The New Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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After revealing a 4K-capable GH-series camera at CES 2014, and withholding most of the details about the new model, Panasonic officially announced the new DMC-GH4, their flagship Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera. While its physical appearance is mostly unchanged from the previous generation of this camera—the DMC-GH3 (which will remain commercially available)—the new GH4 has a lot more going on under the hood, most notably its ability to capture 4096x2160 4K video at 24p.
The new GH4 retains all of the qualities that made the GH3 appealing, such as its durable magnesium construction and built-in Wi-Fi. Both cameras feature 16.05-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensors; however, it's been upgraded on the GH4 to provide more sensitivity and less rolling shutter. The quad-core image processor has been upgraded as well, to handle 4K video capture. Panasonic's GH series are "hybrid" cameras in the truest sense of the word, offering outstanding performance as both still and video cameras. With a maximum ISO of 25600, a fast 49-point auto focusing system, and a 12fps (AFS) high burst rate shooting mode, the GH4 holds its own as a still camera.
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For those that take video production seriously with the Micro Four Thirds format (and there are many who do), Panasonic has announced the new DMW-YAGH interface, which substantially increases the footprint of the camera. Short of supplying built-in ND filters, the YAGH interface upgrades the GH4 to the level of a professional video camera by empowering it with 4K-compatible 3G-SDI ports with timecode. It also features dual XLR inputs that switch between Mic and Line-Level, and offers phantom power, gain control dials, rear-facing audio level meters, and a 12V DC external power input.
Take a detailed look at the new GH4 and YAGH interface in this B&H blog post.
Six New Point-and-Shoot Cameras from Nikon
Today, at three o'clock in the morning New York time, Nikon announced six new point-and-shoot cameras. Here's a quick rundown of the new models:
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COOLPIX AW120 - The new AW120 rugged camera is waterproof in depths down to 59 feet, it can survive a drop from 6.6 feet, and operates in temperatures as low as 14º Fahrenheit. It features built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, shoots 1080p HD video, and has a wide angle 24mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens.
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COOLPIX P340 - The new COOLPIX P340 is a pocket-sized camera with an f/1.8-5.6 5x optical zoom lens, VR image stabilization, built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and image sharing, and the ability to shoot 1080p HD video.
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COOLPIX P530 - For those who like to zoom, Nikon offers the new COOLPIX P530, which provides the ease of use of a point-and-shoot camera, coupled with a powerful 42x optical zoom that doubles to 84x when its Dynamic Fine Zoom function is used. Optical VR image stabilization is provided to help keep distant shots steady.
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COOLPIX P600 - The new COOLPIX P600 offers even more zooming horsepower with its built-in 60x optical zoom, that doubles to 120x when the Dynamic Fine Zoom feature is used. An electronic viewfinder is provided for framing shots in bright environments, and a Vari-Angle 3.0-inch LCD monitor makes it possible to frame shots with your arms extended over your head.
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COOLPIX S32 - The new S32 from Nikon combines rugged features, such as being waterproof down to 33 feet, and shockproof from drops of 5 feet, with the simplicity and the form factor of a traditional point-and-shoot camera. It's available in white and blue.
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COOLPIX S9700 - The final new COOLPIX camera from Nikon is the S9700, which offers a 30x optical zoom (which doubles to 60x with the Dynamic Fine Zoom feature), built-in Wi-Fi, as well as a built-in GPS module.
Get more details on the new Nikon COOLPIX cameras in this B&H blog post.
The New Ricoh WG-4 Tough Camera, Mounts, and Teleconverter
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The new Ricoh WG-4 is an updated version of the Pentax-branded WG-3. Like the WG-3, the new model is available in two versions—with or without built-in GPS. The new WG-4 features an upgraded image-processing engine, upgraded shooting modes, new exterior color options, and compatibility with a new set of mounts that make it possible to use the WG-4 as an action camera, by attaching it to handlebars, surfboards and more.
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Ricoh also announced the new 1.4x HD DA AF Rear Converter AW teleconverter for K-mount telephoto lenses, which increases the focal length of the attached lens by 40%. The converter is weather-resistant, and also maintains the minimal focus distance of the attached lens.
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Get all of the details on the new gear from Ricoh in this B&H blog post.
Two New High-Power Zoom Lenses from Tamron
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Tamron announced the development of two new zoom lenses this week. The upcoming 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro is designed for APS-C cameras, and the new 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD is for full-frame bodies. Both lenses will be available for Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony A-mount cameras.
Get the full details and specs on the new Tamron lenses in this B&H blog post.
More news:
- Fourteen-year Photoshop veteran John Nack left Adobe to join Google’s photography team. Get the full scoop over at PetaPixel.
- Nikon’s Capture NX 2.4.6 software is now available, which includes RAW support for the D3300. Full details and download links are available at Photography Bay.
- Hasselblad announced a DSLR called the HV, which is based on the Sony a99. Read more about it over at PDN Online.
- In addition to selling their VAIO computer line, Sony closed their e-book Reader Store in North America this week. More information is available at The Verge.
And that's your news for February 7, 2014.