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Panasonic manager explains why Phase Detection AF is coming now only

S5II at Bhphoto, Adorama, Amazon US&EU&CA, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, WexUK, Ipln.

Panasonic LUMIX representative Kisho Shiomi explained why they are late in the game with their phase detection AF:

Until now, our company has adopted “image quality” (priority) contrast AF. For image plane phase difference AF, it is necessary to embed a sensor for distance measurement in the sensor, and since color information and luminance information cannot be obtained from the embedded location, the image processing engine must compensate for it, and Panasonic is the best in photography and video. The important thing is image quality, which cannot be compromised. That becomes our philosophy.

Conventional image processing engine technology has not been able to guarantee image quality that satisfies us. Thanks to the major evolution of the image processing engine, this is the first time that even with our strict image quality standards, we have achieved a very large evolution in terms of filling in the distance measurement sensor and correcting it. .

We don’t mean to say that we have simply installed focal plane phase detection AF, but we want to deliver solid image quality to our customers. In addition, this time I would like to tell you that you can use image plane phase detection AF while maintaining good image quality.

via DClife

Panasonic: “Please look forward to the rapid progress of LUMIX in the future”

S5II at Bhphoto, Adorama, Amazon US&EU&CA, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, WexUK, Ipln.

DC.watch interviewed a bunch of Panasonic managers.

About the Lumix future:

We recognize that we are not yet a strong manufacturer in the market. We believe that the S5II this time is a product of a very high dimension, and we believe that this is the next phase of LUMIX. Please look forward to the rapid progress of LUMIX in the future.

On Why Phase Detection AF is only coming now on Panasonic cameras:

This is because we place the highest priority on image quality. When using focal plane phase detection AF, pixel defects will inevitably occur. LUMIX gives top priority to image quality, so we have been developing from the perspective of how far AF can be enhanced while still producing the highest image quality. In such a situation, we have refined contrast AF and DFD (spatial recognition AF) without pixel defects.

About the new IS system:

The main feature is the significant improvement in the image stabilization effect when shooting videos while walking. Conventionally, when shooting movies, the vertical, horizontal, and rotational correction ratios were allotted at a fixed rate, but with Active IS, for example, in scenes where vertical blur is large, the vertical correction ratio is increased. For example, the correction ratio is adjusted according to the state of blurring. As a result, we were able to greatly improve the correction effect for walking shots. In addition, the camera shake correction effect can be fully demonstrated even with fixed shooting.

Sigma will announce the new 60-600mm lens for L-mount on January 12

Image on top shows the current 60-600mm lens for Nikon F and Canon EF (for about 2000 Dollars/Euro here on Amazon). 

Sigma confirmed it will announce “new products” on January 12th. Of course we already know that they will announce the new 60-500mm f/4.5-6.3 sports lens for Sony E and Leica L mount. Here are the specs:

60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports 

  • Lens construction: 27 elements in 19 groups
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 45-260cm
  • Maximum magnification: 1:2.4
  • Number of aperture blades: 9 (circular aperture)
  • New development adopted HLA (Hi-response Linear Actuator)
  • Filter diameter: 105mm
  • Size: φ119.4mm x 279.2mm (281.2mm for E-mount version)
  • Weight: 2495g (2485g for E-mount version)
  • Hood: LH1144-02
  • Lens cap: LC-740E
  • Tripod socket: TS-121