The newly-announced Panasonic ‘X’ Series of LUMIX G Micro System lenses which offer electric powered zoom operation are compatible with the Panasonic AG-AF102EN Four Thirds Professional Camcorder - making the combination of the AG-AF102EN with the new ‘X’ series lenses an even more powerful creative tool for the professional video and digital cinematography industries.

The AG-AF102EN’s design, incorporating a Four Thirds image sensor and a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, combines the benefit of a shallow depth of field with the flexibility of using a growing line of professional-quality Micro Four Thirds lenses and filters - as well as, with the addition of conversion adaptors, a wider range of lenses including Compact Cine Primes.

The two new X Series lenses are the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) and the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175). Both lenses will be available in Australia in late October. Pricing will be announced closer to the release date.

This revolutionary development allows users to have a zoom lens in an incredibly small package. The zoom can be used at the push of a button, and the lenses offer smooth zooming when shooting video. When using the 45-175mm zoom, activities such as shooting when using an underwater housing or when you are using a matt box are easier as there is no external movement of the zoom.

The LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. lens adopts the industry-first Multi-Actuator Floating Inner Focus System¹ which controls three  lens groups separately to achieve downsizing in both size and weight. It also achieves high performance for resolution and contrast at the entire zoom range of 45-175mm (35mm camera equivalent: 90-350mm) in a compact size.  Although the lens covers a long zoom range from standard to telephoto, it is designed with two aspherical lenses for outstanding compactness at approximately 90.0 mm in length and approximately 210 grams in weight.

The LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S retractable zoom lens is amazingly compact and mobile at 26.8 mm² in length and weighing around 95 grams. The astonishingly short overall length is achieved by the inclusion of four aspherical lenses. The zoom lever on the lens barrel provides stable zooming while manual focusing is also available via the manual focus lever for more precise control.

Crystallising Panasonic's optical technologies, the “X” lenses feature superb image rendering for lifelike textures with crisp edge-to-edge contrast. A unique Nano Surface Coating is designed to minimise ghosts and flaring, minimising reflection at the entire visual light range (380nm-780nm).

A POWER Optical Image Stabiliser integrated in the lenses makes it easy to shoot super clear shots even in low-lit situations such as at night time or indoors. With the improved sensitivity of the gyro sensor, the new POWER O.I.S. is twice as effective in suppressing large, slow movements³. Small, fast movements are compensated by the conventional MEGA O.I.S.

Mathew Alexander, Product Manager - Broadcast, Panasonic Australia, said: “The introduction of the new LUMIX ‘X’ series lenses are a really exciting milestone for professionals using the AG-AF102EN camcorder. When we introduced the revolutionary AG-AF102EN camcorder in January this year one of the most frequently asked questions was: ’Will we be able to use power zoom lenses?’ Now, only a few months later, that request is a reality.”

“The combination of the AG-AF102EN camcorder with one, or both, of these new LUMIX ‘X’ series lenses with the already available Compact Prime lens options increases the flexibility and versatility of the camcorder hugely. You could start the week at an Indi film or music video shoot, then move to a high end TVC and finish the week with an ENG style interview with just the flick of a few switches - all with one small, powerful and extremely cost effective package.”

The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm/F1.4 ASPH (H-X025) (35 mm camera equivalent: 50 mm) lens that was unveiled earlier this year is also compatible with the AG-AF102EN.

This compact and lightweight lens features an outstanding brightness of F1.4 allowing a beautiful soft focus when capturing photos and video, as well as improved performance in dimly-lit conditions without flash.

The AG-AF102EN Four Thirds Camcorder is available from specialist Panasonic Professional Video Resellers priced at $5967.00 rrp. For more information on Panasonic Broadcast visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600

By Press Release

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