Panasonic has unveiled a second digital camera, the
LUMIX GX850. This camera sports a sleek, somewhat classic design, though with
modern trimmings like a 3-inch 1040K-dot display. The camera is designed to
target photography enthusiasts, but also the younger generations in general: it
has an increasingly common Self Shot mode for snapping up to 4K selfies, as
well as a Beauty Retouch function.
Traditional camera sales are dropping, and so it’s
no surprise that camera makers are targeting the traditional smartphone-centric
crowd with more modern features. Chief among that is the Self Shot mode, which
is automatically activated when the camera’s monitor is flipped. There’s a Face
Shutter and Buddy Shutter functional for triggering the shutter, making
hands-free selfies possible.
The GX850 is powered by the Venue Engine and
features a 16-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor, as well as a high 25,600 ISO
for low-light shots. The camera is able to record QFHD (3840×2160) 4K videos at
24p and 30p in MP4 format. The camera can also snap what Panasonic calls 4K
PHOTO shots, doing so with functions like Light Composition, Focus Stacking,
and Post Focus.
The camera also offers an Intelligent Auto mode,
Scene Guide, and creative options like Creative Panorama, Creative Control, and
Photo Style with things like an L Monochrome mode. Other features include WiFi,
both black and silver body color options, plus traditional photo modes like 4K
Burst and 4K Pre-Burst.
Panasonic GX850 has been available for US$ 549.99.
