‘Panasonics 10-25 mm f/1.7 lens for microfour-thirds costs about 2200 euros’
According to a Russian manager of Panasonic, Mikhail Semenov, the previously announced, relatively very bright 10-25 mm f/1.7 zoom lens will have a price of more than 2200 euros. The lens should be released this year, probably in the fall.
The website Photar.ru asked if Semenov could provide more information about the lens announced in September last year. He indicated that the 10-25mm should be released this year and that the official announcement is expected to follow in August or September. The DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm lens, reportedly made in collaboration with Leica, comes out at about 160,000 rubles or slightly cheaper, converted over 2,200 euros, according to Semenov.
Semenov also received questions about the microfourthirds system and specifically the Lumix G camera series, although he did not want to say anything specific about it. For example, he did not address the question of whether the GH6, the possible successor to the GH5, is already being tested internally. The Russian Panasonic manager only indicated that the Lumix G series is being further developed.
He also discussed the autofocus of Panasonic cameras. According to Semenov, Panasonic sticks to contrast autofocus, while other manufacturers often use phase detection autofocus in addition. He states that the depth-by-defocus technology already applied increases the autofocus speed, although he did not address the point that phase detection is usually a bit smoother and more accurate in tracking, for example, fast-moving subjects.
Semenov says that the new S1 and S1R full-frame cameras, unlike the GH5, for example, also use deep learning. He contrasts this specifically with machine learning, which he believes is primarily a marketing term. This deep learning technology enables the cameras to accurately determine faces, pupils and silhouettes of people and animals, Semenov said. According to him, this technology is already available in the G9, even though this was not the case at the time of release.
Photo: ePhotozine