Hot on the heels of our in-depth vlogging gear guide, Panasonic has announced a new contender in the growing vlog-centric market: the mirrorless, micro four thirds Lumix G100, slated to hit the market at the end of July. We got the opportunity to take one for a prerelease test drive over the weekend, and we liked what we saw!
You can get a live first look of your own with Sean from Panasonic TODAY at 2:00 p.m. MDT (1:00 p.m. PDT). Click here to register for this free online event.
Unboxing
Quick specs
- 20.3 MP sensor with no low-pass filter
- 4K 24/30fps max quality video
- Up to 120fps high-speed full HD video
- Fully articulated screen
- Easy, robust smartphone connection
- 3 built-in mics for directional audio, including tracking (“OZO Audio”)
In addition to the quite capable internal mic array (the tracking is a first in the industry), there is also a microphone jack so you can tune your audio capture as needed. The micro USB port on the camera can be used both for charging—power on the go!—and to connect the new DMW-SHGR1 tripod grip, which will be available as part of a kit with the G100 as well as separately.
The tripod grip can be used, as you might imagine, as a vlogging grip or as a tabletop tripod, and features convenient shutter, video record, and sleep buttons. The optical image stabilization built into the included 12-32mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 ASPH lens works with electronic image stabilization in the body to give you a fighting chance at stable, handheld footage—a must for vlogging.
The camera even supports V-Log L out of the box (normally a paid upgrade), so you can take full control of your video’s final look.
Audio test and thoughts from Joe
All in all, it sounds pretty good even when he puts the white noise generator right behind the camera! Now for the fun part… here are the kind of real world results you can expect. Is the G100 the tool you’ve bee waiting for to tell your story?
The G100 in action: sample vlog
The Panasonic Lumix G100 is expected in-store at the end of July, and for a limited time, you can save $50 and get a free battery! The G100 with 12-32mm lens will start at the introductory price of $699.99; add the sweet tripod grip and the introductory price is only $749.99.
Click here or visit your local Mike’s Camera to order yours today, and be sure to read our vlogging guide for tips and gear recommendations as part of your quest for the ultimate quality. Don’t delay—that $50 rebate and free extra battery won’t last forever.
Sample stills
Joe Klocek is author of several books on the iBooks store and creator of the “Photography Essentials: Zero to Sixty” online course. When he’s not crafting quality educational media, reading, or hanging out with his family, you can find Joe at our Park Meadows store.