NEW PANASONIC BODIES & LENSES New MD for Leica UK

Like Canon, Panasonic also has a new pair of mirrorless camera bodies and lenses to share with the trade. These are the ‘classically styled’ Lumix S5II and the sleek matt black S5IIx, plus the Lumix S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro and the Leica DG VarioElmarit 12-35mm f/2.8

While the Lumix S5II has been available since the end of January at £1,999 SRP, the S5IIX will follow on in May at £2,299 SRP. Panasonic says both of these L-Mount models are designed to ‘fulfill the demands of the most ambitious creators’. They’re built around a newly developed 24 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor which supports a first for the Lumix camera range: Hybrid Phase Detection Auto Focus. Unsurprisingly the cameras are being pitched at both photographers and videographers and are compatible with 14 existing Lumix S lenses, plus L-mount lenses made by Panasonic’s partners. Video capabilities include 6K resolution video in 3:2 ratio or 5.9K in 16:9 ratio at 30fps, plus 4K resolution video up to

60fps. A new low-profile heat management system is said to allow for unlimited recording times. While there is a built-in microphone, an external microphone can be added as required. In terms of stills, both can capture 9fps with mechanical shutter or 30fps with electronic shutter, for up to 300 images. We also get a whopping 96 megapixel High Resolution mode and Dual Native ISO sensitivity, which tops out at an extendable ISO204800. Dual card slots also feature. Scheduled to arrive February as we went to press is the compact, Micro Four Thirds compatible Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 This has been designed to replace the outgoing Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8

II ASPH in offering greater versatility than its predecessor.

With a construction comprised of 14 lens elements in nine groups plus a dust and splash resistant design, an ‘exceptional’ optical performance is promised. With the lens weighing just 306g, and a new mechanism to suppress focus breathing during video capture featured, SRP is £879.99.

The second new lens in the ultra wide Lumix S 14-28mm Macro (middle, top) is for the L-Mount system. It arrives at the same time and again at £879.99 SRP with a dust and splash resistant design. Said to be capable of smooth, silent operation and working with Panasonic’s cameras high speed, high precision AF system, the optic is well suited to shooting landscapes and portraits, as well as video recording, with its micro step aperture control allowing for smooth changes in exposure. www.panasonic.co.uk

With long term MD Jason Heward having departed last year, Leica UK has a new boss for a new year. Farah Ahmed Perez joins the luxury camera marque following a stint as MD of Hermès Parfums UK. Having begun her career in media sales in the international television and telecoms B2B publishing industry, Farah moved into luxury retail, initially with Harrods’ Fashion, before later becoming General Merchandise Manager for the Home, Technology and Beauty concessions division.

Leica Vice President of Global Sales and Retail, Kurt Doyran, says: “We are delighted to have Farah join Leica at such a pinnacle time of growth. The UK is a key market for the brand and she is a highly experienced leader with proven results across luxury goods, retail and media.” www.leica-camera.com