Panasonic issues ‘battery safety’ firmware

Panasonic has released firmware updates for its latest digital cameras including the GH1, G1, ZS3 and TS1. The new firmware can identify genuine Panasonic batteries and prevents the use of any third party battery packs. The company says it has taken this move to ensure safety of its users against possible injuries because of overcharging, internal heating or short circuit in third-party batteries.

Panasonic updates firmware for Lumix 14-45mm lens

Panasonic has released a firmware update for its Lumix G Vario 14-45mm F3.5-5.6 lens. Version 1.1 improves auto-focusing ability of the lens in Continuous AF mode. It also improves auto-focus and image stabilization performance in movie mode on the GH1 and makes the aperture quieter.

PMA Interview: Panasonic

We caught up with a team of executives from Panasonic Japan at PMA for a chat about the new GH1 and their plans for the DSC market. As part of our meeting Mr Ichiro Kitao, General Manager of the DSC Product Planning Group agreed to answer some of our questions - and some of those posed by our forum members - in an 'on the record' interview. Check it out after the link...

PMA Interview: Panasonic

We caught up with a team of executives from Panasonic Japan at PMA for a chat about the new GH1 and their plans for the DSC market. As part of our meeting Mr Ichiro Kitao, General Manager of the DSC Product Planning Group agreed to answer some of our questions - and some of those posed by our forum members - in an 'on the record' interview. Check it out after the link...

Panasonic launches Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm lens

PMA 2009: Panasonic has today announced a new image-stabilized Micro Four Thirds superzoom lens to accompany the DMC-GH1 body. Designed specifically for video as well as photo use, the Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm F4.0-5.8 ASPH Mega OIS incorporates a new silent focusing system which allows continuous AF during movie recording and a stepless aperture control. The 28-280mm equivalent focal length range is achieved in a body that is about 10% smaller and lighter than the company's previous equivalent for Four Thirds. Distortion and chromatic aberration are minimised using four aspherical and two Extraordinary Dispersion glass elements, and the aperture uses 7 rounded blades for smoothly blurred backgrounds.