The mobile device and consumer camera market aren't the only areas of the camera business that are showing signs of growth. Micro four thirds camera systems are increasingly popular. Panasonic has found itself a place in the micro four thirds community with its Lumix interchangeable micro four thirds lens camera systems. This week Panasonic announced a new micro four thirds lens, showing their commitment to the format.
Leica DG Summilux 15mm/F1.7 High Speed Prime Wide-Angle Lens
The Leica DG Summilux 15mm/F1.7 ASPH is a prime lens for the micro four thirds format. It's comparative to a 30mm lens in the 35mm camera format. The high speed F1.7 lens is able to capture clean images in lower light, as well as grant the photographer, or videographer, a shallow depth of field. Panasonic was able to make the lens small and lightweight, in part due to the micro four thirds format, but also by utilizing three aspherical lens elements in the nine element optical system. The aspherical lens elements help to reduce the lens distortions common in wide angle lens. This results in an image without distortion. The lenses are coated with Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating technology to reduce and eliminate lens flares and chromatic aberrations.
An important feature for videographers is the new stepping motor for focusing that is smooth and silent when recording. The Leica DG Summilux 15mm can be adjusted manually or by autofocus, depending on what the user chooses. The lens' metal body and mount contribute to its durability, a welcome functionality in interchangeable lenses. The Leica DG Summilux 15mm micro four third lens will be available in May with a suggested retail price of $599.99.
Chris "Ace" Gates is a four time Emmy Award-winning writer and video producer.
