Dual image stabilizer, weatherproof body, 4K photo/video and sensor without low-pass filter - perfect for outdoor activities
With the LUMIX DMC-G81, Panasonic is redefining the top model in its DSLM mid-range. The LUMIX DMC-G81 impresses with a variety of advanced technologies and practical functions in a robust and compact body.
With the latest cutting-edge technology such as a sensor without a low-pass filter, Dual I.S. image stabilization around 5 axes, DFD contrast autofocus, high-resolution 4K photo/video and a movable touchscreen LCD monitor plus large OLED viewfinder, the new Micro FourThirds system camera from Panasonic replaces the G70 as the top model. With numerous detail improvements, the G81 plays this role in the mid-range price class better than any other camera before it.
The robust body of the G81 with a magnesium alloy front frame and numerous direct access controls is easy to operate and is splash and dust resistant.
In addition to 4K video, the 4K photo function allows motion sequences and action scenes to be recorded at 30 frames per second. With the Post Focus option, the optimally focused photo can be selected from a series of images with different focus settings. The new Focus Stacking function also allows the G81 to generate a partially or front-to-back sharp photo from several individual images.
The 5-axis Dual I.S. image stabilizer works even more effectively thanks to a new motion sensor and improved computing algorithms. It can compensate for camera shake of up to 5 EV steps in the G81.
The 16 megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor without low-pass filter, together with the new, specially tuned Venus Engine image processor, promises maximum image quality. The mechanical shutter of the LUMIX G81 uses an electromagnetic drive to reduce vibrations and noise. With the silent electronic shutter, the fastest shutter speed is 1/16,000s.
Image control is via a large OLED viewfinder with 2.4 million pixels and an improved effective viewfinder magnification of 0.74x. As an alternative to the viewfinder, the G81 offers a rotating and tilting touchscreen LCD monitor with a 7.5 cm diagonal and 1.04 million pixels.
An integrated WiFi module allows wireless remote control and image transfer with a smartphone or tablet PC.
1. Dual stabilization - Sharp images guaranteed
Thanks to new Gyro Sensor technology and new improved control algorithms, the Dual I.S. image stabilization with the Sensor Shift image stabilizer in the camera body (5 axes) and the O.I.S. image stabilizer in the Lens (2 axes) works even more effectively than before. Thanks to the LUMIX DMC-G81's ability to analyze the shooting conditions, including the focal length used, the Dual I.S. system enables up to five steps slower shutter speeds for blur-free freehand shots. The G81 thus extends the range of applications in low light conditions, especially for telephoto and macro shots, but also for night and indoor shots with a wide angle.
The 5-axis Dual I.S. image stabilization of the G81 works reliably in photo and video recordings as well as in combination with the 4K photo functions. It is also compatible with most LUMIX G interchangeable lenses. Lenses without their own O.I.S. or third-party lenses used via adapters, such as Leica or fast MF lenses, also benefit from the Sensor Shift image stabilization in the camera.
To avoid unwanted vibrations in the camera itself, the LUMIX G81 works with an electromagnetic shutter drive. This drastically reduces the vibration caused by the movement of the shutter curtain and also minimizes the shutter noise. In combination with the sturdy magnesium alloy front plate, shutter vibrations are reduced by around 90 percent (compared to the previous G70 model) and the shutter noise is also quieter. In addition, the new EFC (Electronic First Curtain) shutter function allows shutter speeds of up to 1/2,000s without any vibration.
2. Hybrid contrast AF + 4K technology - effortlessly capture unique moments
Thanks to the fast sensor signal readout and processing in the image processor, the LUMIX G81 can record 4K videos with 3,840 x 2,160 pixels or photos of action scenes with 30 frames per second and 8 megapixel resolution, making it faster than almost any other camera.
A 4K photo series saved as a video file allows individual photos to be extracted, so that the best photo from the highlight of the action can be saved later as a single photo.
The additional Post Focus function of the G81 allows post-focusing. From a series of photos - saved in the form of an MP4 video file - with different distance settings, the image with the desired focus setting can later be saved as a single 8-megapixel JPG photo.
At full resolution, the G81 allows image series with a maximum of nine images per second.
A completely new feature of the G81 is the focus stacking function, which can create a sharp image from front to back from a series of photos with different distance settings, with a depth of field that is normally not possible, especially with macro shots.
All this is made possible by the super-fast DFD contrast AF of the DMC-G81. Its digital data exchange between camera and Lens at 240 fps virtually in real time makes focusing even faster and more precise. DFD (Depth-from-Defocus) technology calculates the distance to the subject by evaluating two shots with different focus settings, taking into account the specific characteristics of the Lens currently in use.
Thanks to its "Low-Light AF" capabilities, the LUMIX G81 can focus precisely even in extremely low light conditions down to -4EV without AF assist light, for example when photographing animals at dusk.
3. Tough design - robust and user-friendly camera construction
The construction of the G81 is particularly robust so that the camera can also be used in adverse outdoor conditions. The camera comes with a solid die-cast front frame made of magnesium alloy. Careful sealing of all connections, setting dials and function buttons protects the G81 from splash water in damp environments as well as from the ingress of dust and dirt on a photo safari through desert and steppe.
An ergonomically designed grip offers the photographer a secure camera hold at all times with direct, quick access from thumb and forefinger to the front and rear setting dials for the most important camera functions. In addition, four photographer-definable function buttons are directly accessible and five more can be called up via the touchscreen. This means that the LUMIX G81 can be quickly adapted to the special requirements of a wide range of subject situations at any time.
The new lateral arrangement of the SD memory card slot in the G81 offers quick access at all times, even when the camera is mounted on a tripod.
4. OLED viewfinder and flex monitor - the best view and special perspectives
A large viewfinder and a movable touchscreen LCD monitor serve as proven control and operating elements of the G81.
The high-resolution OLED viewfinder with 2.36 million pixels impresses with an effective magnification of 0.74x. This ensures a particularly good overview and high viewing comfort, as is usually the case with professional DSLRs. A fast response time of just 0.01s and a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 guarantee a clean, sharp viewfinder image. An extended exit pupil distance of 20mm makes the G81 viewfinder very clear even for spectacle wearers.
The G81 viewfinder also offers a new energy-saving mode. If the sensor on the eyepiece detects that the eye has moved away from the viewfinder, the camera automatically switches to energy-saving mode after 3, 5 or 10 seconds. When the shutter release button is pressed, the G81 is immediately ready to shoot again. In conjunction with the high-capacity battery, this function more than doubles the number of shots that can be taken on a single charge from 320 to around 800 images.
Alternatively, a touchscreen LCD monitor with a diagonal of 7.5 cm and a resolution of 1.04 million pixels is available for image and camera control. It can be rotated and tilted in a variety of ways. This makes it easier to take pictures from unusual perspectives.
5. Clever sensor technology - without low-pass filter for even better image quality
With the combination of the 16 megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor without low-pass filter and the Venus Engine image processor optimized for this purpose, the LUMIX G81 guarantees vivid, natural images of high quality with outstanding resolution, high dynamic range and balanced colour reproduction. The maximum sensitivity is ISO 25600.
By dispensing with the low-pass filter, the maximum resolution is increased by around 10 percent*. The newly developed Venus Engine image processor suppresses annoying moiré effects on fine structures and ensures differentiated color reproduction thanks to individual adjustment of saturation and brightness. In addition, the LUMIX G81's fine-tuning options allow photographers to select the contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction settings to suit their individual photographic style.
As with other Panasonic LUMIX G cameras, the G81's high-quality 4K video capabilities extend its range of applications. It records high-resolution 4K videos with 3,840 x 2,160 pixels and with 30p, 25p or 24p as MP4 videos. The G81 is also capable of Full HD video with 1,920 x 1,080 pixels at 60p or 50p. Recording takes place either in progressive AVCHD or MP4 (MPEG-4 / H. 264) format. Recordings can be made with continuous AF.
The video signal (4:2:2, 8bit) can also be output to an external monitor via the HDMI output during recording, for example.
* Compared to the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G70
6. Other features
- Wi-Fi - Easy connection with smartphones
- New battery grip - DMW-BGG1
The LUMIX G81 is compatible with the optional DMW-BGG1 battery grip. With two batteries - one in the camera and the second in the grip - the shooting capacity is doubled. The grip also makes it easier to hold the camera in portrait format. The DMW-BGG1 handgrip, specially designed for the LUMIX G81, is also splash-proof and dust-proof.
- 4K Live Cropping
- 3.5 mm microphone connection
- automatic focus and aperture bracketing
- gamma presets for video recording in Creative Video mode
- Creative Control in P/A/S/M mode
- RAW data development in the camera
- silent mode
- multiple exposures
- time-lapse recording/stop-motion animation
- built-in flash LZ 6.2 (ISO 100)
