Panasonic launches G95 rugged mirrorless camera for $1200

Panasonic has launched the G95 Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera, the successor to the G85. Like its predecessor, the G95 is a mid-range hybrid camera with both still and video features.

The G95 has a 20.3MP CMOS sensor without a low-pass filter. It also features 5-axis image stabilization built-in.

The G95 uses Panasonic's DFD or Depth from Defocus autofocusing technology, which is a variation of contrast-based autofocus. While quick for stills (Panasonic claims 0.07 sec focus lock) along with face and eye detection, DFD is known to be flaky for video with constant jittery motion as it quickly moves back and forth to keep focus.

The G95 is capable of recording 4K video at 30fps and 1080p video at 120fps. An HDMI connector provides 8-bit 4:2:2 output to an external recorder/monitor, along with a dedicated headphone and microphone jack. An important new addition is the presence of V-LogL, Panasonic's log profile, which brings with it 12 stops of dynamic range and more flexible color grading options. You also get the 4K 30fps burst photo mode.

The G95 has a rugged magnesium alloy body with dust and water-resistance. On the back is a 2360K dot OLED viewfinder along with a 3.0-inch 1240K dot fully articulating LCD. You can get an additional battery grip that lets you have two batteries at once.