Last fall, Panasonic debuted the new LUMIX S camera at Photokina. But today, at the Consumer Electronics Show 2019 (CES) in Las Vegas, they updated the announcement with two additional technology features: HLG Photo Mode and High Resolution Mode. The full-frame S1 and S1R were already quite impressive with the world’s first 4K 60p/50p video recording and dual image stabilization, according to the company, and now Panasonic has kicked it up a notch.
HLG Photo Mode portrays full, vibrant colors
Also known as High Dynamic Range Still Photo, HLG Photo Mode tackles the under-exposure of shadows and over-exposure of bright lights. While in this setting, photos are shot in a wider dynamic range. The LUMIX S then reproduces the colors on the far ends of the color spectrum — intense whites and blacks. The final product is an image with a rich color expression, and an accurate depiction of the setting.
The resonant photo is then stored as an HSP file — these are large files with a powerful amount of image information (hence the excellent quality). The pristine images can then be viewed on any HLG-compliant devices via HDMI cable, including the most recent Panasonic 4KTV. The workflow is ideal for any photographer wanting to display their work in the finest, most impressive format.
To make things even more streamlined, the HLG Photo Mode is a post-production time saver. Instead of jumping into Lightroom or Photoshop to color correct the whites, blacks, highlights, and shadows, the Panasonic LUMIX S1 and S1R handle that process in real time.
High Resolution Mode creates sharp, defined photos
While in High Resolution Mode, a remarkable eight photos are taken in rapid succession and then delicately synthesized by the new Venus Engine — a high-speed signal processor. High Resolution Mode is made possible by the previously noted Body Image Stabilizer (I.S.). The eight combined photos then output a single photo with clearly defined edges and exceptional realism. Panasonic recommends using this setting while shooting landscapes or fine arts subjects that need an extra pop of detail.
Anticipating scenarios with motion, the LUMIX S features a sub option that is meant to limit motion blur from objects. This mode can be treated as a normal photo mode for everyday shooting.
The company also announced today that the new Panasonic LUMIX S1 and S1R will be available by end of March 2019. Stay tuned for more details.
Feature image courtesy of Panasonic
