Following the recent launches of its photo-flagship G9 stills camera and the video-centric GH5S, Panasonic has confirmed a new GX9 compact system camera and TZ200 superzoom compact.
The GX9 is a mid-range mirrorless camera that's primarily intended for street photographers, and it's set to sit alongside the existing GX8 and GX80/GX85 models.
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It incorporates a 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor that lacks an anti-aliasing filter, together with a 2.76million-dot EVF and a 3in tilting touchscreen. It also continues Panasonic's strong focus on video recording by including 4K capabilities along with a whole suite of supporting functionality.
We've already had some time testing the GX9 – click here to see what we think
The camera also become the latest model to employ the body-based, five-axis image stabilisation system, and this work with the equivalent technology found in many of Panasonic's lenses to deliver more efficient correction.
Other features include a Silent mode, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, together with a 250-shot battery life (when using the EVF) with the option to charge this through the camera's USB port.
The TZ200, meanwhile, is an update on the existing TZ100 superzoom compact, which itself will continue alongside the new arrival.
It adheres to the same 1in-sensor/superzoom lens idea as that camera, although Panasonic has somehow managed to increase its focal length even further – not an easy task when you consider the size of the camera's sensor.
Whereas the TZ100 offered a 10x focal range equivalent to 25-250mm in 35mm terms, the TZ200 boosts this to a 15x focal range equivalent to 24-360mm. The maximum aperture range, however, has decreased, from f/2.8-5.9 on the TZ100 to f/3.3-6.4 here.
Panasonic has also upgraded the electronic viewfinder from the TZ100's 1.17m-dot panel to a 2.3million-dot alternative, and has revised the handgrip for better handling. Minimum focusing distance has also been reduced from 5cm to 3cm at the wide-angle end of the lens, while battery life stands at a respectable 370 frames when using the 3in, 1.24million-dot LCD.
Key features from the TZ100, such as 4K video recording and the control ring around the lens, have been maintained for the new model. Wi-Fi has also been carried over, although this is now joined by Bluetooth. It's pretty expensive, but if you're searching for the best travel camera, it's got to be at the top of the list.
Panasonic GX9 and TZ200 release date and price
The Panasonic GX9 will be available at a body-only price of £699 in the UK, and will be available from March. In the US, the camera will be priced at $800 for the body alone, and $999 with a 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.
The TZ200, meanwhile, will go on sale at £729 in the UK, in graphite silver and black finishes. We'll update this page with pricing and availability for other territories as they become available.
Read more: Panasonic GX9 hands-on review
