Newsworthy Notes – Dell and Panasonic

Dell recently announced what sounds like a phenomenal series of monitors. They come in 24 and 27 inch models but their biggest claim to fame is they promise 99% coverage of the AdobeRGB color space. If true, that’s a big deal. We’ve been using Dell monitors for the past couple of years and have been very pleased with their capabilities.  The UltraSharp monitors have been great in the past and with these new additions they look to be an even better option for serious graphics people including photographers.

Dell’s new UltraSharp display

Two notes on the new Panasonic GH3. DxO Labs recently tested the GH3 and gave it high marks in the camera category the GH3 fits into. Its sensor was as good as the Olympus OM-D-EM-5 which was the best Micro Four Thirds camera tested to date. Good to know we have a couple of great options in the Micro Four Thirds world. Remember, one of the benefits to the new Micro Four Thirds system is all lenses for these cameras work with other Micro Four Thirds bodies. In other words, all Panasonic lenses work with Olympus and vice-versa. It really gives you a lot of lens choices and the more this category of camera takes off, the more options we’ll see in the future. Intermixing lenses and bodies is one of many benefits to the Micro Four Thirds category of cameras. You can see the results below. Thanks to our friends at Micro 4/3’s Rumors who brought the tests to my attention.

DxO Labs rates the new Panasonic GH3

Additional news on the Panasonic front. Panasonic recently announced a new development in digital sensor design that will allow an additional 1.85X more light on to the camera’s sensor. I’m not really sure how this will benefit our real world photography experience, but I’m guessing that by allowing so much more light to get to the sensor, that it will effectively give us almost two additional stops before we start seeing the noise issues we get when shooting at higher ISO settings. Anybody out there agree with this assumption? Would love to hear from those who may have a better understanding of how this will make things better for digital photography. Feel free to add your two cents here on the blog. You can read more about the really technical details on the Panasonic web site.

Somewhat technical but interesting to see digifal capture making substantial gains

Finally, there’s word out that our friends in the UK have a great opportunity to Try Before You Buy the hot new Panasonic Lumix GH3. For all you folks in the UK, you have the opportunity to contact your local Panasonic dealers (including all in the list below) and sign up for a test run with a GH3 and the new 12-35mm lens (24-70mm f/2.8) equivalent. Give it a shot. I’m confident you’ll be pleasantly surprised. If anybody goes ahead and takes Panasonic up on this offer I would love to have yo stop by and post your findings here on the blog. It’s always good to have additional voices and perspectives.

Panasonic’s Lumix GH3. All our UK readers Try Before You Buy program just for you guys and gals. Nice idea.

UK participating dealers.

·        Bradford CE
·        Cambrian
·        Camerabox Kettering
·        Cameraland / Stanbrook Cardiff
·        Camera Solutions
·        Carmarthen Camera Centre, Camarthan
·        Castle Cameras Bournemouth
·        Chas Eagles
·        Chas Norman Cameras Sevenoaks
·        Chris Goodhead
·        Clifton Cameras Dursley
·        Comleys
·        Frank Wilkinsons
·        Harrison Cameras
·        Mathers
·        Mifsuds Brixham
·        Park Cameras
·        Peter Rogers
·        Photo Express
·        Photosound Vantage, Bishops Stortford
·        Richards (Bass & Bligh)
·        S R S Microsystems Ltd Watford
·        T4 Cameras Swindon
·        Williams
·        York Camera Mart
·        Conns Camera, Ireland
·        Bermingham Camera, Ireland
Read more at What Digital Camera