Panasonic DMC-GH4 – World’s First 4K Video recording Mirrorless camera

We’ve seen quite a few vendors like Samsung and LG announce 4K TVs, however, cameras recoding video at 4K resolution are still up and coming. Panasonic is doing their bit by introducing the DMC-GH4 which is the world’s first mirroless camera capable of recording video at the uber-high 4k resolution. 

Press Release

Panasonic is proud to introduce an ultimate photo/video hybrid Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) camera DMC-GH4 as the successor of DMC-GH3 that created an industrial sensation with its outstanding video recording performance. The image quality for both photo and video is dramatically improved by crystallizing Panasonic’s cutting-edge technologies. 

Professional photographers and videographers can also take advantage of Panasonic’s new SDXC and SDHC UHS-I cards, the Gold Series “SDUC”, which complying with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and suitable for 4K video recording at a guaranteed constant minimum write speed of 30MB/s.

“4K is clearly the standard, and in the new GH4 along with the 4K SD cards, professional photographers and videographers will have a complete solution from Panasonic. This world’s first 4K video recording in such a small form factor will be a game changer for the industry. The GH4 is designed to pursue intuition and mobility to match the enthusiasm of All Photographers and Video Creators, offering highest picture quality and video shooting performance,” said Mr. Hitesh Ojha, Deputy General Manager, Audio Video Products Department, Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa.

The newly developed 16.05-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor for DMC-GH4 excels both in sensitivity and response and suppresses rolling shutter effect even when using electronic shutter or recording motion image. The image processor Venus Engine is also newly developed dramatically boosting its performance with new quad-core CPU that lets high speed signal processing required for rich video recording such as 4K. 

Integrating superior noise reduction systems, DMC-GH4 enables shooting at max.ISO25600. Sensitivity, gradation performance, resolution and color reproduction are dramatically improved to achieve even higher picture quality. The DMC-GH4 boasts high speed burst shooting at 12 fps (AFS) up to approx.40 (including RAW) / approx.100 (excluding RAW) and 7.0 fps (AFC) to capture fast moving subject just in-focus. 

The new DMC-GH4 further evolves to bridge the gap of consumer video camera and professional video camera. One of the most prominent advance is unlimited*1 4K video recording (Cinema 4K: 4096×2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840×2160 / up to 30 fps) in MOV/MP4*2

The DMC-GH4 is also capable of recording Full- HD video with ultra high bitrate at 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB) without recording time limit *1*2. Users can freely choose the format from MOV, MP4, AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD at a variety of frame rates according to the usage. For the global business of professional users, the system frequency can be flexibly selectable between 59.94Hz (23.98Hz) / 50.00Hz / 24.00Hz. 

The DMC-GH4 is also capable of real-time image output to the external monitor via an optional micro HDMI cable simultaneously while recording video. For more unique video expression, VFR(Variable Frame Rate) or Time Lapse/Stop Motion Animation can be produced with DMC-GH4 without postproduction process. In addition, a variety of practical functions required for professional video recording are newly integrated.

The high-precision Contrast AF system in the DMC-GH4 is further enhanced by Panasonic’s integration of DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology which even shortens the time to set focus to achieve ultra-high speed AF of approx.0.07 sec*3. Not only speed but also the operability is enhanced thanks to the addition of Face / Eye Detection AF or 49-point AF with Custom Multi AF mode.  

The DMC-GH4 boasts newly developed high-precision, high-speed dual OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays for 2,359K-dot LVF (Live View Finder) and 1,036K-dot rear monitor. Both LVF and rear monitor adopts OLED to achieve high speed response with minimum time lag while enhancing the resolution. Notably, the OLED for the LVF in DMC-GH4 boasts 10,000:1 high contrast for superior color reproduction. Now the excellent visibility comes closer to OVF. 

To be tough enough to withstand even heavy field use, the main structure of the DMC-GH4 is composed of magnesium alloy full diecast front/rear frame. It also features splash / dustproof construction thanks to the sealing on every joint, dial, and button. The shutter unit that allows max. 1/8000 fast shutter release is also redesigned to be even more durable for approx. 200,000 times release*4.

Even a moment’s waste matters in professional shooting condition, hence it is possible to make target setting intuitively thanks to the optimum layout of control devices on DMC-GH4 . The DMC-GH4 also incorporates Wi-FiPanasonic’s new DMC-GH4 is the world’s first single lens mirrorless camera that is capable of capturing striking 4K videos with NFC technology, terminals highly connectable to external equipment. Now RAW files can be developed in camera.

Evolving further in every aspect – performance, mobility, durability and expandability, Panasonic is proud to offer DMC-GH4 for a reliable first camera to professional field photographers, film creators and hybrid photographers. 

*1 Motion image can be recorded up to 29 min 59 sec depending on the recording format and the camera’s sales area.
*2 Use SDXC/SDHC Memory Card compatible with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) when recording high bitrate video over 100 Mbps.
*3 In AFS, With LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. or LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S.
*4 Panasonic in-house examination.

Kashmir dispute: UN ready to mediate between India, Pakistan

Acting Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq. PHOTO: AFP

The United Nations is available to mediate between Pakistan and India over Kashmir if the two sides request such assistance, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported, citing a a spokesperson for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

“On Kashmir, (as with other conflicts around the world), our good offices are available if both sides (India and Pakistan) were to request that. And that remains the case today,” PTI quoted Acting Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq as saying.

Haq had been responding to a question on whether the UN chief would propose to India to sit down and talk with Pakistan to resolve the longstanding Kashmir issue.

Ranveer pulls a Salman Khan

We don’t blame Ranveer for being smitten with Deepika. She looks positively radiant in this pink saari! PHOTO: FILE

What’s a wedding without a little drama? Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s younger daughter Ahana Deol’s reception was one glittering with Bollywood stars, high profile politicians and Indian elite. Also present at the event were co-stars and alleged lovebirds, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.

The Bollywood heartthrob’s actions definitely speak louder than his words, however. Ahana’s wedding seemed to be a date night for the two, and they were seen tearing up the dance floor, and rumour has it that Ranveer followed Deepika to the ladies room and planted a kiss on her cheek, according to Bollywood Life. The couple was also spotted canoodling by a photographer, who managed to take a few pictures of them.

Unfortunately for the paparazzi, he was spotted by Ranveer, who not only deleted pictures of Deepika and himself, but also manhandled the photographer. While onlookers at the event confirmed the incident and said the couple left the venue immediately after, Ranveer’s managers have denied it. In a statement to a tabloid, Ranveer’s spokesperson said, “At the aforementioned private function, the person in question was surreptitiously clicking pictures of Ranveer from behind the DJ console without his consent. After letting this pass for a considerably long time, Ranveer started feeling uncomfortable because of this man’s persistent and unwarranted intrusion. He then went up to the man and requested him to delete the pictures. At no point did he assault the person; that is a flagrant exaggeration of the incident.”

Ranveer and Deepika are among Bollywood’s many suspected couples who have remained tight-lipped about their relationship.

The rumour mill started turning while the pair was filming  the romantic period drama, Ram-Leela, but Ranveer has been persistent in denying them.

“Deepika holds a special significance in my life. She is somebody I respect and admire a lot, somebody who I have grown close to. She is an awesome person, she is somebody for whom I have great amount of admiration,” Ranveer said, according to Times of India. But despite his praise and admiration for Padukone, he is yet to confirm they are together

Selena Gomez’s surprise stint in rehab

A representative for Gomez has revealed that she voluntarily spent time at Dawn at the Meadows, but not for substance abuse. PHOTO: FILE

Actor and singer Selena Gomez secretly checked into an Arizona rehab facility for the first two weeks of January this year after canceling the Australian leg of her tour, confirmed People Magazine.

The 21-year-old cancelled part of her Stars Dance concert in December, 2013, stating: “It has become clear to me and those close to me that, after putting my work first for many years, I need to spend some time for myself, in order to be the best person I can be.”

A representative of the former Wizards of Waverly Place star confirmed to US Weekly that, Selena voluntarily spent time at Meadows and it was not because of substance abuse. Selena entered rehab on January 5 and remained there for two weeks.

So what was the cause? Sources say she did it to get herself together, although they didn’t elaborate on the vague statement. Given that Gomez cancelled her tour dates in Australia, saying she needed some time off, the reason might very well be a simple case of exhaustion.

Speculations are rife that the reason she needed to get herself together could be because of her on-again-off-again relationship with Justin Bieber. Bieber posted a picture of them hanging out on January 3, only two days before Radar Online reported she entered Dawn at the Meadows recovery facility in Wickenburg, Arizona.

Bieber has himself been going through a rough patch lately. The past couple of weeks have been troublesome and eventful for the Canadian pop star. He was arrested on January 23, for drag racing and an alleged DUI, and a couple of days later his flight to the Super Bowl was detained because the smell of marijuana was detected in the cabin.

While it is as yet unclear whether Gomez went to rehab because of issues with Bieber or due to other personal problems, however, she seems to be better after spending some time away. She posted a picture on Instagram showing herself back in the recording studio, with the caption, ‘Therapy’, reported Radar Online.

DiCaprio, Hill to team up again

Actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill. PHOTO: AFP

LOS ANGELES: After working together in The Wolf of Wall Street, actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill are again teaming up for a movie based on a true story of a man falsely blamed for a bombing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

The movie depicts the story of Richard Jewell, the security guard who went from being a hero to a suspect at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, reports hollywoodreporter.com. He was later exonerated.

Hill will play Jewell and DiCaprio will essay Jewell’s attorney.

DiCaprio will also produce the movie adaptation with his partner Jennifer Davisson Killoran, Hill and Kevin Misher.

Jewell was working as a security guard at the 1996 Summer Games when he discovered a backpack containing pipe bombs, subsequently sounding the alarm and helping to clear the area. However, the bomb detonated, killing one person and injuring dozens of others.

Initially hailed as a hero, Jewell was soon the prime suspect, as the FBI searched his home twice. He was later cleared of all charges.

The yet untitled project is still in development.

Did you know?: Paul Walker leaves entire $25 million fortune to daughter

Paul Walker with his daughter Meadow Rain Walker.

Paul Walker, who perished alongside his friend Roger Rodas on November 30, when the car they were travelling in lost control, named his 15-year-old child, Meadow Rain Walker, as the sole beneficiary of his entire estate, which is valued at an estimated $25 million. The Fast & Furious star’s final will and testament calls for his father to serve as executor of the estate and for his mother to serve as guardian of the actor’s 15-year-old daughter.

The will was prepared and signed in 2001, the same year Walker starred in the first Fast & Furious film that launched the successful film franchise and will continue generating millions for the actor’s estate.

Much of the actor’s wealth came from unspecified personal property, which is currently worth $8 million, and a home worth an estimated $10 million, reported CBS News.

Records show Walker’s estate is expected to earn another $8 million, some of which is likely related to the seventh Fast & Furious film scheduled to be released in April 2015. Shooting of the film was halfway complete when Walker died. Universal Pictures has said Walker will remain in the film but hasn’t laid out how it will execute the footage that has already been shot.

The race begins at the Berlin Film Festival

20 films are under consideration for the Berlinale’s Golden Bear trophy, which will be awarded on February 15. PHOTO: FILE

BERLIN: The 64th Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) began on Thursday  with a heavy feeling in the air, amid grief over Philip Seymour Hoffman’s untimely death.

Hoffman had been meant to attend the prestigious Berlin event to promote his Sundance festival film God’s Pocket. Jury president and film producer-screenwriter James Schamus said that the legendary actor would still be there in spirit.

Director Wes Anderson’s comedy The Grand Budapest Hotel had its premiere at the event. His film has a star-studded cast including Ralph Fiennes, Bill Murray, F Murray Abraham and English actor Tllda Swinton, the relatively unknown and young Tony Revolori of California, and Irish actor Saoirse Ronan.

It is one of 23 movies in competition, of which 20 are under consideration for the festival’s Golden Bear trophy, which will be awarded on February 15.

Two powerful films, one looking at the plight of boys abandoned in Berlin, the other about an ex-convict haunted by his violent past, kicked off the competition for best picture at the festival on Friday.

A third competition film, the Northern Ireland-conflict themed ’71 capped the day with a harrowing look at a British soldier’s plight.

The film’s director Yann Demange said that his film could not have been made had it not been for Paul Greengrass’s Bloody Sunday and Steve McQueen’s Hunger, both of which deal with “troubles” themes.

“Those two films meant that this film could exist because they had to happen first and of course they’re amazing movies,” said Demange.

German director Edward Berger’s Jack, starring the immensely persuasive first-time child actor Ivo Pietzcker in the title role, is the story of an 11 year old and his blonde-haired younger brother Manuel finding their way through a labyrinth of Berlin’s streets and its drugged-out nightlife.

It is one of four German films vying for the festival’s top prize, to be awarded next week. Berger’s film shows the older of the boys rising to the challenge of survival after his unmarried mother puts him in a children’s home because she cannot cope with the two at home.

Jack is bullied there and almost drowned by his main tormenter. He then runs away and embarks on an odyssey with his brother Manuel around Berlin to find his mother. Berger said he had deliberately tried not to make the film Berlin-specific in order to portray the universal problem of young people growing up in broken families.

“Right from the start, we decided not to show the clichés,” screenwriter Nele Mueller-Stoefen said. “We show the mother in a caring way, but we show Jack taking responsibility, which is something that happens often in a family.