Dan’s Photo Gear

Upgraded, redesigned, and filled with features, the Lumix DC-GH5 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera from Panasonic provides an outstanding imaging platform for shooters who demand some of the best video and still photography quality they can get in a single compact camera. At the heart of the camera is a 20.3MP Digital Live MOS sensor and a newly developed Venus Engine processor, which both offer dramatically improved processing times over its predecessor. This enables the ability to record 4K video at up to 60 fps, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording with select settings, Full HD video at up to 180 fps, 12 fps continuous shooting, and sensitivities up to ISO 25600. Also, the camera features built-in 5-axis sensor stabilization, which can work with certain lenses to activate Dual I.S. 2 for highly effective shake correction that can compensate for up to 5 stops of shutter speed. Other improvements include a speedier and more accurate Advanced DFD autofocus system that can lock on in just 0.05 seconds, as well as 6K PHOTO at 30 fps and 4K PHOTO at up to 60 fps.

Description from B&H Photo Video

• GH5 on Panasonic »
• GH5 on DPReview »
• Dan's Blogs on the GH5 »

Panasonic has taken a different approach to camera development with the stills-focused DC-G9 Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless Camera, which has a variety of newly developed functions and features that will appeal to photographers. Central to the imaging process is the combination of a 20.3MP Live MOS sensor and the latest Venus Engine processor, enabling the capture of sharp images and video with sensitivities ranging up to ISO 25600. Extremely fast speeds are also made available with up to 60 fps continuous shooting with the electronic shutter function. If you want to shoot video along with stills the G9 is very accommodating, offering UHD 4K at up to 60p.

Description from B&H Photo Video

• Dan's Blogs on the G9 »
• G9 on Panasonic »
• G9 on Digital Trends »
• G9 on DPReview »
• G9 on Shutterbug »
• G9 on Camera Labs »

The revolutionary Panasonic LUMIX G7 offers over 24 compact lens options built on the next generation interchangeable lens camera standard (Micro Four Thirds) pioneered by Panasonic. It’s “mirrorless” design enables a lighter, more compact camera body, while also offering cutting-edge video, audio, creative controls, wireless, intelligent-focusing, and exposure technologies not possible with traditional DSLRs. And with our exclusive LUMIX 4K Ultra HD video pause and export as a 4K Photo mode, you’ll never again miss that one shot that perfectly captures a scene.

Description from Panasonic

• Dan's Blogs on the G7 »
• G7 on c|net »
• G7 on DPReview »
• G7 on PC Magazine »

Blending an all-in one zoom, 4K video recording, and versatile still shooting capabilities, the Lumix DMC-FZ300 from Panasonic is a multi-faceted point-and-shoot optimized for the multimedia image maker. Featuring a 12.1MP High-Sensitivity MOS sensor and Venus Engine image processor, the FZ300 is capable of recording up to 60 fps with an electronic shutter, 12 fps with a mechanical shutter, or 30 fps using the unique 4K Photo Modes. Working in low-light is benefitted by a top sensitivity of ISO 6400 along with 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ image stabilization to minimize camera shake during HD video recording. The 24x Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens covers a 25-600mm equivalent focal length range and has a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture for consistent performance from wide-angle to super telephoto. For composing imagery, configuring shooting settings, and reviewing your photos and movies, a large 3.0″ 1.04m-dot free angle touchscreen LCD is available, as well as a 1.44m-dot OLED Live View Finder for eye-level monitoring. Able to handle nearly any image-related task, the FZ300 is a versatile camera well-suited to advanced photo and movie recording applications.

Description from B&H Photo Video

• Dan's Blog: Revenge of the Bridge Camera by Lumix Colleague Mark Toal »
• Dan's Blog: Family Photographer 4K Photo Mode Winter Sledding »
• FZ300 on PC Magazine »
• FZ300 on c|net »

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 Digital Camera is an advanced Four Thirds format point-and-shoot with manual controls designed to enable and inspire creativity. It features a large multi-aspect 4/3″ type MOS sensor to produce 12.8MP still images (4:3) and 4K Ultra HD video at 30 and 24 fps. You also have the ability to extract high-resolution 8MP images from the 4K video, letting you capture entire scenes without missing a shot.

The built-in Leica DC Vario-Summilux zoom lens provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 24-75mm, covering wide-angle to portrait-length perspectives. With a fast maximum aperture of f/1.7-2.8, the lens lets you work in lower light situations and provides selective focus control for shallow depth of field imagery, enhanced by a nine-bladed aperture for smooth out-of-focus rendering.

Description from B&H Photo Video

• LX100 on Panasonic »
• LX100 on DPReview »
• LX100 on Camera Labs »
• LX100 on c|net »
• LX100 on PC Mag »
• Dan's Blog: LX100 and Colorado Avalanche Shoot »
• Dan's Blog: LX100 Development Story with Samples »

The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 Digital Camera is a bridge-style point-and-shoot camera featuring a large 20.1MP 1″ High Sensitivity MOS sensor and Venus Engine image processor to enable high-resolution 4K QFHD video recording and rich still shooting up to 50 fps. The image sensor affords notable sensitivity, to an expandable ISO 25600, with a high signal-to-noise ratio for a cleaner image quality with reduced image noise. Designed for effective hybrid photo and video recording performance, the 4K output can also be used to permit in-camera 8MP screen grabs from video files for simplified multimedia output.

Description from B&H Photo Video

• FZ1000 on Panasonic »
• FZ1000 on DPReview »
• NE Blog: Cathy Pemberton Reviews the FZ1000 »
• Dan's Blog; Is FZ1000 the Only Camera You Need? »
• Dan's Blog: Lumix FZ1000 All-in-One Camera »

The gray PAL system Panasonic HX-A500HE Wearable 4K POV Camcorder from Panasonic is a water- and dustproof action camera that records 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) video at 25p. It features two parts, a lipstick tube camera unit with a 160° ultra-wide lens, and a recording unit with a 1.5″ LCD screen. The camera system is designed so that you can attach the recording unit to a backpack or parachute strap, life vest, belt, or somewhere else readily accessible so you can monitor shots and control record start and stop. The camera unit weighs approximately an ounce, and can then be mounted on a headband, handlebars, or another perspective to best catch the action from. Optimized for adventure sports and recreational activities, the whole system is IP58 rated, meaning it is dustproof as well as water proof down to 10′ for up to 30 minutes.

Not only can the HX-A500HE shoot 4K, it does slow motion also. It can record 100 fps HD at 1280 x 720 resolution, and 200 fps at 848 x 480 widescreen SD resolution. Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity allows you to control the camera wirelessly from a smartphone or other mobile device, and live Web streaming is also possible using the USTREAM service.

Description from B&H  Photo Video

• HX-A500HE on Panasonic »

Gitzo’s top-of-the-range Systematic tripods are modular, with a flat center disk that can be interchanged for center columns, leveling bases and other components. Because they have leg angle settings but no column as standard, Systematic tripods are all capable of near-ground level shooting. Leg tubes are in 6X carbon fiber with Gitzo’s efficient G-locks. The GT5542LS is a Gitzo Series 5 tripod designed for strength and torsional rigidity under extreme loads of up to 40kg (88lb) and with lenses up to 800mm. With its 4-section legs fully extended, it reaches eye level even without using a center column, yet it remains compact when folded.

Description from Gitzo

Weighing in at only 30 ounces, this ball head features silky smooth ball-and-socket action for complete control–just by releasing and locking a single knob. Two smaller knobs control the 360-degree panning base and the amount of ball friction. The Model BH-1 features a universal quick-release platform with a built-in spirit level that accepts all Arca-style plates and mounts. All external components are crafted from tough 6061-T aircraft aluminum including the solid, captive-design knobs, and the internal metal parts are stainless steel and brass to avoid corrosion. The ballcup is produced from self-lubricating Delrin composite, and the tripod socket accepts 3/8-inch thread. This could be the last ball head you ever need to buy.

Description from Kirk Photo

Series Six-Section 6X carbon fibre monopod. Monopods are traditionally used at sports events and in situations where space is tight and framing speed is a key factor. The ideal monopod needs to be lightweight, extremely fast to open and close. Thanks to ALR and G-Lock, Gitzo monopods have all these features. All new monopods feature the new Gitzo belt clip. This clip, incorporated in the wrist strap, is a smart carrying solution that allows you to hang your monopod on belts or pockets.

Description from Gitzo

All structural components are made from aluminum, with the PAN axis rotation unit using ball bearings to obtain smooth, totally vibration-free controlled movements that can be directly adjusted using the head’s FDS variable friction system. FDS on both the PAN and TILT axes also ensures that the head works perfectly at all temperatures, with all types of equipment and under all loads. Ergonomically improved lever and dial designs combine with the new friction index to give you complete control over the 504HD.

Description from Manfrotto

Balancing size and power, the TTL-compatible LUMIX DMW-FL360L External Flash from Panasonic features an effective guide number of 118′ at ISO 100 and 42mm for brightening stills as well as an LED light with 100 lux output at 3.3′ for video. The zoom head has a range of 12-42mm, or down to 8mm with the built-in panel, when used on Micro Four Thirds cameras. Also, the flash head can tilt from -7 to 90° and rotate left and right 180° for complete bounce coverage. An additional feature is wireless master and slave TTL functionality where it can be used as a remote control or a slave in one of 4 channels and 3 groups.

Description from B&H Photo Photo Video

• Dan's Blog: One Year Shooting the Panasonic Lumix GH4 »
• Dan's Blog: One Year Testing the Panasonic Lumix GH3 »
• FL360L on DPReview »

Illuminate your stills and video with the LUMIX DMW-FL580L External Flash from Panasonic which features an LED light and TTL compatibility. Capable of covering a zoom range of 12-100mm on Micro Four Thirds cameras, and down to 7mm with the built-in panel, this versatile unit is also powerful with a guide number of 190′ at ISO 100 and 100mm. The flash head itself offers tilting from -7 to +90° and rotation left and right 180° for full bounce capabilities. Along with these features, the flash also has wireless master and slave TTL functionality with access to 4 channels and 3 groups.

Description from B&H Photo Video

• Dan's Blog: One Year Shooting the Panasonic Lumix GH4 »

Bean bag camera support. Fill with Poly beads, buckwheat hulls, rice beans etc. A bladder or liner is NOT required.

Description from Kinesis

• SafariSack on Kinesis »

The Groofwin is a versatile, very stable platform for holding your tripod head and camera equipment when shooting on the ground, on the roof or hood of a car, or out of an automobile window. When the unit is in its flat position for use on the ground or on a van roof, it is supported by three large rubber pods. A threaded knob secures and tightens the two sections together in the flat position, providing a very solid integrated unit. When the unit is opened up, it becomes a superior window bracket from which lenses up to 600mm can be successfully shot. The 9″ x 1″ lip can either be used to grab the window groove of the door or to grab the top of a partially raised auto window. The large 11″ x 3″ top platform has threaded stud (please specify) for attaching the monoball (optional) for maximum movement. For shooting subjects near the road or for anyone going to Africa, where most of the photography is done from a vehicle, the Groofwin is a must. Made from black anodized aluminum, the unit weighs 2-5/8 lbs.

Description from L.L. Rue

The Hydrophobia 300-600 V2.0 protects a DSLR with a super telephoto lens (300mm f/2.8 up to a 600mm f/4) attached, with the lens hood in position. The Hydrophobia 300-600 V2.0 is designed to allow full operation of the camera while protecting it from the elements. In rain, snow, even blowing sand, the Hydrophobia 300-600 V2.0 gives photographers peace of mind.

Description from Thinktank Photo

• Hydrophobia 300-600 V2.0 on Thinktank Photo »

The Logistics Manager 30 is a large capacity rolling gear bag. With over 3,500 cubic inches of storage, it’s designed to transport and haul lighting equipment, video rigs, camera gear, or anything else that’s crucial for your assignment.

Description from Thinktank Photo

• Logistics Manager 30 on Thinktank Photo »

When your gear feels right, your work goes more smoothly. The Pro Messenger AW, a soft-sided bag that fits pro-sized gear, was designed with this idea in mind.

Description from Lowepro

We’ve taken our award-winning, proven roller to the next level with the Pro Roller x-Series AW. Its patent-pending MaxFit System™ makes it easy to customize and maximize the amount of pro-sized gear you can fit and travel with.

Description from Lowepro

• Pro Roller x200 AW on Lowepro »

This is the ultimate, hydration-ready, expedition camera backpack. Lightweight, yet durable, it offers superior protection and comfort with Lowepro’s premium suspension system.

Description from Lowepro

The M.ZUIKO 40-150mm f2.8 PRO is a compact, full-featured zoom that sports premium metal construction and professional-quality lens elements. It’s light in weight and fully sealed for weather protection, delivers super-sharp edge-to-edge image quality, and boasts the world’s first Dual VCM autofocus mechanism. An excellent complement to your fast primes and the 12-40mm f2.8 PRO.

Description from Olympus

• Dan's Blog: Olympus 40-150mm and Lumix 35-100mm Shoot Out »
• Dan's Blog: The New Olympus 40-150mm F/2.8 Getting Spectacular Reviews »
• Olympus 40-150mm on DPReview »

A fast and optically refined wide-angle prime, the Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens from Panasonic is a 24mm equivalent lens designed for Micro Four Thirds digital cameras. Characterized by its truly bright f/1.4 maximum aperture, this lens is ideal for working in low-light conditions and also affords a wealth of control over focus placement for using shallow depth of field techniques. The optical design employs a pair of aspherical elements, two ultra extra-low dispersion elements, and one extra-low dispersion element in order to control both spherical and chromatic aberrations for a high degree of sharpness and clarity from edge to edge. Benefitting the optical assets, this lens also incorporates a smooth and quiet autofocus motor that is well-suited to both stills and video recording, and a manual AF/MF switch lends direct focus mode adjustment for more intuitive handling. Additionally, the all-metal construction of the lens is also weather-resistant in order to permit working in trying environmental conditions. Pairing Leica’s design legacy with Panasonic’s technological innovation, this versatile wide-angle prime is distinguished by both its optical merits as well as intuitive handling and contemporary functionality.

Description from B&H Photo Video

• Dan's Blog: Lumix Diaries: Shooting the New Leica Lumix 12mm F/1.4 »
• Leica 12mm on DPReview »
• Leica 12mm on ePhotozine »

A Micro Four Thirds lens with a not-so-micro zoom range, the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens from Panasonic offers a truly expansive 200-800mm equivalent focal length range, yet retains a relatively compact stature to suit the Micro Four Thirds system. Characterized by its Leica branding, this sophisticated optic employs aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements to significantly reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations throughout the zoom range for a high degree of image clarity and sharpness. Also benefitting image sharpness, a POWER O.I.S. system, which is compatible with Lumix G camera’s Dual I.S. function, helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting at longer focal lengths.

Description from B&H Photo Video

• Dan In the Field with the Leica 100-400mm »
• Dan's Blogs on the Leica 100-400mm »
• Leica 100-400mm on ePhotozine »
• Leica 100-400mm on DPReview »

The 35-100mm is impressively compact in size, and significantly lighter and more compact than notionally-similar 50-150mm F2.8 lenses for APS-C SLRs, let alone 70-200mm F2.8s for full frame. However this comes with a trade-off in terms of its ability to isolate subjects by blurring the background – in this respect it’ll give similar results to an F3.5 lens on APS-C, or an F5.6 lens on full frame.

Naturally the lens is designed with movie shooting in mind, with a linear stepper motor for near-silent autofocus, and Panasonic’s video-optimised ‘Power OIS’ stabilization system. The complex 18 element / 13 group optical system features elements crafted from Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion (UED) and Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass, and uses Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating to minimize internal reflections and flare. The diaphragm uses 7 rounded blades to give a circular aperture for attractive rendition of out-of-focus backgrounds. On paper this all adds up to a tempting specification.

Being a Micro Four Thirds lens, the 35-100mm will work on Olympus cameras just as well as Panasonic’s Lumix G models, and it looks like particularly interesting match to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 – one of our favourite cameras of the past year. Of course it’s also likely to appeal to users of Panasonic’s enthusiast bodies, such as the DMC-G5 and GX1.

Description from DPReview

• Lumix 35-100mm on Panasonic »
• Lumix 35-100mm on DPReview »

The Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. Lens has a built-in image stabilizer. The lens allows you to capture your subjects in their actual size, at a true macro 1:1 ratio. It is also great as a medium-length telephoto lens for portraits, snapshots and landscapes.

Description from B&H Photo Video

• Leica 45mm on Panasonic »
• Leica 45mm on DPReview »
• Leica 45mm on ePHOTOzine »
• Leica 45mm on PC Mag »

Outstanding F2.8 large-aperture super-telephoto lens. It is equivalent to 600 mm on a 35mm camera. You can accurately get the expression into a distant subject we would normally miss altogether, and feel the distinct super-telephoto effect. This overwhelming super-telephoto lens invites you to another image world. Perfect lens for wildlife and field sports photography.

Luxurious three ED lenses are used to provide the highest image quality with optimal resolution and contrast.

** Drop in PL filter, ND4, ND8 and Clear filter included.

Directly compatible with E-System cameras. Compatible with Micro Four Thirds digital cameras (PEN\OM-D) through use of the MMF-2 or MMF-3 (Four Thirds Lens Adapter to Micro Four Thirds Lens Adapter). The MMF-3 is dust and splash proof for use with that type of lens on a dust and splash proof body. Note, AF performance may diminish as compared to being on an E-System body.

Description from Olympus

• Dan's Blog: Olympus 300mm F/4 Pro Lens Update »
• Olympus 300mm on DPReview »
• Olympus 300mm on ePHOTOzine »
• Olympus 300mm on Popular Photography »

Offering a 35mm equivalent of 24mm for Micro Four Thirds shooters, the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f/2.0 lens from Olympus is a fast prime lens featuring a full metal construction for durability. The 12mm benefits from an aperture range of f/2-22 and utilizes DSA, aspherical, ED, and Super HR elements to control aberrations for greater clarity and color accuracy. Additionally, the lens features a seven-blade circular diaphragm for pleasing out-of-focus elements.

The lens features a Movie-Still-Compatible autofocus system for silent focusing even when tracking a subject in video. Along with autofocus, manual focusing is possible through a snap ring on the lens body that features a distance indicator. The lens focuses from 7.9″ to infinity and accepts 46mm filters.

Description from B&H Photo Video

• Olympus 12mm on DPReview »
• Olympus 12mm on ePHOTOzine »
• Olympus 12mm on PC Mag »

The Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH OIS is a premium image-stabilized zoom for Micro Four Thirds cameras, offering a classic 24-70mm equivalent focal length range. It’s tiny for an F2.8 zoom, and features weather-sealed metal-barreled construction. The 12-35mm is designed for both stills and movie use, with a near-silent stepper focus motor for silent, fast autofocus.

Description from DPReview

• Lumix 12-35mm on Panasonic »
• Lumix 12-35mm on DPReview »
• Dan's Blog: One Year Testing the Panasonic Lumix GH3 »

The LUMIX G Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH Power OIS Lens from Panasonic offers a 35mm focal length equivalent of 85mm and a fast aperture of f/1.2 making it well-suited for portraits. It also features Power O.I.S. for optical image stabilization, ensuring sharp images by decreasing the effect of movement and camera shake.

For quality, the lens has a Nano Surface Coating technology that minimizes reflections cause by stray light. This combines with two aspherical elements that suppress spherical aberration and distortion to give a clear image. Additionally, there is an Extra-low Dispersion element that increases contrast and sharpness and an Ultra High Refractive Index element allows for a uniform look to the edges of the frame.

This lens also has an all-metal design including the lens mount and the included hood. There is even an external aperture ring and nine circular diaphragm blades for smooth out of focus areas of the frame at large apertures.

Description from B&H Photo Video

• Leica 42.5mm on ePHOTOzine »
• Leica 42.5mm on PC Mag »
• Leica 42.5mm on Camera Labs »

The Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens is a prime wide-angle lens designed for Micro Four Thirds sensors. Its 35mm-equivalent focal length is 30mm, making it ideally suited for everyday shooting applications. The fast f/1.7 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also avails greater control over the focus position for shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques. Intuitive control over the aperture selection is also possible through the use of the manual aperture ring. In regard to focus, an internal focusing system with a stepping AF motor promotes fast, quiet, and smooth performance.

The optical design incorporates three aspherical elements to reduce distortion and spherical aberration for sharper imagery with greater overall clarity. Additionally, a Nano Surface Coating has been applied to lens elements to suppress lens flare and ghosting for more contrast-rich, color neutral photos and movies.

Description from B&H Photo Video

• Lumix G Leica 15mm on Panasonic »
• Lumix G Leica 15mm on ePHOTOzine »
• Lumix G Leica 15mm on Camera Labs »
• Lumix G Leica 15mm on PC Mag »

Mylio collects every photo, PDF, and video from any device, storage format, or service they live on today, and automatically organizes them into a life calendar for you to rediscover, enjoy, and share.

Description from Mylio

• Mylio on Dan's Blog »
• Mylio on Macworld »
• Mylio on PC Magazine »
• Mylio on Popular Photography »
• Myleo on GeekWire »

The Mac Pro line is a series of Intel Xeon–based workstation and server computers manufactured by Apple Inc. The Mac Pro, in most configurations and in terms of speed and performance, is the most powerful computer that Apple offers. It is the high-end model of the three desktop computers in the current Mac lineup, the other two being the iMac and Mac Mini.

Description from Wikipedia

• Mac Pro on Apple »
• Mac Pro on MacRumors »

A groundbreaking Retina display. All-flash architecture. The latest Intel processors. Remarkably thin and light 13‑inch and 15‑inch designs. Together, these features take the notebook to a place it’s never been. And they’ll do the same for everything you create with it.

Description from Apple

• MacBook Pro on Apple »

Thanks to DxO OpticsPro’s exclusive technologies, instantly correct all the optical defects of your equipment, remove digital noise even at high sensitivities, recover fine details and textures in dark or burnt areas, and bring out all the nuances of color in your images.

• DxO on Dan's Blog »
• DxO on PC Magazine »

Designed from the ground up to meet the data storage needs of today’s media creators and demanding professionals, the 5D builds on Drobo’s fully automated functionality with blazing-fast performance in a compact design. Leveraging cutting-edge Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 connectivity, along with the innovative use of solid state drives (SSDs) – Drobo 5D is the highest-performing personal storage array on the planet. Not only is it fast, Drobo 5D is easy-to-use, expandable, flexible, and guaranteed safe.

Description from Drobo

• Dan's Blog: Do You Know the Health of Your Hard Drives? »
• Drobo 5D on Popular Photography »

Perfect your photography from shoot to finish. Lightroom is the focal point for all your photography, from organizing to editing to sharing.

• Adobe Lightroom »

Optimized for the new Mac Pro, Final Cut Pro X lets you edit and deliver like never before. Work with multiple streams of 4K ProRes at full resolution. Play back complex graphics and effects in real time without rendering. Even output your 4K video to ultra-high-definition displays via HDMI and Thunderbolt 2.

Description from Apple

• Final Cut Pro X on Apple »

My Passport for Mac is secure and reliable. It safeguards your files with 256-bit AES hardware encryption and keeps your creative life safe with Apple Time Machine compatibility inside the precision design of a WD drive.

Description from WD

• WD My Passport on c|net »