The Panasonic Lumix G 12.5mm F12 is a 3D lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. The remarkably compact lens features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses, to be processed with a 3D image processing system. When mounted on the Panasonic GH2, the lens has an angle of view of 37°, provided the user has chosen the 16:9 aspect ratio on the camera. Constructed of 2x4 elements in 2x3 groups, the Panasonic Lumix G 12.5mm lens has a fixed aperture of f12 and comes with a standard Micro Four Thirds mount. Pricing to be confirmed.

Panasonic Press Release

LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012)

The world’s first* interchangeable 3D lens LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012) realizes 3D shooting (35 mm camera equivalent: 65 mm**)***. It features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses, to be processed with a 3D image processing system. Despite its unique performance, the 3D lens keeps its size extremely compact thanks to Panasonic’s advanced optical technologies and consideration of image processing system as well as structural design.

Shooting 3D content with an interchangeable lens system camera was possible by using panorama systems or a combination of two lenses and two CCDs, but these systems have drawbacks including the need for a dedicated 3D camera and the difficulties capturing moving objects. However, this new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens allows easier handling and instant 3D shooting with cameras without a special structure for 3D shooting. It produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects. The 3D images, even close-up shots, taken with this lens are easy on the eyes when viewed on 3D VIERA televisions.?

This year, the “First Year of 3D Era,” Panasonic has spearheaded the industry by launching 3D-capable VIERA televisions and 3D Blu-ray Disc™ players. While 3D content, including movies and sports, has become more widely available for viewing, there are many customers who want to enjoy 3D shooting themselves. This new lens will respond to such demands. This lens allows users to shoot landscapes, people, and a variety of subjects in high-quality 3D, to be enjoyed later with their 3D VIERA televisions at home.

As 3D content becomes ever more popular across a variety of media, Panasonic is leading the industry in bringing a true-to-life 3D experience to the customers, and even a fun of creating it by themselves utilizing the LUMIX G Micro System.

* For a digital interchangeable lens of September 21, 2010
** When setting the aspect ratio at 16:9 with the DMC-GH2.
*** Compatible with DMC-GH2 and DMC-G2 with the firmware ver.1.1. A 3D media player that supports the MP (Multi-Picture) format is required to view 3D images.

?Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds and Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries.
A 3D media player that supports the MP (Multi-Picture) format is required to view 3D images.

Specifications

LUMIX G 12.5mm/F12
Lens Construction
4 elements in 3 groups X 2
Mount
Micro Four Thirds mount
Optical Image Stabilizer
No
Focal Length
f=12.5mm (35mm camera equivalent 65mm *1)
Aperture Type
Fixed diaphragm
Aperture
F12 (Fixed type)
Minimum Aperture
-
Closest Focusing Distance
0.60m / 1.97ft
Maximum magnification
Approx. 0.02x / 0.1x (35mm camera equivalent *1)
Diagonal Angle of View
37°  *1
Stereo base
10mm
Filter Size
-
Max. Diameter
?57.0mm / 2.24in
Overall Length
Approx. 20.5mm (from the tip of the lens to the base side of the lens mount) / 0.81in
Weight
Approx. 45g / 1.59oz
Standard Accessories
Lens cap, Lens rear cap, Lens storage bag

*1:When setting the aspect ratio at 16:9 with DMC-GH2

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