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Tag: Panasonic

  • Panasonic partners with Skyworth in strategic shift for European market – Tech Digest

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    Panasonic has announced a major strategic partnership with China’s Skyworth, marking a fundamental shift in how the Japanese brand will produce and sell televisions in Europe.

    The deal, unveiled today (February 23, 2026) aims to revitalize Panasonic’s TV business by leveraging the massive manufacturing scale of one of the world’s largest electronics groups.

    Under the terms of the agreement, Shenzhen Skyworth Display Technology will take over the heavy lifting of sales, marketing, and logistics across the European region.

    Meanwhile, Panasonic will pivot towards high-level product development, quality assurance and maintaining premium brand standards. Notably, the two companies will jointly develop Panasonic’s high-end flagship OLED models.

    Trends towards economies of scale 

    This move mirrors a broader industry trend where legacy Japanese brands are seeking survival through collaboration with Chinese manufacturing giants. The partnership is strikingly similar to the joint venture recently formed between Sony and TCL, where Sony spun out its Bravia business to lean on TCL’s production efficiency.

    The driver behind these deals is, of course, the increasingly brutal economics of the global TV market. Profit margins in the industry have become razor-thin due to fierce price competition and high production costs.

    By partnering with a “top-five” global manufacturer like Skyworth, Panasonic gains access to world-class R&D investment and economies of scale that are difficult to achieve independently in the current climate. “The new business model will leverage Panasonic’s core strengths in AV processing and quality together with Skyworth’s global manufacturing scale and speed,” said Akira Toyoshima, CEO of Panasonic Entertainment & Communication.

    The reorganization also involves internal changes at Panasonic. From April 1, 2026, the company’s Entertainment Division will be reintegrated into the main Panasonic Corporation. This move is designed to strengthen its consumer business, with Europe identified as the primary strategic market for this long-term recovery plan.

    For existing customers, Panasonic has emphasized that service remains a priority. The company will continue to provide after-sales support for all TVs sold prior to the transition in March 2026, as well as for those sold under the new partnership starting in April.

    By combining Japanese engineering with Chinese manufacturing prowess, Panasonic hopes to secure a profitable future in a market where scale looks set to become the ultimate survival tool.

    Via Kulwinder Singh Rai

    Sony spins out Bravia TV business in joint venture with China’s TCL


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    Chris Price

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  • I Just Tested Panasonic’s Best TV Yet, and It’s Premium in Every Way But One

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    Space is the right environment for a TV with this level of staggering contrast, and it’s not just the dramatic moments, but also the more subtly lit scenes that stand out. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 is full of searing highlights and colorful bursts of space glow, but moments like the crisp sunrise on the Guardians’ plumb-brown shirts or the dark corridors of their small ship were just as impressive thanks to the Z95B’s masterful color gradients and shadow detail.

    That meticulous touch comes through in everything you watch, including plain old HD sitcoms like The Office, where I found myself oddly enamored with moments like the auburn highlights of Jim’s hair or the gleam of Andy’s tie. This may not be the reason you buy a premium TV, but it’s lovely to find joy in the little things. Skin tones look almost touchably natural and clean, enhanced by the TV’s knockout image processing, and even lower-quality video looks good with its improved upscaling.

    That’s not to say you won’t find plenty of bombast here; the Z95B gets as bright as anyone should need when properly tasked. Playing Mad Max: Fury Road on 4K HDR Blu-ray with the Panasonic DP-UB9000 elicited the perfect dichotomy between the dull desert backdrop and the catastrophic lightning storm. The storm’s jagged bolts split the sky with precision, erupting with blistering shocks of orange and white, right down to that sputtering white-hot flare.

    Part of the Z95B’s potency comes from its excellent glare reduction. Like the LG G5, it’s able to reduce everything but direct reflections while preserving its obsidian backdrop for a more dramatic contrast in brighter rooms than Sony’s rival Bravia 8 II QD-OLED. I think the Bravia beats both TVs for image clarity, but it’s close. Only Samsung’s similar S95F offers a more potent way to kill the glare while still preserving contrast.

    The Z95B and G5 are unsurprisingly similar, given that they share the same panel. The Z95B feels slightly more natural in its color and lighting, and a bit better for off-axis viewing, but that may be recency bias. I’d need to see them back-to-back to point to any real differences. Some extra color banding in Dolby Vision streaming content and a bit of image stuttering are the only noticeable flaws I saw in the Z95B over two weeks. (Note: I reviewed the G5 after LG addressed initial complaints of HDR color banding.)

    All four premium OLEDs provide knockout performance, each with its own specialty. I’m partial to the G5 and Z95B over the Samsung and Sony for their balance of fiery brightness with jet-black backdrops—and the G5 has an edge with its four HDMI 2.1 ports and better smarts. The Z95B is hard to deny, though. If you’re after an all-in-one screen that elevates everything to showcase levels, this is the TV to take home.

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    Ryan Waniata

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  • The best Prime Day camera and drone deals: Get up to 41 percent off gear from DJI, Canon, Sony and others

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    If you’re in the market for a new camera, drone or accessories, Amazon’s October Prime Day is proving to be a particularly good time to shop. You can find deals from major brands including DJI, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Nikon and others. You’ll also see discounts on important accessories like memory cards, backpacks and tripods from the likes of LowePro and SanDisk.

    Many of these deals are on products that rarely go on sale, like DJI drones and Insta360 cameras, along with Canon, Nikon and Panasonic lenses. And you’ll see many products that appear in our most recent camera guide that are highly recommended by Engadget — so check that out as you add items to your cart. Now, dive in to see the best Prime Day camera deals you can find this week.

    Best Prime Day camera deals

    DJI Neo drone for $159 (20 percent off): The DJI Neo may be an inexpensive, beginner-friendly drone, but it has powerful features like subject tracking and quick shots. It can shoot video at up to 4K 30 fps and is quick and maneuverable, though it’s also fairly loud. You can also grab one with three batteries and a charger for $229 (21 percent off).

    Polaroid Now 3rd-generation plus film for $136 (15 percent off): Polaroid is a name synonymous with instant cameras, and its Now model is the best choice for larger film. With this deal, you can grab one now with film for just $7 over the price of the camera without film.

    DJI Osmo Action 4 for $229 (23 percent off): DJI’s Osmo Action 4 is a solid deal at this price, as you’re not giving up much in comparison to the most recent model, the Action 5. It has the same big 1/1.3-inch sensor that delivers excellent video quality, especially in low light. It also features a D-LogM profile to boost dynamic range, DJI’s excellent clip-on mount and high-quality 4K 120p video.

    DJI Mini 4K drone for $239 (20 percent off): The Mini 4K is a beginner-friendly drone, but it’s still got plenty of nifty features. As the name suggests, it can capture 4K video at up to 30 FPS. It can also record 2.7K footage at 60 FPS. There’s 2x digital zoom, a 3-axis gimbal and electrical image stabilization. The drone can transmit 1080p video from up to 10km away.

    HoverAir X1 drone for $265 (34 percent off): The HoverAir X1 offers features like a folding, people-safe design, and up to 2.7K 30p HDR video. Unlike DJI’s Flip, it can dodge obstacles while tracking people, making it slightly better for that purpose.

    DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro for $269 (21 percent off): DJI’s Osmo Action 5 Pro is a good alternative to GoPro’s Hero 13 Black. It has a 1/1.3-inch sensor that makes it better than its rival in low light and rivals it in battery life as well with over two hours while shooting in 4K 60p. Another nice feature is 47GB of internal storage, something its main rivals lack. And the Osmo Action 5 Pro works directly with DJI’s noise-cancelling Mic 2 and Mic Mini wireless microphones, providing an easy way to record high-quality sound.

    GoPro Hero 13 Black for $359 (17 percent off): GoPro’s Hero 13 Black is now available with a new family of modular lenses called the HB series (ultra-wide, anamorphic and macro), making it far more versatile for action creators. It also has a slightly bigger battery that allows longer capture times, up to 90 minutes for 4K 30fps video. Other specs remain the same, including up to 5.3K at 60fps in 10-bit color, along with the excellent Hypersmooth stabilization. And if you want an even wider field of view, grab the Hero 13 Black Wide Edition for $329.

    DJI Osmo 360 action cam for $413 (25 percent off): It took DJI awhile to get a panoramic action cam into the market, but the Osmo 360 was worth the wait. It stacks up well against its main rival, Insta360’s X5, by offering better video quality in low light or high-contrast situations. It’s also easy to use, offers good battery life and trumps its competition with a large amount of built-in storage.

    Insta360 X5 action camera for $500 (9 percent off): The X5 has a larger 1/1.28-inch sensor compared to the X4‘s 1/2-inch sensor, ensuring more detail and a notable boost to low-light performance. Another key update is for PureVideo, allowing it work single lens mode rather than just in 360 mode as before.

    Sony ZV-1F for $498 (17 percent off): Sony’s ZV-1F is designed purely for vlogging thanks to the fixed 20mm lens that works perfectly for self-filming. It uses a 1-inch sensor like other compacts in this series and supports 4K shooting at up to 30 fps, the same as the ZV-1, and 1080p at up to an impressive 120fps. It offers vlog-ready features like background defocus and product showcase.

    Canon EOS R100 with RT-S18-45mm lens for $529 (15 percent off): Canon’s EOS R100 is the only modern mirrorless camera you can get with a kit lens for under $600. It comes with a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor that delivers great picture quality with Canon’s pleasing skin tones.

    Canon EOS R50 with RF-S18-45mm lens $799 (9 percent off): Canon’s 24-megapixel APS-C EOS R50 is great for travel, parties, street photography and more thanks to the portable size and built-in flash. It offers nice image quality with warm, human friendly photos and is capable for creators as well with 4K 30fps supersampled video, with 10-bit and HDR capability. It comes with a kit lens that’s solid for vlogging or photography with a 24-70mm full-frame equivalent zoom range.

    Panasonic Lumix S9 for $1,198 (20 percent off): The S9 may be Panasonic’s smallest full-frame camera but it comes with the same 24MP sensor and similar video features to the popular S5 II. To that end, it offers up to 6.2K video, in-body stabilization and reliable autofocus. The key feature though is a special LUT button that lets you easily choose a custom cinematic look designed by professional creators.

    Panasonic S5 II for $1,498 (25 percent off): It’s the company’s first camera with hybrid phase-detect AF designed to make focus “wobble” and other issues a thing of the past. You can shoot sharp 4K 30p video downsampled from the full sensor width, or 4K 60p from an APS-C cropped size, all in 10-bit color. It even offers 5.9K 30p video. You also get a flip-out screen for vlogging and updated five-axis in-body stabilization that’s the best in the industry. Photo quality is also good thanks to the dual-gain 24-megapixel sensor. The main drawback is the slowish burst speeds.

    Sony A7 IV for $2,198 (19 percent off): Resolution is up considerably from the 24-megapixel A7 III to 33 megapixels, with image quality much improved overall. Video is now up to par with rivals with 4K at up to 60p with 10 bit 4:2:2 quality. Autofocus is incredible for both video and stills, and the in-body stabilization does a good job. The biggest drawback is rolling shutter that limits the use of the electronic shutter.

    Panasonic S5 IIx with two lenses for $2,298 (22 percent off): The S5 IIx is identical to the S5 II except that it offers high bitrate Apple ProRes capture directly to an external SSD. This deal is ideal for creators who want to hit the ground running as it includes both a 50mm f/1.8 portrait lens and a 22-60mm zoom.

    Nikon Z6 III for $2,397 (11 percent off): Nikon’s Z6 III is the best hybrid mirrorless camera for the money, thanks to the incredible performance of the 24-megapixel partially stacked sensor. You can shoot RAW bursts at up to 20 fps in electronic shutter mode while nailing sharp shots thanks to the much-improved autofocus. On the video side, it supports 6K RAW at up to 60 fps, or 4K 120p. All of that makes it ideal for creators and photographers alike, with the only drawback being the reduced resolution.

    Sony A7R V for $3,798 (10 percent off): With a 61-megapixel sensor, the A7R V shoots sharp and beautiful images at a very respectable speed for such a high-resolution model (10 fps). It has equally fast and reliable autofocus, the sharpest viewfinder on the market and in-body stabilization that’s much improved over the A7R IV. Video has even improved, with 8K and 10-bit options now on tap, albeit with significant rolling shutter

    Best Prime Day camera lens and accessory deals

    Image for the mini product module

    Osmo Mobile 7 for $68 (24 percent off): One of the best things to elevate your smartphone footage is a gimbal like the Osmo Mobile 7 from DJI. The company makes some of the best drones you can buy, so it knows a thing or two about camera stabilization, so it will make your smarphone videos smooth as silk. It only weighs 300 grams, so it’ll be a lightweight addition to almost any travel kit.

    K&F Concept 20L camera backpack for $66 (20 percent off): This multifunction backpack can store not only cameras, lenses and even drones in the bottom section, but a couple of changes of clothes up top. It has a laptop compartment, ventilated elastic back, auxiliary straps and more.

    DJI Mic Mini $99 (41 percent off): DJI’s Mic Mini bundle includes two mic transmitters and a receiver that can be connected to a camera or phone, along with a charging case. The mics weigh just a third of an ounce and attach easily to subjects via magnets or clips. Everything pairs automatically and they offer high quality 24-bit 20Hz to 20K Hz recording. They also connect easily to smartphones over Bluetooth and other DJI devices like the Action 5 and Osmo Pocket 3 cams using DJI’s OsmoAudio direct connection.

    SmallRig Camera Tripod for $49 (30 percent off): This 2-in-1 tripod easily transforms into a monopod depending on your needs. It comes with a 360-degree detachable ball head, supports up to 33 pounds and lets you adjust the working height from 16- to 71-inches in seconds.

    Rode Wireless Micro for $99 (24 percent off): Another great wireless mic option is Rode’s Wireless Micro designed for smartphone users. The receiver connects to the bottom of your smartphone via USB-C and the microphones attach to the subject via integrated clips or magnets. They capture pristine sound well above what your smartphone can do, with a 20-20 kHz frequency range and 73 dB signal-to-noise ratio.

    SanDisk 512GB Extreme Pro CFexpress Card Type B for $120 (24 percent off): If you need tons of storage for a newer camera with a CFexpress Type B slot, SanDisk’s 512GB is a great deal. It can handle reading and writing at 1,700MB/s and 1,400MB/s respectively, enough speed for RAW video capture.

    Lowepro Flipside BP 300 AW III for $182 (24 percent off): The Flipside BP300 AW III is a rugged, lightweight bag that securely holds and protects your camera gear in the worst weather. It has rear access for protection and a special compartment to hold lenses.

    SmallRig AD-80 FreeBlazer video tripod for $175 (30 percent off): Weighing just 11.6 pounds, it supports up to a 17.6-pound load and expands from 34 to 75 inches with a one-step height adjustment. For smooth operation, it offers fluid head damping though 360-degree horizontal and +90°/-65° tilt.

    DJI Mic 2 for $269 (23 percent off): DJI’s Mic 2 can not only be connected to a mirrorless camera like other mics, but also supports Bluetooth audio so can easily be connected to a smartphone as well. It picks up audio from your subject at a range of up to 820 feet (less with a Bluetooth connection) and automatically reduces background noise like wind, city sounds and even drone noise. This deal includes two mic transmitters, a receiver for your camera, a charging case and wind muffs.

    DJI RS 4 Mini $309 (16 percent off): The RS 4 Mini is one of the best handheld camera stabilizers on the market thanks to features like its 4.4 pound payload and automatic axis lock. On top of that, the company introduced automatic tracking via its RS Intelligent Tracking Module to keep human subjects in frame no matter where they go. It also offers smoother gimbal tracking, longer battery life and faster charging.

    Lexar 128GB Professional 2000x SD Card $90 (31 percent off): If you need very fast SD UHS II memory, Lexar currently has an excellent deal on its 128GB 2000x memory card. It offers 300MB/s read and 260Mb/s write speeds, quick enough to capture high data rate video or bursts of high-resolution photos. Amazon is also offering a solid discount on 256GB memory in the same lineup at $170 or 23 percent off.

    Manfrotto Befree GT PRO 4-section travel tripod $299 (36 percent off): Belying its miniscule 4.23 pound weight, this model offers ultra-stable performance for timelapse and other shots, even in bad weather. It’s also great for video thanks to the integrated 3-way pan/tilt head, featuring fluid cartridges for precise control and seamless movements.

    Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 lens $248 (17 percent off): Panasonic and Micro Four Thirds users on a budget in need of a fast 50mm equivalent prime should check this one out. It offers beautiful bokeh and fast speeds in low light, but costs nearly half the price of f/1.4 models.

    Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4 Lens $497 (17 percent off): If you want a fast 50mm portrait lens but don’t have a ton to spend, Nikon’s Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4 lens is on sale for just $497, making it one of the cheapest full-frame options available. At the same time, it offers exceptional sharpness and excellent color rendition, with beautiful bokeh that will flatter your subjects.

    Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 lens $448 (31 percent off): I own this lens and it’s fast, sharp and versatile for portraits while offering considerable savings compared to an f/1.4 portrait. It’s also great for working pros due to the dust-, splash- and freeze-resistant design and very light weight next to other brands.

    Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 Lens $577 (15 percent off): If you’re looking for a fast full-frame Nikon Z prime in the 35-50mm category for portraits, architecture or street photos, Nikon has a stellar deal. The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 lens is fast and sharp with painterly bokeh thanks to the 9-blade iris design. It’s great for video as well, with the silent STM mechanism offering silent autofocus and suppressed focus breathing.

    Canon RF24-70mm F2.8 L lens $2,399 (8 percent off): If you’ve been eyeballing a fast Canon RF mount zoom, now’s the time to act. The RF24-70mm f/2.8 L lens rarely goes on sale, but is now available with a $200 (8 percent) discount. It offers an f/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range so you get awesome bokeh for portraits and high versatility in low light situations.

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    Steve Dent

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  • Facial Hair Maintenance for the Newly Bearded (and Mildly Confused)

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    For most, growing a beard is easy. Maintaining one that doesn’t look like a survivalist phase? That’s where things get less intuitive. I learned this the hard way entering my thirties, when I finally decided to give facial hair a real shot. The first two weeks lulled me into a false sense of confidence: My beard came in full enough, friends had (mostly positive) opinions, and for a minute, I thought I’d nailed the “low-maintenance grooming” thing. Then came the rude awakening: flyaways in every direction, jawline flakiness that rivaled bad weather, and one rogue patch that refused to cooperate no matter how I brushed, prayed or trimmed.

    Here’s what no one tells you upfront: good beard care isn’t all about vanity—it’s about structure, too. Think about it: At its root (or follicle, if you will), it’s skincare, texture control, routine maintenance, and, occasionally, damage control. That doesn’t mean spending 45 minutes in front of a mirror or investing in a dozen serums, but it does mean graduating beyond that beat-up drugstore razor from undergrad. For me, that meant finding a grooming brand that didn’t feel like it was advertising from a man cave. Horace—French, straightforward and sustainably made—quickly earned my trust with products that actually do what they claim, without turning my sink into a chemistry lab. After a year of trial and error, I’ve landed on a set of tools that make your beard look deliberate, not overstyled, and your face a little less hot mess. From a wildly unaffordable handheld laser to a $7 dermaplaning blade, use one or all in rotation. Stick to the program, and the results show up—on your face and in your confidence.

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    Paul Jebara

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  • Technics EAH-AZ100 Review: Wireless Earbuds That Sound So Next Level I’m Ruined

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    Hi-fi audio is a funny thing. Someone could say the words “high fidelity” until you’re both blue in the face, but it’s hard to understand unless you hear it for yourself. I mean, how high is high, anyway? Great audio is as high as your frame of reference is, and if you’re like most people and you’re used to sticking AirPods in your ears and calling it a day, then that’s your baseline. But not everyone is so easily wooed by Apple’s ecosystem, and for those baptized in the expensive waters of hi-fi audio, the ceiling is damn near cathedral-length. With that extra headroom, however, comes an even loftier hit to your wallet. But how good can Panasonic’s $299 Technics EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds that cost more than Apple’s ubiquitous white buds really sound?

    I got a chance to test out the EAH-AZ100, and at the risk of spoiling the surprise here, I can tell you that they sound pretty freaking next level. At the core of that great sound are proprietary magnetic fluid drivers, which are as cool in theory as they are in practice. I wouldn’t usually bother to get into the nitty-gritty of how drivers work, but in this case I think it’s worth explaining to make you appreciate these buds’ uniqueness.

    Technics EAH-AZ100

    The Technics EAH-AZ100 are costly wireless earbuds that are worth every penny.

    Pros


    • Incredible, nuanced sound

    • Great battery life with ANC on

    • Comfortable

    • Full-featured

    Cons


    • ANC is solid but not great

    • Not the sleekest-looking buds

    When it comes to sound quality, mitigating distortion is the name of the game. Distortion happens in a number of ways, but usually distorted sound emanates from some kind of deficiency in the driver. That deficiency can be the result of materials, design, and other factors, but Panasonic’s magnetic fluid drivers focus on one thing in particular, which is stability, so to speak. While most wireless earbud drivers will vibrate in random directions while pumping out sound, causing distortion along the way, the EAH-AZ100’s drivers are immersed in an oil-like substance with magnetic particles that prevent unwanted movement and the dreaded distortion that happens. The results? I’m not going to lie, they’re impressive.

    ©

    I listened to almost the entirety of one of my favorite rock albums of the past five years (Geese’s “3D Country”), and it felt like hearing some of those songs for the first time. Distorted guitars are perfectly crunchy, bass and low end are natural-sounding and don’t feel oversimulated, and vocals are clear, crisp, and nuanced. I switched genres and listened to hip-hop (Milo’s song, “Tiptoe”), and the same held true. In fact, across all the genres I tested these wireless earbuds on—indie rock, folk, hip-hop, and electronic—they sounded great. Even though I was listening to compressed audio files on Spotify, it felt like I was one step closer to hearing songs like those artists intended when they entered the studio. I also happened to be testing Bose’s second-gen QuietComfort Ultra wireless earbuds at the same time and can say confidently that the Technics EAH-AZ100 win in the clarity department and by a noticeable margin.

    See EAH-AZ100 at Amazon

    Another major selling point for the EAH-AZ100 is very long battery life. Panasonic advertises 10 hours of juice on these earbuds outside the case with active noise cancellation (ANC) on. That’s an impressive number when looking at the rest of the field, especially wireless earbuds that cost half the price and typically get between 6 and 6.5 hours of ANC playback. Fortunately, I was able to put that lofty battery claim to the test since I had a long flight from New York to Arizona (with a layover) and can also say confidently that these buds have the longevity that’s advertised.

    I used the EAH-AZ100s all day on and off and didn’t have to charge the wireless earbuds once, which is a perk that can’t be overstated when you’re trying to block out noise from crying babies on a flight. With the case, you get 18 hours of total battery life according to Panasonic, and on that front I’ll have to take their word since I still haven’t had to charge these things since I started testing. Either way, 10 hours is a lot of juice for wireless earbuds with ANC on and helps justify the $299 price tag. Another big point for Panasonic here.

    Technics Eah Az100 5
    © Adriano Contreras / Gizmodo

    Speaking of being on a flight, I also put the EAH-AZ100 to the test when it comes to ANC. With crying babies nearby, I relied on the EAH-AZ100 to help safeguard my sanity, and they performed… admirably. These aren’t going to win any medals from me on the ANC front (Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra earbuds still take the cake here), but they held their own when it comes to noise cancellation, especially when tested against a boss as scary as the in-flight baby scream. If you’re looking for ANC as elite as the sound and battery life, you may be a little let down, though.

    If you’re going to be wearing wireless earbuds for a long time (like 10 hours), another thing you may want to know is how they feel in your ears, and fortunately, they feel pretty damn comfy. A lot of times, wearing wireless earbuds (especially on a plane where pressure is a big factor) will get to me after a while, but I found the EAH-AZ100 to be more tolerable than most for long periods. If you don’t find them to be a good fit, Panasonic also includes four other eartip sizes in the box (XS, S, ML, L), but I just used the pre-installed eartips, and they fit my ears well.

    There are some things about these wireless earbuds that I won’t be writing home about, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad in any way, just not as excellent as the sound or the battery life. One of those things is the touch controls, which work just okay. A quirk you should be aware of is that the case does not have a pairing button, so in order to pair the buds to a device, you have to take them out, put them in your ears, and then hold down on the outsides of each with your finger to initiate a Bluetooth connection. There’s nothing wrong with that per se, but I prefer a button, which is simple and universal and not something you have to figure out by reading a manual on an airplane.

    Another thing I’m not particularly compelled by is the design. I like the smooth metal the buds and case are made out of, but the look doesn’t do much for me. That being said, the shape (bulb-like) is likely a product of the use of a magnetic fluid driver, which is incredible at conveying clear hi-fi sound, so I can’t complain too much there. Substance over style is a choice I’m okay with. Like other wireless earbuds, there’s also a companion app for controlling ANC levels, switching modes, spatial audio, and custom EQ, which are all things I would expect from a premium-priced pair of earbuds since competitors that are half the cost also have those things. The EAH-AZ100 have an ambient mode, which works fine, though Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra is still nicer in my opinion.

    Technics Eah Az100 4
    © Adriano Contreras / Gizmodo

    Ultimately, those are all just icing-on-the-cake-type categories, though. If you’re going to buy wireless earbuds like this, it’s because you want them to sound really, really, really freaking good, and to that end, Panasonic absolutely nails it. These are some of the best-sounding wireless earbuds I’ve ever shoved into my ears, and it’s not too often that I feel spoiled on that front, nor is it often that I can say a pair of earbuds sounds better than over-ear headphones of a similar price. If you’re looking for a pair of wireless earbuds that focus hard on that important stuff (sound, battery life, and comfort) and still deliver dutifully on the rest (ANC, features, and controls), then I can say with confidence that the Technics EAH-AZ100 could be the pick for you.

    See EAH-AZ100 at Amazon

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    James Pero

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  • World’s Smallest LUMIX S 18-40mm Zoom Lens: Compact Power

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    Panasonic’s latest lens offering, the LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3, brings a new level of compactness to the world of full-frame zoom lenses. As the smallest and lightest interchangeable zoom lens on the market (as of October 2024), this lens is a compelling option for creators seeking flexibility in a portable design. Whether you’re a hobbyist photographer or a professional videographer, the 18-40mm zoom lens aims to provide an all-around solution for various shooting scenarios, from wide landscapes to portraits, without the bulk of larger lenses.

    Compact and Lightweight: Redefining Portability

    When it comes to travel photography or on-the-go shooting, size and weight matter. The LUMIX S 18-40mm lens checks these boxes, weighing just 155 grams (0.34 pounds) and measuring a mere 9 x 40.9 mm when retracted. This makes it a great companion for anyone using the LUMIX S Series cameras, particularly the compact full-frame S9 model. If you’re someone who values a minimalist camera setup or just prefers lighter gear for those long days of shooting, this lens certainly stands out in the crowded market of zoom lenses.

    Despite its small form factor, the lens doesn’t sacrifice functionality. Its compact nature doesn’t make it feel fragile; the design includes a robust, dust- and splash-resistant body, which is important for photographers who frequently shoot outdoors or in challenging environments. The fluorine coating on the lens further enhances its resistance to the elements, providing peace of mind for users in unpredictable conditions.

    Versatility for Various Shooting Styles

    The LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 lens offers a versatile zoom range that caters to a wide array of photography and videography styles. With its 18mm ultra-wide angle, you can capture sweeping landscapes, cityscapes, or architecture, while the 40mm setting provides a natural perspective ideal for portraits or street photography. This flexibility makes it a suitable option for creators who want a single lens that can handle diverse subjects without needing to swap out equipment.

    Its minimum focusing distance of 0.15 meters (0.49 feet) gives you the option to get up close to your subject, opening up possibilities for more intimate shots with clear, sharp details. This makes the lens adaptable not only for outdoor or urban shots but also for close-up photography in nature or other settings.

    Smooth Video Performance for Creators

    The LUMIX S 18-40mm lens is also built with video creators in mind. One of the standout features for videographers is the lens’s effective focus breathing suppression. Focus breathing, which refers to the slight change in angle of view when the lens focuses, can disrupt the smoothness of video shots. Panasonic‘s solution minimizes this issue, making the lens a solid choice for filmmakers who need stable, professional-looking footage.

    In addition, the lens performs well in delivering high-resolution photos and smooth bokeh effects, a plus for videographers seeking a cinematic look. The versatility in both photography and video makes this lens an excellent choice for hybrid creators who need equipment that performs in multiple areas of content creation.

    Conclusion: A Compact, All-Purpose Lens for Creators

    The LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 zoom lens offers impressive portability without sacrificing quality. Its compact size, solid construction, and versatile zoom range make it an ideal option for creators who need a reliable, lightweight lens that can handle various types of content creation. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or video, this lens provides a range of creative possibilities.

    The lens will be available in mid-November 2024, priced at $499.99. It will also be offered as part of a kit with the LUMIX S9 camera for $1799.99. The lens is a promising addition to the LUMIX S Series lineup, designed with creators on the go in mind.

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    Al Hilal

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  • Panasonic S9 hands-on: A powerful creator camera with a patented LUT simulation button

    Panasonic S9 hands-on: A powerful creator camera with a patented LUT simulation button

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    1 / 16

    Continuous autofocus for photos works well, though it’s still behind Canon and Sony. The AI is good at locking onto human faces, bodies and eyes, and also works with animals, cars and motorcycles. It’s not a sports or wildlife camera by any means, but the majority of my photos were in focus.

    Like the S5 II, the S9 shoots 14-bit RAW images in single-shot mode but drops to 12-bit RAW for burst shooting. As this was a pre-production camera without the final firmware, I was unable to test RAW quality, but I’d expect it to be in line with the Panasonic S5 II.

    Photo quality otherwise is good from what I’ve seen so far, with realistic colors and skin tones. In low light, I wouldn’t go past about ISO 6400 as noise can get bad compared to cameras with similar sensors, like Nikon’s Z6 II.

    Panasonic S9 mirrorless camera sample images

    Steve Dent for Engadget

    I liked the S9 as a street photography camera, as it’s discreet, silent and lightweight. However, the new $200 pancake lens that helps make it so light is manual focus only and has just one f/8 aperture setting which may turn off buyers. On top of that, with no electronics in the lens, the zoom window doesn’t pop up to aid focus. As such, you need to rely on the focus peaking assist.

    As a video camera, the S9 is generally excellent, but has some pluses and minuses compared to the ZV-E1. On the positive side, the higher-resolution sensor allows for up to 6.2K 30p or supersampled 4K 30p video using the entire sensor width. It also supports full readout 3:2 capture that makes vertical video easier to shoot.

    4K 60p requires an APS-C crop, and to get 120 fps video you need to drop down to 1080p. Like the S5 II, it supports a number of anamorphic formats with supported lenses.

    Panasonic S9 mirrorless camera hands-onPanasonic S9 mirrorless camera hands-on

    Steve Dent for Engadget

    The ZV-E1 has half the resolution, so video isn’t quite as sharp, but Sony’s camera can shoot 4K at up to 120 fps and rolling shutter isn’t nearly as bad.

    One potential issue with this camera for creators is the limited continuous recording time, which is capped at just 10 minutes at 6.2K and 15 minutes at 4K. That’s due to the small size and lack of a fan, but you can start recording again immediately after it stops — so this would mainly affect event shooters needing to do long takes. We’ll see if these recording times remain in the final firmware.

    The S9 has excellent in-body stabilization, with up to 6.5 stops using supported lenses. Like the S5 II, it offers a boost mode that’s best for handheld shooting with limited movement, and an electronic mode with a 1.4x crop in the “high” setting.

    Panasonic S9 hands-on: A powerful creator camera with a patented LUT simulation buttonPanasonic S9 hands-on: A powerful creator camera with a patented LUT simulation button

    Steve Dent for Engadget

    The latter can smooth out footsteps and other jolts well enough to replace a gimbal in a pinch. It does a better job than the ZV-E1 with abrupt movements, but the latter crops in slightly less at 1.3x.

    Autofocus mostly keeps subjects sharp, but it can occasionally lag. The AI-powered face-tracking stays locked on a subject’s eyes and face, though sometimes the autofocus itself doesn’t keep up. However, these could be pre-production issues.

    With the same sensor as the S5 II, quality is very similar. Video is sharp and colors are realistic, with pleasing skin tones. It’s not quite as good in low light as other 24MP cameras like the Canon R6 II, with noise starting to become noticeable at ISO 6400. The ZV-E1, in comparison, can shoot clean video at ISO 12800 and even beyond.

    Panasonic S9 mirrorless camera hands-onPanasonic S9 mirrorless camera hands-on

    Steve Dent for Engadget

    I enjoy shooting Panasonic V-log video as it’s easy to adjust in post and offers excellent dynamic range. It’s one big reason Panasonic cameras are so popular with professional videographers, so it’s nice to see this on a less expensive model.

    So what about the new LUT feature? To get the most out of it, you have to go into the new Lumix Lab app. Panasonic has a handful of presets to get you started, or you can load custom LUTs from a variety of creators. You can also make your own in an editing program like DaVinci Resolve.

    Panasonic S9 mirrorless camera hands-onPanasonic S9 mirrorless camera hands-on

    Steve Dent for Engadget

    Applying the LUT bakes the look into the video, which makes it hard to adjust it later on. However, you can shoot standard or V-Log footage and use the LUT as a preview, then apply that same look in post without being locked in.

    The LUT button is a clever idea, as it allows creators to create cool shots without the need to futz around in post. However, many may not even be familiar with the term “LUT,” so Panasonic has an uphill battle selling the benefits. By comparison, many influencers understand the advantages of Fujifilm’s simulations.

    Panasonic S9 mirrorless camera hands-onPanasonic S9 mirrorless camera hands-on

    Steve Dent for Engadget

    With the S9, Panasonic is trying to attract influencers with a small, stylish camera that makes it easy to create interesting video looks quickly. At the same time, it has nearly all the capabilities of higher-end models like the S5 II.

    It does have some flaws that make it a hard sell for photographers. And I’m concerned about the $1,500 price tag, as that’s just a bit less than the S5 II, which has an EVF, mechanical shutter, extra card slot, better ergonomics and more.

    So far, it comes out well against the ZV-E1, though. I like the extra resolution and sharpness, and it has superior stabilization. It’s also cheaper, but only by about $300 at the moment. It looks like a good first try and I have a few quibbles, but I’ll know more once I’m able to test the production version.

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    Steve Dent

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  • Blyncsy and Panasonic Announce Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Connected Vehicle Technology

    Blyncsy and Panasonic Announce Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Connected Vehicle Technology

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Feb 19, 2019


    SALT LAKE CITY, February 19, 2019 (Newswire.com)
    –
    ​​ Today, Blyncsy, Inc. and Panasonic Corporation of North America have announced a strategic alliance, in which Blyncsy will use its technology and integration services to develop ITS and connected vehicle solutions that will run on the CIRRUS by Panasonic® platform. Specifically, Blyncsy will supply Panasonic with connected vehicle applications and technology to assist with safety and efficiency improvements on roadways utilizing connected vehicle technologies. Powered by the CIRRUS by Panasonic® platform, Blyncsy’s applications can provide real-world solutions.

    “Panasonic is committed to delivering on the significant potential of connected vehicle technology. However, we feel strongly that no single organization can alone transform transportation. To really ‘move the needle’ we’ll need to build and participate in a rich ecosystem of stakeholders. Our relationship with Blyncsy demonstrates a commitment to this approach, and we are excited to work together to accelerate this inflection moment in transportation and mobility.” said Chris Armstrong, Director of Panasonic’s Smart Mobility team.

    “Today’s announcement marks a fundamental shift in how connected vehicle technologies will be delivered in the future. Our goal is to improve our roadways and save lives in the process. The tools that connected vehicle technologies provide are unlike anything experienced by our industry previously. Panasonic and Blyncsy have teamed up to accelerate the deployment of connected vehicle technologies across the country and that acceleration starts today,” said Mark Pittman, Blyncsy CEO.  

    The first Blyncsy applications are already running in beta on the CIRRUS by Panasonic® platform and scaling up to be available to customers.

    About Panasonic

    Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and leverages its strengths in Immersive Entertainment, Sustainable Energy, Integrated Supply Chains and Mobility Solutions to provide secure and resilient integrated solutions for B2B customers. Panasonic was highlighted in Forbes Magazine’s Global 2000 ranking as one of the Top Ten Best Regarded Companies for 2017.  The ranking is based on outstanding scores for trustworthiness, honesty with the public and superior performance of products and solutions. Learn more about Panasonic’s ideas and innovations at Panasonic.com.

    About Blyncsy

    ​Blyncsy is a tech start-up headquartered in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Through the power of big data and location analytics, Blyncsy helps its customers understand how connected devices are moving throughout an environment. Blyncsy’s powerful platform assists departments of transportation, cities and other private and public entities to better understand the habits and trends of people to generate insights and improve our roadways. Blyncsy was founded to give DOTs, cities, companies and leaders better decision-making tools to intelligently facilitate the movement of people and goods. Blyncsy is Movement Data Intelligence™ delivered.

    Panasonic media contact

    Betsy Boesel Sagges        betsy.sagges@us.panasonic.com

    Blyncsy media contact

    Carlee McFarland            Carlee.McFarland@blyncsy.com

    Source: Blyncsy, Inc.

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