Panasonic reveló recientemente su línea de televisores 2024, incluidas cuatro pantallas OLED, LED pequeños y muchos modelos de LED. También anunció una nueva asociación con Amazonas Fire TV, que ahora sirve como plataforma de televisión inteligente en la mayor parte del mundo PanasonicColección 2024. Además, Panasonic cambió el nombre de sus televisores y cambió el sistema de modelado.
Panasonic es responsable de fabricar algunos de los los mejores televisores Disponible, incluido Panasonic MZ2000 – Fácilmente uno de Los mejores televisores OLED Para 2023 gracias a su excelente imagen, excelente sonido incorporado y lista completa de funciones. el resto es suyo OLED Televisor, que incluía Panasonic MZ1500 Y Panasonic MZ980, también fue valorado favorablemente. Naturalmente, había grandes expectativas antes de que se anunciara la programación televisiva de 2024.
Pude ver la línea de televisores 2024 de Panasonic y se mostró una tecnología muy impresionante. No todos los televisores fueron un ejemplo de innovación, pero muchos de ellos, desde los LED de nivel básico hasta las pantallas OLED premium, tenían algo que los hacía destacar en el competitivo mercado.
Critiqué la plataforma de televisión inteligente Home Screen 8.0 de Panasonic, llegando incluso a decir que El MZ2000 habría sido perfecto si la pantalla principal 8.0 no fuera tan terrible. Pero con la inclusión de Fire TV, Panasonic tiene la oportunidad de causar un gran revuelo en el mundo de la televisión porque, por lo que he visto, los televisores Panasonic y la plataforma Fire TV funcionan muy bien juntos.
En el evento al que asistí se presentaron 12 televisores nuevos, por lo que fue difícil seguirles la pista. Sin embargo, destacaron tres modelos en particular.
Panasonic Z95A
(Crédito de la imagen: futuro)
sucesor del MZ2000, Panasonic Z95A Es el televisor OLED insignia de Panasonic para 2024. Una vez más utilizará la tecnología Micro Lens Array (MLA) y utilizará el procesador HCX AI MK II para aumentar el brillo general. También ofrecerá una frecuencia de actualización de 144 Hz para juegos de PC. AMD FreeSync Premium y NVIDIA Admite GSync y Panasonic Real Game Mode.
Por lo que he visto en persona, parece que el Z95A mantendrá los ricos niveles de negro, el contraste y las finas texturas del MZ2000. Sus colores también eran audaces, brillantes y vibrantes, con el impacto que esperarías de una pantalla OLED premium con tecnología MLA para aumentar el brillo.
Jugar en el Z95A también parece impresionante. Una demostración de Diablo IV para PC mostró que el juego funcionaba sin problemas a 144 Hz y que la acción en pantalla nunca disminuía. Como beneficio adicional, la imagen mantuvo el mismo nivel de mejora y detalle en los juegos que en las imágenes normales.
Hubiera sido bueno ver más demostraciones públicas de películas y programas de televisión, pero por lo que he visto, el Z95A podría ser una fuerza a tener en cuenta en el mundo de los televisores OLED.
Panasonic Z90A
(Crédito de la imagen: futuro)
El siguiente en la alineación es el Panasonic Z90A OLED, que está un paso por debajo del Z95A. El Z90A admite muchas de las mismas funciones que el Z95A, incluido un procesador HCX AI MK II, capacidades de juego que incluyen 144 Hz y compatibilidad con Dolby Vision IQ. Sin embargo, no tiene tecnología MLA, por lo que probablemente no habrá un gran aumento en el brillo con respecto a su predecesor, el Panasonic MZ1500.
Una de las adiciones más interesantes es el “woofer” externo del Z95A. Se incluirá no sólo en los tamaños más grandes del Z90A de 55 y 65 pulgadas, sino también en los tamaños más pequeños de 42 y 48 pulgadas, lo que significa que aquellos que necesitan un paquete más pequeño no tendrán que comprometer el sonido.
Por lo que vi en persona, la calidad de la imagen volvió a ser impresionante con los fuertes niveles de negro y los colores vibrantes que esperaba, pero escuchar el progreso en la calidad del sonido en una pantalla más pequeña fue de lo más emocionante. el LG Televisores Serie C, como nuevos. LGC4sostuve la corona por Mejor televisor de 42 pulgadas en los últimos años, pero con la Panasonic Z90A y su propio subwoofer externo, puede haber un nuevo contendiente al trono.
Panasonic W95A
(Crédito de la imagen: futuro)
El Panasonic W95A es el modelo insignia de la gama W de televisores LED de Panasonic y utiliza tecnología mini-LED. Dado el mercado increíblemente concurrido dominado por marcas como Samsung, Hisense Y TCL (con sony Habiendo lanzado su sombrero al ring después de cambiar de OLED a Mini-LED para su televisor insignia, el Bravia 9), estoy fascinado de ver cómo Panasonic innovará en esta área.
La demostración principal del W95A fue en un cuarto oscuro donde se exhibió junto a otro pequeño modelo LED que no fue revelado. La calidad de imagen del W95A se notó de inmediato, con texturas ricas y colores llamativos que lo hicieron resaltar. El nivel de detalle le dio a la imagen una calidad casi realista y era brillante sin sacrificar el contraste. Hubo algo de luz de fondo, un artefacto común en los televisores Mini-LED debido a su alto brillo, pero fue mínimo.
Las computadoras portátiles son esenciales para la mayoría de los trabajos hoy en día de una forma u otra. Sin embargo, hay una similitud que tienen la mayoría de las computadoras portátiles: son frágiles. Claro, algunos son más duraderos que otros, pero el temor de romper su costosa computadora portátil persistirá a menos que tenga una computadora portátil resistente.
Como muchos Las mejores computadoras portátiles resistentes Lo hemos probado y aquí es donde está. PanasonicLa línea Toughbooks de. Muchas grandes empresas de portátiles tienen una sólida gama de portátiles. Sin embargo, Panasonic actualizó recientemente su hardware con el lanzamiento del Toughbook 55 Mk3, llevando su rendimiento más allá de lo logrado anteriormente en el mundo de las computadoras portátiles robustas. Pero, ¿puede proteger contra los golpes, golpes y rayones del uso diario? Ponemos a prueba la computadora portátil.
(Crédito de la imagen: Colin Probst // Futuro)
Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3: Unboxing y primeras impresiones
Desde el comienzo de mi experiencia con esta computadora portátil, quedó claro que la atención se centraba en la durabilidad resistente. El empaque de la computadora portátil es un estuche estilo pelícano con bisagras de bloqueo, acolchado personalizado y más protección que nunca antes haya visto en un empaque de computadora.
La computadora portátil cubre todos los puertos que se pueden cubrir y sellar para proteger el puerto y la computadora de cualquier elemento que pueda encontrar ese día. Además, las numerosas ranuras modulares de esta computadora portátil permiten expansión y personalización.
(Crédito de la imagen: Colin Probst // Futuro)
Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3: Diseño y calidad de construcción
La Toughbook 55 MK3 de Panasonic es una computadora portátil semirresistente, lo que significa que si bien no es la opción más resistente disponible, sigue siendo lo suficientemente resistente como para recibir algunos golpes y estar bien. Esta computadora portátil es resistente y duradera en la mayoría de los escenarios, y su potencia también es impresionante. Hay algo en la tecnología grande y poderosa que inmediatamente me hace sentir como si fuera lenta y no respondiera. Sin embargo, el Toughbook 55 Mk3 demuestra que esa idea era errónea.
Toughbook es una línea de computadoras portátiles de Panasonic diseñadas para uso en exteriores. No solo es duradero para uso intensivo en oficinas como la mayoría de las computadoras portátiles, sino que también es duradero cuando se cae de un camión, se golpea en un patio de construcción, se tropeza en la carretera o se choca contra una fábrica. Estas computadoras portátiles también tienen rejillas de montaje para computadoras de escritorio o vehículos (como una patrulla policial o un camión de trabajo). Para facilitar los viajes y la movilidad, el Toughbook 55 Mk3 también tiene un asa incorporada que se puede extender cuando está en uso y plegarse hacia atrás cuando no se necesita.
Y para abordar el diseño modular, el Toughbook 55 Mk3 tiene seis áreas extraíbles por el usuario que pueden contener una gran cantidad de actualizaciones como RAM ampliada, memoria, baterías, unidades ópticas, lectores de códigos de barras, lectores de autenticación y otros dispositivos de E/S. Producción.
(Crédito de la imagen: Colin Probst // Futuro)
Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3: En uso
He sido un gran usuario de computadoras portátiles durante casi dos décadas y, en mi función de revisar equipos durante los últimos años, he usado no solo una computadora portátil, sino varias. Siempre he llevado mis computadoras portátiles, protegiéndolas de todas las formas posibles usando una funda para computadora portátil en mi bolso, bolsos, fundas, bases y artículos de limpieza. Recuerdo la vez que se me cayó mi computadora portátil; Me sorprendió que ahora hubiera una marca y una ligera abolladura en mi computadora favorita.
(Crédito de la imagen: Colin Probst // Futuro)
El Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 es una raza diferente. Aunque sigue siendo tan rápida como otras excelentes computadoras portátiles que pruebo, es increíblemente duradera y está lista para cualquier cosa. Aunque no llevo esta computadora portátil a la cima de una montaña ni hago trabajos de construcción, me sentí resistente y resistente incluso cuando la uso solo para el uso diario. Llevé esta computadora portátil a todas partes durante un tiempo durante las pruebas, y todo fue sin preocupaciones ni preocupaciones.
A pesar de su robustez, este portátil también tiene grandes capacidades. Hace que otras computadoras portátiles se sientan limitadas por la falta de módulos. Aprecio la posibilidad de intercambiar las piezas modulares dentro y fuera dependiendo de lo que sea necesario. Puedes agregar más si estás trabajando mientras viajas y necesitas una batería enorme. Si necesita una unidad, puede agregar una. En ambos ejemplos, si prefiere tener una pieza diferente o una máquina más liviana en general, puede optar por no obtener esas piezas también.
(Crédito de la imagen: Colin Probst // Futuro)
El Toughbook es un excelente portátil por muchas razones, como su modularidad, potencia y duración de la batería. Sin embargo, existen algunas desventajas. Primero, es voluminoso y no cabe en la funda para computadora portátil de mi mochila ni en ninguna de mis mochilas. Puede ser más elegante, más simple y más simple que la mayoría de las computadoras portátiles. Tampoco cabe fácilmente en fundas o bases de portátiles.
Pero ese es el punto. Está diseñado para usarse de manera diferente a la mayoría de las computadoras portátiles. Aunque es difícil llevarlos consigo, están hechos específicamente para entornos específicos. Esto es diferente de la computadora que usa para escribir algo ligero en una cafetería o de un dispositivo que podría comprar para su trabajo administrativo o trabajo remoto. Esta computadora portátil es específicamente para quienes trabajan en escenarios peligrosos o al aire libre y necesitan un dispositivo que pueda soportar dichos entornos sin tener que ser un bebé, como lo hacen la mayoría de las computadoras portátiles.
Arrastra para desplazarte horizontalmente
características
Notas
evaluación
diseño
Robusto y robusto, pero compacto: el semirrígido es fantástico
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Calidad de construcción
Todo está bien construido y resistente.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Probar
Configuración muy fluida y sencilla
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Facilidad de uso
Muy fácil de usar y parece una computadora portátil estándar con Windows.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Aplicación práctica
Para la persona adecuada, muy práctico. Para otros, en absoluto
⭐⭐⭐⭐
precio
Caro, aunque obtienes lo que pagas.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3: veredicto final
Si está buscando una computadora portátil semirresistente de alta potencia, considere la Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3. Es una PC excelente, potente, altamente eficiente y versátil con un exterior resistente. Aunque, como se mencionó anteriormente, puede que no sea una excelente opción para una computadora de administración, un dispositivo que se usa con frecuencia en la oficina o uno que se usará como una computadora portátil tradicional, será excelente para quienes valoran tanto la durabilidad como el valor. actuación.
Panasonic Reveló la línea completa de televisores para 2024 y junto con el buque insignia ya anunciado. Panasonic Z95A OLED, hay muchas pantallas OLED nuevas, mini-LED y una gama de modelos LED.
El Z95A utiliza la tecnología MLA para mejorar los niveles de brillo respecto al año pasado Panasonic MZ2000uno de los mejores televisores Para 2023. El nuevo Z93A de Panasonic tiene las mismas especificaciones que el Z95A, pero no tiene tecnología MLA y solo está disponible en un tamaño de 77 pulgadas. El otro nuevo OLEDLos dispositivos incluyen el Z90A, que cuenta con el mismo procesador HCX AI Mk II y soporte para juegos similar al Z95A, pero utiliza un panel W-OLED estándar. El Z90A también tendrá parlantes incorporados de todos los tamaños, incluso los modelos más pequeños de 42 y 48 pulgadas.
El nuevo Z85A también utiliza un procesador HCX AI MK II y admite funciones de juego similares a las de los modelos más premium Z95A y Z90A, pero tiene un sistema de sonido diferente. Finalmente, el Z80A sirve como OLED de nivel básico para 2024. Este modelo utiliza un procesador HCX reductor y no admite tantas funciones de juego como los modelos más premium.
Televisores LED Panasonic 2024 para 2024 (Crédito de la imagen: futuro)
Panasonic también presentó el W95A, un pequeño televisor LED con características de juego similares a las de los OLED premium Z95A y Z90A, así como un procesador HCX AI MK II.
La nueva línea regular de televisores LED de la compañía incluye el W90A, un modelo completo con especificaciones similares al W95A, siendo la principal diferencia el panel. El W80A y el W60A son estándar 4K Dispositivos LED con soporte Dolby Vision y el sistema de TV inteligente TiVo.
Uno de los mayores cambios para Panasonic es su sistema Smart TV, ya que todos los modelos de la línea desde el W80A en adelante ahora usarán Fire TV, que admite Alexa, múltiples perfiles y Ambient Experience, en lugar de la pantalla de inicio de dos pantallas de Panasonic. .
El precio de los nuevos televisores aún no se ha anunciado oficialmente.
Obtenga las mejores ofertas en su bandeja de entrada, además de noticias, reseñas, opiniones, análisis y más del equipo de TechRadar.
La Panasonic Z95A (en la foto) es el OLED insignia de Panasonic para 2024 (Crédito de la imagen: futuro)
Televisores OLED 2024
Disponible en 55 y 65 pulgadas Z95A Es el televisor OLED insignia de Panasonic para 2024 y cuenta con un panel OLED MLA y un procesador HCX AI MK II. Él apoya a todos Informe de desarrollo humano formatos que incluyen Dolby Vision IQ y tiene funciones de juego que incluyen una frecuencia de actualización de 144 Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium y NVIDIA Compatibilidad con Gsync y True Game Mode de Panasonic para una experiencia de juego mejorada.
Para el audio, cuenta con un sistema de matriz de altavoces que incluye un amplificador externo sintonizado por Technics con 360 Soundscape Pro para un rendimiento óptimo con la banda sonora Dolby Atmos.
el Z93A Tiene las mismas especificaciones que el Z95A, pero no viene con tecnología MLA. Este modelo sólo está disponible en un tamaño de pantalla de 77 pulgadas.
Disponible en 42, 48, 55 y 65 pulgadas Z90A Ofrece el mismo soporte para juegos que el Z95A, incluida una frecuencia de actualización de 144 Hz y AMD FreeSync Premium. Estos modelos utilizan un panel W-OLED estándar pero obtienen un aumento de brillo gracias al procesador HCX AI MKII (solo en los tamaños más grandes de 55 y 65 pulgadas).
El Z90A viene con un amplificador externo y un conjunto de altavoces que incluyen los tamaños más pequeños de 42 y 48 pulgadas, una característica de la que debería preocuparse LGC4que lleva mucho tiempo ostentando la corona de la mejor pantalla OLED de 42 pulgadas.
el Z85ADisponible en tamaños de 55 y 65 pulgadas, utiliza el mismo procesador HCX AI MK II que el Z90A y ofrece características de juego similares, excepto la compatibilidad con una frecuencia de actualización de 144 Hz.
el Z80A Es el modelo básico de la línea OLED de Panasonic. Utiliza un procesador HCX y no admite las mismas funciones de juego que otras pantallas OLED distintas de 120 Hz y AMD FreeSync Premium. El Z80A está disponible en tamaños de 55 y 65 pulgadas.
La Panasonic W95A (en la foto) es un modelo Mini-LED 2024 (Crédito de la imagen: futuro)
2024 LED 4K
Panasonic W95A Viene en tamaños de 55, 65 y 75 pulgadas y utiliza un panel mini LED y el mismo procesador HCX AI MK II que las pantallas OLED premium de Panasonic. Admite el modo Filmmaker, Dolby Vision IQ, frecuencia de actualización de 144 Hz y el modo True Game para juegos.
Disponible en 43, 50, 55 y 65 pulgadas W90A Utiliza un panel LED de matriz completa y viene con un procesador HCX AI MK II. También admitirá una frecuencia de actualización de 144 Hz para juegos.
el W80A Disponible en 43, 50, 55 y 65 pulgadas. Este es un modelo LED estándar que utiliza un procesador HCX y admite 120 Hz y Game Mode Plus de Panasonic.
Finalmente, el W60A Es la pantalla LED 4K básica de Panasonic para 2024. Este modelo utiliza TiVo para su plataforma de TV inteligente, siendo la característica más notable la búsqueda por voz universal.
La Panasonic Z90A también trae su propio altavoz externo a su modelo de 42 pulgadas (en la foto). (Crédito de la imagen: futuro)
Z90A: ¿competidor del LG C4?
Sobre el papel, el Z90A tiene características similares al LG C4 OLED, que incluye aumento de brillo y frecuencia de actualización de 144 Hz para juegos. Pero lo que realmente me llamó la atención cuando lo vi fueron los parlantes externos dentro del conjunto de parlantes, especialmente en los modelos más pequeños de 42 y 48 pulgadas.
La Serie C de LG se ha ganado en gran medida el título de la mejor pantalla OLED de factor de forma pequeño del mercado, gracias a su valor y su gran cantidad de funciones. Pero con la Panasonic Z90A que ofrece una calidad de imagen sólida, así como un altavoz externo en sus modelos de 42 y 48 pulgadas, finalmente puede derrotar a la serie C de LG. Por lo que he escuchado personalmente, el sonido es bastante impresionante incluso en. el tamaño más pequeño.
I love Fujifilm. Anyone that has followed my work in recent years will have heard me raving about it as the ideal ecosystem for travel photographers. The compact size of cameras like the X100VI, stylized film simulations, the wonderful selection of small and sharp lenses: all of it is perfectly targeted at enthusiasts and global nomads looking to express their creativity and share the places they’ve seen. So why on earth did I sell all my Fujifilm gear and change systems?
For all of Fujifilm’s appealing aesthetics and features, there are a number of compromises that come with it, which can make things challenging for those of us who make our living with our cameras. First of all, the Fujifilm X-Series cameras are exclusively cropped sensors, which means less dynamic range, less subject separation (bokeh) and worse performance in low-light situations when compared to full-frame sensors. Although Fujifilm has done a lot to improve the autofocus in its cameras in the past two years, the phase-detect systems of other brands have proven to be notably faster and more reliable.
One thing that no one else could compete with, however, was Fujifilm’s highly-customizable film simulations, allowing you to get beautifully stylized images straight out of camera. Nikon and Ricoh have had stabs at it, but no one could top Fujifilm on this…until now.
(Image credit: Future | Joshua Chard)
When Panasonic announced the new Lumix S5 II, hybrid shooters were once again thrilled to be given such a feature-rich camera for such a competitive price. Alongside open gate video (being able to record from the full width and height of the sensor) and all-new autofocus system, Panasonic snuck in a little feature which got very little attention: Real Time LUTs.
A LUT (Look Up Table) is similar to a preset or filter which changes the colors and tones of an image. They are typically used in video editing to create the final look of the film, however Panasonic has allowed LUTs to be applied in real-time as you take photos or videos.
The difference between this and Fujifilm’s system though, is that you can apply any LUT you like, without being limited to just tweaking existing simulations in your camera. Once you’ve got them set up, you have all the joy of producing images and videos that are ready to post, but with all the added benefits of a full-frame sensor.
(Image credit: Future | Joshua Chard)
To some of you, this may not seem like a crucial feature, and that’s fine: we all use different tools to inspire us creatively and to produce the results our clients are looking for. In my work, Real Time LUTs allows me to load my signature styles into the camera and then see the final image come to life so I can decide exactly when to press the shutter. No trying to guess what it will look like after 30 mins in Photoshop.
Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.
Real Time LUTs also allows me to show photos to clients and talent during shoots, straight on my camera, and it never fails to make an impact when they see something that looks so cinematic coming together on the spot.
For those of you concerned about baking a look into your files, you can shoot RAW + JPEG (just like with Fuji) and keep an untouched RAW for you to edit separately if you decide to go a different way with it. In short, this Lumix-exclusive feature could help you develop your own signature style which will make your work unique and recognizable.
How to get started with Panasonic’s Real Time LUTs
If you already own a Panasonic camera with Real Time LUTs, which includes the full-frame Lumix S5II, Lumix S5IIX and now the MFT Lumix G9 II, simply follow the steps below and you can start working with real-time LUTs as well.
Choose your LUTs
Much like presets, there are a huge number of LUTs available online for each camera, some free and some paid. If you’ve got the budget for it, the Kinetic Pack by Gamut is absolutely fantastic, in fact, every photo in this article was taken using a LUT from this collection.
Once you have downloaded your favorite choices, they will show on your computer as .cube or .vlt files (LUTs meant for other brands will require you convert them using LUTcalc). Copy them onto an SD card, then pop it into your camera.
Save it to your camera
Navigate to Image Quality settings, and you will see “LUT Library” appear as the second item on the list. Click into it, and you will see the standard Vlog_09 LUT that comes built into the cameras, followed by 10 empty slots for your own files. Select an empty slot and it will take you to the files on your SD card, where you can choose which LUT you want to load. Once selected, it will be saved to your camera, and you can switch SD Cards without it disappearing.
Shoot with it
In both photo and movie modes, you can access “Photo Style” in the menu, and toggle across until you reach “Real Time LUT” which will set the standard colors as V-Log and allow you to choose which LUT to use. From there on, it will be baked into your JPEGs and video files, just like Fujifilm. If you want to have even more control, you can go back to the “Photo Style” menu and scroll until you find “My Photo Style 1” where you can choose a LUT as well as control which base profile you have (ie. Vivid or Natural), which will open up a whole new variety of contrast and saturation levels for you.
(Image credit: Future | Joshua Chard)
There you have it. My full-frame Panasonic Lumix S5 II packed with hybrid shooting options, and the ability to produce stunning images and videos without a minute spent on editing. Fujifilm, I still love you, but I’m afraid it’s Lumix that takes this round.
The Panasonic MZ980 is the brand’s mid-range OLED TV offering from 2023. Although it stands out as a great all-rounder, it’s a bit unfortunate – and actually ultimately unfair, as we’ll see – that the most headline-grabbing thing about the MZ980 is stuff it doesn’t have. Namely the brightness-enhancing Micro Lens Array and proprietary heat sink hardware that you get with the brand’s step up MZ1500 and MZ2000 models.
The MZ980 does still get a premium OLED panel, though, as well as the latest version of Panasonic’s Hollywood-influenced HCX Pro AI picture processor. Plus, of course, it’s significantly cheaper than its more highly specified siblings, coming in at just £1,399 for the 55-inch sized model at the time of writing.
Making this price look all the more tempting is the simple fact that the MZ980 is a brilliant performer, holding its own against the best OLED TVs. Its picture quality benefits from all of OLED’s traditional benefits – spectacular local contrast, beautifully inky black colours, rich but subtle colours and wide viewing angles – while the excellent video processor adds a truly cinematic finish to proceedings.
The MZ980 sounds good too, despite lacking the forward-facing speakers carried by Panasonic’s step-up models, and while its smart system might not be the most sophisticated in the world, it’s easy to use and these days carries all of the most important streaming services.
Panasonic’s step up OLED TVs are even better, of course – but unless you have a particularly bright room to cope with, the MZ980’s value proposition is hard to resist.
Panasonic MZ980 Review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future)
Release date: Late 2023
Price: starting at £1,399 for the 55-inch model
Having launched a few months back at an already then tempting £1,799, the 55MZ980 is now widely available for just £1,399. Panasonic does not currently sell its TVs in the US or Australia.
The MZ980s are, unusually for a mid-range OLED series, only available in relatively small screen sizes. The 55-inch model we’re looking at here is actually the biggest in the range, being joined only by 48- and 42-inch models.
As we’ll see, though, you shouldn’t let this fool you into thinking that the MZ980 is only good enough to be considered as a ‘second TV’. This is still a very serious TV – just one aimed at people who don’t have cavernous living rooms.
Panasonic MZ980 review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
4K OLED TV
HCX Pro AI processor
Supports all four key HDR formats
So we can get it out of the way and put behind us, let’s start with things the MZ980 does not have. Either the combination of a new high-end Micro Lens Array panel with advanced proprietary heat sink hardware that Panasonic’s MZ2000 flagship OLEDs get, or the same heat sink hardware (minus the MLA technology) that the brand’s MZ1500s get.
It does still use a mid-grade OLED panel rather than an ‘entry level’ one, but even before we got our measuring gear out we know it wouldn’t be as bright as those step up models.
Tests confirm that while the MZ2000 hits brightness peaks on a 10% white HDR test window of around 1650 nits in Dynamic mode and 1432 nits in its more stable Cinema mode, and the MZ1500 hits around 950 nits in its Cinema mode, the 55MZ980’s Cinema mode peaks at just over 700 nits. That’s basically a 50% brightness drop versus the MZ2000, and a still significant 250 nits versus the MZ1500. You will certainly feel this with HDR content, especially if your TV is typically used in a bright room.
It’s worth noting, too, that the MZ980 measures slightly less bright than LG’s rival C3 models – though I should stress right away that while brightness certainly matters in the HDR world, it absolutely is not the only thing that makes a great HDR picture. Especially when a TV’s picture processing knows how to get the maximum performance from the hardware available to it – something Panasonic has been a master of with self-emissive displays like OLED since its plasma days.
With this in mind, the big positive news about the MZ980 is that it retains the top-line HCX Pro AI processor also used by its step-up MZ1500 and MZ2000 siblings. Powered and endlessly refined by Panasonic’s engineers with years of experience dealing with both Hollywood creatives and self-emissive panel technologies, always with a strong focus on recreating creative intent, HCX engines can usually be relied on to achieve subtleties, balances and details precious few other TVs can. Especially when it comes to handling the sort of ‘near dark’ image content that’s typically one of the most difficult things for OLED TVs to manage.
While the MZ980 continues Panasonic’s obsession with accuracy, though, especially with its Filmmaker Mode, and True Cinema presets, it’s also open minded enough to provide an unusually wide-ranging roster of other picture presets that put more of an emphasis on pushing the panel to its colour and brightness limits.
The same spirit of trying to cater for everyone extends, happily, to the MZ980’s HDR format support. While many brands, including, most notably, Sony, LG and Samsung, only support three of the ‘big four’ HDR formats on even their flagship TVs, the MZ980 will play all four: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. So the 55MZ980 will always be able to take in the best version of whatever HDR content you feed it.
Gamers, meanwhile, will be pleased to learn that the MZ980 supports 4K/120Hz gaming and variable refresh rates over two of its four HDMI ports, including the AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync VRR formats. We’ll cover the TV’s gaming abilities in more detail later.
Besides the four HDMIs, the MZ980’s connections include three USBs (two side, one bottom, one USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0), an Ethernet port, an analogue video inout, an optical digital audio output, and a headphone jack that unusually does double duty as a potential line out for attaching an optional external subwoofer.
Smart features are provided by the eighth generation of Panasonic’s own My Home Screen operating system. Again we’ll cover this in more detail in a dedicated section later, so all I’ll add here is that this is actually the final outing for My Home Screen before it’s replaced on Panasonic’s future high-end TVs by a fully integrated version of Amazon’s Fire TV interface.
As mentioned in passing earlier, the MZ980 doesn’t have a forward facing, truly multi-channel sound system like its step up OLED siblings do. Its 2 x 15W set up, though, still has enough power to potentially deliver some reasonably cinematic thrills, especially as it’s backed up by Theater Surround Pro processing designed to create a more immersive sound with the Dolby Atmos soundtracks the TV supports than you might expect to hear from a mere stereo speaker set up.
Features score: 4 / 5
Panasonic MZ980 Review: Picture quality
(Image credit: Future)
Exceptional light and colour subtlety
Outstanding picture processing
Brilliant contrast disguises limited brightness
While the MZ980 might not deliver the razzle dazzle of the latest high-end OLED TVs, its pictures are so refined and immersive that it’s hard to believe they’re coming out of a 55-inch TV that only costs £1,399.
This finesse is at its peerless best when it comes to the MZ980’s handling of dark scenes. The screen’s ability to distinguish between incredibly small differences in light in even the darkest corners of the darkest pictures is mesmerising, giving such imagery a unique sense of depth and detail that feels as if it’s jumped straight off a professional mastering monitor. Especially as this extreme subtlety is delivered without a hint of the sort of instabilities, blocking or fizzing noise that can crop up with other OLED screens with near-black content. Dark scenes on the 55MZ980 are as clean and pure as bright ones, in fact.
Since this is an OLED screen there’s no need to worry about backlight clouding or blooming of the sort you would expect to see with LCD TVs. Nor is there any residual greyness hanging over dark scenes, completing the sense of insight and immersion that started with the immaculate near-dark detailing.
While it’s the MZ980’s handling of dark scenes and picture areas that makes the strongest immediate impression, its handling of light is in truth just as effective. From the subtle dark scene shading through to the brightest HDR peaks, the MZ980 delivers levels of light control (right down to individual pixel level, don’t forget, given this is an OLED screen) that appear flawless across every shade. As a result, the picture always feels completely authentic and natural, perfectly balanced and full of depth, while different objects in the image always look impeccably three dimensional, realistic and contextualised.
Again you actually feel like you’re getting a gorgeously full sense of the subtleties of the professional masterer’s art. Despite this TV costing just £1,399 versus the many tens of thousands of pounds a professional mastering display costs.
While the processing and light control is at its most effective with the 55MZ980’s most ‘accurate’ picture settings, its profound understanding of the screen’s hardware strengths and limitations also means that it typically ensures that even the more ‘dramatic’ picture presets never stray into distractingly excessive territory.
The set’s tone mapping is astute enough, meanwhile, to pretty much exclude clipping (loss of subtle details) from the brightest parts of the picture, continuing the sense of ‘sweating the small stuff’ that’s the MZ980’s trade mark.
Colours, meanwhile, look surprisingly vibrant for a TV of relatively limited brightness – aided and abetted by a combination of the immaculate light control, exceptional colour mapping and outstanding contributions, again, from the HCX Pro AI picture processor. It helps, too, that colours are able to appear against a foundation of such deep and natural black colours.
Obviously some picture presets push more vibrant colours than others, as you’d expect with any TV, but the True Cinema and Filmmaker Modes achieve outstanding accuracy and refinement, while even the punchier settings retain more colour balance and control than similar modes on most rival models.
Not surprisingly with a TV that puts so much store in precision, native 4K images on the 55MZ980 look gorgeously detailed and textured. The HCX Pro AI processor also manages to retain a startling amount of this detail and texture, too, when upscaling HD sources. Motion when watching 24p movies can look a touch juddery with no motion processing active (as it can on most OLED TVs, actually), but the lowest setting of Panasonic’s Intelligent Frame Creation motion compensation system is now clever enough to slightly massage the judder effect without making the image look uncinematically smooth or adding too many distracting processing side effects.
The only major elephant in the room with the MZ980’s pictures is their brightness – or lack thereof. There’s no denying that its images don’t look nearly as light and bold as those of the latest generation of MLA-equipped OLED TVs. Nor are they quite as consistently punchy as LG’s similarly priced and specified C3 OLED range, especially where a scene or shot fills the whole screen with brightness.
While this does mean you need to treat the 55MZ980 with respect by lowering light levels in your room when you want to enjoy a serious movie night, though, the MZ980’s infinite subtlety and richly cinematic qualities make it worthy of as much respect as you can muster.
Picture quality: 4.5 / 5
Panasonic MZ980 review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future)
Good volume and projection
Solid, clean bass handling
Male voices occasionally sound muffled
The bad news about the MZ980’s sound is that it doesn’t deliver either the scale of sound staging you get with Panasonic’s step up models, or as much forward ‘thrust’. This lack of directness might also explain why male voices can sometimes sound a little muffled and contained.
Just because the MZ980 doesn’t sound as big and detailed as its more expensive siblings, though, doesn’t mean it’s not actually a very decent audio performer for its money. Its speakers are powerful enough to get surprisingly loud without succumbing to distortion, for starters, and despite the limited number of speakers on offer a decently wide sound stage is created into which effects are placed with excellent clarity. There’s even a slight sense of height to some effects when playing Dolby Atmos soundtracks.
The speakers are sensitive enough to pick up even the faintest of audio elements in a film mix too, ensuring that soundtracks always sound busy and involving.
Bass doesn’t reach the sort of depths required to unlock the full weight of a potent action scene (so you may want to consider adding a subwoofer via the switchable headphone output at some point), but it does at least delve deep enough to stop loud scenes from sounding harsh or thin. It does so, too, without the low frequencies becoming overwhelming, or causing the speakers to crackle or buzz.
Sound quality score: 4 / 5
Panasonic MZ980 review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Slim frame around the screen
Centrally mounted desktop ‘foot’
A bit chunky round the back
Viewed straight on, the MZ980 is an attractive addition to your living room. Its screen and frame exist on the same single plane, the frame is on-trend narrow, and although it’s a bit more plasticky than the stands of Panasonic’s more expensive OLED TVs, its centrally mounted plate-style foot looks premium and robust.
Having its desktop mount placed in the centre of the TV rather than using feet tucked under each bottom corner also means that the 55MZ980 can be placed on even quite narrow bits of furniture.
The MZ980 is not such a great wall mounting option, though, thanks to the way that two to three inches in from the screen’s outer edges the rear panel suddenly juts out a country mile by OLED standards.
Design score: 4 / 5
Panasonic MZ980 review: Smart features and menus
(Image credit: Future)
Uses the My Home Screen 8.0 smart interface
Long but comprehensive set up menus
Covers all the main streaming services
With Panasonic announcing recently that it’s moving to Amazon’s Fire TV platform for the smart interfaces of its future premium TVs, the 55MZ980 represents the swan song for Panasonic’s long-running proprietary My Home Screen smart TV interface. And while the platform has certainly had its struggles along the way, this eighth and final generation sees it bowing out on good form for the most part.
It now incorporates all of the key streaming and catch up apps the vast majority of UK and European TV buyers would want, and while its interface looks a little basic at first glance, it’s actually really simple to navigate and, best of all, exceptionally easy to customise. There’s voice control support too (Alexa is built in, while Google Assistant works if you have an external Google listening device).
My Home Screen isn’t as sophisticated as some rival smart platforms when it comes to intelligently recommending content you might like, and it can occasionally become a touch sluggish. For the most part, though, I quite like it and might even miss it a bit when it’s gone.
The 55MZ980’s set up menus contain a vast number of adjustment and tweak options for you to pick your way through. There are, of course pros and cons to this. On the negative side the menus are long, text heavy, full of sub-menus and a bit jargon-heavy in places. On the plus side, if you’re the sort of person who enjoys a good tinker the flexibility the 55MZ980 gives you for adjusting any and all aspects of its picture quality is outstanding.
Smart features and menus score: 4 / 5
Panasonic MZ980 review: Gaming
(Image credit: Future)
4K / 120Hz support
Support for multiple VRR systems
Dolby Vision gaming mode
Aside from only two of its four HDMIs delivering the full roster of gaming support, the 55MZ980 is impressively equipped for cutting edge gaming experiences.
Those two high bit-rate HDMIs support 4K resolution graphics at 120Hz frame rates and variable refresh rates, for starters. In fact, the VRR support actually covers both the AMD Freesync and Nvidia G-Sync systems as well as the core HDMI-based format.
The 55MZ980’s Dolby Vision support extends to a proper gaming mode, too, meaning you can game in Dolby Vision HDR from Xboxes and compatible PC cards without having to put up with high levels of input lag. In fact, lag drops to a very respectable 14.5ms with 60Hz sources.
Gamers can call up a dedicated Game Control Board interface containing key signal information and gaming adjustment options, including two different audio profile options optimised for RPG and FPS game types.
There’s even a True Game picture preset alongside the standard Game one, which offers a properly calibrated gaming image for any picture quality enthusiasts who want that.
All of these thoughtful features contribute to a hugely enjoyable gaming experience that looks crisp, ultra-detailed and exceptionally refined. It’s true that HDR graphics don’t look as aggressively bright as they do on some more expensive OLEDs and premium LCD TVs, but as with the 55MZ980’s video performance, the subtleties Panasonic’s screen delivers provide ample compensation.
Gaming score: 4.5 / 5
Panasonic MZ980 review: Value
Great price for what it offers
£200 cheaper than Panasonic’s step-up model
Slightly more expensive than the LG C3
Now that it’s available for a few hundred pounds less than it was at launch, the 55MZ980 is exceptional value. Just £1,399 really doesn’t feel like a lot to ask for a TV that offers as many features and as much top-notch performance – for both gamers and video fans – as the 55MZ980 does.
There is some pretty tough competition around, though. In particular, LG’s excellent OLED55C3 mid-range OLED model can currently be had for just £1,299, offering four full gaming HDMIs and slightly more brightness. Though it doesn’t provide quite the same picture subtlety as the Panasonic.
Stepping up to Panasonic’s 55MZ1500, with the useful step up in brightness created by its built-in heat sink, will cost you an extra £200. Whether that sounds like a better deal or not will obviously depend on how near the top of your budget you already are with the 55MZ980’s £1,399 asking price.
Value score: 4 / 5
Should I buy the Panasonic MZ980?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
A mid-range OLED panel powered by Panasonic’s latest top-of-the-line picture processor joins forces with a comprehensive, easy to use smart system, expansive set up options, and support for the full range of HDR formats.
4 / 5
Picture quality
While not as blazingly bright as more expensive OLED and LCD rivals, the 55MZ980 still manages to deliver breathtakingly balanced, nuanced and detailed pictures with preset options that can cater brilliantly for all sorts of tastes and room conditions.
4.5 / 5
Sound quality
Despite only having two speakers to play with, the 55MZ980 still delivers a large, detailed and powerful sound stage.
4 / 5
Design
There’s nothing particularly dramatic about the 55MZ980’s design, and its rear sticks out further than most, reducing its wall-hanging appeal. It’s well built, though, and the narrow frame round the screen gives it an unobtrusive, elegant feel.
4 / 5
Smart features and menus
My HomeScreen 8.0 may not be the most glamorous smart TV interface in town, but it’s actually very easy to use and customise. The TV’s set up menus also offer a huge amount of flexibility for anyone who wants it – plus excellent presets for those who don’t.
4 / 5
Gaming
Aside from only two of its HDMIs supporting a full set of gaming features, the 55MZ980 provides an excellent set of cutting edge gaming features and options, backed up by a beautifully responsive and immersive gaming performance.
4.5 / 5
Value
The 55MZ980 has a lot to offer in both feature and performance terms for its current £1,399 price tag – though there is some stiff competition out there.
4 / 5
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Panasonic MZ980 review: Also consider
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Comparison of 55-inch models
Header Cell – Column 0
LG OLED55C3
Samsung QE55S90D
Sony XR55A80L
Price
£1,299
£1,249
£1,499
Screen type
WRGB OLED
QD OLED
WRGB OLED
Refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
120Hz
HDR support
HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
HDR10, HLG, HDR10+
HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Smart TV
WebOS 23
Tizen OS
Google TV
HDMI ports
4 x fully featured HDMI 2.1
4 x fully featured HDMI 2.1
4, of which two support 4K/120Hz and VRR
How we tested the Panasonic MZ980
Tested over 10 days
Tested with 4K/HD Blu-ray, streaming and Freeview HD broadcasts
Reviewed in both dark and light dedicated test room conditions, and a regular (corner position) living room set up
Given that the 55MZ980 doesn’t carry either a built-in hardware heat sink or new Micro Lens Array technology like some of the best tvs, we started our testing by measuring its brightness using Spears & Munsil HDR window test screens and a professional light meter to try and get a feel for where it lies in the great (and now more complicated) OLED scheme of things.
With its slightly lower than typical brightness in mind, we then went on to spend time watching both HDR and SDR content on it in a wider range of light and room conditions than we normally would to see how well or otherwise it coped with different environments. Ultimately we ended up spending longer with it in a largely blacked out room than we did in brighter settings, since it was in darker surroundings where the TV most excelled, allowing us to fully appreciate its strengths. The set was tested with a selection of our favourite test 4K Blu-rays – especially Babylon, Pan, It Chapter One, Blade Runner 2049, and the Spears & Munsil test signal disc – to see how it handled key picture attributes such as contrast, colour, sharpness, fine detailing, motion and upscaling of sub-4K sources.
We fed it a variety of resolutions from various streaming and digital broadcast sources too, using both the built-in streaming apps and a Sky Q receiver, to see how well its HCX Pro AI processor dealt with the joys of compression artefacts, while gaming was tested using both a PS5 and an Xbox Series X, with a Leo Bodnar input lag testing device being used to measure input lag.
Panasonic Connect has announced updates to its TOUGHBOOK G2 and 33 models, enhancing them with Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake CPUs. The new G2mk2 and 33mk3 are rugged, detachable tablets designed to meet the needs of modern mobile workers across various industries. Key features and improvements include:
– Performance: Both models are equipped with Intel Core i5 processors, with an optional Intel Core i7 upgrade, and feature Intel Iris Xe Graphics for demanding applications. – Modularity: The G2mk2 offers enhanced customization with a modular design, including a new fingerprint reader for secure data access and a MicroSD Memory Card Business for easy data transfer. – Connectivity: The devices are 5G-ready and include Thunderbolt connectivity for high-speed data transfers, as well as the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology for optimized bandwidth usage. – Ruggedness: The tablets are built to military-grade standards, with IP65-rated protection against water and dust, ensuring durability in various work environments. – BatteryLife: While battery life remains unchanged, the measurement of performance and battery life has been updated to reflect the usage patterns of modern workers.
Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 2024
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
These rugged devices, known for their durability, have been upgraded to meet the needs of professionals, who work in emergency services, transportation, logistics, manufacturing, and defense. At the heart of these updates is the integration of Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake CPUs. This means that these tablets are now equipped with the latest Intel Core i5 processors, and for those who need even more power, there’s an option to upgrade to Core i7. This upgrade is not just about raw power; it also includes Intel Iris Xe Graphics to ensure that even the most intensive applications run smoothly. This is crucial for fieldwork that requires complex computing capabilities.
But performance isn’t the only thing that’s been improved. The G2mk2 model now features a modular design that allows you to customize the tablet to fit your specific needs. A new fingerprint reader has been added to keep your sensitive information secure. Plus, there’s a MicroSD Memory Card Business to make managing your data on the go a breeze.
Connectivity
Staying connected is vital, especially when you’re mobile. That’s why these TOUGHBOOK tablets are now 5G-ready, ensuring you have fast and reliable internet access wherever your work takes you. The addition of Thunderbolt ports means you can transfer data quickly, which is essential for urgent tasks. And with Wi-Fi 6E technology, you’ll experience the latest in wireless communication, with enhanced bandwidth and reduced interference.
Durability is a hallmark of the TOUGHBOOK series, and the G2mk2 and 33mk3 models continue this legacy. They’re built to military-grade specifications, offering IP65-rated protection against water and dust. This means they can withstand the most challenging work environments, from dusty job sites to wet outdoor locations.
Panasonic has also taken a realistic approach to battery life metrics. They’ve updated the measurements to better reflect how today’s mobile workforce uses their devices. This gives you a clearer expectation of how long the tablet will operate on a single charge, helping you plan your workday more effectively and avoid interruptions.
For professionals who operate in fields where resilience and reliability are non-negotiable, the updated Panasonic TOUGHBOOK G2mk2 and 33mk3 tablets are engineered to support high-performance needs in any location. These enhancements are designed to ensure that you can maintain peak performance, no matter where your job takes you. With the latest Intel CPUs and a suite of improvements, these rugged, detachable tablets are ready to support you in the most demanding of work sectors.
Filed Under: Gadgets News
Latest timeswonderful Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, timeswonderful may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
