Panasonic has released details of the latest model in its Lumix G Micro System range, the DMC-GF5 Micro Four Thirds System camera.
Featuring a new 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor the GF5 boasts a maximum sensitivity of ISO12800 plus a new noise reduction circuit and upgraded Venus Engine image processor. A 3-inch LCD and 920,000-dot high precision touch display carries over from the previous model but the GUI features animation for higher visibility. Wallpaper images can also be set on the menu screen. A Level Gauge detects the horizontal/vertical angle of view while shooting and displays this on-screen, as well as sensing if the camera is tilted forwards or back.
Front, back and top views of the Lumix DMC-GF5. (Source: Panasonic.)
The new camera’s Contrast AF system features ultra-fast Light Speed AF of around 0.09/second and includes Full-area focusing, which makes it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. Touch controls include Touch AF, AF Tracking, Pinpoint AF and Touch Zoom. In addition, the DMC-GF5 offers fast high-speed burst shooting at 4.0 fps in full resolution.
A ‘Scene Guide’ with 23 sample pictures makes it easy for novice users to match the shooting situation and know optimum exposure parameters will be automatically set. They can also view shooting procedure, technical advice and the recommended interchangeable lens for the scene. In iA or iA Plus mode, recommended filters are suggested depending on the detected scene.
The popular Creative Control mode has been upgraded and is also easier to use. There are now 14 filters (from six on the DMC-GF3). Soft Focus, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect and Star Filter have been added to Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, and Miniature Effect. The effect parameter of each mode is also adjustable.
The DMC-GF5 has a dedicated video recording button and records in Full HD 1920 x 1080 / 50i AVCHD. The Touch AF in video recording lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without requiring any further adjustments. Soundtracks are captured in stereo, using Dolby Digital Stereo Creator.
The DMC-GF5 offers a wide variety of optional accessories to match every shooting situation, including the new compact and lightweight Wide, Tele, Macro and Fisheye Conversion lenses which will be available from May. RRPs for these lenses are AUD$169, $129, $199 and $169, respectively, with a special Conversion Lens Kit DMW-GCK1GU containing the Wide, Macro and Fisheye lenses selling for AUD$449.
The new camera will be available in Australia in July 2012. Colours and pricing will be announced closer to the release date. For more information, visit http://www.panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gf5/mainparts.html or www.panasonic.com.au/LUMIX or phone 132 600.
