Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Update

November 5, 2008: Panasonic Australia has released pricing and availability details for the new Lumix DMC-G1 camera and associated lenses.
The new camera is due to go sale in Australia in mid-November. The RRP for the Lumix DMC-G1 Single Lens Kit with Lumix G Vario 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. lens is $1,649. The Twin Lens Kit, which includes the DMC-G1 with two lenses, Lumix G Vario14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. and Lumix G Vario 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S. will be $2,199.Unlike most other enthusiast cameras, the G1 will be offered in three colours: black, blue and red.

The three colour options for the DMC-G1: blue, black and red.
The new G1 digital interchangeable lens camera features an innovative mirror-less design, which allows the development of an ultra-compact, light-weight body. The flange back, distance between the mount and the image sensor has been reduced from 40mm – as specified in the Four Thirds System – to approximately 20mm. The camera also includes advanced Intelligent Auto functionality and Full-time Live View for point-and-shoot simplicity.

Top panel view showing the main camera controls.
Instead of a conventional optical viewfinder, it has a high-performance 1,440,000-dot-equivalent electronic viewfinder that receives its signal directly from the Live MOS sensor and boasts 100% field of view. It also displays information about camera settings that the user can see without taking their eye from the subject. A built-in eye sensor automatically switches on the viewfinder when the user looks into it, then switches it off and turns on the LCD when the user looks away.

Rear view of the DMC-G1 with the swivelling LCD panel opened.

The Live MOS sensor sends signals to the LCD at 60 frames/second for real time Live View. Like the viewfinder, the swiveling LCD also provides a 100% field of view, allowing accurate, corner to corner framing. Its 460,000-dot resolution lets the photographer check fine details when composing an image or viewing a shot just taken. When using the G1 in manual focus mode, the frame will automatically enlarge by around 5x or 10x for easy viewing in the Live View Finder or high-resolution LCD with Manual Assist function. You can use either auto focus or manual focus with Full-time Live View.
The G1 accepts both Micro Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses and conventional Four Thirds System lenses (when an optional adaptor is mounted). Aside from the lenses listed above, optional accessories include three external flash units, polarising and neutral density filters, two carrying cases, the DMW-LM52 MC protector, DMW-MA1 mount adaptor, DMW-DCC3 battery pack, DMW-RSL1 remote shutter and DC and HDMI cables.
For more information on the Panasonic DMC-G1, call Panasonic Australia on 132 600, and visit www.panasonic.com.au or the global LUMIX website http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/.