Panasonic released preliminary details of its first DSLR camera jointly-developed with Olympus at the PMA 2006 International Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.

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March 1, 2006: Panasonic released preliminary details of its first DSLR camera jointly-developed with Olympus at the PMA 2006 International Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.

The new DMC-L1 is the result of an agreement announced on January 13, 2005, under which Olympus and Panasonic agreed to jointly develop underlying technologies and key components, and promote the introduction of DSLR camera products that take full advantage of the user benefits offered by the Four Thirds System standard. Both cameras include a new-generation, Live MOS sensor that offers the high image quality of a CCD sensor and the low power consumption of a CMOS sensor, making it possible to display Live View images for an extended period of time. This sensor has already been seen in the recently-released (and similar-looking) Olympus E-330 model, the first DSLR to support full-time Live View framing via a rear-mounted LCD monitor.

Simplified circuitry ensures an improved response and higher image quality when light strikes the sensor at an angle. The new cameras also feature an innovative mirror box unit integrates a quick-return mirror, viewfinder, and AE sensor, and effectively functions as the heart of the SLR camera.

As its first digital SLR camera, Panasonic has developed the DMC-L1 to combine the operating feel of an analogue camera with Live View shooting and other ease-of-use features. The 7.5-megapixel Live MOS sensor is supported by a proprietary Venus Engine III image-processing LSI to provide high image quality and high processing speeds. The DMC-L1 is operated much like a traditional film camera and has a shutter speed dial on top of the camera body. It also comes with the Olympus-developed SSWF dust-filtering system. Images are stored on an SD memory card.

The camera will be offered with a Leica D Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm f2.8-3.5 ASPH zoom lens, which has separate aperture, focusing and zoom rings. (The “D” designation indicates that the lens is designed for the new digital system.) Following additional development efforts, Panasonic plans to introduce the DMC-L1 later this year. Details of release dates and product pricing will be posted on this website when they are available.