Panasonic Unveils Lumix DMC-GF1

September 2, 2009: Panasonic has released details of its latest Micro Four Thirds System camera, the Lumix DMC-GF1.
Claimed as the world’s smallest and lightest system camera with a built-in flash, it has a rangefinder-style body that takes interchangeable lenses and a 18.0 x 13.5 mm Live MOS sensor with 12.1 effective megapixels. The GF1 is third model in the revolutionary G series of digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. It has been designed to provide SLR image quality with the ease of use of a compact camera and supports both JPEG and raw formats for still image capture as well as recording HD (1280 ø— 720) movies in AVCHD Lite format (MPEG-4/H.264) with high quality sound.

Front view of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. (Source: Panasonic.)

Rear view of the Lumix DMC-GF1. (Source: Panasonic.)

Top view of the Lumix DMC-GF1. (Source: Panasonic.)
The GF1’s 3-inch Intelligent LCD monitor has a wide viewing angle and full 460,000-dot resolution. It also supports Full-time Live View and includes an automatic backlight control, which combines with the high resolution to assure outstanding viewing from sunny outdoor conditions to dim indoor situations. In addition to the LCD, the DMC-GF1 can accept an optional Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1E), which provides a full-time live view function with 100% field of view regardless of the lens used. When operating the camera with the LVF, a 0-90 degree tilting angle makes the LVF easy to use when shooting at low angles.
Like other G-series cameras, the GF1 features a mirrorless design that makes it 35% smaller and 26% lighter than the original DMC-G1. The new camera has been designed for easy operation. The drive mode lever and rotary/click dial are ergonomically placed for operation with minimal finger movement. The precise button placement and simple, logical menu interface work together to make operation easy and intuitive.
It also includes the latest imaging technology, which makes it possible to read 4 channels of data simultaneously. This also helps the DMC-GF1 deliver 60 frames-per-second images via the LCD or optional Live View Finder. The new Venus Engine HD features advanced signal processing that separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, even at high ISO sensitivity levels. An efficient Dust Reduction system keeps the sensor clean when lenses are changed via a wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor that vibrates vertically at around 50,000 times per second to repel dust and other particles.?
As well as providing the standard iAuto, P, A, S and M shooting modes, the GF1 comes with a new My Colour mode with a total of seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, and Silhouette while inheriting the previous Custom mode, which lets users manually set the colour, brightness and saturation levels. It also provides 16 Scene modes, which can be used for shooting stills or video clips, including a new Peripheral Defocus mode that keeps the subject in sharp focus while gently softening the focus around it.
The contrast AF system adopted in the DMC-GF1 features not only accuracy but also industry-leading speed. Users can choose from a wide range of AF modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking. In the 1-area AF mode, the AF frame size can be changed by simply turning a dial. The GF1 also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera plus a Continuous AF mode.
The black Lumix DMC-GF1 will be available in Australia in October, priced at $1649 with a kit lens included. Buyers can choose between the Lumix G Vario 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. lens and the Lumix G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH prime lens.
Released concurrently with the GF1 are two prime lenses: the Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm/F2.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. (35mm camera equivalent: 90mm) and the Lumix G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH lens. The Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm/F2.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S comprises fourteen lenses in ten groups; including an aspherical lens and an ED lens that allow a compact design. It takes advantage of the Micro Four Thirds standard to achieve dramatic downsizing while the design and quality ensure enhanced optical performance.
The new lens has an inner focus system of three groups of floating structure, which enables excellent resolution and contrast without changing its overall length from full life-size magnification to infinity. The inclusion of a stepping motor makes the focusing action smooth and silent for both still images and video recording. The Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm/F2.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. is due for release in October at an RRP of $1549.
The Lumix G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH lens is a ‘pancake’ style optic with a focal length equivalent to 40mm in 35mm format. Compact and lightweight, its f/1.7 maximum aperture allows the photographer to create a shallow depth of field. The lens system is comprised of seven lenses in five groups, and uses two aspherical lenses very effectively to minimise both distortion and chromatic aberrations, while achieving excellent flatness of field. This lens is due for release in October at an RRP of $799.
For more information on the new products, call Panasonic on 132 600 or visit www.panasonic.com.au.