In an eagerly-anticipated answer to the E-P1, the most buzzworthy camera of the summer, Panasonic today introduced the Lumix DMC-GF1, their first compact interchangeable-lens camera and the Panasonic’s third Micro Four Thirds camera. In a case of technological one-upmanship, Panasonic’s new camera has two features that the Olympus model lacks: a built-in flash and, for a bit more money, an accessory electronic viewfinder.
The GF1 is built around the same 12.1MP sensor as its bigger siblings, the G1 and GH1. Along with the GF1, Panasonic introduced a 20mm f/1.7 pancake lens and a 14-45mm zoom which appear to be virtually identical to the two lenses that Olympus introduced along with the E-P1.
Slide Show: Panasonic DMC-GF1(To view larger, click icon on lower right)
As with the E-P1, Panasonic did away with the bulky pentaprism viewing system found on SLR cameras, halved the flange back (distance between the back of the lens and the sensor surface) from 40 to 20mm, and reduced the overall size and weight dramatically. And, as with its two other Micro Four Thirds cameras, the G1 and GH1, Olympus used a full Four Thirds sensor, the same kind found in Panasonic and Olympus full-sized DSLRs.The Panasonic DMC-GF1 will be available in October in two kit configurations: with the new 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, or with the new 20mm f/1.7 pancake lens. Either kit will cost $899.95. The Live View Finder DMW-LVF1 will list for $199.95. Adapter mounts for Leica M or R lenses will be available for $249.95. Here are the the Lumix DMC-GF1’s key features: • Micro Four Thirds system camera with 12.1 Live MOS sensor•460,000-dot resolution 3-inch LCD monitor•Optional, eye-level, tilting DMW-LVF1 Live View Finder with full-time live view fits in hot shoe• Built-in flash with Guide Number 6• 720p HD video in AVCHD Lite, HD Motion JPEG, QVGA/VGA/WVGA formats• Optical Image Stabilization• Face Detection with AF tracking• Raw shooting mode, processing via Silkypix Developer Studio 3.0 software• My color mode: Expressive, Elegant, Retro, Pure, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette and custom settings•Film modes imitate classic color and black-and-white film types• Peripheral Defocus mode decreases apparent depth of field to emphasize subject•Many scene modes for both still and HD Video• Claimed 0.3 sec AF speed with multiple-area AF up to 23 focus areas, Quick AF• ISO range 100-3200• Custom modes• 20mm f/1.7, 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Lumix lenses, compatible with all Four Thirds lenses via adapter• Black, red, silver or white bodiesFor details and specifications, read the Panasonic USA press release:PANASONIC INTRODUCES ITS LATEST LUMIX G SERIES DIGITAL CAMERA – THE LUMIX DMC-GF1The LUMIX GF1, the world’s smallest and lightest system digital camera with built-in flash*, packs powerful DSLR and HD video capabilities into a sleek and easy-to-use compact bodySecaucus, NJ (September 2, 2009) – Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-GF1, the latest addition to the award-winning LUMIX G Series, which debuts as the world’s smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash*. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 distinguishes itself from previous models with its elegant, compact design reminiscent of classic film cameras, yet builds on Panasonic’s success with the revolutionary LUMIX G Series of digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. With its compact size, user-friendly design and ability to record High Definition (HD) video and take professional-quality photos, the LUMIX GF1 continues to redefine digital photography standards.“Panasonic changed the digital camera industry with the world’s first Micro Four Thirds digital camera, the LUMIX G1 – a compact “DSLR-like” digital camera that produces exceptional image quality. Then, as we continued to raise the innovation bar, Panasonic launched the LUMIX GH1, adding full High Definition 1080p video recording with continuous auto focus,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The new LUMIX GF1 continues the evolution and is the perfect addition to our LUMIX G Series, as its sophisticated, small body makes it easier and more convenient to carry. The GF1 is ideal for point-and-shoot consumers looking to step-up to DSLR-quality or for current DSLR users who want greater convenience without compromising performance quality or creative flexibility.”With its lightweight body, the LUMIX GF1 provides experienced photographers with the ideal digital camera to carry with them at all times. Like its predecessors in the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 eliminates the pentaprism found in traditional interchangeable lens cameras. Thus, this mirror-free structure allows Panasonic to dramatically reduce both size and weight.Though small in size, the LUMIX GF1 does not compromise in advanced features. The LUMIX GF1 thoroughly optimizes the advantages of a system camera to ensure high performance, whether capturing photos or HD video. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 can record 1280 x 720 High Definition video in AVCHD Lite, a format that enables longer recording times. With a dedicated video record button, capturing video is convenient and easy. The LUMIX GF1 can also record HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 and other video recording formats include: QVGA, VGA and WVGA. The LUMIX GF1 has a unique Movie Program Mode that allows consumers to adjust the depth-of-field while shooting in HD video, so background and foreground can be blurred to give creative effects – something typically only possible with expensive professional camcorders. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 includes the new My Color mode, which includes seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette and Custom – all which let users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels. With the Live View function, users can see how these settings will effect the photo before they shoot, making it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired. For even more elaborate effects, users can choose from a total of nine Film modes, and set the contrast, sharpness and saturation levels for each. A custom function lets users store their favorite settings in memory. Furthermore, the exposure meter can be displayed in other shooting modes and the correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a color-coded warning that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range.For those users not quite comfortable with extensive manual and creative controls, the LUMIX GF1 provides a user-friendly setting that can address a beginner’s comfort level, while helping them evolve their photography skills. For instance, Panasonic’s new Scene mode, Peripheral Defocus, lets users take a photo where the foreground is in focus and background is blurred – or vice versa. This popular effect can be intimidating for a beginner, but in the Peripheral Defocus mode, by simply selecting the objects to be blurred and focused using the camera’s keypad, it is simple for photographers of any level.Also, helping to make the LUMIX GF1 more approachable, Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, a system of technologies that engage automatically – no setting changes needed – allows for intuitive use when shooting still or video images. While shooting video, iA activates Panasonic’s O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), which helps reduce video-blurring due to handshake. In addition, Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. For still photos, the iA system encompasses: Face Recognition (up to six faces can be registered); Auto Focus (AF) Tracking; Mega O.I.S.; Intelligent ISO; Intelligent Exposure; and Intelligent Scene Selector.The LUMIX GF1 also comes fully-equipped with a built-in flash and a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and a 460,000-dot resolution. The Intelligent LCD offers automatic backlight control, which when combined with its high-resolution, helps improve visibility in all light environments – from sunny outdoors to low-light interior settings. New for the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 is compatible with an optional Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1), which provides the full-time live view function boasting 100% field of view regardless of the attached lens. To further expand the LUMIX G Series system, Panasonic Micro Four Thirds digital cameras can be used with Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R lenses using Panasonic’s DMW-MA2M DMW-MA3R. These adapters give the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.The LUMIX GF1’s sensor technology offers the best of both worlds – the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the low-power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Advanced technology makes it possible to read four channels of data simultaneously, helping the LUMIX GF1 deliver 60 frames-per-second full-time Live View images, while maintaining fine detail and rich gradation. The LUMIX GF1’s Venus Engine HD records stunning high-resolution 12-megapixel images using its advanced Live MOS Sensor. This sophisticated LSI circuit separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, helping to capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO levels.The contrast AF system adopted in the LUMIX GF1 is not only accurate, but also very quick – approximately 0.3 seconds with the LUMIX G H-FS014045 lens. 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. The LUMIX GF1 also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera – without pressing the shutter button halfway.As with all Panasonic LUMIX G Series digital cameras, the LUMIX GF1 is equipped with a highly-effective Dust Reduction system. Thus, if dust gets inside the camera (when changing lenses), Panasonic’s Dust Reduction system addresses this problem by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor which vertically vibrates around 50,000 times per second, thus repelling the dust.The content captured on the LUMIX GF1 can easily be viewed on a Panasonic VIERA® HDTV by simply inserting the SD/SDCH Memory Card into the VIERA’s SD/SDHC Memory Card slot or into a Panasonic DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player. Alternatively, an optional mini HDMI cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the LUMIX DMC-GF1 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link™ operation, with control of playback functions, such as slideshows, managed from the VIERA HDTV’s remote control.The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1 will be available in early October 2009 with the option of two kits – both with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95. One kit option includes the newly-announced LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight “pancake” lens, while the other kit features the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. The optional Live View Finder DMW-LVF1 has an SRP of $199.95; while the DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R both have an SRP of $249.95. All new accessories will also be available in early October. For more information about Panasonic and its LUMIX G System cameras and accessories, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.*As as of September 2, 2009•Panasonic in-house comparison. The speed may vary depending on the specifications of PC and the number of images stored in the PC and other condition.•AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.•Some video recording functions may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.•When setting quality to HD, WVGA or VGA, Panasonic recommends using a high-speed card with “10MB/s” or greater displayed on the package.•Continuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen.•AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.•Turn Face Recognition item ON and register the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance. Refer to back page for detail.•Some functions in iA mode may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.• Lenses that are not compatible with the contrast AF function can be used with manual focusing.•There are some limitations to other functions depending on the lens to attach.PANASONIC ADDS TWO NEW INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES TO ITS LUMIX G SERIES DIGITAL CAMERA SYSTEM, INCLUDING WORLD’S FIRST LEICA MICRO FOUR THIRDS LENSWorld’s first Leica Micro Four Thirds lens Compatible with Panasonic’s Award-Winning LUMIX G Series of Digital Cameras, Plus a New, Ultra Lightweight F1.7 LensSecaucus, NJ (September 2, 2009) – Today, Panasonic introduced two new Micro Four Thirds digital interchangeable lenses – the LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight “pancake” lens with outstanding brightness, and the world’s first Leica Micro Four Thirds lens, the LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm/F2.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. which features exceptional image quality in a compact size. Both lenses are compatible with Panasonic’s LUMIX G Series Micro Four Thirds standard digital cameras, which include the award-winning LUMIX DMC-G1 and LUMIX DMC-GH1 models; and the LUMIX DMC-GF1, also introduced today.“We are pleased to announce the expansion of our growing LUMIX G Micro System line with two new Micro Four Thirds lenses,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “We believe these additions will help photographers of all skill levels take stunning, detailed photos while enhancing their photo-taking experience.”The LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH lens is dramatically compact and lightweight, featuring an outstanding F1.7 brightness which allows consumers to create stunning photos with beautiful, soft focus. Comprised of seven lenses arranged in five groups, the LUMIX G 20mm lens actually uses two aspherical lenses to effectively minimize distortion and achieve super high resolution. The versatile 20mm focal length (equivalent to 40mm on a 35mm film camera) is suitable for all applications – from scenery shots to dimly-lit indoor environments. The second lens added to the line, the LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm/F2.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. (equivalent to 90mm on a 35mm film camera), features outstanding image quality that meets the renowned LEICA standard. The new Leica lens uses both an aspherical lens and an ED lens comprised of fourteen lenses arranged in ten groups. This lens takes advantage of the Micro Four Thirds specifications to achieve a dramatic size decrease, while also minimizing distortion and glare. Panasonic’s Mega Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) suppresses the blurring that is commonly caused by hand-shake, making it easy to shoot sharply-focused macro shots even in dimly-lit places without the need for a tripod.The LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm/F2.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens incorporates an inner focus motor system that makes action smooth and silent when capturing still and video content. By flipping a switch on the lens barrel, the minimum focus distance can instantly be changed to 150mm or 500mm (approximately 5.9 inches or 19.7 inches respectively). This lens excels when taking portraits, mid-range snapshots and landscapes, in addition to macro shots. When mounted on LUMIX G Micro System Cameras, both the LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH and the LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm/F2.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lenses allow for use of the advanced contrast Auto Focus (AF) system, which includes Panasonic’s Face Recognition functions. Both lenses are comprised of seven blades, which produce an attractive and smooth background blur effect when shooting at larger aperture settings. These lenses also feature a highly-reliable metal mount, and use multi-coated lens elements to minimize glare and further enhance optical performance.The LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH lens will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $399.95 and the LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm/F2.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens will have an SRP of $899.95. Both lenses will be available in early October 2009.DMC-GF1 SpecificationsK-Black, R-Red, S-Silver, W-WhiteTYPEType: Digital interchangeable lens system cameraRecording media: SD memory card, SDHC memory cardImage sensor size: 17.3 x 13.0 mm (in 4:3 aspect ratio)Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds mountIMAGE SENSOR Type: Live MOS SensorTotal pixels: 13.1 MegapixelsCamera effective pixels: 12.1 MegapixelsColor filter: Primary color filterDust reduction system: Supersonic wave filterRECORDING SYSTEM Recording file format: Still Image: JPEG(DCF, Exif 2.21), RAW, DPOF compatibleStill Image with Audio: JPEG(DCF, Exif 2.21) + QuickTimeMotion Image: AVCHD Lite / QuickTime Motion JPEGAspect ratio: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1Image quality: RAW, RAW+Fine, RAW+Standard, Fine, StandardColor space: sRGB, Adobe RGBFile size(Pixels) Still Image [4:3] 4000 x 3000(L), 2816 x 2112(M), 2048 x 1536(S)[3:2] 4000 x 2672(L), 2816 x 1880(M), 2048 x 1360(S)[16:9] 4000 x 2248(L), 2816 x 1584(M), 1920 x 1080(S)[1:1] 2992 x 2992(L), 2112 x 2112(M), 1504 x 1504(S)Motion Image Motion JPEG [4:3] QVGA : 320 x 240, 30fps / VGA : 640 x 480, 30fps[16:9] WVGA : 848 x 480, 30fps[HD] 1280 x 720, 30fpsAVCHD Lite: NTSC [HD] 1280 x 720, 60p (sensor output is 30fps)(SH: 17Mbps, H: 13Mbps, L: 9Mbps)PAL: [HD] 1280 x 720, 50p (sensor output is 25fps)(SH: 17Mbps, H: 13Mbps, L: 9Mbps)Continuous recordable time (Motion images)AVCHD Lite with picture quality set to [SH]: Approx. 210 min with H-H020 / Approx. 170 min with H-FS014045Motion JPEG with picture quality set to [HD]: Approx. 210 min with H-H020 / Approx. 170 min with H-FS014045Actual recordable time (Motion images) AVCHD Lite with picture quality set to [SH]: Approx. 110 min with H-H020 / Approx. 100 min with H-FS014045Motion JPEG with picture quality set to [HD]: Approx. 110 min with H-H020 / Approx. 100 min with H-FS014045FOCUS Type: Contrast AF systemFocus mode: AFS/AFC/MFAF mode: Face detection / AF Tracking / 23-area-focusing / 1-area-focusingAF detective range: EV 0-18 (F3.5 lens, ISO 100)AF assist lamp: YESAF lock: AF/AE LOCK button or Shutter button halfway pressed in AFs modeOthers: Pre AF(Quick AF/Continuous AF),AF+MF, MF Assist(5x, 10x)EXPOSURE CONTROL Light metering system: 144-zone multi-pattern sensing systemLight metering mode: Intelligent Multiple/Center Weighted/SpotMetering range: EV 0-18 (F2.0 lens, ISO 100)Exposure mode: Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, ManualISO sensitivity: (Standard Output Sensitivity) Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / Intelligent ISOExposure compensation: 1/3EV Step ±3EVAE lock: AF/AE LOCK button or Shutter button halfway pressedAE bracket: 3,5,7 frame, in 1/3 or 2/3 EV Step, ±2 EVWHITE BALANCE White balance: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / Flash / White Set 1,2 / Color temperature settingWhite balance adjustment: Blue/amber bias, Magenta/green biasColor temperature setting: 2500-10000K in 100KWhite balance bracket: 3 exposures in blue/amber axis or in magenta/green axisSHUTTER Type: Focal-plane shutterShutter speed: Still Images: 1/4000 ~ 60 and Bulb (up to approx. 4minutes)Self timer: 2sec / 10sec / 10sec, 3 imagesRemote control: Remote control with bulb function by DMW-RSL1 (Optional)SCENE MODE Still Image SCN mode: Portrait / Soft Skin / Scenery / Architecture / Sports / Peripheral Defocus / Flower / Food / Objects / Night Portrait / Night Scenery / Illuminations / Baby 1,2 / Pet / Party / SunsetMovie SCN mode: Portrait / Soft Skin / Scenery / Architecture / Sports / Flower / Food / Objects / Low Light / Party / Sunset(Activated by selecting Still Image SCN mode then pressing Movie Button. Still Image SCN modes without corresponding Movie SCN mode is recorded in Normal mode or other related mode.)MY COLOR MODE My Color Mode: Expressive / Retro / Pure / Elegant / Monochrome / Dynamic Art / Silhouette / Custom(Color / Brightness / Saturation / adjustable)BURST SHOOTING Burst speed: 3 frames/sec (High speed) or 2 frames/sec (Low speed)Number of recordable images: 7 images (when there are RAW files with the particular speed)Unlimited consecutive shooting (when there are no RAW files)(depending on memory card size, battery power, picture size, and compression)BUILT-IN-FLASH Type: TTL Built-in-Flash, GN6.0 equivalent (ISO 100•m), Built-in Pop-upFlash mode: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction,Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced OffSynchronization speed: Less than 1/160 secondFlash output adjustment: 1/3EV Step ±2EVFlash synchronization: 1st. Curtain Sync, 2nd Curtain Sync.Hot shoe: TTL Auto with FL220/FL360/FL500(Optional)LCD MONITOR Type: Low temperature Polycrystalline TFT LCDMonitor size: 3.0inch / 3:2 Aspect / Wide viewing anglePixels: 460K dotsField of view: Approx. 100%Monitor adjustment: Brightness (7 levels), Color (7 levels)LCD mode: Off / Auto Power LCD / Power LCDLIVE VIEW Digital zoom: 2x, 4xExtra optical zoom: Max.2x(Not effective with L size recording. Magnification ratio depends on the recording pixels and aspect ratio.)Other functions: Guide Lines (3 patterns), Real-time HistogramFILM MODE Color: Standard / Dynamic / Nature / Smooth / Nostalgic / VibrantBlack and white: Standard / Dynamic / SmoothOthers: My Film1 / My Film2 / Multi FilmPLAYBACK Playback mode: Normal playback, 30-thumbnail display, 12-thumbnail display, Calendar display, Zoomed playback (16x Max.), Slideshow, Playback Mode (Normal / Picture / AVCHD Lite / Motion JPEG / Category / Favorite), Title Edit, Text Stamp, Resize, Trimming, Aspect Conversion, Rotate, Rotate Display, Print Set, Protect, Audio DubbingIMAGE PROTECTION / ERASEProtection: Single / Multi or CancelErase: Single / Multi / All / Except FavoritePRINT Direct print: PictBridge compatible(Print size, Layout, Date setting is selectable)INTERFACE USB: USB 2.0 High SpeedHDMI: miniHDMI TypeCVideo: Auto / 1080i / 720p / 480p (576p in PAL system)Audio: Dolby® Digital CreatorAudio video output: Monaural Type, NTSC/PAL, NTSC only for North America*Check the website of the Panasonic sales company in your country or region for details on the products that are available in your market.Remote: φ2.5mm.Built-in microphone: Monaural, Wind-cut: Off / Low / Standard / HighExternal microphone terminal: NOSpeaker: YESLANGUAGE OSD language: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Russian, Chinese(Traditional), Chinese(Simplified), Dutch, Thai, Korean, Turkish, Portuguese, Arabic, Persian, Japanese, Swedish, Danish, Finnish*Check the website of the Panasonic sales company in your country or region for details on the OSD languages on the products that are available in your market.POWER Battery ID-Security: Li-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1250mAh) (Included)Battery Charger/AC Adapter: (Input: 110-240V AC, DC Cable is required)Battery life: CIPA Standard* :Approx. 380 images(LCD), Approx. 430 images(optional LVF) with H-H020Approx. 350 images(LCD), Approx. 400 images(optional LVF) with H-FS014045DIMENSIONS / WEIGHTDimensions (W x H x D): 119 x 71 x 36.3mm / 4.69 x 2.80 x 1.43 inWeight: Approx. 285g / 10.05 oz (Body only)OPERATING ENVIRONMENT Operating temperature: 0ºC to 40ºC (32ºF to 104ºF)Operating humidity: 10% to 80%STANDARD ACCESSORIES Software: PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 HD EditionSILKYPIX® Developer Studio 3.0 SEUSB DriverStandard accessories: Battery Charger/AC Adapter, Battery Pack, Body Cap,AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable, Shoulder Strap, CD-ROM*Shooting conditions: 23°C with 50% humidity; LCD on; Using a Panasonic SD Memory Card (512MB); Using the supplied battery; Using the supplied lens; Starting recording 30 seconds after the camera is turned on (When the optical image stabilizer is set to [Mode1]); Recording once every 30 seconds with full fl ash every second recording; Turning the camera off every 10 recordings; The number of recordable images decreases in Auto Power LCD mode or Power LCD mode. CIPA is an abbreviation of “Camera & Imaging Products Association”.
