Panasonic out rumored Lumix GF1

Panasonic has made the mFT (micro Four Thirds) Lumix GF1 official today, after weeks of speculation. This is clearly targeting the same market as the Olympus Pen E-P1, and Panasonic has even introduced a 40mm-e 'pancake' lens to go head-to-head with the Olympus 35mm-e f/2.8. An additional live view finder sounds like a good idea, in theory at least, we'll have to wait and see what's like in practice. And also unlike the Pen, the GF1 has a built-in flash and a higher res (460k dot) 3-inch screen.

Lots of comparisons will be made over the coming weeks, I'm sure, but it's not a forgone conclusion. Nice to have a choice, though. Expect to see Leica enter the fray with their own version*. I can't believe they would offer Leica-branded lenses without offering a camera and maybe a couple of lens adaptors for M and R series lenses while they're at it, like these.

Press release:

Berlin, Germany (September 2, 2009) – Panasonic today announced the newest addition to its LUMIX G Micro System line-up of advanced digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard.

The GF1 packs a tiny built-in flash with a intricate, if not particularly elegant, mechanism to raise the unit high, presumably to reduce 'red-eye'

The new LUMIX DMC-GF1 debuts as the world’s smallest and lightest system camera with built-in flash*. The DMC-GF1 features an elegant, compact flat body and combines great performance with ultimate operating and shooting ease. Furthermore, it effectively optimizes the advantages of a system camera to assure outstanding image quality. The new camera is capable of recording vivid still shots, as well as smooth, beautiful motion pictures. It also features the advanced AVCHD Lite movie for recording extended HD movies, networking with other AV devices and recording in the Motion JPEG form at for greater compatibility with PCs.

Optional Live View finder features a hinge for working overhead, useful for macro work

The DMC-GF1 comes with unique functions that include exposure meter and shutter speed preview through the live view. A number of accessories, including the Live View Finder that provides full-time live view, makes photography a lot more fun, while expanding the user's artistic capabilities. The camera comes in three attractive body colors: true black, active red, and sleek silver. Experienced photographers will find the GF1 an ideal everyday camera, while those new to system cameras will see that it gives them the potential to explore realms of photography far beyond the limits of compact cameras.

The GF1 features a higher-res screen than the Olympus Pen (E-P1), and is featured above with the removable LV finder

The DMC-GF1 does not contain the pentaprism found on other standard interchangeable lens cameras. This mirror-less structure allows for an extremely thin neo-classic body design and significantly reduces the size of the G1 by 35% and its weight by 26%. Despite its size, the GF1 comes equipped with a built-in flash and boasts a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and full 460,000-dot resolution. The Intelligent LCD offers extremely fine, automatic backlight control in combination with high resolution for outstanding viewing in sunny outdoor or dim indoor situations.

Panasonic has succeeded in raising the level of image quality for all LUMIX G Micro System cameras to rival or even surpass that of D-SLR cameras. The 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor in the GF1 offers the best of both worlds - the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. It can deliver up to 60 frames-per-second Full-time Live View images, while reproducing images with fine detail and rich gradation. The sophisticated LSI (Venus Engine HD) separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies noise reduction to each, so users can capture beautiful images, even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels.

The DMC-GF1 also features 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 that lets users manually set the colour, brightness and saturation levels. With the Live View function, users can see how these settings will affect the photo even before they shoot.

The DMC-GF1 can record 1280 x 720 high-definition motion picture in AVCHD Lite that features long recording time and high compatibility with audio-visual equipment. The action starts at a press of a button while most of the settings for photo recording are managed. Movie recording formats include HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720, QVGA, VGA and WVGA. Beginners can record excellent movies, because the popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available for motion image recording. Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom, while Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change. Finally, Intelligent Scene Selector automatica lly switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality.

The GF1 uses contrast-detection AF with data from the imaging sensor, like the Olympus Pen E-P1, though Panasonic is claiming faster focusing than its rival

The contrast AF system in the DMC-GF1 features the industry’s high-speed (approx. 0.3 sec with a Lumix G standard zoom lens H-FS014045.) Users can choose from multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking. The DMC-GF1 also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera to enable quicker focusing. Continuous AF keeps the subject in focus at all times.

The DMC-GF1 has advanced functions that will satisfy experienced photographers and yet is easy for beginners to use, thanks to its improved iA mode. With Face Recognition*, up to six faces can be registered, and up to three can be simultaneously recognized to show their names once registered. When the familiar face appears in the frame again, the camera displays the name of that person and prioritizes focus and exposure so that the face is bright and in sharp focus. In addition to these advanced functions, the iA mode includes fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera, including MEGA O.I.S., which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image to prevent blocked shadows and blown highlights and ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects that the subject is in backlight. Intelligent Scene Selector automatically detects the four most common shooting situations - Portrait, Scenery, Close-up and Low-light - and switches to the appropriate Scene mode. The user can activate all of these functions simply by selecting iA mode.




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* Okay, I admit I was wrong, Leica hasn't announced a re-badged version (as yet), instead they opted for this.

Panasonic deliver promised Lumix DMC-GH1 with HD video

Panasonic has announced the new LUMIX GH1, as an update to the maker's G1 launched late last year. The new DSLR-like hybrid records high-resolution full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 24 fps or HD video (1280 x 720) movie at 60 fps using an AVCHD format (MPEG-4/H.264). According to Panasonic 'the AVCHD format provides the important benefit of doubling the HD quality recording time compared with Motion JPEG'. The LUMIX GH1 also records video in high-quality stereo. Although it has a built-in stereo mic, an optional (directional) stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) is also available and a convenient Wind Cut function is provided to help to block out distracting video background noise.



Full press release:

The CREATIVE HD HYBRID from the LUMIX G Micro System

The DMC-GH1 -- With D-SLR Photo Quality and Full-HD Movies

Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-GH1 as a new member of the LUMIX G Micro System of interchangeable lens cameras. Fully compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the LUMIX G Micro System combines a downsized body with advanced functions that achieve both easy operation and high quality.

The new DMC-GH1 is called a CREATIVE HD HYBRID because it records not only high-quality photos but also high definition 1080/24p or smooth 720/60p HD (High Definition) movies in AVCHD* format. Continuous AF can be used while recording movies, to further boost operating ease. Taking advantage of its system camera design, the DMC-GH1 features the potential for unlimited photo expression by allowing the use of different lenses for specific shooting situations and subjects. High-quality sound recording with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator and a host of other creative options, including manual settings, giving the DMC-GH1 even greater versatility.

Supporting the DMC-GH1's powerful full-HD movie recording function is a newly developed 12.1-megapixel high-speed Live MOS sensor and the Venus Engine HD image processor, which features two CPUs for outstanding processing capability. The new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S., which is a versatile 10x zoom interchangeable lens, was designed for movie recording by including a silent and continuous auto focusing function and seamless aperture adjustment.

The DMC-GH1 also features D-SLR photo quality. Its newly developed Live MOS sensor renders images with minimal noise even when using high ISO sensitivity. The multi-aspect ratio function of the sensor allows photos to be taken using a 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratio, all with the same angle of view.

In addition to its high levels of performance for both photos and movies, the DMC-GH1 incorporates the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode,** a hallmark of LUMIX cameras that now includes Face Recognition,*** a function that "remembers" faces once the faces are registered. When a familiar face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize the focus and exposure to capture it beautifully. This clever function makes it easy to get sharp and clear photos of special subjects in a group of people. iA mode is also available in movie recording. It automatically selects the most suitable scene mode and helps to correct hand-shake, focus and brightness problems -- making it a one-stop solution for capturing beautiful photos and movies.*

Operating ease is an important element of the LUMIX G Micro System identity, and it is highly evident in the DMC-GH1. For example, the clever design of the DMC-GH1 helps to prevent missed shooting opportunities for both photo and movie recording. To start recording a movie during shooting photos, the user simply presses a special, one-touch movie recording button. Most of the settings used for photo shooting carry over to movie recording without requiring any additional setting.

A choice of body colours also makes the DMC-GH1 highly attractive. Users can select authentic black or active red (which was very popular in the DMC-G1).

Panasonic hopes to bring the fun of both photos and movies to as many people as possible with the LUMIX DMC-GH1, an unprecedented system camera that satisfies even the needs of professionals and advanced amateurs while offering easy operation for entry-level users.
*Full-HD (1920 _ 1080) movies are output by the image sensor at 24p (NTSC)/25p (PAL), and recorded at 60i (NTSC)/50i (PAL). HD (1280 _ 720) movies are output and recorded by the image sensor at 60p (NTSC)/50p (PAL).
** Some functions in iA mode will not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.
***Turn the Face Recognition item ON from the shooting menu and register the person with a full-face portrait in advance. Recognition performance varies greatly depending on shooting conditions, i.e., according to factors such as angles, facial expression and lighting, so operation under all conditions cannot be guaranteed. Because the camera searches for faces that are similar to registered faces, there are cases where the faces are not correctly recognized when the registered image and the shooting image vary greatly. When facial characteristics are similar, particularly between parents and their children, or between brothers and sisters, the camera may not distinguish the faces.

1. Technological advantages for 1080/24p full-HD movie recording in the AVCHD format

The LUMIX DMC-GH1 is an advanced photographic tool for recording not only great photos but also beautiful full-HD movies. In addition to Motion JPEG images, the DMC-GH1 can record high-resolution full-HD 1920 x 1080 movies at 24 fps (frames per second) or smooth HD 1280 x 720 movies at 60 fps in AVCHD (MPEG-4/H.264)* format. The AVCHD format can record almost twice the footage in HD quality than the conventional Motion JPEG, using the same SD card. A special, separate button on the back lets the user instantly start recording movies while shooting photos without any having to make any extra settings. There are always two options to record spur-of-the-moment scenes -- high-quality photos or movies. The user can simply choose the one that saves precious memories most beautifully.

The LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. kit lens boasts a focal length of 28-280mm (35mm camera equivalent) and supports the continuous AF function of the contrast AF system for both photos and movies. Panasonic considers this function to be indispensable for movie recording from a practical point of view. This lens is also designed for movie recording use by minimizing the mechanical sound generated by the continuous AF/AE action.

The newly developed 12.1-megapixel 4/3-type Live MOS sensor is capable of high-speed 4-channel readout to support full-HD movie recording. This sensor is also advantageous for photo recording with a high signal to noise ratio thanks to a new circuit structure that is totally unaffected by the noise generated in each of the circuits. It results in clear pictures even when taken at high ISO sensitivity. The sensor also allows images to be taken at three aspect ratios – 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 – with same angle of view.

The LUMIX DMC-GH1 also features the Venus Engine HD image processor. The two CPUs in this imaging engine dramatically speed up processing while achieving exceptional noise reduction performance. The Venus Engine HD's excellent energy efficiency supports long-time AVCHD movie recording, and allows the output of both images and sounds via HDMI.
*Full-HD (1920 _ 1080) movies are output by the image sensor at 24p (NTSC)/25p (PAL), and recorded at 60i (NTSC)/50i (PAL). HD (1280 _ 720) movies are output and recorded by the image sensor at 60p (NTSC)/50p (PAL).

2. In addition to recording HD movies– a host of options enhance creativity
The LUMIX DMC-GH1 concept goes much further than simply recording HD movies. Apart from the movie recording capability of conventional digital cameras, the DMC-GH1 also features a Creative Movie mode, which lets the user set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive movies. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to movies, which is especially suitable for shooting fast-moving subject. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances and it is desired to have each of them stand out. Creative Movie mode gives the user a wider range of expressive possibilities to explore.

The movies also come with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, the global standard for superior audio recording. For more creative sound recording, an optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) is available. A Wind Cut function blocks out most of the noise from background wind even on breezy days.

3. iA (Intelligent Auto) mode operates for both photos and movies
While featuring a host of creative options to enhance both photo and movie recording, the LUMIX DMC-GH1 also includes the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode that Panasonic developed to give LUMIX cameras the ultimate in operating ease and to reduce shooting mistakes. In iA mode the camera does all the work, leaving the user free to compose shots and capture the moment. All the user has to do is aim and shoot even in situations that normally require complicated settings.

For photo shooting, the DMC-GH1 further advances this mode with the inclusion of Face Recognition, an advanced Face Detection function that recognises faces that the user has registered prior to shooting. Once a face is registered, this function will recognize it whenever it appears in the frame. The camera will then display the name that was specified for the person and prioritize the focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and in sharp focus.

In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits the fundamental functions that users need in a good digital still camera. These include MEGA O.I.S., which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. AF Tracking is also available, which lets the DMC-GH1 lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves - making it easy to get beautiful, clear shots when a great photo opportunity suddenly arises. Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully. Intelligent Scene Selector automatically detects the five most common shooting situations -- Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery and Close-up and switches to the appropriate Scene mode.

The LUMIX DMC-GH1 now makes the popular iA mode available for movie recording. The Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent blurring from hand-shake when using the high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts the focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion to record it beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change, to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Close-up, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality.
* Some functions in iA mode will not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.
**Turn the Face Recognition item ON from the shooting menu and register the person with a full-face portrait in advance. Recognition performance varies greatly depending on shooting conditions, i.e., according to factors such as angles, facial expression and lighting, so operation under all conditions cannot be guaranteed. Because the camera searches for faces that are similar to registered faces, there are cases where the faces are not correctly recognized when the registered image and the shooting image vary greatly. When facial characteristics are similar, particularly between parents and their children, or between brothers and sisters, the camera may not distinguish the faces.

4. The LUMIX G Micro System identity
With the LUMIX DMC-GH1, Panasonic has developed an entirely new concept in digital cameras that comply with the Micro Four Thirds System standard by taking even greater advantage of the compactness and light weight that are made possible by eliminating the mirror box. By increasing the number of electrical contacts between the camera body and the lens, the camera's expandability is also dramatically increased to maximize future potential.

The LUMIX G Micro System’s 1,440,000-dot equivalent Live View Finder retains the outstanding viewability of an optical viewfinder and can also display information about camera settings that the user can see without taking his or her eye from the subject. A clever built-in eye sensor automatically switches on the viewfinder when the user looks into it, then switches it off and turns on the free-angle 3.0-inch large 460,000-dot high-resolution LCD (which boasts a wide viewing angle) when the user looks away from the viewfinder. The 60-frames-per-second Live View is made possible by the Live MOS sensor, which takes signals directly from the image sensor and sends them continuously to the LCD, in real time. Both the Live View Finder and LCD provide a 100% field of view. This allows the user, when composing a shot, to check the framing accurately from corner to corner.

The contrast AF system adopted by the LUMIX DMC-GH1 is not only accurate and easy to use, but also very fast. 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.

To deal with dust and other foreign matter entering the body when changing lenses, a Supersonic Wave Filter is built in as part of a Dust Reduction System designed to prevent matter from adhering to the image sensor.

5. Other options to enhance the fun of photography

The wide range of options available for the LUMIX DMC-GH1 let users customise and personalise their camera. An option for photo shooting lets the DMC-GH1 reproduce a square image with a 1:1 aspect ratio in addition to the 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 multi-aspect ratios.

My Colour mode, which was popular in the DMC-G1, is a special option that gives free reign to the user's creativity. In My Colour mode, the colour, brightness and saturation parameters can be freely adjusted while checking the Full-time Live View image to see how the adjustments affect the picture. This makes it easier and more fun to create interesting, expressive images. The user can adjust the settings that best suit the shooting conditions and his or her expressive intent, for greater photographic control.

The DMC-GH1 also offers a Playback mode that allows the user to play 'only still images,' 'only motion images,' or 'both'. When choosing to play 'only motion images,' it is even possible to play AVCHD and Motion JPEG videos separately. Photos and movies can also be played back together with an attractive seamless effect and background music in the LUMIX DMC-GH1's new Slideshow mode that takes advantage of its large, high-resolution LCD. Using an optional mini HDMI cable, slideshows can be shared in stunning HD video and audio quality on an HDTV with family and friends.

6. HD photos and HD movies with VIERA Link networking

Both still images and AVCHD-format motion images recorded on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV with dynamic full-HD resolution. The user simply inserts the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SDHC/SD card slot) on a VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player to play the content. Alternatively, an optional mini HDMI cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the LUMIX DMC-GH1 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link operation. This makes it possible to take maximum advantage of the camera's playback functions, including slideshows in which both still and motion images are played sequentially, or calendar displays and so on. Operation using only TV’s remote controller is super-easy.

7. Rich options for expandability

In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GH1 and LUMIX G Micro System can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds standard via an optional mount adapter.* This gives the user access to the entire range of Four Thirds lenses. And a stream of new Micro Four Thirds lenses will be announced in the future, providing a large, diverse line of high-performance lenses for the user's photographic toolbox. With the LUMIX G Micro System and the growing assortment of lenses becoming available, the expressive possibilities are unlimited. The LUMIX DMC-GH1 system camera offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style.
• External Flash: DMW-FL220(GN22) / DMW-FL360(GN36) / DMW- FL500(GN50)
• PL Filter: DMW-LPL62
• ND Filter: DMW-LND62 NEW
• MC Protector: DMW-LMCH62
• Mount Adapter: DMW-MA1
• Stereo Microphone: DMW-MS1 NEW
• Battery Pack: DMW-BLB13
• Soft Case: DMW-CG2 NEW
• Soft Bag: DMW-BAG1
• Shoulder Strap (Stylish) DMW-SSTG1-A/C/R/K* *NEW
• Shoulder Strap (Woven) DMW-SSTG2-W
• Shoulder Strap (Leather) DMW-SSTG3-T
• Remote Shutter: DMW-RSL1
*Some functions on the DMC-GH1 are not available depending on the lens that is mounted.

Ends