Panasonic unveils DMC-GF1 Micro four-thirds camera

As the "artistic flat" body description suggests, the slim GF1 puts a palette of creative possibilities in the user’s hands. When shooting either still photos or movies, for example, users can select from several preset filters in My Colour mode or apply a range of unique textures available in Film mode.

In addition to a host of beginner-friendly shooting assisting functions, such as Lumix’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, the DMC-GF1 also comes with unique functions including exposure meter, aperture preview and shutter speed preview through the live view. A number of accessories, starting with the Live View Finder which provides full-time live view, makes photography more fun while expanding the user’s artistic capabilities.

With its unlimited possibilities and choice of three attractive body colours, the easy-to-carry GF1 will please users of every level. Experienced photographers will find the GF1 an ideal everyday camera in the bag anytime and those new to system cameras will find that it gives them the potential to explore realms of photography far beyond the limits of compact cameras.

While the GF1 is small in size, it does not compromise on functions. It comes equipped with a built-in flash. It boasts a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and full 460,000-dot resolution. Users enjoy vivid, exceptionally detailed images both when shooting and when viewing the results. The Intelligent LCD also offers extremely fine, automatic backlight control, which combines with the high resolution to assure outstanding viewing in everything from sunny outdoor conditions to dim indoor situations. The 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 lens to attach.

Panasonic paid meticulous attention to operating ease when designing the GF1. The drive mode lever and rotary/click dial are considerately placed for operation with minimal finger movement. The precise button placement and simple, logical menu interface work together to make operation easy and intuitive. Lumix G Micro System cameras come in a choice of body colours: true black, active red and sleek silver. With other body parts crafted of finely textured aluminum, G series cameras have a high-quality appearance to be attractive while it is exceptionally practical design. The DMC-GF1 is absolutely the camera that gives every photographer a pleasure to own.

While achieving breakthroughs in advanced functions and compactness of design, Panasonic also refined its comprehensive digital imaging technologies. As a result the level of image quality that rivals or even surpasses D-SLR cameras. The 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor featured in the DMC-GF1 offers the best of both worlds – the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Advanced technology that makes it possible to read 4 channels of data simultaneously also helps the GF1 deliver 60 frames-per-second Full-time Live View images, while faithfully reproducing high-resolution images with fine detail and rich gradation.

For the image processing LSI, the new Venus Engine HD features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities. This sophisticated LSI separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, so you capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. The Venus Engine HD also provides independent gradation control for each of the R, G and B colours, so even delicate colour nuances are reproduced faithfully. Linking smoothly with the Live MOS sensor, the Venus Engine HD records stunning high-resolution 12-megapixel images with exceptional accuracy. Signals containing a large amount of image data are sent from the Live MOS sensor to the optional Live View Finder at 60 fps, resulting in clear, smooth live view. The Venus Engine HD also supports an extensive range of functions, including HDMI output.

The cameras of Lumix G Micro System are equipped with a highly efficient Dust Reduction system, If dust or other foreign matter gets inside the camera when you’re changing lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. The Dust Reduction System in the GF1 helps eliminate this possibility by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.

The DMC-GF1 is artistic not only in form, but also in function. It provides an array of features that let users either capture precisely true-to-life images or create their own beautifully expressive images. The GF1 newly 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, which 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 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. The GF1 also provides a total of 16 Scene modes, including a new Peripheral Defocus mode that keeps the subject in sharp focus while gently softening the focus around it. These modes can be used when shooting motion images too, letting users create movies with dramatic, theatrical effects without having to edit after they shoot.

The exposure meter can be displayed in the P/A/S/M shooting modes. The correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a colour-coded warning that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range. For newcomers to system camera photography, this makes it easy to learn proper settings both visually and logically, enhancing their photography skills.

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 equipments. Uses can enjoy recording HD motion images taking maximum advantage of lens’ descriptiveness and interchangeability or the large sensor size. The action starts at a single press of a dedicated button on the top while most of the settings for photo recording are succeeded, which is convenient when you record the same subject at the same situation in both photo and movie. HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 can also be selected as an alternative movie recording format in addition to QVGA, VGA and WVGA, which is more compatible with PCs.

Even video beginner can record excellent movies with DMC GF1 because the popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available motion image recording. Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. 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. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. The GF1 also provides a colour mode, film mode and carries over 11 different scene modes from photo scene modes in movie recording. Motion picture Program mode that lets you change the aperture and the shutter speed for more creative HD movie recording. You can try professional-like movie recording with these variety of options like you do with photo recording.