It looks like the Olympus EP-1 just got some serious competition, with the launch of the latest Micro Four Thirds Camera from Panasonic, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is the world’s smallest and lightest system camera, a title previously held by the Olympus EP-1. It comes with a 3-inch LCD screen featuring Live View functionality and a 4/3 type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor. This compact design makes it an ideal choice for photographers who need a portable yet powerful camera.
Design and Build
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 will come in a range of colors including true black, active red, and sleek silver. It is 35% smaller and 26% lighter than Panasonic’s current micro four thirds camera, the G1. This reduction in size and weight makes it an excellent choice for travel and street photography, where carrying a bulky camera can be cumbersome.
The camera’s design is not just about aesthetics; it also focuses on functionality. The 3-inch LCD screen with Live View allows photographers to frame their shots accurately and review images with ease. The intuitive layout of buttons and dials ensures that even novice users can navigate the camera’s features without difficulty.
Features and Performance
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 also comes with some built-in art effects including Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, and Silhouette. These effects allow photographers to add a creative touch to their images without the need for post-processing software. For instance, the Monochrome effect can be used to create striking black-and-white images, while the Retro effect adds a nostalgic feel to photos.
In addition to its impressive still photography capabilities, the Lumix DMC-GF1 can record HD video in 720p in AVCHD Lite. There are also a number of other movie formats supported including HD Motion, SPEG, QVGA, VGA, and WVGA. This versatility makes it a great option for videographers as well. The ability to switch between different video formats allows users to choose the best quality and file size for their needs.
The camera’s 12.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor ensures high-quality images with excellent detail and color accuracy. The sensor works in tandem with the Venus Engine HD image processor to deliver fast performance and low noise levels, even in low-light conditions. This makes the Lumix DMC-GF1 a reliable choice for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from bright outdoor scenes to dimly lit indoor environments.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 will go on sale in October for $899.95, and there will be a couple of lens kits available including the Lumix G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH and the Lumix G Vario 14.5mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH. These lens options provide flexibility for different types of photography. The 20mm lens is ideal for portrait and low-light photography, while the 14.5mm lens is perfect for wide-angle shots and landscapes.
Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is a formidable competitor in the micro four thirds camera market. Its compact size, versatile features, and high-quality performance make it an excellent choice for both amateur and professional photographers.
via Pocket Lint
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