When Panasonic originally introduced their first Micro Four Thirds camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, the format was supposed to deliver image quality on par with a DSLR, tucked into the size constraints of a compact. While early models delivered great images, and even took on HD video recording, they just weren't small enough to satisfy our tastes. Today Panasonic took the wraps off a more compact Micro Four Thirds design, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. Panasonic calls this the smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash, and while we can't exactly parse that grammar, we can say that this is more like it.
The Panasonic Lumix GF1 is a compact camera with an interchangeable lens system. Just like its older brothers, the Panasonic Lumix G1 and the Panasonic Lumix GH1, the new GF1 can adapt to use full-sized Four Thirds lenses, or it can use much smaller lenses designed for the compact format. Like the Panasonic GH1, which was really just an upgrade to the original G1 camera, the Panasonic GF1 can also shoot high definition video at a 1280 by 720, or 720p resolution. The camera will use the new AVCHD Lite format for video recording.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 seeks to strike a balance between consumer shooters and pro, tackling the burgeoning prosumer market. To help the Manual Mode averse, the Panasonic GF1 will feature plenty of intelligent Auto modes, as well as some interesting aids to create pro effects. Bokeh seems to be the name of the game here. Bokeh is the effect caused when the foreground subject is sharp but the background is rendered artistically out of focus. Usually, a wide aperture setting achieves this effect, but the Panasonic GF1 has some tricks up its sleeve to accomplish the same look. For still shots, the camera will use a new Scene Mode, Peripheral Defocus, that will let users select the sharp subject, and the camera will blur the rest. Even while shooting HD video, the camera features a Movie Program Mode that allows users to adjust the depth of field during a shoot, thus focusing or blurring on the scene as you prefer.
Because of the way Micro Four Thirds cameras work, there is no optical viewfinder built into the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1, unlike a traditional DSLR. Instead, users get a constant Live View image on the 3-inch LCD screen on the back of the camera. Panasonic promises that the 460,000 dot resolution screen will have a wide viewing angle, and will adjust itself intelligently to be seen in bright outdoor light or any shooting conditions. You can also buy a Live View Finder, like an electronic range finder, as an optional $200 accessory, so that the Live View feature can be used with any available lens that will fit the camera.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 will be available in early October for $900. It will be sold as two separate kits, each for the same price. The first kit will feature a fixed, Lumix G 20mm F/1.7 'pancake' lens. The second kit uses a Lumix G Vario 14-45mm F/3.5-5.6 zoom lens with Mega O.I.S., Panasonic's Optical Image Stabilization.
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