The new 12-megapixel Panasonic camera will be the world's first Micro Four Thirds camera when released this fall.
Panasonic today announced the world's first Micro Four Thirds system camera, the 12-megapixel Lumix G1. Weighing in at 385 grams (0.85 lbs), the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 (specs) is also the world's smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera. Based on the new Micro Four Thirds system standard, the camera eliminates the internal mirror structure that defines DSLR cameras, thus reducing the size and weight by nearly half. With the mirror-less system, the G1's flange back, which is the distance between the mount and the image sensor, has been reduced from 40 mm - as specified in the Four Thirds System - to approximately 20 mm.
The camera will be available in mid-November as a kit with the new Lumix G Vario 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S wide-angle lens. Also available in November, and announced today, is the Lumix G Vario 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S standard lens.
The camera's compact size can also be attributed to its electronic full-time Live View Finder, as opposed to a conventional optical viewfinder. Furthermore, the camera features a built-in eye sensor, so the camera can detect when the user is nearing the view finder and automatically switches off the LCD. The Live View Finder has a large 1.4x (0.7x on a 35mm equivalent) magnification and when using the G1 in manual focus mode, the frame in the view finder or LCD will enlarge by 5x or 10x.
The Live View Finder and the 3-inch HVGA LCD screen provide a 100% field of view, letting the user adjust settings before taking a shot. The LCD can also swivel 180 degrees horizontally and 270 degrees vertically. Additionally, Auto Power technology will automatically boost brightness by as much as 40% depending on the shooting condition.
The camera introduces a new Contrast AF (Auto Focus) function. 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. In the 1-area AF mode, the AF frame size can be changed by turning a dial. The camera also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera. The camera also offers an intelligent scene selector, automatically choosing Scenery, Portrait, Close-up, Night Portrait or Night Scenery.
Pricing for the camera and its Micro Four Thirds accessories will be announced in early October. It'll be available in black, blue and red models.
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