Panasonic introduces LUMIX DMC-GF1 and two new lenses

Panasonic announced the release of a new addition to the LUMIX G family: the DMC-GF1. The 12-megapixel model is the world’s smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash. A follower in the LUMIX G series, known for producing “DSLR-like” models at the sizes of pocket cameras, it comes with seven preset functions, collectively known as the “My Color” mode. These presets include Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette and Custom.

What is especially powerful about this camera is its video capability. It can shoot 1280 x 720 HD video in AVCHD Lite and HD Motion JPEGs at a 1280 x 720 resolution. Other available video recording formats include QVGA, VGA and WVGA. It is also built with a 3-inch LCD screen with a 460,000-dot resolution, an internal Dust Reduction system and a Live MOS Sensor, which separates chromatic noise from luminance noise, applying the optimal noise reduction to each and capturing crisp images even when shooting at high ISO levels.

The DMC-GF1 is due to be released in early October, with a starting price of $899.95.

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Panasonic DMC-FS62 point Camera

Panasonic UK announced three new Lumix cameras called DMC-FS12, DMC-FS42 and DMC-FS62.

Lumix DMC-FS12 is a 12MP camera equipped with 4x optical zoom, 2.7 inch LCD, an Intelligent Auto mode that has an optical image stabilizer, auto ISO control, face detection and full auto scene selection.

While Lumix DMC-FS42 is a 10MP camera sport 4x optical zoom, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS62 is similar to Lumix DMC-FS42 but boasting image stabilization feature. Still no words on price and release date yet.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 digital camera

Panasonic has just introduced its latest LUMIX family member - the DMC-GF1, where it is touted to be the smallest and lightest system digital camera in the world to feature a built-in flash. What makes the LUMIX DMC-GF1 different from its predecessors would be an elegant, compact design that does hark back to the older days of classic film cameras, although it boasts state of the art innards by building upon Panasonic’s success with the revolutionary LUMIX G Series of digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard.

Boasting a lightweight body, the LUMIX GF1 is able to offer a platform for experienced photographers to carry this with them all the time, in addition to a DSLR, of course. The pentaprism has been removed here, making this mirror-free structure much smaller and lighter in size and weight, respectively, without lacking in other important and essential features. Don’t be surprised to see the LUMIX GF1 pack in the ability to record high definition video at 1,280 x 720 resolution in AVCHD Lite format for longer recording times, apart from QVGA, VGA and WVGA resolutions to maximize on your storage space. The special Movie Program Mode enables budding directors to adjust the depth-of-field while shooting in HD video, allowing the background and foreground to be blurred just like how to professionals do at a fraction of the cost.

Another feature found on the LUMIX DMC-GF1 would be the new My Color mode that offers seven preset effects - Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette and Custom. These allow users to set the color, brightness and saturation levels manually. Live View function provides the opportunity for one to see how the photo will end up like with the effect before it is actually shot - handy for weeding out bad photos before they even happen. Other tools to help one snap better images would be the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), Face Detection and Intelligent Exposure among others.

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