Monday, November 7, 2011
Panasonic Announces the Lumix DMC-GX1 Micro Four Thirds Camera
Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 11:36 AM
Panasonic today announced their latest camera, and for those of you who wanted a proper follow-up to the GF1, here it is! The main upgrades here are in the form of a 16 megapixel sensor with a top ISO rating of 12,800 borrowed from the G3, an enlarged and rubberised grip, improved AF that promises 0.09 seconds focusing time, an electronic level for those of us who cannot place horizons straight, 1080i videos at 60 FPS in MP4 or AVCHD compression, and a new accessory connector that allows a much higher resolution EVF to be attached, at 1.44 million subpixels (probably SVGA resolution). The 3" HVGA LCD is now a touchscreen as well, which in addition to allowing touch-to-focus, also sports two of the four custom function "buttons". For those that need handholding Panasonic promises the Intelligent Auto (iA) function will handle even more parameters automatically. One thing I noticed is the loss of the drive mode lever; its functionality is now replaced by a button on the rear of the camera. Shame.
Personally, the GX1 is an incremental upgrade from the GF1. I was sort of hoping for something more different from Panasonic. Maybe the GX2 next year? I would love to see something with the EVF built-in. After all, Sony has shown that it can be done, with the NEX-7.
The GX1 will cost US$700 for the camera alone, US$800 with the old 14-42/3.5-5.6 kit, or US$950 with the new pancake 14-42/3.5-5.6 lens. Expected availability will be in December. PR and an image of the camera's rear after the break.
PANASONIC’s NEWEST COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA, THE LUMIX GX1, EXCELS IN SPEED, IMAGE QUALITY AND SIZE
The LUMIX GX1 Finds the Perfect Balance of Size and Performance – Making it the Ideal ‘Everyday’ Digital Camera for Professionals and Photo Enthusiasts
MISSISSAUGA, ON (November 7, 2011) – Panasonic Canada Inc. today announces its latest Compact System Camera (CSC), the LUMIX DMC-GX1, which joins Panasonic’s award-winning LUMIX G Series of digital cameras, which are acclaimed for their high image quality with small and compact body and lenses. The new LUMIX GX1 features a 16.01-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine, helping to ensure real life images through excellent resolution, image rendering and colour reproduction. Even in low-light situations and at maximum 12800 high ISO sensitivity, the LUMIX GX1 produces stunning photos and videos, and because of its compact size it is portable for daily use.
“Panasonic expects the LUMIX GX1 to please a lot of photo enthusiasts who have been eager for a technology upgrade comparable to the LUMIX DMC-GF1,” said Doug Borbath, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Canada Inc. “The LUMIX GX1 is an extremely flexible and capable digital camera with fast AF speeds and outstanding image quality. Plus, with a built-in flash and a hot shoe allowing for accessories like an external view finder, the GX1 is a powerful compact system camera that is small enough to be a photographer’s everyday camera choice.”
The LUMIX GX1, like all the models in Panasonic’s LUMIX G Series of CSC, adopts Contrast AF for its focus system, so focusing is controlled by the image sensor. When compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF achieves higher accuracy especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F value. For instance, the accuracy of Contrast AF is approximately 90 per cent while Phase difference AF is approximately 60 per cent at F1.4. Additionally, with the precise Contrast AF system, the LUMIX GX1 achieves high resolution through an optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction, thus producing life-like image rendering and precise Auto Exposure and white balance. To further advance the Contrast AF, the LUMIX GX1 incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. With the LUMIX GX1’s 3.0-inch touch LCD screen, frame composition is intuitive and easy.
The LUMIX GX1 features an ultra-high-speed Light Speed AF1, which means it can Auto Focus in approximately 0.09 of a second. This is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by the synchronizing the lens and sensor at 120 fps. Plus, the newly-added focus mode AFF (AF Flexible) locks on the focus when the shutter button is half-pressed, however, if the subject moves, the focusing is reset to get the best results. Combined with the Touch AF control, setting and focusing on the subject is incredibly easy and quick.
The touch-control system of the LUMIX GX1 lets users set the focus on the subject by simply touching it on the large, 460,000-dot wide-viewing angle LCD. Users can even release the shutter by touching the screen. Once locked on the subject with a touch, the LUMIX GX1 tracks the subject, even when it moves, using the AF tracking function. With a touch on the screen, users can select the part and the size of the AF area, choosing from 1-area AF, Multi-area AF with 23 AF areas and Pinpoint AF, which allows extremely precise focus setting.
Despite its compact size, the LUMIX GX1 is extremely intuitive to operate, with an optimized layout of control buttons, a mode dial and dedicated function buttons. Users can customize the two external buttons and two menus tabs to settings they most frequently use so they are easily accessible. In addition, a total of four custom setting patterns can be stored to the camera’s model dial – one on ‘C1’ and three on ‘C2.’ Furthermore, the LUMIX GX1 was designed to enhance its ergonomics, with a grip that fits naturally and comfortably in the hand, despite its flat profile and compact design. Plus, the LUMIX GX1 has a more tactile texture and the mode dial is easy to turn and features print that is easy to read and won’t easily wear.
The LUMIX GX1 can record 1920 x 1080 at 60i, with sensor output of 30p, full-High Definition videos in the AVCHD format which excels in both compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback. In addition to the practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing at the subject, the focus is shifted so it stands out. With a dedicated video record button on the top, users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra setting adjustments. Along with the full-HD video capabilities, the LUMIX GX1 also features high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. Videos can also be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files.
Other features of the new Panasonic LUMIX GX1 compact system camera include:
• A new Level Gauge, which lets the camera detect the horizontal/vertical angle of view with its internal level working with the sensor. In addition, photos shot in portrait aspect will be automatically displayed vertically, regardless of which lens is used.
• One Push AE adjusts exposure with a single press of the “Fn” (Function) button when it is over/under exposed, which is especially useful when shooting outdoors with open aperture or indoors with fast shutter speed.
• Dust Reduction System helps to eliminate dust or foreign matter getting inside the LUMIX GX1 when lenses are being changed. By placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor that vibrates vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.
• Zoom operation can be controlled with touch control when either of Panasonic’s new LUMIX X Power Zoom lenses are attached. And the zoom speed can also be adjusted in two steps for more precise control.
• Popular iA and iA Plus modes for beginners looking for automatic shooting in both still and video modes.
• Increased energy consumption and an approximately 11%2 longer battery life when compared to the LUMIX DMC-G3, which also uses the same battery pack DMW-BLD10.
The LUMIX G Series is a robust system of bodies and lenses, featuring a total of 14 Micro Four Thirds lenses including the new power zoom X lens – standard zoom lens, telephoto zoom lens, single focal length lens, wide-angle lens, fish-eye lens, macro lens, and even a 3D lens – to fit a variety of shooting scenarios and occasions.
The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today's Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GX1 can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adapter for the unlimited number of lens properties. The LUMIX GX1 system camera offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style, including: external flashes, PL filters, ND filters, MC protectors, remote shutter, zoom level, battery packs, AC adaptor, DC coupler, straps, cases, bags and more. Plus, with the LUMIX GX1’s hot shoe on the top, users can attach the new optional tilt-shift Live View Finder (DMW-LVF2), with approximately 1.4x and 1,440,000-dot equivalent, 100% field of view.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1-KK with a 14-42mm standard zoom lens will be available in black in mid-December for an MSRP of $849.99, and the body only (DMC-GX1K) for an MSRP of $749.99. The DMC-GX1-XK with the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. /POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) lens will have an MSRP of $999.99 and will be available at a later date.
1 The time for focusing on the subject is measured with LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) to move the lens position to "2m" from the "infinity" position. The zoom is positioned at its widest end. Panasonic measurement method 2 Based on a CIPA Standard.
Panasonic products are marketed in Canada by Panasonic Canada Inc. (PCI). PCI is an affiliate of Panasonic Corporation (PC) of Japan, one of the world’s largest producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business, and industrial use. Consumers seeking more information on the company’s products can call Panasonic’s Customer Care Centre at 1-800-561-5505 or access Panasonic’s home page at www.panasonic.ca.
