Panasonic Unveils 3D P&S, GX1 Cameras

By Greg Tarr On Nov 21 2011 - 6:01am

SECAUCUS, N.J. – Panasonic unveiled its first all-in-one 3D-capable point-and-shoot camera and added an upgrade to the popular G-series compact system camera (Micro Four Thirds) segment.

The Lumix DMC-GX1 is Panasonic’s latest Micro Four Thirds image-sensor-based compact system camera, featuring a 16.01-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine, designed to deliver highresolution stills and video with image rendering and highquality color reproduction.

It will record strong lowlight images, using the camera’s wide ISO range, extending to 12,800.

The GX1, which is positioned as an upgrade to the Lumix DMC-GF, includes a new ultra-fast auto focusing system, built-in flash, and a hot shoe allowing for such accessories as an electronic viewfinder.

The GX1 uses a contrast AF system controlled by the image sensor. This is said to be more accurate than Phase Dect approaches, even when using lenses of smaller F value.

The ultra-fast Light Speed AF system can achieve focus in approximately 0.09 seconds.

A new focus mode, AF Flexible (AFF), locks on the focus when the shutter button is half pressed and follows the subject as it moves. It can also be combined with the camera’s Touch AF control.

The GX1 includes a 3-inch touchscreen LCD.

For video, the Lumix GX1 records in 1,920 by 1,080/60i resolution, with 30p sensor output in the AVCHD format. The full-time AF and Touch AF systems work in both still and video modes.

Sound is recorded with Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, and videos can also be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without the need for further conversion.

Other features include a new level gauge to keep images square in frame, one-push auto exposure (AE), a dust-reduction system that uses a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor to repel dust and other particles, and touch-control zoom operation when either of Panasonic’s new X power zoom lenses are attached.

Zoom speed can be adjusted in two steps. Also included is Panasonic’s iA and iA Plus automatic camera setting systems and increased energy consumption for an 11 percent longer battery life.

The Lumix DMC-GX1 will be available in black and silver bodies starting in mid-December in three kit options: the DMC-GX1-X ($950 suggested retail) with a G X Vario PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./Power OIS lens; the DMC-GX1-K ($800) with a 14-42mm standard zoom lens; and the DMC-GX1 ($700) body only.

Meanwhile, the Lumix DMC-3D1 (shipping in December at a $500 suggested retail) is a new all-in-one point-and-shoot 3D-capable camera, adding another dimension to the 3D attachment lens Panasonic has marketed in the past.

The camera uses two newly developed twin lens units using folded optics for a compact body design.

In addition to shooting 3D stills and videos, it will also capture 2D photos and videos. It employs two 25mm ultra-wide-angle lenses with 4x optical zoom extensions.

The 3D1 is equipped with a 12-megapixel MOS sensor and newly updated Venus Engine image processing system.

For 3D, the camera records 8-megapixel stills and 1,920 by 1,080/60i videos using the side-by-side method.

A dedicated switch enables shifting from 2D to 3D recording, and a new feature takes advantage of the two separate lenses to simultaneously record both 2D stills and videos.

The 2D stills can be captured in up to 12-megapixel resolution while 2D videos are recorded in 1,920 by 1080i.

The two-lens design also allows users to record photo or video in different angles of view. For example, users can record an entire party scene with one lens while zooming in on and capturing the photo of a specific person with another lens.

A multi-process noise-reduction system reduces image noise according to the brightness of different areas of an image, improving sharper stills and videos.

The 3D1 also allows fast burst shooting of up to 8 fps (without auto focusing) and 4 fps (with auto focusing) in full resolution.

Images are processed at high speed using quad-CPUs in a new Venus Engine imageprocessing system capable of handling large amounts of 1,920 by 1080i FullHD data in either AVCHD or MP4 formats.

Using two sets of lens units and sensors, the energy consumption of the Venus Engine stays minimized to maintain battery life.

Other features include a Mega optical image stabilization system, AF tracking, intelligent scene selector, face recognition and intelligent ISO control.

Intelligent exposure and intelligent handheld create layered shots for high quality night shots without a tripod.

The camera includes a 3.5-inch 2D Smart Touch screen display.