New York –
unveiled Thursday an addition to
its expanding line of Lumix G-series Micro Four Thirds compact system cameras.
The Lumix DMC-GF5
($599 or $749 suggested retails, depending on lens kit option), which slots in
next to the current GF3, features a newly developed 12.1-megapixel Live MOS
sensor and redesigned Venus Engine, for improved image rendering and color
reproduction, even in low-light situations.
The camera boasts
an ISO sensitivity range to 12,800 and includes a noise-reduction system using
a combination 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) and Multi-process Noise Reduction (MNR)
for optimal exposures, even in highly bright and dark areas.
The camera
includes a compact design with an improved rubberized handgrip and is
compatible with Panasonic’s range of Micro Four Thirds camera lenses.
The camera
continues to use Contrast AF system, featured in other G-series models, that
allows focusing to be controlled by the image sensor. This is said to yield
more accurate results (particularly in lenses with small F values) than Phase-based
AF systems.
The GF5 also incorporates
full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field
of view.
The ultra-high-speed
Light Speed AF system can focus in approximately 0.09 seconds for optimal fast
motion shots.
This is coupled
with Touch Panel AF control and provides high-speed burst shooting at 4 fps in
full resolution.
The GF5 features a
3-inch 920,000-dot LCD touchpanel display and graphic user interface (GUI) to
simplify settings adjustments.
Both the shutter
and focus can activated and selected by tapping on the screen. Once a user
locks onto a subject by touching it on the screen, the camera will track it and
hold focus as it moves around the frame. The shutter can also be released by a
tap on the screen.
Touch Zoom is also
available when using the Lumiz Power Zoom Lens H-PS14042 lens or H-PS45175.
The camera also
employs an expanded assortment of Creative Control modes (with up to 14
filters) from the GF3. These include the new: Soft Focus, Dynamic Monochrome,
Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process and Star Filter.
Other features
include a Scene Guide with 23 sample pictures shot by professional
photographers that novice users can explore to find a photo closest to a
situation they are shooting to select the optimal parameters.
For video, the Lumix
GF5 will capture 1,920 by 1,080/60i HD in AVCHD format. The camera will use
both the full-time AF and the Touch AF functions for video. A dedicated video
record button is included. The camera also records stereo sound, and using the
Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, videos can be recorded in MP4 format for playback
on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the
files.
The Lumix DMC-GF5
will ship “later this year” in a choice of black, white and red body colors.
Panasonic is offering two lens kit options: including the body with a 14-42mm
standard zoom lens ($599) and the body with 14-42mm power zoom lens ($749).
