Secaucus, NJ—Panasonic latest G-series compact system camera (CSC), the Lumix DMC-GX1, features a 16.01 megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus engine, “helping to ensure real-to-life images through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction.”
“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, which continues to be a very popular digital camera with dedicated followers who appreciate the compact size, yet high quality of photos and video,” said Darin Pepple, senior product manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics. “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 GX1, like all Panasonic Lumix G-series models, adopts contrast AF for its focus system, so focusing is controlled by the image sensor. When compared with phase-difference AF, contrast AF is said to achieve higher accuracy, especially when shooting with a bright lens with small f/ value; e.g., the accuracy of contrast AF is approximately 90% while phase-difference AF is approximately 60% at f/1.4. Panasonic also states that with contrast AF, the GX1 “achieves high resolution through an optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction, thus producing lifelike image rendering and highly precise autoexposure and white balance.” The GX1 also incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view.
According to the specs, the GX1 can autofocus in 0.09 second. Its new focus mode AFF (AF Flexible) locks on the focus when the shutter button is half-pressed, but if the subject moves, the focusing is reset to get the best results.
With the camera’s touch-control system users can set focus on a subject by touching it on the 460,000-dot LCD, and they can release the shutter by touching the screen. Once locked on the subject with a touch, the GX1 tracks the subject, even when it moves, using AF tracking. And 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 areas, and pinpoint AF for precise focus.
The GX1 boasts an optimized layout of control buttons, a mode dial and dedicated function buttons. Users can customize the two external buttons and two menu tabs to settings they most frequently use. A total of four custom setting patterns can be stored to the camera’s model dial. Other ergonomic enhancements include a grip that fits more naturally and comfortably in the hand, despite its flat profile and compact design. Plus, the GX1 has a more tactile texture and the mode dial is easier to turn and features print that is easier to read and won’t wear.
Notable features include: Full HD 1,920×1,080 video recording at 60i, with sensor output of 30p, in the AVCHD format for compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback (both full-time AF and touch AF are available when recording); sound recorded with Dolby Digital Stereo Creator; a level gauge that lets the camera detect the horizontal/vertical angle of view, enabling photos shot in portrait aspect to be automatically displayed vertically; a dust-reduction system to help eliminate foreign matter getting inside the GX1 when lenses are being changed; zoom operation with touch control; iA and iA Plus modes for beginners looking for automatic shooting in still and video modes; and an approximately 11% longer battery life than the DMC-G3.
The Lumix G series features 14 Micro Four Thirds lenses, including the new power zoom X lens, a standard zoom lens, telephoto zoom lens, single-focal-length lens, wide-angle lens, fisheye lens, macro lens and a 3D lens. In addition to Lumix G lenses, the GX1 can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adapter.
Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GX1 will be available in black and silver bodies in mid-December and in the following kit options: DMC-GX1-X with the Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Asph/Power OIS (H-PS14042) lens, $949.99; the DMC-GX1-K with the 14-42 standard zoom, $799.99; and the DMC-GX1 body only, $699.99. panasonic.com
