Panasonic’s New Compact System Camera: The 12.1MP Lumix DMC-GF5

Panasonic’s New Compact System Camera: The 12.1MP Lumix DMC-GF5

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Secaucus, NJ—Panasonic’s new interchangeable-lens system camera, the Lumix DMC-GF5, boasts the G series’ high image quality and small, compact body. Complying with Micro Four Thirds standard, it works with a range of interchangeable lenses to expand the user’s photographic experience.

The GF5 features a newly developed 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor and redesigned Venus engine, “helping to ensure true-to-life images through exceptional resolution, image rendering and color reproduction.” Even in low-light situations and at a maximum 12,800 high ISO sensitivity, the GF5 is engineered to produce quality photos and videos. Its noise reduction system includes 3DNR (3D Noise Reduction) and MNR (Multi-process Noise Reduction), allowing for bright areas and dark areas to be reproduced with minimal noise.

“Panasonic expects the Lumix GF5 to please photo enthusiasts and budding photographers that are looking for the next step from the traditional point-and-shoot camera,” said Christopher Rice, senior product manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. “The camera’s host of shooting options makes photography even more artistic, yet easy for users of any experience level. The powerful Venus engine and sensor allows the camera to achieve exceptional photo quality in a range of shooting environments.”

The GF5 sports a lightweight body with a built-in flash and rubberized grip to make it easier for users to comfortably hold it in one hand. And like all cameras in the G series, it adopts contrast AF (autofocus), so focusing is controlled by the image sensor. Compared with the phase-difference system AF, contrast AF offers higher accuracy, especially when shooting with a bright lens with small f/ value. The GF5 also incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view.

Employing Panasonic’s “Light Speed AF,” the GF5 is said to focus in 0.09 second, and combined with touch AF control and high-speed burst shooting at four frames per second in full resolution, it enables the capture of fast-moving objects. Additionally, pinpoint AF allows for more precise focus by further enlarging the focus area, assisting, for example, to set focus directly on the pupil of an eye.

In addition to shooting still photography, the GF5 records 1,920×1,080 60i Full HD video in AVCHD format with compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback. In addition to practical full-time AF, touch AF lets users enjoy pro-like selective focusing while shooting video. A video record button on the top of the body lets users start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make setting adjustments. The camera also provides sound recording with Dolby Digital Stereo Creator.

A 3.0-inch 920,000-dot touch display and graphic user interface (GUI) provide simple operation. The touch-control system lets users set focus on a subject by touching the screen, and they can release the shutter from the touch screen. Once a user locks onto a subject by a touch, the camera will track the subject with the AF tracking, even if it moves.

Other features include: an upgraded creative control mode with 14 effects filters; the ability to preview filter effects on the LCD via live view mode; the camera intuitively recommends filters depending on the scene that the camera detects in iA (intelligent auto) or iA Plus mode; and a scene guide with 23 sample pictures shot by professional photographers so users can choose the photo closest to the situation they are shooting and the optimal parameters for shooting the scene will be set automatically.

Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GF5 will be available in black, white and red later this year in the following kits: body with 14-42mm standard zoom lens, $599; and body with 14-42mm power zoom lens, $749. panasonic.com

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