Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 an SLR or a point-and-shoot? The truth is probably somewhere in the middle, as it often is.
It’s actually Panasonic’s first Micro Four Thirds camera. (Four Thirds cameras let manufacturers create interoperable exchangeable lenses.) It’s also, as of this very moment, the smallest and lightest such camera. Knowing this industry, that record will probably last till the end of the day.
When she ships in November, you’ll be able to grab the all-in-one kit with a Lumix G Vario 14-45mm/F3.5- 5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S lens. Looks to be about what you’d expect from a pack-in lens.
The rest: 12.1 megapixels, 3.0-inch LCD, face detection (up to 15 faces), etc.
And, if you want, Panasonic’s full we’re-so-awesome press release:
PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-G1: WORLD’S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST DIGITAL INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA*
World’s First Micro Four Thirds System Camera Features Portability, Ease-of-Use
and Colorful Blue and Red Models For Personalized Style and Active LifestylesSecaucus, NJ (September 12, 2008) – Panasonic today announced the world’s first Micro Four Thirds system camera, the LUMIX DMC-G1, the world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera, weighing in at approximately 385 grams (0.85 lbs).* Based on the new Micro Four Thirds System standard, the LUMIX G1 eliminates the internal mirror structure that defines digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, thus reducing the size and weight by nearly half.** With the mirror-less system, the G1’s flange back, which is the distance between the mount and the image sensor, has been reduced from 40 mm – as specified in the Four Thirds System – to approximately 20 mm.
The new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 will enhance the advanced photo quality and flexibility made possible by the Four Thirds™ System, and with its innovative design, consumers will appreciate the portability of a smaller camera body and lenses. The G1 will be available in mid-November as a kit with the new LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5- 5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S lens. Also available in November, and announced today, is the LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S.lens.
“With the LUMIX G1, we are filling a void that has existed for a long time in the digital camera market because consumers wanted the power of an SLR, but previous models were bulky and inconvenient,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The LUMIX G answers this challenge as consumers can benefit from the flexibility of changing lenses; a quick Auto Focus; and a sensor that produces high-quality photos. By packing all those powerful assets into an extremely compact body with easy-to-use features familiar to point-and-shoot users, we are excited about G, as it brings new possibilities to the consumer.”
The LUMIX G1 is also the world’s first interchangeable lens camera that will come with color variety – with availability in black, blue and red models – allowing consumers to personalize their style through color, something very popular with point-and-shoot camera models.
For current Four Thirds users with a collection of lenses, an optional mount adapter will allow Four Thirds lenses to be compatible with the LUMIX G1.*** Also, today, with the introduction of the Micro Four Thirds System, Panasonic is announcing a wide-variety of accessories including: External Flash DMW-FL220(GN22); PL Filter: DMW-LPL52; Mount Adapter: DMW-MA1; Battery Pack: DMW-BLB13; DC Cable: DMW-DCC3; Soft Case: DMW-CG1; Soft Bag: DMW-BAG1; Shoulder Strap (Stylish) DMW-SSTG1-A/C/R; Shoulder Strap (Woven) DMW-SSTG2-W; Shoulder Strap (Leather) DMW-SSTG3-T.
The G1 is also compatible with current accessories: External Flash: DMW- FL360(GN36)/DMW-FL500(GN50); ND Filter: DMW-LND52; MC Protector: DMW- LMC52; Remote Shutter: DMW-RSL1; HDMI mini Cable: RP-CDHM15(1.5m), RP- CDHM30(3.0m).
The G1’s compact size can also be attributed to its electronic full-time Live View Finder, as opposed to a conventional optical viewfinder. The electronic Live View Finder, with an impressive and high-resolution 1,440,000-dot equivalent, allows the user to shoot the exact image the camera sees while also displaying information about the camera’s settings through the view finder. The G1 also features a clever built-in eye sensor, so the camera can detect when the user is nearing the view finder and automatically switches off the LCD, thus conserving battery life. Furthermore, the Live View Finder has a large 1.4x (0.7x on a 35mm equivalent) magnification and when using the G1 in manual focus mode, the frame in the view finder or LCD will enlarge by 5x or 10x (can adjust using the dial).
The Live View Finder and the bright 460,000-dot resolution, 3.0-inch LCD provide a 100% field of view, letting the user adjust settings before taking a shot, which is a great learning tool for consumers beginning to use manual controls as they can visually confirm the effects of changed settings. The LCD can also swivel 180 degrees horizontally and 270 degrees vertically, giving the consumer flexibility to take high and low-angle shots, and its Auto Power technology will automatically boost brightness by as much as 40% depending on the shooting condition so it remains visible in all lighting environments.
The G1 introduces a new Contrast AF (Auto Focus) function that is not only accurate and easy to use, but also very fast. Users can choose from a wide-range of AF modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking. In the 1-area AF mode, the AF frame size can be changed by simply turning a dial. The G1 also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera – no need to wait to press the shutter button halfway. This provides quicker focusing that can help capture the subject before the crucial moment passes.
Users familiar with point-and-shoot digital cameras, and new to the world of advanced interchangeable lens cameras, will benefit from Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) mode. When in iA mode, the G1 will detect the shooting condition and automatically adjust for the ultimate shooting results. Panasonic’s iA includes the following intuitive technologies.
• AF Tracking – Automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the need to hold the shutter halfway down.
• Intelligent Exposure – Helps prevents photos from being under- or over-exposed by analyzing the framed image and adjusting the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash.
• MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand movement from creating a blurry image.
• Intelligent ISO – Determines if the photo subject is moving and changes the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.
• Intelligent Scene Selector – Senses the ambient conditions and will automatically select the appropriate mode from Scenery, Portrait, Close-up, Night Portrait or Night Scenery.
• Face Detection – Detects faces in the frame (up to 15 faces), even if they are moving, and selects optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear. Also features Digital Red-Eye correction.The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1, a 12.1 Megapixel camera, also includes the following advanced features.
• Live MOS Sensor – Provides the best of both worlds with high image quality from a CCD sensor, and the lower-power consumption of a CMOS sensor. New technology makes it possible to read four channels of data simultaneously and deliver 60 frames-per-second full-time Live View images.
• Venus Engine HD – New imaging processor enhances noise reduction and provides independent gradation control for each of the R, G and B colors.
• Supersonic Wave Filter Dust Reduction System – Designed to prevent dust from adhering to the image sensor by vibrating 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles.
• My Color Mode – Users can freely adjust the color, brightness and saturation while composing shots, allowing for more expressive and creative shots.
• HDMI Output – With an optional HDMI cable, the G1 can connect to an HDMI-capable High Definition television, such as a Panasonic VIERA Plasma or LCD.
When connected to a VIERA, using VIERA Link capability, the TV’s remote control can direct the slideshow on the G1.
• My Menu – This new tab automatically stores the five most recently used menu selections for quick, convenient retrieval. The custom-setting can also be used to program a frequently-used function, which can be activated by pressing the down arrow on the cursor key. The color of the menu viewed on LCD can also be changed to three different colors: black, red, blue.Pricing for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 and its Micro Four Thirds accessories will be announced in early October.
* As of September 12, 2008.
**Compared to the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-L10.
*** Needs an adapter (available as an optional accessory) to use Four Thirds lenses. Lenses that are not compatible with the Contrast AF function can be used with manual focusing. There are also some limitations to other functions. For details, see the following customer support site: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/index.htmlLUMIX DMC-G1 Specifications
-K(Black), -A(Blue), -R(Red)TYPE Type Digital interchangeable lens system camera
Recording media SD memory card, SDHC memory card, Multimedia card
Image sensor size 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Mount Micro Four Thirds mountIMAGE SENSOR Type Live MOS Sensor
Total pixels 13.1 Megapixels
Camera effective pixels 12.1 Megapixels
Aspect ratio 4:3 (Horizontal : Vertical)
Color filter Primary color filter
Dust reduction system Supersonic wave filterRECORDING SYSTEM Recording file format JPEG(Design rule for Camera File System, based on Exif 2.21 standard), RAW, DPOF corresponding
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
File size 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 4000 x 3000 pixels, 2816 x 2112 pixels, 2048 x 1536 pixels
3:2 Aspect Ratio: 4000 x 2672 pixels, 2816 x 1880 pixels, 2048 x 1360 pixels
16:9 Aspect Ratio: 4000 x 2248 pixels, 2816 x 1584 pixels, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Image quality RAW, RAW+Fine, RAW+Standard, Fine, Standard
Color space sRGB, Adobe RGBVIEWFINDER Type Live View Finder (1,440,000 dots equivalent)
Field of view Approx. 100%
Magnification Approx. 1.4x / 0.7x (35mm film camera equivalent) with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1
Eye point Approx.17.5mm
Diopter adjustment -4.0 ~ +4.0 [m-1]AUTO FOCUS Type Contrast AF system
Focusing mode AFs/AFc/MF
AF mode Face detection / AF Tracking / 23-area-focusing / 1-area-focusing
AF detective range EV 0-18 (ISO100)
AF assist lamp YES
AF lock AF/AE LOCK button or Shutter button halfway pressed in AFs modeEXPOSURE CONTROL Light metering system 144-zone multi-pattern sensing system
Light metering mode Intelligent Multiple / Center Weighted / Spot
Metering range EV 0-18 (F2.0 lens, ISO 100)
Exposure mode Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual
ISO sensitivity Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / Intelligent ISO
Exposure compensation 1/3EV Step ±3EV
AE lock AF/AE LOCK button or Shutter button halfway pressed
AE bracket 3,5,7 frame, in 1/3 or 2/3 EV Step, ±2 EVWHITE BALANCE White balance Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / Flash / White Set 1,2 / Color temperature setting
White balance adjustment Blue/amber bias, Magenta/green bias
Color temperature setting 2500-10000K in 100K
White balance bracket 3 exposures in blue/amber axis or in magenta/green axisSHUTTER SYSTEM Type Focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed 1/4000 ~ 60 and Bulb (up to approx. 4minutes)
Self timer 2sec / 10sec / 10sec, 3 images
Remote control Remote control with bulb function by DMW-RSL1 (Optional)SCENE MODE Advanced SCN mode Portrait (Normal/Soft Skin/Outdoor/Indoor/Creative) / Scenery
(Normal/Nature/Architecture/Creative) / Sports (Normal/Outdoor/Indoor/Creative) /
Close-up (Flower/Food/Objects/Creative) / Night Portrait (Night Portrait/Night
Scenery/Illuminations/Creative)
SCN mode Sunset / Party / Baby 1,2 / PetBURST SHOOTING Burst speed 3 frames/sec (High speed) or 2 frames/sec (Low speed)
Number of recordable 7 pictures (when there are RAW file with the particular speed)
Unlimited consecutive shooting (when there are no RAW file)
(depending on memory card size, battery power, picture size, and compression)BUILT-IN-FLASH Type
TTL Built-in-Flash, GN11equivalent (ISO 100 ・m), Built-in Pop-up
Built-in flash Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction,
Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
X-Sync speed Less than 1/160 second
Flash output adjustment 1/3EV Step ±2EV
Flash synchronization 1st. Curtain Sync, 2nd Curtain Sync.
Hot shoe TTL Auto with FL360/FL500/FL220 (Optional)LCD MONITOR Type Low temperature Polycrystalline TFT LCD
Monitor size Free-angle 3.0inch / 3:2 Aspect / Wide viewing angle
Pixels 460K dots
Field of view Approx. 100%LIVE VIEW Digital zoom 2x, 4x
Extra optical zoom Max.2x
(Not effective with full pixel recording. Magnification ratio depends on the recording
pixels.)
Highlight Display
Guide Lines (3 patterns)Other functions
Real-time Histogram
Color Standard / Dynamic / Nature / Smooth / Nostalgic / Vibrant
Black and white Standard / Dynamic / SmoothFILM MODE
Others My Film1 / My Film2 / Multi FilmPLAYBACK Playback mode Single / 12, 30-thumbnail display, Calendar display,
Zoomed playback (16x max.), /image rotation (except for RAW)
Slide show (duration is adjustable, also manual controllable),
Playback of favorite pictures/ Resizing (selectable number of pixels)
Trimming / Protection / Aspect conversion / DPOF print settingPROTECTION / ERASE Protection Single / Multi or Cancel
Erase Single / Multi / All / Except FAVORITEDIRECT PRINT Print
PictBridge（Print size, Layout, Date setting is selectable ）INTERFACE Digital USB 2.0 High Speed
Digital video MiniHDMI TypeC (1.3b corresponding)
Analog video NTSC/PAL Composite (Switched by menu)
*Check the website of the Panasonic sales company in your country or region for
details on the products that are available in your market.
English,German,French,Italian,Spanish,Polish,Czech,Hungarian,Russian,
Chinese(Traditional),Chinese(Simplified),Dutch,Thai,Korean,
OSD LANGUAGE OSD language
Turkish,Portuguese,Arabic,Persian,Japanese,Finnish,Danish,SwedishPOWER Battery Li-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1250mAh) (Included)
Battery Charger/AC Adapter (Input: 110-240V AC) (Optional DC cable(DMW- DCC3) is required)
Battery life CIPA Standard : Approx. 330 images(LCD)
LVF : Approx. 350 images
with LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT Dimensions (W x H x D) 124 x 83.6 x 45.2mm
Weight
Approx. 385g（Body only）OPERATING CONDITIONS Operating temperature 0℃ to 40℃
Operating humidity
10% to 80％STANDARD ACCESSORIES Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO -viewer- 2.1 E
SILKYPIX® Developer Studio 3.0 SE
USB Driver
Standard accessories Battery Charger/AC Adapter, Battery Pack, Body Cap,
Video Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable, Shoulder Strap, CD-ROM*Shooting conditions: 23°C with 50% humidity; LCD on; using SD Memory Card; starting to shoot 30 seconds after turning on the power; shooting once every 30 seconds with the flash in full operation for every other shot; changing the zoom setting from telephoto to wide, or wide to telephoto, for each shot; and temporarily turning the power off after each 10 shots (long enough to lower the battery temperature).
The DMW-BLB13 comes with a function to check whether the battery and unit can be safely used together. •Batteries made by other companies which have been certified by Panasonic may be used with these units, but we offer no guarantee as to the quality, performance or safety of such batteries.
•Exercise care when purchasing batteries. Many fake or imitation batteries have been found among those sold at unusually low prices and those which customers cannot check for themselves before purchasing.
•Please confirm the latest information about batteries on the following website.
http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/cs/info/battery.html (This website is in English only.)*Some accessories are not available in some countries.
*The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is
prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.*Four Thirds, Micro Four Thirds are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation.
*All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.*This unit is compatible with both SD Memory cards and SDHC Memory cards. You can only use SDHC Memory cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory cards. (When using a SDHC Memory card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
PANASONIC INTRODUCES WORLD’S FIRST INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES FOR MICRO FOUR THIRDS SYSTEM DIGITAL CAMERAS
Two New Lenses Compatible with LUMIX G1, the World’s Smallest & Lightest Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera, Part of the Micro Four Thirds System
SECAUCUS, NJ (September 12, 2008) – Panasonic today announced the world’s first interchangeable lenses designed for the new Micro Four Thirds System. The LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S will be the standard kit lens with the LUMIX DMC-G1, the world’s first Micro Four Thirds System digital camera, which also debuted today. In addition, the LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S. telephoto lens, also designed for the Micro Four Thirds format, offers an enhanced zoom range for use with the DMC-G1 and other cameras based on the new standard.
Panasonic’s two new Micro Four Thirds System lenses produce professional-level images, typical of digital single-reflex lens (DSLR) cameras, while greatly reducing the size. For instance, the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S lens is nearly half the size and weight of traditional DSLR lenses with comparable focal lengths.* Both lenses feature Panasonic’s Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), which helps reduce blur caused by hand movement when snapping photos, and are compatible with Panasonic’s Contrast AF (Auto Focus) system found in the LUMIX DMC-G1. Contrast AF in the G1 allows the user to choose from a wide-range of AF modes, including: multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas; 1-area AF with a selectable focus area; Face Detection; and AF Tracking. The lenses also feature a durable metal mount and multi-coated lens to reduce ghosts and flares on images. In addition, seven aperture blades create a rounded shape that produces smoothness when shooting out-of-focus areas, helping to deliver top optical performance.
“The introduction of the Micro Four Thirds System is a huge advancement for digital photographers as the reduction in size and weight of these lenses will really change the market and make this format more approachable,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Average consumers interested in purchasing an advanced camera were previously deterred by the bulkiness and inconvenience of DSLRs, so these new lenses provide the same level of quality that consumers demand, but in a package much more suitable for active lifestyles.”
The LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. will be part of the kit with the LUMIX DMC-G1 body and will be available in mid-November. The LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S. will also be available in November. Pricing for the both lenses will be announced in early October.
*Compared to LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-50mm / F3.8-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. lens, available with the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-L10 kit.
LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. Specifications
Lens Construction 12 elements in 9 groups (1 Aspherical lens)
Mount Micro Four Thirds mount
Optical Image Stabilizer YES
Focal Length f=14mm to 45mm (35mm film camera equivalent 28mm to 90mm)
Aperture Type 7 diaphragm blades / Circular aperture diaphragm
Aperture F3.5(Wide) – F5.6(Tele)
Minimum Aperture F22
Closest Focusing Distance 0.30m at all focal lengths
Maximum Magnification Approx. 0.17x / 0.34x (35mm film camera equivalent)
Diagonal Angle of View
75°（Ｗ）～27°（Ｔ）
Filter Size φ
52mm / 2.05 in
Max. Diameter φ 60mm / 2.36 in
Overall Length Approx. 60mm / 2.36 in
Weight Approx. 195g / 6.88oz
Standard Accessories Lens Cap, Lens Hood, Lens Rear Cap, Lens Storage BagLUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S. Specifications
Lens Construction 16 elements in 13 groups
Mount Micro Four Thirds mount
Optical Image Stabilizer YES
Focal Length f=45mm to 200mm (35mm film camera equivalent 90mm to 400mm)
Aperture Type 7 diaphragm blades / Circular aperture diaphragm
Aperture F4.0(Wide) – F5.6(Tele)
Minimum Aperture F22
Closest Focusing Distance 1.0m at all focal lengths
Maximum magnification Apporox. 0.19x / 0.38x (35mm film camera equivalent)
Diagonal Angle of View
27°（Ｗ）～6.2°（Ｔ）
Filter Size φ
52mm / 2.05 in
Max. Diameter φ 70mm / 2.75 in
Overall Length Approx. 100mm / 3.93 in
Weight Approx. 380g / 13.4 oz
Standard Accessory Lens Cap, Lens Hood, Lens Rear Cap, Lens Storage Bag