eK-gadgets info

Panasonic today introduced the new Lumix DMC-GF1 interchangeable lens camera — their third to use the Micro Four Thirds standard. Like the Olympus E-P1, the DMC-GF1 really fulfills the promise of the MFT format. You get all the benefits of having a digital SLR, with a lot less bulk. And did I mention the super-fast autofocus and 720p movie mode? Even this jaded reviewer is licking his chops over this one.Lumix DMC-GF1 

• 12.1 effective Megapixel Live MOS sensor (same as the DMC-G1)
• Supports all Micro Four Thirds lenses with a 2X focal length conversion ratio
  • Also supports legacy Four Thirds and Leica R- and M-mount lenses with optional adapters
• Compact body (for a camera with interchangeable lenses), roughly the size of the E-P1
• 3-inch LCD display with 460,000 pixels and live view
  • Live view features super-fast 23-point AF, face detection, custom guidelines, a live histogram, and more
• Optional electronic viewfinder ($200) attaches to hot shoe and provides the same benefits as the main LCD; screen has 202,000 pixels and a 1.04X magnification; it can also tilt upward 90 degrees
• Built-in pop-up flash (yay) has a GN of 6 meters at ISO 100
• Full manual controls
  • ISO range of 100 – 3200
  • Shutter speed range of 60 – 1/4000 sec, plus a bulb mode
  • RAW, RAW+JPEG support
• Continuous shooting as fast as 3 frames/second (7 RAW, unlimited JPEGs)
• Intelligent Auto mode selects a scene mode, detects faces, brightens shadows, and more
• My Color mode similar to Olympus’ art filters; a new peripheral defocus mode makes it easy to have a sharp subject and blurry background
• Dust reduction system
• Capable of recording movies at 1280 x 720 using AVCHD Lite or Motion JPEG
  • Unlimited recording time with AVCHD Lite, unless you’re in Europe
  • Frame rate is 60 fps (sensor output of 30 fps) when using AVCHD Lite
  • Aperture and exposure compensation can be adjusted
  • Camera can focus continuously while recording, though you’ll want to use the 14-140 lens for the most camcorder-like experience
  • Wind-cut feature for recording video outdoors
• HDMI port
• SD/SDHC card slot
• Uses DMW-BLB13 lithium-ion battery; battery life ranges from 350 – 380 shots depending on which lens you’re using
• Ships in October with your choice of the 20 mm pancake lens (described below) or the 14 – 45 mm lens from the DMC-G1; price is $899 for both
  

There are two new Micro Four Thirds lenses to mention, as well. The first is the 20 mm pancake lens that you see in the photo of the GF1. This F1.7 lens is compact, light, and equivalent to 40 mm on a MFT camera. It will be available in about a month for $399.

The next lens isn’t just the first macro Micro Four Thirds model — it’s also the first lens to carry the Leica name. The F2.8, 45 mm Leica DG Macro-Elmarit lens has image stabilization, a minimum focus distance of 15 cm, and it’s set to ship in early October for $899.