Panasonic goes rangefinder with the Lumix DMC-GF1
By Nilay Patel 
posted Sep 2nd 2009 12:01AM
posted Sep 2nd 2009 12:01AM
Update: Well, what do you know? PhotographyBLOG has a nice gallery of sample shots up to give you a solid idea of what this bad boy's capable of.
PANASONIC INTRODUCES ITS LATEST LUMIX G SERIES DIGITAL CAMERA – THE LUMIX DMC-GF1
The LUMIX GF1, the world's smallest and lightest system digital camera with built-in flash*, packs powerful DSLR and HD video capabilities into a sleek and easy-to-use compact body
Secaucus, NJ (September 2, 2009) – Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-GF1, the latest addition to the award-winning LUMIX G Series, which debuts as the world's smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash*. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 distinguishes itself from previous models with its elegant, compact design reminiscent of classic film cameras, yet builds on Panasonic's success with the revolutionary LUMIX G Series of digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard.
With its compact size, user-friendly design and ability to record High Definition (HD) video and take professional-quality photos, the LUMIX GF1 continues to redefine digital photography standards. "Panasonic changed the digital camera industry with the world's first Micro Four Thirds digital camera, the LUMIX G1 – a compact "DSLR-like" digital camera that produces exceptional image quality. Then, as we continued to raise the innovation bar, Panasonic launched the LUMIX GH1, adding full High Definition 1080p video recording with continuous auto focus," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "The new LUMIX GF1 continues the evolution and is the perfect addition to our LUMIX G Series, as its sophisticated, small body makes it easier and more convenient to carry. The GF1 is ideal for point-and-shoot consumers looking to step-up to DSLR-quality or for current DSLR users who want greater convenience without compromising performance quality or creative flexibility."
With its lightweight body, the LUMIX GF1 provides experienced photographers with the ideal digital camera to carry with them at all times. Like its predecessors in the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 eliminates the pentaprism found in traditional interchangeable lens cameras. Thus, this mirror-free structure allows Panasonic to dramatically reduce both size and weight. Though small in size, the LUMIX GF1 does not compromise in advanced features.
The LUMIX GF1 thoroughly optimizes the advantages of a system camera to ensure high performance, whether capturing photos or HD video. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 can record 1280 x 720 High Definition video in AVCHD Lite, a format that enables longer recording times. With a dedicated video record button, capturing video is convenient and easy. The LUMIX GF1 can also record HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 and other video recording formats include: QVGA, VGA and WVGA. The LUMIX GF1 has a unique Movie Program Mode that allows consumers to adjust the depth-of-field while shooting in HD video, so background and foreground can be blurred to give creative effects – something typically only possible with expensive professional camcorders.
The LUMIX DMC-GF1 includes the new My Color mode, which includes seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette and Custom – all which let users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels. With the Live View function, users can see how these settings will effect the photo before they shoot, making it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired. For even more elaborate effects, users can choose from a total of nine Film modes, and set the contrast, sharpness and saturation levels for each. A custom function lets users store their favorite settings in memory. Furthermore, the exposure meter can be displayed in other shooting modes and the correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a color-coded warning that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range.
For those users not quite comfortable with extensive manual and creative controls, the LUMIX GF1 provides a user-friendly setting that can address a beginner's comfort level, while helping them evolve their photography skills. For instance, Panasonic's new Scene mode, Peripheral Defocus, lets users take a photo where the foreground is in focus and background is blurred – or vice versa. This popular effect can be intimidating for a beginner, but in the Peripheral Defocus mode, by simply selecting the objects to be blurred and focused using the camera's keypad, it is simple for photographers of any level.
Also, helping to make the LUMIX GF1 more approachable, Panasonic's popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, a system of technologies that engage automatically – no setting changes needed – allows for intuitive use when shooting still or video images. While shooting video, iA activates Panasonic's O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), which helps reduce video-blurring due to handshake. In addition, Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. For still photos, the iA system encompasses: Face Recognition (up to six faces can be registered); Auto Focus (AF) Tracking; Mega O.I.S.; Intelligent ISO; Intelligent Exposure; and Intelligent Scene Selector.
The LUMIX GF1 also comes fully-equipped with a built-in flash and a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and a 460,000-dot resolution. The Intelligent LCD offers automatic backlight control, which when combined with its high-resolution, helps improve visibility in all light environments – from sunny outdoors to low-light interior settings.
New for the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 is compatible with an optional Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1), which provides the full-time live view function boasting 100% field of view regardless of the attached lens. To further expand the LUMIX G Series system, Panasonic Micro Four Thirds digital cameras can be used with Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R lenses using Panasonic's DMW-MA2M DMW-MA3R. These adapters give the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.
The LUMIX GF1's sensor technology offers the best of both worlds - the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the low-power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Advanced technology makes it possible to read four channels of data simultaneously, helping the LUMIX GF1 deliver 60 frames-per-second full-time Live View images, while maintaining fine detail and rich gradation. The LUMIX GF1's Venus Engine HD records stunning high-resolution 12-megapixel images using its advanced Live MOS Sensor. This sophisticated LSI circuit separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, helping to capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO levels.
The contrast AF system adopted in the LUMIX GF1 is not only accurate, but also very quick – approximately 0.3 seconds with the LUMIX G H-FS014045 lens. 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. The LUMIX GF1 also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera - without pressing the shutter button halfway.
As with all Panasonic LUMIX G Series digital cameras, the LUMIX GF1 is equipped with a highly-effective Dust Reduction system. Thus, if dust gets inside the camera (when changing lenses), Panasonic's Dust Reduction system addresses this problem by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor which vertically vibrates around 50,000 times per second, thus repelling the dust.
The content captured on the LUMIX GF1 can easily be viewed on a Panasonic VIERA® HDTV by simply inserting the SD/SDCH Memory Card into the VIERA's SD/SDHC Memory Card slot or into a Panasonic DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player. Alternatively, an optional mini HDMI cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the LUMIX DMC-GF1 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link™ operation, with control of playback functions, such as slideshows, managed from the VIERA HDTV's remote control.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1 will be available in early October 2009 with the option of two kits – both with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95. One kit option includes the newly-announced LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight "pancake" lens, while the other kit features the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. The optional Live View Finder DMW-LVF1 has an SRP of $199.95; while the DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R both have an SRP of $249.95. All new accessories will also be available in early October. For more information about Panasonic and its LUMIX G System cameras and accessories, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
*As of September 2, 2009
•Panasonic in-house comparison. The speed may vary depending on the specifications of PC and the number of images stored in the PC and other condition.
•AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard. •Some video recording functions may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.
•When setting quality to HD, WVGA or VGA, Panasonic recommends using a high-speed card with "10MB/s" or greater displayed on the package.
•Continuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen. •AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
•Turn Face Recognition item ON and register the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance. Refer to back page for detail.
•Some functions in iA mode may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.
• Lenses that are not compatible with the contrast AF function can be used with manual focusing.
•There are some limitations to other functions depending on the lens to attach.
so where is, what happened to quicktime as a video format?
it was lame format and im sure as hell i wont miss it, avchd is way much better format, and its not hard to edit since it's 720p not 1080p
Hopefully in the special hell where rapists and murderers are.
yes. quicktime format is horrible. that program should be kicked everywhere.
"avchd is way much better format, and its not hard to edit since it's 720p not 1080p"
OK, where do we begin with everything that's wrong here?
First of all, AVCHD is a codec, not a file format. QuickTime is just a file structure; you could put AVCHD video in a QuickTime file.
Second, 720p is no "easier to edit" than 1080p. Moreover, you can have 720p, 1080p, and even (sadly) 1080i AVCHD material. From Wikipedia: "Most AVCHD camcorders released to date record 1080i interlaced video."
You're probably thinking of interframe-compressed codecs (like AVCHD, H.264, and MPEG-2) and intraframe-compressed codecs (like the DV family) in terms of editing. Intraframe codecs are much easier to edit because each frame stands alone; interframe-compressed material creates groups of pictures (GOPs) in which frames depend on each other for decoding. So your statement is again incorrect, since AVCHD is made up of groups of frames depend on each other. To make a cut in the middle of a GOP, the surrounding frames must be recompressed and two oddly sized GOPs must be created.
The moral is, don't spread misinformation. It's not hard to look this stuff up and get it right.
The GF1 reads at 30fps, but produces 60fps AVCHD files. Also, its maximum AVCHD bitrate is only 17Mbps, whereas recent dedicated camcorders now produce 24Mbps AVCHD. Its 30fps 720p MJPEG alternative may be better for video editing.
The dpreview review has 3 sample QuickTime videos (MJPEG, .MOV, 720p) recorded on the GF1 with 14-45mm lens:
http://movies.dpreview.com.s3.amazonaws.com/panasonicgf1/P1010666.MOV
http://movies.dpreview.com.s3.amazonaws.com/panasonicgf1/P1010237.MOV
http://movies.dpreview.com.s3.amazonaws.com/panasonicgf1/P1010725.MOV
Informational center
"The moral is, don't spread misinformation. It's not hard to look this stuff up and get it right."
I hope that you give this advise to yourself?
I have HD PVR which capture videos on 720p,ZS3 which capture videos at 720p too and i have HF100 which capture videos at 1080p both use AVCHD
NOT ONLY 720p is easier to edit but it take MUCH less time to render the video compared to the 1080p and if anyone have tried it they can easily tell, hell my laptop (dual core 2 duo 2.500) even struggle to preview the 1080p content with 80%-90% of the both cpu used while i barely use 40-50% to preview the 720p content while editing.
so stop spreading BS? i have no idea why people even rated you up when your information was totally wrong
Thats like saying counter strike source is easier to play than crysis, its not. You just need a better computer to achieve the same performance on on the latter. (the same statement is true for 720p vs 1080p video editing)
One isn't easier to edit, you just don't have a computer powerful enough to edit 1080p well.
Id like to see how much better this is than the likes of the TZ7, or ZS3 as you yanks like to call it. Its about twice the price!
Actually you can find the zs3 now for around 300$~ that's 1/3 the price of the new GF1
ZS3 still got a much better zoom (which helps with video too) and it's smaller even if you use the pancake lens with the GF1 (which give you pretty much no zoom at all)
GF1 got better pictures quality though.
Funny, just bought a ZS3, and I absolutely love it! Well worth the $400 I spent.
This new $900 panny seems a bit overpriced, until you consider the DSLR in a prortable package design. Well, even then it sounds kinda overpriced.
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/
In short, two words separate this unit from the Panasonic you mentioned:
Manual Control
That and probably vastly better low-light pics with the larger sensor. I don't see models like this competing with compacts so much as they are competing with traditionally more bulky DSLRs.
There really is no comparison between the Panasonic T27 and this new GF-1.
The T27 is a 1/2.33" sensor, which has surface area of a mere 30 mm2, the GF1 has a 4/3" sensor size has an area of 225 mm2. We are talking about over 7 times advantage that the GF1 has over the T27 in terms of the light-sensitive area to capture the image.
Twice or thrice the price over a point-and-shoot is well justified. Don't think because the size of this camera is around the same as a point-and-shoot somehow this is comparable. Bigger isn't always better. The main goal of this camera is for the user to get dSLR quality in a compact shape, and have the freedom of interchangeable lenses.
Keep in mind, that the micro-4/3rds system can use Nikon F-mount, Canon EF, FD, Minolta, Oly OM, 4/3rds, Leica M, M42 lenses. The short focal-flange distance means that almost all lenses are compatible with this camera.
As far as the price, the LX3 and the Leica branded D-lux are similar, but not price-wise. Yet, the lx3 was well received.
I bet money the Leica based lens will rock socks off. I'm really curious about the high iso performance though. People seem to focus on untested/unreleased cameras' resolution, but the technology (for all sensor sizes) has leapt in many ways over the last few years.
If this has still picture quality as good as the GH1 it could be a real winner, even at that price. It will give any APSC DSLR a run for its money all while being a fraction of the size.
How is this a rangefinder.... without a rangefinder?
Exactly. How did Engadget figure this is a Rangefinder. Heck, IF this was a rangefinder, at $800 or $900 I'd be the bargain of the year. I'd get one immediately.
Can't expect too much, especially in terms of accuracy, from blogs.
You can likely add a clip-on rangefinder like the EP-1, and an EVF option via hotshoe is also confirmed.
The bigger issue at hand is what to call this. You really can't call this a dSLR, being that it doesn't have a mirror-box to justify the "SLR" in "dSLR". Its not a point-and-shoot being that it has interchangeable lenses and a sensor that's found in dSLRs. The body-style is a rangefinder akin to old Leica M's.
I've heard the term "EVIL" used, "Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lenses", RED calls their mirrorbox-less "dSLR" a "DSMC. Semantics aside, "digital rangefinder" may be most descriptive of these new class of cameras. The optical element has been replaced with an LCD or EVF, but aesthetically and functionally its a rangefinder. It can be pocketed and take high quality photos like the old Leica Ms.
@Temple. For someone so eloquent, it's a shame you're clueless! Suggest you check out the definition of rangefinder camera. This is absolutely in no way a rangefinder camera.
@murray
I know what a rangefinder is, my point is that all these definitions established over 80 years ago are today unrepresentative to the technology placed in modern cameras. Which is why I've put 'digital rangefinder' in quotes. We define, rangefinder merely by that antiquated optical-range-finding mechanism that in the modern context is obsolete next to modern EVF and LCDs that can more accurately establish focus. If we want to distill this argument down to pure literal terms, this camera does still 'find' 'range', but through modern liveview technology rather then an external optical element.
Like I've said, we can call this a "DMSC" or "EVIL" camera, however in spirit its as close to a 'digital rangefinder' as an Epson RD1 or M8 sans an superannuated optical component (and can even use Leica rangefinder lenses).
There is no electronic rangefinder in a camera of this price that is going to be even remotely as accurate as a good optical rangefinder such as that found on the Leica M8. None. Nowhere.
Aside from the Leica and the Epson R-D1, which is no longer in production, no one makes a digital camera that has an optical rangefinder on it. If anyone did, it would fly off of the shelves.
There are many of us for whom the optical rangefinder is how we see the world and how we prefer to interact with a camera.
I don't mind "electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens". After all, cameras without coupled focusing were called "viewfinder" cameras for ages.
@Temple
It does not "still 'find' 'range', but through modern liveview technology rather then an external optical element". It finds range with autofocus electronics. Okay, so you know what a rangefinder is, but what you're still doing is confusing viewfinders and focusing mechanisms. Stop that. EVFs and LCDs are HORRIBLE for finding focus. Without an optical aid to focusing such as a rangefinder or a focusing screen (split prism, etc), you would be screwed trying to focus pretty much any camera without its autofocus system.
In other words, applying the term "digital rangefinder" to this or any other non-rangefinder camera is just as stupid as applying the same term to an old analogue SLR with autofocus. They both use electronics to find range.
Please understand the difference between a viewfinder (LCD, EVF), a rangefinder, and an autofocus system.
Until these guys drop in price I can't afford to buy one, even if it is 10x smaller than a DSLR.
Contrast Detect AF ≠ Rangefinder.
me like
but where is the Leica Lens?
The Pan-Leica 45mm F2.8 Macro was also officially announced.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0909/09090202panasonic45mmmacro.asp
@Kevin
...also, that golden logo in the lower right is Leica's, right?
@badison
No, Panasonic puts that on all their cameras regardless of Leica's involvement. Presumably the L stands for Lumix.
Leica has their red dot logo.
@Plot hole
Ohhhh, got it!
But.... I just assumed that since " Many Lumix models are fitted with Leica lenses that have been designed by Leica's German optical engineers and are assembled in Japan, some are rebadged as Leica cameras with different cosmetic styling. Leica had a similar relationship with Minolta in the past, where late model Leica SLRs (and some 35mm point and shoot models) were strongly based on Minolta bodies."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumix
;)
@ Plot hole (again)
Along with link above, who else worked with Panasonic to make Lenses for Lumix branded devices?
I didn't look much, but I only found leica
I prefer my E-P1, but I really want that lens. I wonder how much it is. An f/1.7 would be sweet!
KINGDADDY likes.
And now the villagers can go about their day.
While megapixel count is slightly lower (irrelevant?) than Olympus E-P1 the LCD resolution (one of the main knocks against E-P1) is double: 460k pixels vs 230k pixels which is a pretty big deal from a usability point of view.
Also, with the optional "live-view" viewfinder attachment I think this one is the clear leader in the micro four-thirds arena.
Err...the E-P1 doesn't have an in-built flash, and you still think it has better specs? Lol.
Furthermore, the E-P1 screen is garbage compared to this one - the Panny has almost double the pixel density
Panasonic can put in a flash in the GF1 because unlike the E-P1 there is no IBIS. Even still at a mere GN6 (ISO100) this flash is utterly pathetic.
In body IS is an over rated feature. Lenses that need it will have it built in.
What isn't an over rated feature is the fact that Panasonic's Autofocus IS ACTUALLY USEABLE.
This posting from Engadget is especially annoying. In every way the GF-1 is superior to the E-P1 except looks (that's pure opinion). When it comes to actually taking pictures the GF-1 is simply going to be a much better camera to use. People wouldn't believe it according to Nilay's writing, but then again Nilay (and it seems all of the Engadget staff) doesn't have a clue about cameras.
@Skrying
Not when those lenses were built before IS ever even existed. Or are too small to possibly fit such a mechanism. The latter should perhaps be emphasized, given how smaller lenses best compliment bodies like the E-P1 and GF1.
@ Plothole
Flash is better than no flash.
Fine. But just don't expect this flash to even match up to the crummy ones they build into dSLRs (those are usually around GN12 to GN18).
Now this is an interesting turn..
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/DMCGF1/ZOLYACCESSORIES-S.JPG
I've used the GH1 extensively, and if the autofocus here is the same it's still going to be slow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcywxa5jl0Q
We'll see when we get one, I suppose.
If I read that press release right, there's an optional electronic viewfinder that fits in the hot shoe. That'll beat using the screen any day.
mmm mmm mmm mmmm mmm
scoooooore
Getting closer. I like the built-in flash. Design looks great, although EP-1 is even nicer in that area. The improved rear screen compared to EP-1 is a step in the right direction. Now, what about that poor and slow autofocus?
What's poor and slow about the autofocus. I have a GH1 and the autofocus is easily comparable to my Canon 30D. This camera has the same Contrast Detection autofocus system.