dmc-gh1
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Panasonic's autofocus fixin' DMC-GF1 / GH1 / G1 firmware updates now live
Aunt Fran out of focus? Bay Bridge a little blurry? Statue of Liberty a bit soft? If you're having these issues with images captured through your Panasonic DMC-GF1, GH1, or G1, your fix is ready. We're not seeing any surprises compared to what was previously said to be included, but no surprises is usually a good thing when it comes to firmware updates. Each is a little over 2MB in size, and you can get your downloads rolling at the source links below.
Panasonic's DMC-GF1 / GH1 / G1 firmware updates improve autofocus performance
Curious timing, no? Nary a fortnight after Olympus announced an autofocus-related firmware update for its line of Micro Four Thirds cameras (the PEN E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1), along comes Panasonic with an all-too-similar round of firmware fixes for their own MFT range. Slated to hit the interwebs on May 10th, a trio of new updates will purportedly bring improved autofocus performance with third-party lenses as well as recognition of the new 14-42mm kit zoom to the DMC-GF1, DMC-GH1 and DMC-G1. We're also told that there will be improved flash performance for the latter two, and if you just so happen to be the proud owner of one of these, you can head on past the break for the full changelog.
How would you change Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1?
Olympus' E-P1 may be cuter, but it was Panny's own Lumix DMC-GH1 carrying the Micro Four Thirds banner for quite some time. After an excruciatingly painful wait for it to slide from concept to production, it was largely met with praise from the industry. Of course, smaller rivals have since emerged, leaving early adopters with an expensive piece of larger-than-necessary kit. Still, we're anxious to hear if you MFT believers that jumped at the chance to own a GH1 are still satisfied with your decision. Is the image quality where it should be? Are the controls implemented well? Do you have to keep stealing it back from your lady friend? Rip it or praise it, but whatever you do, do it in comments below.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 gets reviewed, recommended
If all those recently unveiled sample shots from Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1 have left you wanting more, you're in luck. The kids at Digital Photography Review have got their hands on the thing and have been kind enough to give us an extensive review. Rocking a Four Thirds imaging sensor, HD-video mode (with stereo sound recording), a multi-aspect sensor, and a video-optimized lens, the camera is essentially the G1 with HD-video, according to the review. Not that that's a bad thing, especially when noting that it has "the best implementation of video on a 'non-compact camera' that we've seen so far." Among the camera's strong points are its resolution, size and weight, build quality, image stabilization, and shutter-speed simulation. Still the reviewer didn't look kindly upon the camera's relatively small amount of RAW headroom, fairly low powered flash, poor battery life, and a loud shutter sound for a non-SLR camera. But overall? If you need a camera that performs admirably with video, and are willing to pay the $1500 premium, the GH1 comes highly recommended.
Engadget Podcast 153 - 07.03.2009: Independence Day edition
It's your holiday weekend America -- how are you going to spend it? We'll tell you how: by listening to Engadget Podcast 153 over, and over, and over. What better way to utilize your extra day off and barbecue-packed good times than by putting Josh, Paul, and Nilay on repeat for you (and your friends') enjoyment? Check out the 'cast this week as the boys explore the ups and downs of the Olympus E-P1, Dell's MID plans, and field a handful of questions from our handsome, intelligent, and just basically awesome listeners. You won't be disappointed. Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller Producer: Trent Wolbe Song: Virt - Katamari on the Rock Hear the podcast 00:02:10 - Olympus E-P1 hands-on, test shots, and mini-review 00:10:26 - Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 gets officially detailed, priced for US market 00:14:22 - Wii MotionPlus impressions: it works, but so far the games aren't worth the fuss 00:24:45 - Dell working on iPod touch-esque Android MID, says WSJ 00:32:08 - Android 1.5 gets official SDK for native development 00:38:10 - Video: Mobinnova élan sporting a custom Tegra UI 00:47:30 - Video: NVIDIA Tegra's GPU gets busy with HD video and full-screen Flash -- Intel 945GSE shrugs, kicks dirt 00:47:30 - Verizon BlackBerry Tour unboxing 00:50:17 - BlackBerry Tour hands-on, wild sibling confrontation with Curve and Bold 00:53:00 - RIM CEO: "SurePress is here to stay" 00:57:00 - 13-year-old trades iPod for Walkman, reports on mysterious ancient artifact 01:04:55 - iPhone 3GS review 01:07:15 - Palm Pre review Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast 1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com. Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1 produces sample shots and videos galore
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1 has already shown off its visual prowess a time or two before, but the eagle-eyed photogs over at DPReview have finally hosted up a cornucopia of sample shots and videos for those still unsure if a Micro Four Thirds camera is right for them. And hey, even those cats obviously understand a little tongue-in-cheek humor, wouldn't you say? Tap the read link for the full array of goods.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 gets officially detailed, priced for US market
It's been a long, winding road to get to this point, but we've finally got Panasonic coming clean and telling us a little of what we already knew and lots of stuff we didn't regarding its Lumix DMC-GH1. The hotly anticipated Micro Four Thirds shooter is indeed getting priced at $1,499.95 when it lands in the US in "early June," and that MSRP will include the LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens. Speaking of the lens, it'll boast a silent motor and continuous auto focusing (AF) capability for HD video, a feature that's sorely (sorely!) lacking from video-capable DSLRs. The cam will ship only in black and will capture video in AVCHD 1080p/24p (or 720p/60p) form, and Panny also tells us that users can adjust shutter speed and control aperture during motion recording. Can you say: "want?"
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 goes up for pre-order, for $1,499
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1 certainly has a lot going for it. It's smaller than a DSLR, boasts some interchangeable lenses, and it's apparently more than up to the task when it comes to shooting video. Unfortunately, all of that doesn't come cheap, with the camera now up for pre-order from J&R for the not so low price of $1,499.99, which puts it well above a number of more-than-capable DSLRs. Of course, that price does include a 14-140mm lens, and it could come down slightly once some other retailers get in on the discounting action, but it's pretty clear that anyone simply looking for a low-cost alternative to a DSLR (or a low-cost DSLR, for that matter) will want to look elsewhere.[Via Crave]
Panasonic DMC-GH1 handled on video, coming to North America in May
Panasonic's HD Micro Four Thirds shooter honestly can't arrive soon enough, with its continual autofocus while shooting, on-the-fly aperture switching and all around loveliness. Thus, it's with a heavy heart that we present to you the following tidbit: according to Doug Borbath, a senior project manager at Panasonic Canada, the DMC-GH1 won't ship to North America until "late May," though the pricing remains pretty much in line with what we've been hearing. It'll sticker at $1,899CDN, which equates to just over $1,500 here in the United States. That price does include the pretty astounding 14-140mm (28-280mm in Four Thirds terminology) stock lens, though it doesn't include the optional external microphone ($200; available "around the same time") nor the super wide angle Lumix G Vario 7-14mm/f4.0 ASPH (price unknown; available at GH1 launch). Check the read link for some seriously enviable footage.[Thanks, Jive]
Panasonic DMC-GH1 Micro Four Thirds shooter with 1080p video landing April 24th
While we patiently wait for the Micro Four Thirds format DMC-GH1 with 1080p video to pop for purchase, we have to feed on whatever retail crumbs we can grub off Panasonic. As usual, our Japanese camera overlords will have first dibs on this ¥150,000 (less than $1,500 when it arrives Stateside) bundle that includes a 14-140mm lens starting April 24th. Think about it; we've gone from zero to four HD-capable video DSLRs in six months. Ok, ok, three-plus actually, since Micro Four Thirds cams are technically not DSLRs due to the lack of an internal mirror and prism -- just humor us with GH1's interchangeable lens mount, DSLR-sized sensor, and bevy of manual controls ok? Geesh.[Via PC World],
Panasonic's HD wonder Lumix DMC-GH1 gets previewed
We're still picking up our jaws (and eyeballs) off the floor at Panasonic's announcement of the many wonders the new Lumix DMC-GH1 has in store for us, but some lucky folks out there on the internet have actually handled the new camera and have a few impressions up for us poor GH1-less souls. The camera has an easy-access video button, to let people record right away without the voodoo associated with recording like on the D90. Panasonic samples the stereo mic at 46Khz for audio recording and along with the Wind Cut function the GH1 gathers what Lets Go Digital calls "impressive" results. Panasonic's iA functionality for automatic scene detection and face recognition is much improved in this camera, and the new VENUS Engine HD processor (one of two processors in the camera) apparently improves noise on ISO 1600 shots. The camera also has a new sensor which allows it to shoot in multiple aspect ratios, with a total of 14 megapixels to play with, though the camera is still rated at 12.1 megapixels. We're looking forward to a review, but things already sound very promising! Read - DMC-GH1 at Lets Go Digital Read - DMC-GH1 at Digital Photography Review
Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-GH1 does 1080p video in a Micro Four Thirds form factor
Not even a year after its Lumix DMC-G1 got all the glory as the first Micro Four Thirds camera on the market, Panasonic is back with a slightly tweaked version in the DMC-GH1. We say slightly tweaked since the exterior is more or less the same, but under the hood the camera has 1080p recording at 24 frames per second, or 720p recording at 60 fps, which the camera stores to AVCHD format. Panasonic has also included continuos auto focus, something lacking from most DSLRs with video capability. Users can set the shutter speed and aperture manually, and record stereo audio -- with an optional external mic if they so choose. The camera shoots 12.1 megapixel stills just like the G1, and now offers iPhoto-style Face Recognition in addition to Face Detection to make sure particular people are well exposed and in focus. No word yet on price or availability.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]%Gallery-46482%
