PANASONIC CONTINUES ITS DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY REVOLUTION WITH
THE ADDITION OF THE LUMIX GH1 – ITS NEW MICRO FOUR THIRDS DIGITAL CAMERA
WITH HD RECORDING CAPABILITY
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1, a Creative HD Hybrid, Offers
Professional-Level Still Photos and HD Video Performance Yet is Easy Enough
for Entry-Level DSLR Consumers
Las Vegas, NV (March 3, 2009) – Panasonic today introduced the
DMC-GH1, the newest member of the company’s revolutionary LUMIX G Micro
System – a new digital interchangeable lens camera system that delivers
professional-level features and performance in a compact and easy-to-use camera
body.
Compatible with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX GH1 features
advanced video photography functions, such as the ability to record High Definition
(HD) AVCHD 1080p/24p video.* In addition, the new LUMIX GH1 comes with
a newly developed long-zoom interchangeable lens – the LUMIX G VARIO
HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. This lens was specifically designed
to support HD movie recording and features a silent motor and continuous auto
focusing (AF) capability; two features which distinguish the LUMIX GH1 from
DSLRs that offer HD video recording capabilities.
“Photographers of all levels – professionals, amateurs and beginners – will
be stunned by the range of creative possibilities that the LUMIX GH1 creates
in the world of high-quality photography and HD video. Users will be
equally amazed by the camera’s easy-to-use design and small size,” said
David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics
Company. “Beyond its creative potential, the LUMIX GH1, a sister
product to the award-winning LUMIX G1, is also innovative and differentiates
itself from the pack by recording High Definition video with continuous AF,
an indispensable feature for practical video recording.”
In late 2008, Panasonic redefined the traditional DSLR category with its launch
of the Panasonic LUMIX G1 – a digital, interchangeable lens camera system
that takes the radical step of eliminating the large, internal mirror structure
that is currently contained in all traditional DSLR cameras. This innovation
allows for dramatically smaller camera body and lens sizes and permits many
new, advanced consumer features such as LUMIX G1 “Live View Finder”. With
its 2008 launch, the LUMIX G1 achieved several honors, including:
- World’s first entry into the Micro Four Thirds Standard system camera
segment
- World’s first interchangeable lens camera to offer colored body options
to consumers
- Winner, 2008 Camera of the Year (Popular Photography & Imaging magazine)
The new LUMIX GH1 provides cutting-edge video recording features, including
the ability to record high-resolution full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 24 fps
or smooth HD video (1280 x 720) movie at 60 fps using an AVCHD format (MPEG-4/H.264).
The AVCHD format provides the important benefit of doubling the HD quality
recording time compared with Motion JPEG. The LUMIX GH1 hosts a dedicated video
record button on the back of the camera which lets users instantly start recording
videos, even while shooting still photos – removing the fear of potentially
missing a must-see video moment. The LUMIX GH1 also records video
in high-quality stereo sound via Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, the global standard
of audio recording. An optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) is also available
to achieve a more intensive sound recording experience. Finally, a convenient
Wind Cut function is provided to help to block out distracting video background
noise.
Like the LUMIX G1, the LUMIX GH1 features the Live View Finder system which
enables something that simply is not possible with conventional DSLR cameras – the
ability to preview the effects of camera settings (e.g., exposure, aperture,
shutter speed) before taking the photo. This helps take the guesswork
out of the camera setting process and helps users ensure that every photo they
capture comes out exactly as they envisioned.
The brilliant 1,440,000-dot equivalent Live View Finder system can also display
information settings that a user can see without removing their eyes from the
subject. Furthermore, a built-in eye sensor automatically switches on
the viewfinder when the user looks into it, then switches it off and turns
on the swivel 3.0-inch large 460,000-dot high-resolution LCD when the user
looks away from the viewfinder. The 60-frames-per-second Live View is made
possible by the Live MOS sensor, which takes real-time signals directly from
the image sensor and sends them continuously to the LCD. Both the Live
View Finder and LCD provide a 100% field of view – allowing
the user to accurately frame and compose a shot from most any position.
The LUMIX GH1 kit lens – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA
O.I.S. –provides a broad focal length range of 28-280mm (35mm camera
equivalent) and supports continuous AF using the contrast AF system for both
photo and movie capture. The low-noise lens design also seamlessly supports
video recording by minimizing the mechanical sound generated by AF/AE actions.
At the core of the LUMIX GH1 lies a newly developed 12.1-megapixel high speed
Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine HD, which features twin CPUs for outstanding
processing capabilities. The Live MOS sensor is capable of high-speed
readout over four channels to be compatible with full-HD movie recording. This
sensor is also advantageous for photo recording with a high signal-to-noise
ratio thanks to the new circuit structure that is unaffected by the noise generated
in each of the circuits. This results in crisp photos – even those taken
at high ISO levels. The multi-aspect type sensor allows users to take photos
in 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratios with the same angle of view. The Venus
Engine HD is also energy efficient, supporting long periods of AVCHD video
recording on a single battery charge.
In addition to the digital camera’s HD video recording capability, the
DMC-GH1 features the LUMIX Creative Movie mode which lets the user manually
set the shutter speed and aperture, making their videos more creative and representative
of their own personal video style preference. Changing the shutter speed
gives the videos a special look, particularly suitable for shooting fast-moving
subjects. Controlling the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects
at varying distances, so the user can focus on the foreground and blur the
background – or vice versa.
While the LUMIX DMC-GH1 has cutting-edge still image and video capture features,
the LUMIX GH1 is also incredibly easy-to-use, thanks to Panasonic’s iA
(Intelligent Auto) mode** – a user-friendly setting made popular in the
LUMIX line of digital point-and-shoot camera products. Panasonic’s
iA mode is a suite of technologies which engage automatically (no settings
needed). The latest addition to the iA suite of features is Face Recognition,
a feature that directs the camera to prioritize focus and exposure on a specific
face that that the user had previously registered in the camera.*** This
invaluable function makes it especially easy to take sharp and beautifully
exposed images of things the user values most in their photos – the user’s
friends and family.
Panasonic’s iA mode offers other innovative features which help deliver
consistently outstanding photos: O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization)
to help reduce blurring from hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control to help limit
motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot
is taken; AF Tracking that lets the camera lock onto any subject and keep it
in focus even if it moves; Intelligent Exposure which optimizes the exposure
for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights,
and helps ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully; and
Intelligent Scene Selector which automatically detects the five most common
shooting situations - Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery and
Close-up - and switches to the appropriate Scene mode.
Best of all, the benefits of Panasonic’s iA mode extend to motion image
recording on the DMC-GH1. For example, the LUMIX GH1 motion iA includes O.I.S.
and Face Detection, which automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts
focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion. Intelligent Exposure continually
checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions
change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. Intelligent Scene
Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Close-up, Scenery,
and Low Light modes according to the environment.
The Contrast AF system adopted by the LUMIX GH1 is accurate, easy-to-use and
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. To help keep the images free of spots
from dust and particles, the Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system helps
prevent foreign contaminants from adhering to the image sensor.
After users capture their images using the LUMIX GH1, it’s easy for
them to enjoy their photos or HD videos immediately on a large-screen Panasonic
VIERA® high-definition television. All that is required is to remove
the SD Memory Card from the LUMIX GH1 and insert it into the VIERA Image Viewer
(SDHC/SD Memory Card slot) located in the VIERA HDTV or in the Panasonic Blu-ray
disc player. Alternatively, an optional mini HDMI™ cable is available
to output the images from the LUMIX GH1 directly to the Panasonic HDTV via
VIERA Link™. Then, using the VIERA HDTV’s remote control,
users can take advantage of the LUMIX GH1’s advanced playback and slideshow
features.
In addition to the new LUMIX G lenses, the DMC-GH1 and LUMIX G Micro System
is compatible with any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds
standard.**** This gives users access to the entire range of Four Thirds lenses.
Additional Micro Four Thirds lenses will be announced in the future, giving
users a large, diverse line of high-performance lenses to add to their photographic
toolboxes. With the LUMIX G Micro System and the growing assortment of lenses
becoming available, the creative possibilities are endless.
The LUMIX DMC-GH1 is a system camera with a wide variety of options to choose
from to match a wide range of shooting situations and styles. Accessories compatible
with the LUMIX G Micro System include: External Flash: DMW-FL220(GN22) / DMW-FL360(GN36)
/ DMW-FL500(GN50); PL Filter: DMW-LPL62; ND Filter: DMW-LND62 (New); MC Protector:
DMW-LMCH62; Mount Adapter: DMW-MA1; Stereo Microphone: DMW-MS1 (New); Battery
Pack: DMW-BLB13; DC Cable: DMW-DCC3; Soft Cases: DMW-CG1, DMW-CG2 (New); Soft
Bag: DMW-BAG1; Shoulder Strap (Stylish) DMW-SSTG1-A/C/R/K(New); Shoulder Strap
(Woven) DMW-SSTG2-W; Shoulder Strap (Leather) DMW-SSTG3-T; Remote Shutter:
DMW-RSL1.
For more information about the DMC-GH1 and all of Panasonic’s LUMIX
G Micro System accessories, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
*Full-HD (1920 × 1080) movies are output by the image sensor at 24p
(NTSC)/25p (PAL), and recorded at 60i (NTSC)/50i (PAL). HD (1280 × 720)
video is output and recorded by the image sensor at 60p (NTSC)/50p (PAL).
** Some functions in iA mode will not be available depending on the lens to
attach.
***Turn Face Recognition item ON and register the person with full-face portrait
on the shooting menu in advance. Recognition performance varies greatly
depending on shooting conditions, i.e., according to factors such as angles,
facial expression and lighting, so operation under all conditions cannot be
guaranteed. Because the camera searches for faces that are similar to registered
faces, there are cases where the faces are not correctly recognized when the
registered image and the shooting image varies greatly. When facial characteristics
are similar, particularly between parents and their children or brothers and
sisters, the camera may not distinguish the faces.
****Some functions on DMC-GH1 are not available depending on the lens that
is attached
PANASONIC EXPANDS ITS LUMIX MICRO G SYSTEM WITH TWO LENSES
COMPATIBLE WITH THE NEW DMC-GH1 DIGITAL CAMERA
New Micro Four Thirds Lenses Offer Increased Range and
Flexibility for Taking Professional-Quality Photos and High Definition
Video
Las Vegas, NV (March 3, 2009) – Panasonic today introduced two
new lenses for its LUMIX G Micro System – the innovative digital interchangeable
lens camera system – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA
O.I.S. and the LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. Both lenses are compatible with
the newly announced LUMIX DMC-GH1 digital camera, which can record High Definition
(HD) AVCHD 1080/24p video, and its award-winning sister camera, the LUMIX DMC-G1
digital camera.
“Panasonic is excited and proud to expand our LUMIX G Micro System – with
the addition of these two new Micro Four Thirds lenses, as well as the LUMIX
DMC-GH1, which can record superb High Definition video, “said David Briganti,
National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “We
firmly believe that consumers of all skill levels can benefit from the advanced
features we are able to pack into these new compact lenses and camera bodies.”
The new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S., available as
part of the kit with the DMC-GH1, or separately, incorporates an inner focus
direct-drive linear motor for focusing. This allows fast and accurate
contrast auto focus (AF) to operate smoothly and silently – a necessity
for video recording. Adopting the Micro Four Thirds System standard,
the new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. offers a long
zoom of 14-140mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-280mm), suitable for a wide range
of shooting situations – from scenery to portraits to telephoto shots – all
possible with a compact and lightweight lens.
The LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. uses four aspherical
lenses and two ED lenses to achieves dramatic downsizing – despite its
powerful 10x optical zoom – and still minimizes distortion and chromatic
aberration. Panasonic's Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) is
incorporated in the lens, making it easy to shoot clear shots even in telephoto
shooting or in low-light situations – as this feature minimizes blur
caused by hand shake.
Panasonic’s other new lens, the ultra-wide-angle zoom interchangeable
lens LUMIX G VARIO
7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH features an astonishingly wide-angle zoom range of 7-14mm
(35mm camera equivalent; 14-28mm). Its compact and lightweight size makes
it easy for users to carry while they are on the go. Taking advantage of its
114-degree wide-angle view, users can fit more subjects in a frame – even
when the shooting distance is limited, for example, while shooting indoors.
This expansive view gives users great flexibility and a rich perspective when
shooting photos or video.
The high-performing, yet lightweight LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. achieves
its compact size by incorporating two aspherical lenses and four ED lenses
in a unit of 16 elements in 12 groups. The resolution of the images is high,
even at its wide-end and features F4.0 brightness through its entire zoom range
thanks to a large diameter glass-molded lens embedded within the body.
When both of these news lenses are mounted on the LUMIX DMC-GH1, users can
take advantage of the advanced contrast AF system including Face Recognition,
offering a variety of convenient and fun shooting. Seven aperture blades
give the aperture a rounded shape that, when shooting at a larger aperture,
produces an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas. Featuring highly-durable
metal mounts, the new lenses use multicoated lens elements to reduce ghosting
and flares, helping to deliver a positive user-experience – whether shooting
HD videos or taking beautiful digital photos. For more information, please
visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
