Panasonic Reveals World’s Smallest DSLR

According to a study done by Panasonic, consumers are hesitant to purchase a DSLR camera as it is too big (61 percent) and too heavy (41 percent). But Panasonic aims to change all that with the launch of the ‘world’s smallest’ interchangeable lens system camera.

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 digital interchangeable lens camera features an innovative mirror-less design, allowing the development of an ultra-compact, light-weight body. 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 40mm – as specified in the Four Thirds System – to approximately 20mm.

The camera also incorporates advanced Intelligent Auto functionality and Full-time Live View for point-and-shoot simplicity. This groundbreaking new camera breaks with the tradition of conventional digital SLR cameras, as it is not bulky, heavy, or hard to use.

With the superior picture quality made possible by a 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS image sensor and the choice of three colours – black, blue and red, the new-generation G1 is unlike conventional digital interchangeable lens cameras.

Panasonic Australia Category Manager for Mobile AV, Alistair Robins said, “The LUMIX DMC-G1 writes an entirely new chapter in the evolution of photography. It offers the best of both worlds – combining the high image-quality of an SLR sensor with the ease-of-use of Intelligent Auto and small form factor of a compact camera, thanks to its innovative design.”

 “With the G1, photographers will enjoy the advantages of Full-time Live View when using both the LCD and the electronic viewfinder, giving them the ultimate viewing and playback ease. This is one of the ways Full-time Live View uses digital technology to give the photographer valuable and user-friendly new features and functions,” Alistair added.

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Lumix DSLR: Now comes in three colours

“For people who have been hesitant about moving up to an SLR camera, the G1 is a perfect fit. The G1 offers the performance of a digital SLR without the weight and bulk. This small, sophisticated, easy-to-use camera will greatly expand any user’s photographic capabilities and will open the door to a world of fun and unlimited creative possibilities,” Robins added.

Features of the camera include a high-resolution Full-time Live View Finder, built-in eye sensor that automatically switches on/off when the user looks into it, a wide range of settings (movable guidelines, real-time histogram, and enhanced auto and manual focus), various correction functions (exposure compensation, white balance adjustment, colour effect), as well as an LCD screen that can be swivelled 180 degrees horizontally and 270 degrees vertically.

The G1 accepts both Micro Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses and conventional Four Thirds System lenses (when an optional adaptor is mounted) made by a variety of manufacturers, greatly expanding the range of lens options available. This camera also incorporates Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) Mode – a popular feature of Panasonic’s successful LUMIX compact camera range.

It also sports a new Contrast AF function that is not only accurate and easy to use, but also very fast. Quicker focusing can help capture the subject in sharp focus before the crucial moment passes, while the camera’s Continuous AF and AF Tracking modes keep the subject in focus at all times.

The G1 can also shoot widescreen 16:9 High Definition (1920 x 1080) images which can be displayed on an HDTV. The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 also accepts SD and SDHC memory cards.

Pricing and Availability

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 will be available in mid-November 2008 from authorised photographic and consumer electronics retailers. Pricing for the Single Lens Kit is $1,649 RRP and the Twin Lens Kit is $2,199 RRP.

See: www.panasonic.com.au