A radical new digital SLR camera that comes with two micro lenses and based on the recently announced Micro Four Thirds standard has been revealed by Panasonic. The Lumix G1 has no mirrors unlike current digital SLR cameras and is extremely light at 0.385 kilogram.
Due in November, the 12-megapixel camera which is lghter than most SLR cameras by over 50% will be used by Panasonic to take on the likes of Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Pentax in the traditional SLR camera market it comes in black, blue and red and incorporates a brand new processor which Panasonic claims delivers superior picture quality. Also incorporated into the new camera is a sensor vibrating dust reduction system, an HDMI output and the ability to save the five most recently used menu settings for fast retrieval of frequently used settings.
 Click to enlarge |
Other key benefits are a real time view finder in place of an optical viewfinder found on most SLR cameras and a built-in sensor which switches off the LCD when the user raises the camera to an eye.
Photos can also be framed via the 3-inch live view LCD screen which can swivel out from the camera body 180 degrees horizontally and 270 degrees vertically. The LCD features auto power technology to boost brightness based on ambient lighting.
A new contrast AF system features a multiple area autofocus with up to 23 focus areas, face detection and AF tracking. It also incorporates Panasonic’s intelligent auto mode previously found on its compact camera line.
Joining the new d-SLR will be a pair of Micro Four Thirds standard lenses – the Lumix G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S lens (which will be sold in the kit with camera body) and the LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S.lens. The G1 is compatible with existing Four Thirds lenses with an optional adapter.
Pricing on all the new products will be released later this month at a press conference in Sydney.
