Panasonic Introduces the LUMIX GF5 Ultra Compact Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera
Panasonic today announced a new digital interchangeable
lens system camera, the LUMIX DMC-GF5, which joins
Panasonic's LUMIX G Series of digital cameras.
The LUMIX GF5 features a newly developed 12.1-megapixel
Live MOS sensor and redesigned Venus Engine. Even in
low-light situations and at a maximum 12800 high ISO
sensitivity, the LUMIX GF5 promises to produce great
photos and videos. The noise reduction system includes a
combination 3DNR (3D Noise Reduction) and MNR
(Multi-process Noise Reduction) allowing for both bright
areas and dark areas to be faithfully reproduced with
minimal noise in high sensitivity image recording.
The LUMIX GF5 features a compact body with
built-in flash. Complying with Micro Four Thirds
standard, a wide range of interchangeable lenses is
offered.
The LUMIX GF5, like all cameras in the LUMIX G Series, adopts Contrast AF (Auto Focus), so focusing is controlled by the image sensor. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy, especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F value. To further advance the Contrast AF, the GF5 incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view.
Featuring an ultra high-speed Light Speed AF, the LUMIX GF5 can focus in approximately 0.09 seconds. Additionally, Pinpoint AF allows for even more precise focus by further enlarging the focus area, assisting, for example, to set focus directly on the pupil of an eye.
The LUMIX GF5's 3.0-inch 920,000-dot touch display and Graphic User Interface (GUI) provide users with ease of use and simple operation. The touch-control system immediately allows users to set focus on a subject just by touching the screen and users can even release the shutter to snap a photo directly from the touch screen. Once a user locks onto a subject by a touch, the camera will track the subject with the AF tracking function, even if the subject moves. Touch Zoom is also available when the LUMIX Power Zoom Lens H-PS14042 lens or H-PS45175 is mounted.
Creative Control Mode has been upgraded from the LUMIX DMC-GF3 by increasing filter options available on the LUMIX GF5 from six options to 14, adding Soft Focus, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect and Star Filter, in addition to the conventional Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, Hi Dynamic and Miniature Effect modes. A preview of filter effects can be seen on the LCD screen via Live View mode and the camera recommends filters depending on the scene that the camera detects in iA (Intelligent Auto) or iA Plus mode.
For beginner users of interchangeable lens system cameras, the GF5 features a new Scene Guide offering 23 sample pictures shot by professional photographers. Additionally, procedures, technical advice and recommended interchangeable lens options for the scene can be shown to allow users to better understand and learn photography.
In addition to shooting still photography, the LUMIX GF5 can also record 1920x1080 60i full-High Definition videos in AVCHD format. In addition to practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets the user enjoy professional-like selective focusing which allows the focus to be changed while shooting video. The LUMIX GF5 features a dedicated video record button on the top of the body so users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make setting adjustments. Along with full-HD video capabilities, the LUMIX GF5 also features sound, recorded with Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. Videos can be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files.
Additional features of the LUMIX GF5 include:
- iA mode to automatically activate a range of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change, including AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control.
- iA Plus mode allows users to adjust defocusing area in the background, exposure compensation and white balance for more flexible control.
- A dedicated sensor that automatically determines shooting angle, making it possible to tell whether a photo was taken horizontally or vertically no matter what lens was used.
- The GUI interface allows users to choose an image and set it as wallpaper for the menu screen.
The LUMIX DMC-GF5 will be available in black, white and red later this year in the following kit options: Body with 14-42mm standard zoom lens will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $599; body with 14-42mm power zoom lens will have an SRP of $749.
The LUMIX GF5 features a compact body with
built-in flash. Complying with Micro Four Thirds
standard, a wide range of interchangeable lenses is
offered.
The LUMIX GF5, like all cameras in the LUMIX G Series, adopts Contrast AF (Auto Focus), so focusing is controlled by the image sensor. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy, especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F value. To further advance the Contrast AF, the GF5 incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view.
Featuring an ultra high-speed Light Speed AF, the LUMIX GF5 can focus in approximately 0.09 seconds. Additionally, Pinpoint AF allows for even more precise focus by further enlarging the focus area, assisting, for example, to set focus directly on the pupil of an eye.
The LUMIX GF5's 3.0-inch 920,000-dot touch display and Graphic User Interface (GUI) provide users with ease of use and simple operation. The touch-control system immediately allows users to set focus on a subject just by touching the screen and users can even release the shutter to snap a photo directly from the touch screen. Once a user locks onto a subject by a touch, the camera will track the subject with the AF tracking function, even if the subject moves. Touch Zoom is also available when the LUMIX Power Zoom Lens H-PS14042 lens or H-PS45175 is mounted.
Creative Control Mode has been upgraded from the LUMIX DMC-GF3 by increasing filter options available on the LUMIX GF5 from six options to 14, adding Soft Focus, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect and Star Filter, in addition to the conventional Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, Hi Dynamic and Miniature Effect modes. A preview of filter effects can be seen on the LCD screen via Live View mode and the camera recommends filters depending on the scene that the camera detects in iA (Intelligent Auto) or iA Plus mode.
For beginner users of interchangeable lens system cameras, the GF5 features a new Scene Guide offering 23 sample pictures shot by professional photographers. Additionally, procedures, technical advice and recommended interchangeable lens options for the scene can be shown to allow users to better understand and learn photography.
In addition to shooting still photography, the LUMIX GF5 can also record 1920x1080 60i full-High Definition videos in AVCHD format. In addition to practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets the user enjoy professional-like selective focusing which allows the focus to be changed while shooting video. The LUMIX GF5 features a dedicated video record button on the top of the body so users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make setting adjustments. Along with full-HD video capabilities, the LUMIX GF5 also features sound, recorded with Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. Videos can be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files.
Additional features of the LUMIX GF5 include:
- iA mode to automatically activate a range of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change, including AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control.
- iA Plus mode allows users to adjust defocusing area in the background, exposure compensation and white balance for more flexible control.
- A dedicated sensor that automatically determines shooting angle, making it possible to tell whether a photo was taken horizontally or vertically no matter what lens was used.
- The GUI interface allows users to choose an image and set it as wallpaper for the menu screen.
The LUMIX DMC-GF5 will be available in black, white and red later this year in the following kit options: Body with 14-42mm standard zoom lens will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $599; body with 14-42mm power zoom lens will have an SRP of $749.
