Unedited press release follows: Panasonic is set to launch the LUMIX DMC-GF5 Micro Four Thirds System camera. This new model offers the key capabilities of Panasonic’s LUMIX G Micro System range, namely amazing functionality in a compact body – including outstanding image quality, fast and accurate shooting, creative control and ease of use.
The camera will be available in Australia in July 2012. Colours and pricing will be announced closer to the release date. (US pricing, body only, is being quoted as US$599.)
Ms Aki Yamamoto, Product Manager, G Series, Panasonic Australia, said: “The LUMIX GF5 is the perfect camera for users who want to step up to interchangeable lens photography.
“It offers outstanding image quality with the new Live MOS sensor and noise reduction technologies; while being our most easy to use G Series yet. Together, the new high-resolution display and Graphic User Interface (GUI) make it simple to operate the camera and navigate the latest features.
“In addition, Panasonic will release new conversion lenses for even greater shooting flexibility and enjoyment.”
Key features
The LUMIX DMC-GF5 has a newly-developed 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor for high sensitivity and low noise, even at max. ISO12800. A new noise reduction circuit and upgraded Venus Engine image processor further enhance these capabilities.
The camera’s precise and fast Contrast AF system features ultra-fast Light Speed AF of around 0.09/second[i]. The DMC-GF5 incorporates Full-area focusing which makes it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. Frame composition is easy and fast using the intuitive touch-control operation features, including Touch AF, AF Tracking, Pinpoint AF and Touch Zoom. In addition, the DMC-GF5 offers fast high-speed burst shooting at 4 fps (in full resolution) to capture subjects in motion.
These features are all easy to operate with the camera’s large 3-inch LCD and 920,000-dot high precision touch display. The GUI features animation for higher visibility and wallpaper images can also be set on the menu screen. The DMC-GF5 also has a convenient built-in flash.
For compact users stepping up to this rich new functionality, the DMC-GF5 offers a new ‘Scene Guide’[ii] with 23 sample pictures shot by professional photographers. Users can choose the one closest to the shooting situation and optimum parameters will be automatically set. They can also view shooting procedure, technical advice and the recommended interchangeable lens for the scene.
The popular Creative Control mode has been upgraded and is also easier to use. There are now 14 filters (from six on the DMC-GF3). Soft Focus, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect and Star Filter have been added to Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, and Miniature Effect.[iii]
The effect parameter of each mode is also adjustable, and with the new GUI and menu tab, switching effects is extremely easy, and they can be previewed via Live View. Also, in iA or iA Plus mode recommended filters are suggested depending on the detected scene.
The DMC-GF5 records in Full HD 1920 x 1080 / 50i AVCHD. The Touch AF in video recording lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. With a dedicated video recording button on the top, users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra setting adjustments.
Along with the Full HD video capabilities, the DMC-GF5 also features high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. Videos can also be conveniently recorded in MP4[iv] format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without file conversion. The Extra Tele Conversion function virtually extends the zoom range to a maximum of 4.2x without deterioration in image quality.
Other Features
Intelligent Auto (iA) mode provides a variety of shooting-assist functions including AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control. The iA Plus mode lets users adjust the defocusing area in the background, exposure compensation and white balance for more flexible control.
‘Level Gauge’ detects the horizontal/vertical angle of view while shooting and displays this on-screen, as well as sensing if the camera is tilted forwards or back. This is very useful in ensuring shots such as those of buildings and landscapes are straight, so they do not have to be edited later.
The DMC-GF5 is compatible with the UHS-I standard for the SDXC/SDHC Memory Card, to take advantage of high-speed data transmission.
G Micro System Conversion Lenses
The DMC-GF5 offers a wide variety of optional accessories to match every shooting situation, including the new compact and lightweight Wide / Tele / Macro / Fisheye Conversion lenses which will be available from May.
Wide Conversion Lens DMW-GWC1GU RRP: $169
Captures dynamic scenery or indoor group portraits with a wider angle of view
Extends the focal length of wide-end from 14mm to 11mm
Adaptor Ring included for use on H-PS14042 and H-H014
Tele Conversion Lens DMW-GTC1GU RRP: $129
Captures distant subjects up close
Excellent for travel shooting or street snapshots
Extends the focal length of tele-end from 42mm to 84mm[v]
Adaptor Ring included for use on H-PS14042
Macro Conversion Lens DMW-GMC1GU RRP: $199
Makes Macro shooting easy
Excellent for shooting subjects such as flowers or insects
Features closest focusing distance of 0.14m[vi]
Adaptor Ring included for use on H-PS14042 and H-H014
Fisheye Conversion Lens DMW-GFC1GU RRP: $169
Shoot impressive and unique fisheye images
Features 120-degree angle of view
Adaptor Ring included for use on H-PS14042 and H-H014
Conversion Lens Kit DMW-GCK1GU RRP: $449
Including Wide, Macro and Fisheye Conversion Lens
Adaptor Ring included for use on H-PS14042 and H-H014
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