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The LUMIX G Micro System is a brand new digital interchangeable lens camera. It offers high image quality, while reducing the size and weight of the camera body and simplifying its operation. Unlike a conventional digital interchangeable lens camera, this new-generation digital interchangeable lens camera is easy enough for anyone to use.
 Micro Four Thirds System
The LUMIX G Micro System complies with the Micro Four Thirds System standard. The features that clearly set this standard apart from the Four Thirds System standard include a flange-back distance (mount-to-sensor distance) that is approximately 50% shorter, a lens mount with an outer diameter that is approx. 6 mm smaller, and an increase from 9 to 11 electrical contacts in the mount.*1 In addition, not only is the camera body smaller, but also the Micro Four Thirds lenses are smaller too, and this is particularly true for the wide-angle and high-power zoom lenses, while maintaining the superior image quality of the 4/3-type image sensor. The increased number of electrical contacts between the lens and the camera body will also allow a variety of new features and system functions in future models. And the Micro Four Thirds System will enable users to continue using their present Four Thirds lenses on Micro Four Thirds bodies by adding the optional mount adapter that is compatible with their camera body.*2
Revolutionary mirror-less structure
Using the new Micro Four Thirds System standard made it possible to create an innovative mirror-less structure in an interchangeable lens camera. A compact, lightweight body was achieved by eliminating a number of components that are found in a conventional interchangeable lens camera, including the mirror for the optical viewfinder, the focusing glass, the penta mirror, the distance sensor for phase differential AF system, and the light sensor for auto exposure. The distance and light measurements that are conventionally performed by the mirror box are handled by sensors in real time, and highly accurate, high-speed auto focusing is achieved by the use of Contrast AF. The new system has also made it possible to reduce the flange-back distance (between the mount and the image sensor) to approx. 20 mm –- about half the approx. 40 mm specified in the Four Thirds System. And the outside diameter of the mount is reduced by about approx. 6 mm.
Built-in flash (GN11 equivalent)*
In spite of their compact size, the G Series' built-in flash has a light intensity that is equivalent to GN11*, and you can adjust the intensity within a range of +EV 2 in 1/3 EV steps. The Flash mode has 7 settings for various situations: Auto, Auto/red-eye reduction, Forced on, Forced on/red-eye reduction, Slow sync., Slow sync./red-eye reduction, and Forced off. It also lets you use 1st curtain sync flash and 2nd curtain sync flash to capture nightscapes with a natural flow of light.
Film mode
Every type of film for film cameras has its own colour tone and contrast characteristics. In film mode, you can select the colour tone of the pictures from 9 types in the same way as you would select different films for film cameras. Select different settings in film mode to match the recording situation and your picture of the recording. You can also check the effects on the LVF (Live View finder) or the LCD before you shoot. This gives you the exact photo expression you want.
My film setting
Two finely customized settings can be stored in MY FILM 1 and 2 settings for easy recall and use.
Multi-film mode
Multi-film mode allows you to produce up to 3 different images using different film modes in one step. It is possible to produce both colour and black & white photos simultaneously.
Full resolution MEGA burst consecutive shooting
The G Series lets you snap off unlimited consecutive shots at 3 fps with full resolution. And, you can take consecutive shots at up to 3 fps in RAW format as well. The number of recordable pictures when there are RAW files is max. 7; when there are no RAW files the number of recordable pictures depends on the capacity of the memory card.
My colour mode
In My Colour mode, you can freely adjust the colour, brightness and saturation of an image, while checking it with Full-time Live View. This gives you the power to control how your image will look. You can even make dramatic colour changes.
RAW file format compatible
You can get original image data, recording directly from the Live MOS sensor without any image processing. The included software bundle SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0SE application enables the user to freely adjust RAW data settings such as exposure bias and white balance, even after shooting, for greater editing and image development.
Full-time Live View lets you check your image even before you shoot it. And the G Series' mirror-less construction has made it possible to add a 1,440,000-dot equivalent (GH1 only) LVF (Live View Finder). Both the LVF and the LCD give you a live view of what you're shooting, with a 100% field of view. Plus, a wide range of settings – such as Movable guidelines, a Real-time histogram and enhanced auto and manual focus (AF/MF) functions -- help you to frame your shots exactly as you want them. Correction functions, including exposure compensation, white balance adjustment, and colour effects such as My colour mode and Film mode, let you adjust the image on the LVF or LCD before you shoot. Of course, you can check the effects of the depth of field and even the shutter speed beforehand too. With their dual-display Full-time Live View function, the G Series gives you the kind of highly accurate images you need to match your style of shooting.
Live view finder (LVF)* (GH1 only)
The LVF has a breathtaking 1,440,000-dot equivalent resolution and 1.4x / 0.7x magnification (35mm equivalent). Based on a field sequential system that uses independent RGB 3 pure colour illumination to produce 180 frames per second for each of the 3 colours, the G Series LVF gives the user a clear, natural and comfortable view when framing shots. It has the same approx. 100% field of view as the LCD monitor for superbly accurate framing. The G Series also features a clever built-in eye sensor, so the camera can detect when the user is nearing the viewfinder and automatically switches off the LCD, thus conserving battery life. Also, the Live View Finder has a large 1.4x (0.7x on a 35mm equivalent) magnification and when using the G Series in manual focus mode, the frame in the view finder or LCD will enlarge by 5x or 10x (adjust using the dial).
Free-angle intelligent LCD
The G Series also has a 3.0-inch, 3:2, 460,000 dot free-angle* LCD which can swivel 180 degrees horizontally and 270 degrees vertically, giving the consumer flexibility to take high and low-angle shots. Its Auto power technology will automatically boost brightness by as much as 40 per cent depending on the shooting condition so the image remains visible in all lighting environments.
HD movie recording in AVCHD Lite
The GF1 is the first interchangeable lens camera to record video in AVCHD Lite format [1280 x 720 (720p)] at 60 fps* and high sound quality with Dolby Digital Creator. And, you can record for a longer time without running out of memory because AVCHD Lite stores less data than Motion JPEG while maintaining stunning image clarity and detail. A dedicated button on the top of the camera lets you instantly start recording movies while shooting photos, without having to make any extra settings.
Full-HD movie recording in AVCHD
With the GH1, shooting incredible photos is only part of the fun. You can also shoot beautiful, richly detailed movies in full HD (high-definition) (1920 x 1080) at 24 frames per second, or smooth HD (1280 x 720) movies at 60 frames per second in AVCHD (MPEG-4/H.264) with a continuous auto focus function. Just press the Motion Picture button on the back of the camera, and shooting begins.
Creative movie mode (GH1 only)
The GH1 gives you more creative freedom. It lets you adjust the shutter speed and aperture any way you like when shooting movies. This gives you a wider range of expressive possibilities to explore in your movie making.
Shutter speed / Aperture control
Stunning images such as sports cars racing by or a hummingbird’s wings can be captured in slow motion.
High quality sound
A stereo microphone (mono on GF1), featuring Dolby ® Digital* Stereo Creator, on the GH1's upper body records dynamic, true-to-life stereo audio that brings out the power of your HD movies. There is also a Wind Cut function that reduces noise on breezy days.
High performance lens kit
The GH1 kit is proudly equipped with the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. lens. This compact lens boasts a focal length of 28-280mm (35mm camera equivalent) and supports a continuous auto focus function that works for both photos and movies. The aperture adaptively adjusts to each scene, letting you capture the kind of delicate, softly focused movies that only a digital interchangeable lens camera can produce. Thanks to a silent design that helps suppress lens drive noise, the GH1 with its new kit lens records sounds with amazing clarity. The GH1’s advanced kit lens also incorporates MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) that helps eliminate blurring from hand-shake.
Motion picture button
Motion image recording can be started by pressing a dedicated button on the camera's back panel - an extremely quick, convenient way to start movie recording
Dust reduction system
One risk with conventional digital SLR cameras is that as you change the lens, dust can enter the camera and stick to the image sensor. This would show up as a flaw in the same location on every photo you shoot. Even worse, the foreign matter could damage the image sensor. The G Series helps to eliminate this possibility by placing a Supersonic Wave Filter is in front of the Live MOS sensor. Every time you turn the camera on, the filter vibrates around 50,000 times a second, creating a wave-like motion across the entire filter to shake loose any dust particles clinging to the filter. This system even shakes loose and captures particles that would not be loosened by the horizontal movement of the image sensors in some cameras.
Live MOS sensor
By utilizing Panasonic's accumulated v (nu) Maicovicon technologies, the 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor featured in the G Series is able to offer the best of both worlds –- the superior image quality of a full-frame CCD sensor and the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Adopting a microscopic cell process to the G Series made it possible to achieve high-definition 12.1-megapixel resolution and a high fill factor. A new noise reduction circuit and a technique that implants the photodiodes in the deep portion of the silicon also suppress noise when shooting in low-light conditions, for even higher quality images. Plus, another new technology makes it possible to read 4 channels of data simultaneously, which allows the G Series to deliver Full-time Live View images at 60 frames per second, while faithfully reproducing high-resolution images with fine detail and rich gradation.
Newly developed Venus Engine HD
This sophisticated LSI separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, so you capture clear, noise-free images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. The Venus Engine HD also provides independent gradation control for each of the R, G and B colours, so even delicate colour nuances are faithfully reproduced. Paired with the Live MOS sensor, the Venus Engine HD records stunning high-resolution 12.1-megapixel images with exceptional accuracy. Signals containing a large amount of image data are sent from the Live MOS sensor to the high-resolution LVF, resulting in the display of sharp 800 x 600-dot images at 60 fps. The Venus Engine HD also supports an extensive range of functions, including HDMI output.
Intelligent auto (iA) mode (Movie) (GF1 and GH1 only)
Select iA mode and the GF1 and GH1 automatically activate a host of advanced functions and technologies – as described below – (Shake detection – MEGA O.I.S., Face detection, Scene detection - Intelligent scene selector and Light detection - Intelligent exposure), that make it easy to capture beautiful HD motion images.
Intelligent auto (iA) mode (Photo)
This mode not only eliminates blurring from hand-shake or subject movement, it also helps you capture perfect people shots by detecting the face, select the focus, exposure and scene mode that get the best results… and it’s all automatic!
Face detection
The face detection function detects faces anywhere in the frame and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure. You can take clear, beautiful portrait shots easily. It detects up to 15 faces in a photo, and automatically readjusts the settings if their positions change. In iA mode, the quick AF function automatically begins focusing without having to press the shutter button halfway, so the shooting process is smooth and easy.
Face recognition (GF1 and GH1 only)
The GF1 and GH1 expand our popular Intelligent Auto (iA) mode with the addition of Face recognition – a feature that “remembers” faces from previous shots*. When a registered face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize focus and exposure to capture it beautifully. With Face recognition, when a familiar face is recorded several times, the camera will prompt the user to register the face. Once registered, if the face appears into the frame again, the camera will display the name specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and sharply focused.
Light detection - Intelligent exposure
The camera instantly analyzes the framed image and adjusts the brightness in areas that are too dark due to dim lighting, backlighting or use of the flash. Adjusting the brightness of dark areas this function produces natural images that are close to the way they actually look to the human eye.
Motion detection - Advanced intelligent ISO control
Thanks to Intelligent ISO control, the camera can determine whether or not the subject is moving. If the subject is moving, Intelligent ISO control changes the ISO sensitivity and shutter speed accordingly. You get clear, beautiful shots with no motion blur even when photographing kids who won't stay still.
Scene detection – Intelligent scene selector
When the camera is iA mode, the Intelligent scene selector senses the ambient conditions and automatically selects either Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night portrait or Night scenery mode accordingly. It makes several other advanced image settings too, so you're assured of getting beautiful results every time you shoot, no matter what the scene or subject. With the Intelligent scene selector doing all the complicated work for you, you'll find photography easier than ever to enjoy.
Shake detection (MEGA OIS)*
Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and an O.I.S. lens shifts to compensate, preventing hand-shake blur. This system is completely optical – it does not affect the CCD or image processing – so you get sharp, clear images without deterioration. Furthermore, the MEGA O.I.S. system featured in new Lumix® models also distinguishes hand-shake from other kinds of camera movement, improving both detection and correction.
Subject detection – AF tracking
Once you focus on your subject, AF tracking automatically tracks it until you press the shutter. When you're taking pictures of an active subject, like children or pets, this function eliminates the need to press the shutter button halfway down repeatedly to readjust the focus. AF tracking makes sure you don't miss those once-in-a-lifetime shooting opportunities.
Compact body
The G Series are a digital interchangeable lens camera with incredibly small bodies. This compact size was achieved by using a mount system that complies with the new Micro Four Thirds System standard, which has been applied for the first time in the world in the G Series*, together with an innovative mirror-less structure in a digital interchangeable lens camera. By combining the remarkably compact body with the small, lightweight LUMIX G lens and its advanced functions, which are as easy to use as those on a digital compact camera, the super-mobile G Series shatters the old notion that all digital SLRs are bulky, heavy and hard to use. This, plus the superior image quality made possible by a 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor, draws a clear line between the G Series and all conventional digital SLR cameras.
HD (high-definition) photo recording (1920 x 1080-pixel)
The G Series shoots wide-screen, 16:9, full-HD images. These images are simply breathtaking when displayed on an HDTV, which handles about four times the data of a standard-definition TV. With the G Series, you can enjoy a whole new style of HDTV viewing with family and friends.
HD output-ready for the HDTV age
Just connect your G Series camera to an HDTV and you're ready for high-definition viewing. If your TV is HDMI compatible, a single HDMI mini cable (optional) is all you need. When using a Panasonic VIERA TV, you can also operate a G Series camera with the VIERA remote control for even easier viewing*.
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