New Gear: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

We knew Micro Four-Thirds had potential to make some dynamite little cameras an manufacturers don't seem to be wasting their time exploiting the chance. The press release touts the GF1 as "the world's smallest and lightest system camera with a built-in flash." It checks in at 12.1-megapixels (4000 x 3000(L)) and can record HD video (AVCHD) up to 720p (1280 x 720).

The entire system drops in October, at which point the body will cost $899, which is $100 more than the EP-1 with a kit lens. You can choose between two GF1 lenses, including the new LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH "pancake" lens and the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. If you're going to spring for the Live View Finder (and we don't see why you wouldn't), it's going to cost you an extra $200. All the important details and more images below.

--3-inch LCD with 460k dots of resolution
--Compatible with Four Thirds System lenses using the DMW-MA1 adapter ($250)
--Compatible with Leica M/R lenses using the DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA2M and DMW MA3R adapters ($250)
--Lumix GF1 Venus Engine HD records 12-megapixel images using a Live MOS sensor
--Contrast AF system with up to 23 focus areas
--Panasonic Dust Reduction system uses a supersonic wave filter vibrating at 50,000 times per-second
--Face detection
--144-zone multi-pattern light metering system
--ISO range 100-3200
--Up to 3 fps shooting in high-speed mode up to 7 images.
--Mini HDMI for playback on HDTVs
--Dimensions: 119 x 71 x 36.3mm / 4.69 x 2.80 x 1.43 in
--Weight: Approx. 285g / 10.05 oz (Body only)

Comments

[rod]

Is there a religious belief that prevents cameramakers to produce serious digital cameras with a real optical viewfinder like Contax G1/G2 ? Or I am the only presbyopic photographer in the world who wants to shoot in sunlight ?

[Kim Bradford]

I'm right there with you. It's fine if you live in a cloudy area but a viewfinder is an absolute must in sunny so cal. On a bright day a camera with no viewfinder is virtually useless.