PMA 2009: Panasonic Spotlights Lumix DMC-GH1, HD Hybrid DSLR

With the Photo Marketing Association's annual expo as a stage, Panasonic introduced its newest addition to its Lumix G Micro System - the company's new interchangeable lens camera system. The camera is billed as one that will meet the needs of beginners and seasoned professionals alike - according to David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, “Photographers of all levels – professionals, amateurs and beginners – will be stunned by the range of creative possibilities that the LUMIX GH1 creates in the world of high-quality photography and HD video. Users will be equally amazed by the camera’s easy-to-use design and small size... Beyond its creative potential, the LUMIX GH1, a sister product to the award-winning LUMIX G1, is also innovative and differentiates itself from the pack by recording High Definition video with continuous AF, an indispensable feature for practical video recording.” The GH1, which is compatible with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, improves upon the ground-breaking and award winning (2008 Camera of the Year, Popular Photography & Imaging magazine) Lumix DMC-G1, which debuted less than half a year ago.

For starters the GH1 is capable of recording high-resolution full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 24 fps or smooth HD video (1280 x 720) movie at 60 fps using an AVCHD format (MPEG-4/H.264). The dedicated video record button allows the user to begin HD recording even while in the midst of taking stills, to ensure no video-worthy moments go unrecorded. The GH1 records audio in high-quality stereo sound via Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. It also has a Wind Cut function that helps to block out unwanted background noise. Movies can be viewed on an HDTV via and HDMI connection.

Unlike most conventional DSLRs, the GH1's Live View Finder system allows the photographer to preview the effects of various camera settings (i.e. aperture, shutter speed, exposure) before taking the actual shot. The user will know exactly what the shot will look like in advance. The Live View Finder automatically turns on when it detects your eye looking into and turns off when you take your eye away, at which point the 3" swivel LCD turns on.

The GH1 uses a 12.1 megapixel high speed Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine HD which features twin CPUs for ultra fast processing. The sensor allows for multi-aspect shooting with ratios of 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The Lumix Creative Movie mode lets the user manually set the shutter speed and aperture for HD filming, allowing for more creative license.

The GH1 also features the popular iA (intelligent Auto) mode, which is a user friendly mode that incorporates a host of technologies that are triggered automatically to help optimize settings for various situations. Face Detection allows the user to select a face for the camera to prioritize. The camera will then select the appropriate settings (focus, aperture, shutter speed, etc.) to capture the best possible image. Intelligent ISO control helps reduce blur caused by subject movement by automatically adjusting the ISO sensitivity while Optical Image Stabilization reduces the blur caused by user hand-shake. Autofocus tracking will lock in on a subject and remain locked even if the subject is moving. Intelligent Exposure manages the exposure of each part of an image to make sure shadows aren't blocked and highlights aren't blown out. Intelligent Scene Selector detects the scene and chooses the most appropriate of five common shooting situations (Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery and Close-up). All of these technologies will work with a subject in motion as well.

The Lumix GH1 uses a Contrast AF system that is fast, accurate and easy to use. Users have a plethora of AF modes from which to choose, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking.

The GH1's kit lens is the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. This lens provides a broad focal length range of 28-280mm (35mm camera equivalent) and supports continuous AF using the contrast AF system for both photo and movie capture. The low-noise lens design also seamlessly supports video recording by minimizing the mechanical sound generated by AF/AE actions.

There is no word yet on pricing or availability, but check back periodically as we will update as soon as we hear.

[via Panasonic]

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