The Lumix GH-1 is a hybrid digital camera with some of the features of a normal DSLR, while it has the size and viewfinder from an advanced Point and Shoot digital camera.
The Lumix G series cameras do not have optical viewfinders, so the designers could make them smaller without having to fit in a complex system of mirrors and prisms found in DSLRs.
While serious photographers may dismiss the Lumix G series cameras because of their lack or a real viewfinder, Lumix G cameras offer a definite performance upgrade to Point and Shoot users. The inclusion of a comparatively large image sensor and high quality interchangeable lenses offers the image quality potential way beyond the capabilities of compact digi-cams. The comparison of noise performance in the figure below puts it closer to an APS-C sensor DSLR than a mega zoom Point and Shoot in the DXO lab tests.
“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,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “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.”
Video
The new LUMIX GH1 records High Definition (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), doubling the HD quality recording time compared with Motion JPEG.
The Panasonic Lumix GH1 features a Creative Movie mode allowing photographers to adjust the shutter speed and aperture, allowing the photographer more control over the look of the video.
Stereo Sound
The LUMIX GH1 records in stereo sound using two microphones built into the camera body. An optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) allows for better stereo separation. A Wind Cut function helps reduce wind noise for recording outdoors.
Autofocus
The Lumix GH1 uses the contrast AF system for both photo and movie capture and includes a face recognition function to automatically focus on a faces in the image frame.
Kit Lens
Panasonic have developed a new micro fourth thirds zoom lens to go with the GH1. It is a broad range zoom, and taking into account the Lumix’s crop factor of two, a 35m equivalent focal length of 28 to 280mm. Particularly important for sound recording in movie mode is the very quiet ultrasonic autofocus motor in the lens. The lens also incorporates an its own optical image stabilzation system.
If the 14-140 zoom is too large and the occasion does not call for the longer focal length, then change the lens. This is one of the advantages of its interchangeable lens mount system. There are smaller, shorter focal length lenses available and, with an adaptor, the GH1 can use any of the four thirds system lenses for Panasonic and Olympus DSLRs.
Availability
Panasonic expect the LUMIX GH1 be available, only in black in the USA, in early June for a suggested retail price of $1499.95. The LUMIX GH1 includes the LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens as part of the kit.
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