Panasonic gives us dates, prices and a closer look at the Lumix DMC G1 DSLR

Daniel Sung Cameras
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lumix-g1.jpgGary’s been getting rather hot under shutter about the new Panasonic “Micro Four Thirds” digital cameras and, as he quite uncannily predicted a few weeks back, the the new Lumix DMC G1 is out on 1st November for £599.

These new system cameras, that we expect to see from Olympus as well, allow a rather exciting fusion of the functionality of DSLRs combined with something a lot closer to the size of a compact. The more palm-sized G1 features a full-time view-finder to go with the 3-inch swivel LCD screen which even flips out of the main body of the camera and rotates through 270 degrees. You’ll see what I mean in a sec.

It’s got a 12.1-megapixel MOS sensor which is designed to give you the picture quality of a CCD with the power-saving benefit of a CMOS and that’s something I’m looking forward to checking out first hand when I get my mitts on one.

Lumix-DMC-G1.jpg

Like all good DSLRs, and some bad ones, it does come with a detachable lens and currently the option of some telephoto glassware for an extra £329.99. Yes, that’s right. This is not a cheap piece of kit.

panasonic-lumix-g1.jpg

But despite the sensor, the optional lenses and the heavy chunk of change, the G1 does retain some more compact features other than just the size, which I’ve got to admit looks a little disappointingly large – unless Zara happens to have tiny hands (again, you’ll see in a bit). It supports face detection and scene selection as well as intelligent ISO and AF tracking.

The other ever popular facet of this ostensibly stills gadgets is that it can indeed do video footage too. We’re talking 60fps of HD quality, with all of it – as well as the static images too – processed using the trademark Panasonic Venus engine.

Now, we have got some video footage from Zara’s sneaky peek but please forgive us for the cretin behind the camera (not a Shiny person) and their lack of focus.

(via Shiny Shiny)

Related posts: the size of the Lumix G1 | 14.7-megapixel Lumix DMC-FX150

Daniel Sung
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2 comments

  • For a site named “Tech Digest” is it too much to ask that the information is accurate?

    It is very (and I mean VERY) well publicised that the “Lumix DMC G1… out on 1st November” will NOT do video, at all, what-so-ever.

    Let alone the 60fps HD you talk of!

    There will be a version launched next year capable of video.

    • You’e quite right on the video, SWCR, and I apologise that I didn’t realise that the video capturing model was not availbale in the first four thirds camera that Panasonic is releasing. Unfortuntely, my information was from a source I entiely trust and any other reports that didn’t mention it, I assumed had missed it out through their own mistake.

      The details of the video capture are correct, though, and will stand firm when the feature is added to the system.

      As for the release date, yes, it has been widely reported that 1st November is where they are looking. However, I have also read from the reports of those who attended the launch event that delays are possible. So, I didn’t want to mislead anyone into thinking that you can go out from the 1st and pick one up.

      There are often problems, not with the products themselves, but the marketing and distribution and such when new style products are brought to the shelves. There is a good chance we may have to wait a couple of weeks extra.

      You have to make an evaluated decision when writing about these matters and when there’s doubt around the community it’s often for a good reason despite what may be widely accepted.

      I am always very interested in digital cameras and I’ll make sure I follow the events on this one closely. Thanks for your comments.

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