Panasonic releases Lumix G5 Micro Four Thirds camera

Panasonic Canada  announced a new digital interchangeable lens system camera, the LUMIX DMC-GF5,  features a newly developed 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and redesigned Venus Engine, resulting in true-to-life images through exceptional resolution, image rendering and colour reproduction and the fastest auto-focus performance in this segment.

Even in low-light situations and at a maximum 12800 high ISO sensitivity, the LUMIX GF5 produces stunning photos and videos.  In addition, the noise reduction system includes a combination 3DNR (3D Noise Reduction) and MNR (Multi-process Noise Reduction) allowing for both bright areas and dark areas to be faithfully reproduced with minimal noise in high sensitivity image recording. 

Sporting a sophisticated and stylish design, the LUMIX GF5 features a compact, lightweight body with built-in flash and a rubberized grip makes it even easier for users to comfortably hold the camera in one hand.   Complying with Micro Four Thirds standard, a wide range of interchangeable lenses are offered to expand the photographic experience to higher level of photo quality.

“The LUMIX GF5 is the perfect choice for photo enthusiasts and budding photographers looking for a step up from the traditional point-and-shoot camera,” said Doug Borbath, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Canada Inc.  “The camera’s wide variety of shooting options and features allows it to achieve exceptional photo quality in a range of shooting environments, yet is easy to use at any level of experience.”

Like all cameras in the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF5, adopts Contrast AF (Auto Focus) so focusing is controlled by the image sensor.  Compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy, especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F value.  To further advance the Contrast AF, the GF5 incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. 

Featuring an ultra high-speed Light Speed AF, the LUMIX GF5 can focus in approximately 0.09*¹ seconds. This combined with Touch AF control and high-speed burst shooting at four frames per second in full resolution, makes it possible to capture fast moving subjects clearly.  Additionally, Pinpoint AF allows for even more precise focus by further enlarging the focus area, assisting, for example, to set focus directly on the pupil of an eye. 

The LUMIX GF5’s large, 3.0-inch 920,000-dot high-precision touch display and Graphic User Interface (GUI) provides ease-of-use and simple operation.  The touch-control system immediately allows users to set focus on a subject just by touching the screen and even release the shutter to snap a photo directly from the touch screen.  By simply locking onto a subject by a touch, the camera will track the subject with the AF tracking function, even if the subject moves.  Touch Zoom is also available when the LUMIX Power Zoom Lens H-PS14042 lens or H-PS45175 is mounted. 

Creative Control Mode has been upgraded from the LUMIX DMC-GF3 by increasing filter options available on the LUMIX GF5 from six options to 14, adding Soft Focus*², Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Colour, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect and Star Filter*², in addition to the conventional Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, Hi Dynamic and Miniature Effect*³ modes.  With the new GUI menu tab, switching filter effects is seamless.  A preview of filter effects can be seen on the large LCD screen via Live View mode and the camera intuitively recommends filters depending on the scene that the camera detects in iA (Intelligent Auto) or iA Plus mode.

For those new to interchangeable lens system cameras, the GF5 features a new Scene Guide offering 23 sample pictures shot by professional photographers.  Users can choose the photo closest to the situation that they are shooting and optimal parameters for shooting the scene will be set automatically*⁴.  Additionally, procedures, technical advice and recommended interchangeable lens options for the scene can be shown to allow users to better understand and learn photography. 

In addition to shooting still photography, the LUMIX GF5 can record 1920x1080 60i*³ full-High Definition videos in AVCHD format which excels in both compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback.  In addition to practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets the user enjoy professional-like selective focusing which allows the focus to be changed while shooting video.  The LUMIX GF5 features a dedicated video record button on the top of the body so users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make setting adjustments.  Along with full-HD video capabilities, the LUMIX GF5 also features high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator.  Videos can be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files.

Additional features of the LUMIX GF5 include:

• iA mode to automatically activate a range of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change, including AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control. 
• iA Plus mode allows users to adjust defocusing area in the background, exposure compensation and white balance for more flexible control.
• A dedicated sensor that automatically determines shooting angle, making it possible to tell whether a photo was taken horizontally or vertically no matter what lens was used.
• The GUI interface allows users to choose an image and set it as wallpaper for the menu screen.

The LUMIX DMC-GF5 will be available in black later this year in the following kit options:  DMC-GF5KK includes the body with 14-42mm standard zoom lens and will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $649; DMC-GF5XK includes the body with 14-42mm power zoom lens and will have an SRP of $799. 

For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.ca.