DMC-GF1 | PRODUCTS | LUMIX | Digital Camera

While achieving breakthroughs in advanced functions and compactness of design, the DMC-GF1 also refined its comprehensive digital imaging technologies to raise the level of image quality that rivals or even surpasses D-SLR cameras.
The 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor featured in the DMC-GF1 offers the best of both worlds - the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. This sensor is advantageous for photo and movie recording with its high S/N, thanks to a new circuit structure that is unaffected by the noise generated in each of the circuits. It results in clear images even when taken at high ISO sensitivity.
Plus, advanced technology that makes it possible to read 4 channels of data simultaneously also helps the DMC-GF1 deliver images at 60 frames-per-second, so the Full-time Live View images output on the LCD / LVF (optional) are outstandingly smooth.

The Venus Engine HD incorporates two CPUs. This not only boosts image processing speed, it also helps achieve an exceptional noise-reduction performance. Also, the two CPUs of the Venus Engine HD allow long-time movie recording in AVCHD Lite while maintaining low power consumption. And the Venus Engine HD features HDMI output, too.

Higher Image Quality with Advanced Signal Processing

For the image processing LSI, the Venus Engine HD features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities. This sophisticated LSI separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, so you can capture clear, noise-free images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. The Venus Engine HD also provides independent gradation control for each of the R, G and B colors, so even delicate color nuances are reproduced faithfully. Linking smoothly with the Live MOS sensor, the Venus Engine HD records stunning high-resolution 12.1-megapixel images with exceptional accuracy. In addition, signals containing a large amount of image data are sent from the Live MOS sensor to the LCD and the LVF (optional) at 60 fps, resulting in clear, smooth live view.

The energy-saving Venus Engine HD and genuine rechargeable lithium-ion battery*¹ work together to extend the shooting time of the DMC-GF1, making it possible to take approx. 380 shots*² or approx. 350 shots*³ on a single battery charge when using the LCD, and approx. 430 shots*² or approx. 400 shots*³ when using the optional Live View Finder DMW-LVF1.

*1 The DMC-GF1 comes with a function to check whether the battery and unit can be safely used together. •Batteries made by other companies which have been certified by Panasonic may be used with these units, but we offer no guarantee as to the quality, performance or safety of such batteries. •Exercise care when purchasing batteries. Many fake or imitation batteries have been found among those sold at unusually low prices and those which customers cannot check for themselves before purchasing. •Please confirm the latest information about batteries on the following website.
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/info/battery.html
(This website is in English only.)
*2 According to the CIPA Standard with the LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH. (bundled lens in DMC-GF1C).
*3 According to the CIPA Standard with the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (bundled lens in DMC-GF1K).

The Contrast AF system*¹ adopted in the DMC-GF1 features not only the accuracy but also the industry’s fastest level of high-speed, approx. 0.3 sec*². There are more reasons to employ Contrast AF for its focusing system to realize the Full-time Live View and a lot of advanced functions. You can choose from a wide range of AF modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking. In the 1-area AF mode, the AF frame size can be changed by simply turning a dial. With the DMC-GF1's many auto focus modes, there's an option that's just right for any shooting situation.

*1 Lenses that are not compatible with the Contrast AF function can be used with manual focusing.
*2 With the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S.

The position of the AF area can be freely moved, which is convenient when you want to frame a shot for a special effect, like focusing on a subject at the very edge of the frame. The AF frame size can also be selected from among Spot, Normal, L, and XL with the rear dial.

This mode automatically focuses on one of up to 23 focus points. It also prevents the system from making mistakes, such as focusing on the area between two subjects in a vertical composition.

* The screen view is a simulated image. In the real screen, the AF frame is only displayed at the focused area.

Once you focus on your subject, AF Tracking automatically tracks it until you press the shutter. When you're taking images of an active subject, like children or pets, this function eliminates the need to press the shutter button halfway down repeatedly to readjust the focus. AF Tracking makes sure you don't miss those once-in-a-lifetime shooting opportunities.

* For photo recording only.

Learn more about AF Tracking

The Face Detection function detects faces anywhere in the frame and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure. You can take clear, beautiful portrait shots easily. It detects up to 15 faces in a photo, and automatically readjusts the settings if their positions change.

Learn more about Face Detection

The MF Assist function enlarges the image for easier manual focusing. The focusing area can be enlarged by 5x or 10x and is movable, which contributes to easy, comfortable manual focusing with the LCD. The AF+MF function lets you use the MF Assist function for manual focusing even in auto focus mode.

The DMC-GF1 can be preset to either Quick AF or Continuous AF. Quick AF starts operating as soon as the camera is pointed toward a subject, unlike the ordinary AF function, which is activated when the shutter button is pressed half-way. The Continuous AF automatically and continuously focuses on your subject, providing a clear, sharp focus even on moving subjects. With the DMC-GF1, it works even when recording movies. Both AF systems make sure that spur-of-the-moment shots aren't out of focus or blurry, and minimize the time lag for shooting.

* The Continuous AF does not work with lenses for which the focus mode cannot be set to AFC.

The AF/MF button lets you select either ordinary AFS, AFC* to maintain a sharp focus on a moving subject, or manual focus.

* The LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH. cannot be set to AFC.

The AF/AE lock button lets you frame your shot freely while keeping the focus locked, or maintains the same exposure setting regardless of the subject color when taking multiple shots.

The DMC-GF1's Full-time Live View lets you see how adjusting the exposure, white balance, aperture and even the shutter speed will affect the shot in the LCD with a 100% field of view. Of course, you can check the color effects like in My Color Mode and Film Mode. This makes it easier to capture a special shot or particular kind of image without shooting again and again, and gives you the highly accurate images you need. In addition, an optional Live View Finder, DMW-LVF1, is also available for the DMC-GF1.

Learn about Optional LVF

Confirm the depth of field and shutter speed effects by pressing the Preview button and Display button.

LCD brightness, saturation and colors can all be adjusted. This is handy because it lets you adjust them in advance, based on your computer display or other playback device.

The DMC-GF1 has a 3.0-inch 3:2 460,000-dot LCD with a 100% field of view. And a wide-viewing angle that lets you frame your shot in a variety of ways for both shooting and viewing. LUMIX's acclaimed Intelligent LCD function also automatically adjusts the brightness in 11 steps according to shooting conditions. This LCD provides sharp, clear images in virtually all shooting situations, ranging from nighttime to bright daylight scenes and from low-angle to high-angle shooting. And it lets you share the fun of viewing images with family and friends.

Flow of the Dust Reduction System

1.Power off.
2.When the camera power is turned on, the filter vibrates to shake off dirt and dust.
3.The dirt and dust adhere to the absorption part to prevent it from appearing in the sensor image.

If dust or other foreign matter gets inside the camera when you're changing lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. Dust entering the camera while changing the lens is one of the biggest problems with interchangeable lens system cameras. The Dust Reduction System in the DMC-GF1 helps eliminate this possibility by placing the Supersonic Wave Filter in front of the Live MOS sensor, between the low-pass filter and shutter. Every time the camera is switched on, the filter vibrates around 50,000 times per second to repel dust and other particles without affecting the camera's internal mechanisms, helping maintain superb image quality.

A camera without dust reduction

DMC-GF1

All LUMIX G lenses comply with the Micro Four Thirds System standard for digital interchangeable lens system cameras. Even with their extremely small size, these high-performance lenses reflect Panasonic's advanced optical technologies, such as the MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) system and a design that minimizes wide-angle distortion to further improve optical performance. The LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm / F2.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S., which complies with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, has also been newly developed. Characterized by their compact size and light weight, these lenses bring out the full capabilities of the 4/3 image sensor, and support the Contrast AF function of the DMC-GF1.

* MEGA O.I.S. is not available on the LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH. and the LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm / F4.0 ASPH.

Learn more about LUMIX G lenses and LEICA DG lens

LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S.

MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) compensates for hand-shake to help prevent blurring, so you get sharp, clear shots every time you shoot. The built-in LSI processes output from the gyrosensors at extraordinary 4,000 times per second, helping achieve an exceptional hand-shake compensation performance.
When the MEGA O.I.S. is in continuous operation, you see a clear, blur-free image on the LCD. However, the gyrosensor system provides maximum performance when MEGA O.I.S. is activated only at the moment the shutter is released. With the DMC-GF1 you can select whichever of 3 stabilization modes better suits your needs.

* MEGA O.I.S. is not available on the LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH. and the LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm / F4.0 ASPH.

The Micro Four Thirds System is an interchangeable lens camera system that was designed and developed to optimize the characteristics of digital technology. It carefully preserves the image quality of the 4/3-type image sensor, while reducing the size of the camera body and particularly the size of wide-angle lenses. The Micro Four Thirds System also offers excellent expandability and adaptability to future functions.

Go to the Micro Four Thirds System standard website

* Availability of models and colors may differ depending on the country.
* Check the website of the Panasonic sales company in your country or region for details on the LUMIX models and optional accessories that are available in your market.