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Panasonic releases LUMIX GF2 Micro 4/3 camera

by adamhanlon

Panasonic has announced the release of the LUMIX GF2 Micro 4/3 camera. This interchangeable lens model features an aluminum body and has a smaller and lighter form factor than its predecessor, the popular GF1. Other features include a 12.1 megapixel sensor and full HD (1920 x 1080) recording capability.

Press Release.

Panasonic is pleased to announce the new interchangeable lens system camera DMC-GF2 from LUMIX G Micro System based on the Micro Four Thirds standard. With a dramatic downsizing from the predecessor, the DMC-GF2 features an outstanding compactness and ease of operation while pursuing high image quality. The world’s smallest and lightest(1) DMC-GF2 is reduced approx. 19% in size and approx. 7% in weight compared with the DMC-GF1. The DMC-GF2 is equipped with a built-in flash which adopts new pop-up mechanism to prevent vignetting effect due to short distance between the flash unit to the interchangeable lens.

Featuring 12.1-megapixel high speed Live MOS sensor and high performance Venus Engine FHD, the DMC-GF2 boasts high picture quality not only in photo but also in movie, which has been upgraded in resolution to full HD 1920 x 1080 at 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) in AVCHD. The operation is extremely easy to understand for any level of users with the adoption of touch control and the new GUI (Graphic User Interface) designed for DMC-GF2. The focus is immediately set to the subject by just touching it on the large, 460,000-dot LCD and you can even release the shutter. The Touch Q-menu can be customized by the user only with those used often. Together with the simple button components including the dedicated buttons for movie recording and iA (Intelligent Auto) mode that lights during activation, users can operate the camera intuitively with ease and comfort.

The chassis is made of aluminum to realize rigid impression of quality. The grip is designed to assure good hold even the camera is slim and compact. Available in black, silver, white, red and pink, the tiny, pocket-sized DMC-GF2 brings users huge surprise of photographic enjoyment.

(1)For an interchangeable lens system camera with a built-in flash as of November 4, 2010. (2)Full HD (1920 x 1080) movies are output by the image sensor at 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL), and recorded at 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL). HD (1280 x 720) movies are output by the image sensor at 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL), and recorded at 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL).

A. The intuitive touch-control shooting in a world’s smallest and lightest body:

The DMC-GF2 is dramatically reduced approx. 19% in size and approx. 7% in weight compared with the predecessor DMC-GF1 to make the body world’s smallest and lightest(1). It is made possible by various innovative approaches including the downsizing of mount unit and a reduced number of internal parts by integrating electrical circuits. The DMC-GF2 is equipped with a built-in flash which adopts new pop-up mechanism to prevent vignetting effect due to short distance between the flash unit to the interchangeable lens. Even step-up users will not be bewildered by the absence of the flash which has been taken for granted with compact cameras. The use of flash expands the photographic opportunity in shooting people at nighttime or indoors.

The operation is extremely easy to understand for any level of users with the touch control and the new GUI (Graphic User Interface) designed for DMC-GF2. The focus is immediately set to the subject by just touching it on the large, 460,000-dot LCD and you can even release the shutter. Once you lock on the subject by a touch, the camera tracks the subject with the AF tracking function even if it moves. Just a touch on the screen lets you select the part and the size of AF area with the 1-area AF. The 1-area AF in Face Detection even allows you to set finer focus on the eyes while capturing human face bright and clear. The Multi-area AF with 23 AF areas allows setting a group of AF point according to the composition. With the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode and a touch on the background or scenery to the scenery mode while a touch on the subject close to the camera to the close-up mode. With the MF assist mode in the manual focusing, you can enlarge the part by just a touch to select 1x, 5x or 10x and smoothly move the part by dragging it on the screen. With the defocus control function in iA mode and the My Color mode, the range of defocus can be adjusted by just moving the slider by a finger.

The touch operation dramatically shortcuts the action of setting in the menu, too. The Touch Q-menu can be customized by the user only with those used often. Together with the simple button components including the dedicated buttons for movie recording and iA mode which lights in use, users can operate the camera intuitively with ease. The touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also for playing back images with outstanding visibility. You can play back the image you want out of hundreds of stocks by touching them in the thumbnails. To play back images one by one in order, you can drag the image over the screen with a finger to browse the collection of photos as you flip over the pages of a book. Max. 16x of enlargement is also operated easily with touches.

(1)For an interchangeable lens system camera with a built-in flash as of November 4, 2010.

B. High image quality as an interchangeable lens system camera:

While achieving breakthroughs in compactness of design and outstandingly high usability, the DMC-GF2 assures high picture quality in both photo and movie thanks to the best-balanced performance of an imaging engine and a sensor.

For the image processor, the Venus Engine FHD is incorporated that features exceptionally high performance signal processing capabilities in both photo and movie recording. With the advanced noise reduction system employing the 3D NR and CNR (Chromatic Noise Reduction), you can capture clear, naturally-balanced images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels preventing the color bleeding due to the chromatic aberration and deterioration of the resolution. The Intelligent Resolution technology is another feature of the Venus Engine FHD. With the Intelligent Resolution technology, 3 areas - outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas are automatically detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges more clearness while giving a moderate accentuation to the texture areas to look more finely detailed. To the soft gradation part, superior noise reduction system of the Venus Engine FHD is applied to make it smoother. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way for it. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and movie recording.

The 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor featured in the DMC-GF2 offers the best of both worlds — the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Advanced technology that makes it possible to read 4 channels of data simultaneously also helps the DMC-GF2 deliver 60 frames-per-second Full-time Live View images, while faithfully reproducing high-resolution images with fine detail and rich gradation. Linking smoothly with the Live MOS sensor, the Venus Engine FHD records stunning high-resolution 12.1-megapixel images with exceptional accuracy. Signals containing a large amount of image data are sent from the Live MOS sensor to the optional Live View Finder at 60 fps, resulting in clear, smooth live view. The Venus Engine FHD also supports an extensive range of functions, including HDMI output.

The contrast AF system adopted by the LUMIX DMC-GF2 is not only accurate and easy to use, but also very fast. Users 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. Cameras of LUMIX G Micro System are equipped with highly efficient Dust Reduction System. 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. The Dust Reduction System in the DMC-GF2 helps eliminate this possibility by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.

C. High quality image recording in 1920x1080 AVCHD full HD movie:

The LUMIX DMC-GF2 is an advanced photographic tool for recording not only great photos but also beautiful full HD movies. The DMC-GF2 can record high-resolution full HD 1920 x 1080 movies at 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL), or smooth HD 1280 x 720 movies at 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL) in AVCHD (MPEG-4/H.264) format(2). The HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 can also be selected as an alternative movie recording format in addition to QVGA, VGA and WVGA, which is more compatible with PCs. A special, separate button on the back lets the user instantly start recording movies while shooting photos without any having to make any extra settings. High quality sound can be recorded with the stereo microphone for Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind.

Even video beginners can record excellent movies with the DMC-GF2 because the popular iA mode is also available in movie recording. Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it, so it always turns out beautiful. The Intelligent D-range Control offers natural looking by optimizing the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully including the blue color of the sky. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Portrait, Scenery, Close-up and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize various parameters for higher visual quality.

The Touch AF in movie recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing the subject, the focus is shifted to it and let it stand out to attract attention. The DMC-GF2 can save a frame of movie as photo during playback. The Video Divide function lets you split a video into two at the point you desire. This makes it possible to delete the unwanted part by cutting it off.

  • Some functions may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.
  • Use a card with SD Speed Class(1) with “Class 4” or higher when recording motion pictures in [AVCHD]. Also, use a card with SD Speed Class with “Class 6” or higher when recording motion pictures in [MOTION JPEG].

(1)SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing. (2)Full HD (1920 x 1080) movies are output by the image sensor at 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL), and recorded at 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL). HD (1280 x 720) movies are output by the image sensor at 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL), and recorded at 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL).

  • Motion pictures can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds in some countries.
  • Continuous recording exceeding 2 GB is not possible when recording Motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen.
  • AVCHD motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
  • Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

D. A pallet of options to stimulate photographers’ creativity:

The DMC-GF2 is artistic not only in form, but also in function. It provides an array of features that let users capture precisely true-to-life images and create their own beautifully expressive images. The DMC-GF2 features a new My Color mode which is integrated with the conventional Film mode. It offers a total of 8 preset effects — Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Cinema, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette, plus Custom mode, which lets users manually set the color, brightness, saturation and contrast levels. With the Full-time Live View function, users can see how these settings will affect the images before they shoot, which makes it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired. The DMC-GF2 also provides a total of 17 Scene modes. Most of these modes can be used when shooting motion images too, letting users create movies with dramatic, theatrical effects without having to edit after they shoot.

The exposure meter can be displayed in the P/A/S/M shooting modes for entry-level users to learn the correlation between shutter speed and aperture visually to enhance their photography skills.

E. Enjoy watching high quality photos and movies on large HDTV - VIERA Link networking even in 3D:

Both still images and motion images in AVCHD recorded on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV with dynamic HD resolution. The user simply inserts the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD Memory Card slot) on a VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray DiscTM Recorder / Player(1) to play the content. Alternatively, an optional HDMI mini cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the DMC-GF2 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link operation. This makes it possible to take maximum advantage of the camera’s playback functions, including slideshows in which both still and motion images are played sequentially, or calendar displays and so on. All control is possible using only the TV’s remote control.

Especially, the pictures taken with the interchangeable 3D lens LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 can be viewed in 3D via the 3D Image Viewer offering users a whole new exciting experience. In addition, with the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 HD Edition, it is easy to view and edit your recorded contents. You may also choose to upload your videos to YouTube or burn them onto a DVD disc for archiving.

(1)AVCHD motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.

F. Rich options for expandability:

The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today’s Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GF2 and LUMIX G Micro System can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds standard via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R Lenses via DMW-MA2M or MA3R. This gives the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.

With the LUMIX G Micro System and the growing assortment of lenses becoming available, the expressive possibilities are unlimited. The LUMIX DMC-GF2 system camera offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style. Notably, the hot shoe on the top lets you attach the optional tilt-shift Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1) of 1.04x (0.52x(1)), 202,000-dot, 100% field of view.

(1)35 mm camera equivalent.

G. Just shooting is not the goal - Included software:

With the DMC-GF2, PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 HD Edition for easy organization of photos and movies, the SILKYPIX® Developer Studio 3.1 SE for RAW file development and Super LoiLoScope (trial version) come bundled.

The PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 HD Edition makes it possible to sort and organize photos not only of those newly taken but also of those stored in your PC with quick start-up and fast read-in of images. The Face Recognition function that recognizes the faces in the picture automatically sorts the photos by the registered faces without picking out each photo one by one when you only want pictures of a specific person. You can also enjoy slideshows with a variety of effects and use your iTunes music library as background music and burn it onto a DVD disc in MPEG2. Motion pictures can be uploaded directly to YouTube.

The original image data in RAW file format recorded with the DMC-GF2 allows images to be developed according to your intention using highly advanced functions of the SILKYPIX® Developer Studio 3.1 SE software utility. It features unique combination of high resolution and extraordinary color separation performance. The Super LoiLoScope lets you experience high speed HD movie editing.