Lumix GF5 is Panasonic's new ultra compact interchangeable lens camera

Today, Panasonic announced a new digital interchangeable lens system camera, the LUMIX DMC-GF5, which joins Panasonic's LUMIX G Series of digital cameras. These cameras have been acclaimed for their high image quality with small and compact body and lens. The LUMIX GF5 features a newly developed 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and redesigned Venus Engine, image rendering and colour reproduction. Even in low-light situations and at a maximum 12800 high ISO sensitivity, the LUMIX GF5 aims to produce brilliant quality photos and videos. 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. A rubberized grip makes it easier for users to comfortably hold the camera with one hand. Complying with the Micro Four Thirds standard, a wide range of interchangeable lens is offered to expand the photographic experience even more broadly at higher levels of photo quality.

Powerful features!

The LUMIX GF5, like all cameras in the LUMIX G Series, 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 seconds. Combined with Touch AF control and high-speed burst shooting at four frames per second in full resolution, it makes image capture of fast-moving objects clearly, possible. 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.

For beginners using 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. Additionally, procedures, technical advice and recommended interchangeable lens options for the scene can be shown to allow users to better understand and learn photography.

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, white and red colour, later this year. Stay tuned for details related to pricing and availability for the Indian sub-region.