Panasonic Introduces Lumix GH1 Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera

According to a press release, Panasonic is introducing the Lumix DMC-GH1, a digital interchangeable lens camera compatible with the Micro Four Thirds System standard. The camera includes two lenses, one of which is a long-zoom interchangeable lens that was specifically designed to support HD (1080p) movie recording. This is a bigger deal for video use than you might think because this lens allow continuous autofocus, a capability missing heretofore on most SLRs with video capability. The camera has a Live View Finder that has a built-in eye sensor that automatically switches on the viewfinder when the user looks into it. The camera incorporates a newly developed 12.1-megapixel high speed Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine HD, which has twin CPUs for exceptional processing capabilities. For more information, check out the full release below.

PANASONIC CONTINUES ITS DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY REVOLUTION WITH THE ADDITION OF THE LUMIX GH1 – ITS NEW MICRO FOUR THIRDS DIGITAL CAMERA WITH HD RECORDING CAPABILITY

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1, a Creative HD Hybrid, Offers Professional-Level Still Photos and HD Video Performance Yet is Easy Enough for Entry-Level DSLR Consumers

Las Vegas, NV (March 3, 2009) – Panasonic today introduced the DMC-GH1, the newest member of the company’s revolutionary LUMIX G Micro System – a new digital interchangeable lens camera system that delivers professional-level features and performance in a compact and easy-to-use camera body.

Compatible with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX GH1 features advanced video photography functions, such as the ability to record High Definition (HD) AVCHD 1080p/24p video.*  In addition, the new LUMIX GH1 comes with a newly developed long-zoom interchangeable lens – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.  This lens was specifically designed to support HD movie recording and features a silent motor and continuous auto focusing (AF) capability; two features which distinguish the LUMIX GH1 from DSLRs that offer HD video recording capabilities.                              

“Photographers of all levels – professionals, amateurs and beginners – will be stunned by the range of creative possibilities that the LUMIX GH1 creates in the world of high-quality photography and HD video.  Users will be equally amazed by the camera’s easy-to-use design and small size,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.  “Beyond its creative potential, the LUMIX GH1, a sister product to the award-winning LUMIX G1, is also innovative and differentiates itself from the pack by recording High Definition video with continuous AF, an indispensable feature for practical video recording.”

In late 2008, Panasonic redefined the traditional DSLR category with its launch of the Panasonic LUMIX G1 – a digital, interchangeable lens camera system that takes the radical step of eliminating the large, internal mirror structure that is currently contained in all traditional DSLR cameras.  This innovation allows for dramatically smaller camera body and lens sizes and permits many new, advanced consumer features such as LUMIX G1 “Live View Finder”.  With its 2008 launch, the LUMIX G1 achieved several honors, including: