The Panasonic Lumix GF1 Micro Four Thirds has a similar size to the Olympus EP1, as you can see in this comparison thought. Just a bit smaller. Looking at the hardware, it may also include a flash, and a special movie record button to capture 720p video in AVCHD format. Sweet. [Xitek and V-Angle via DPreview forums via Electronista]

It also boosts the E-420's RAW burst rate to 8 fps instead of 6 fps, if that's been killing you. The "Art Filters" include effects simulating "pop art, pin hole and soft focus" in-camera. Hmm.

One thing these entry-level Olympus cams do have going for them is their diminutive size; for a time, they were calling the E-420 the "world's smallest" DSLR. Whether that is still the case, you can count on a compact camera here.

Olympus will start moving the E-450 in the US on QVC of all places, where it will come packaged in a dual-lens kit (with two zooms: a 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 and 40-150mm f4.0/5.6) for $699. Full specs below:

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., March 31, 2009 – Olympus announces its new entry-level digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, which is small in size and powerful in creativity. The new E-450 continues the E-400 series' heritage of a small and portable design, powerful features, and ease of use for any skill level, including first time digital camera users. Thanks to Art Filters pioneered with the E-30 and E-620, the E-450 provides consumers with the creative freedom to capture their images in new fun and exciting ways.

The three Art Filters – Pop Art, Pin Hole and Soft Focus – bring greater creativity and freestyle experimentation to the new E-450. The creative filters were first introduced in Olympus' E-30 prosumer DSLR earlier this year, and now enable consumers to express themselves and capture it all – limited only by their imagination. The E-450 offers the 10-megapixel imager and other features from the E-420.

The new camera also provides heavyweight technologies, including a bigger, more viewable 2.7-inch LCD and fast consumer-friendly On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview to get the most out of the Live View experience. Additionally, when it comes to Live View, not all LCDs are created equal. At 2.7-inches, the portable E-450 LCD is large enough for users to compose and review images without squinting. The small camera's LCD is part of a camera with technologies intelligent enough to take advantage of the Live View photography experience. These innovative technologies include:

* On-Screen Autofocus works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects in focus on the LCD the instant the shutter is pressed half way;
* Face Detection Technology targets and locks on up to eight faces to ensure they are in focus and crystal clear for amazing portraits;
* New and Improved HyperCrystal II™ Technology delivers twice the contrast and better viewing in extreme lighting conditions, a broader range of color detail, and a wider angle of view on the LCD so you and your friends can see it up to 176 degrees off-center;
* Shadow Adjustment Technology captures detail in the bright areas of a frame and opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed; and
* Perfect Shot Preview enables you to view and select your favorite effect right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before you even capture it, so you know that what you see is what you get.

Olympus is scheduled to launch the E-450 DSLR on leading multimedia retailer QVC® Saturday, May 9.
"We are thrilled to debut the much-anticipated Olympus E-450," said Rob Ellerstein, director of electronics merchandising for QVC. "Thanks to our strong relationship with Olympus, we are not only offering the most innovative new products but we are also giving our customers the opportunity to order them before they hit stores."

The product will be widely available in the U.S. and Canada in July.

Make Your Vision Come to Life with Art Filters
If you're hoping to get more out of your camera than simply capturing and documenting a scene, and enjoy enhancing or customizing an image to make it your own, then you will value the camera's Art Filters. The filters, which are built into the camera, provide incredible individual artistic control over an image, and remove the need to spend time altering images on the computer with editing software.

This camera was made for free-style shooting, experimenting and engaging with events and subjects. Enjoy the freedom of Autofocus Live View and dramatic effects to transform your day-to-day shots into compositions that you can be proud of with the following in-camera Art Filters:

* Pop Art: Enhances colors, making them more saturated and vivid, creating high-impact pictures that express the joyful, lighthearted feeling of the Pop Art style of the 1960s;
* Soft Focus: Creates an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere that renders subjects in a heavenly light without obscuring details; and
* Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness of an image as though it were shot through a pin hole, connecting the viewer intimately with the subject at the center of the picture.

Art Filters are easily activated with the mode dial on the right side of the camera body. The effects are viewable right on the new camera's 100 percent accurate 2.7-inch Live View LCD when using the E-450 in Live View mode or when reviewing the captured image.

The Live View Experience
Olympus was the first to bring Live View to a consumer DSLR (the E-330 in 2006), and Live View has revolutionized DSLR photography. Anyone who has photographed young children knows that you get the best reactions when you hold the camera away from your face and maintain eye contact and an engaging smile. If you have tried to take photos high above the heads in a crowd or low near the ground, you will appreciate that it is easier to use the LCD screen than to climb a ladder or lie on the ground.

The E-450 solves these problems with its Live View LCD, which enables photographers to easily and comfortably hold the camera at angles that could not be reached by using the optical viewfinder alone. The E-450's Live View autofocus functionality now simplifies the process by working just like a point and shoot. By simply pressing the shutter button halfway, your subjects come into focus on the LCD, so when the perfect moment occurs it is easy to capture sharp images.

Always Find a Face in the Crowd
A camera this consumer-friendly is perfect for taking portraits of friends and family while out and about. The E-450's Face Detection feature distinguishes between people's faces and the background. It tracks up to eight faces within the image area and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subjects are moving, the camera continuously tracks their faces.

Bright Day or Deep Shadow, Never Miss a Detail
Shooting scenes with shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-450 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that compensates for extreme contrast when shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. Now users can preview and capture images with the same fine contrast they see with their own eyes.

Preview All the Possibilities
With 18 pre-set scene-select modes for every imaginable shooting scenario and full manual controls, the E-450 offers a world of possibilities to photographers. Additionally, Perfect Shot Preview enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen on the LCD before snapping the shot. This feature shows photographers what their images will look like beforehand under various settings, ensuring that they capture exactly what they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

Enlarge Your Photos
Capturing, enlarging and displaying amazing images on your wall is a snap thanks to the E-450's 10 million pixels for high-resolution photos. The 10-megapixel sensor gives users the flexibility to enlarge prints to the sizes supported by many of today's printers, or crop the image to print only a part of the image that is important to them. The high-performance Live MOS image sensor in the E-450 delivers excellent dynamic range for accurate color fidelity and a state-of-the-art image processor dramatically reduces noise and captures fine image details in the highlight and shadow areas.

Improved Auto White Balance
Many digital SLR users want to focus their attention on things other than white balance while they are on the move. As a result, the E-450 features an improved automatic white balance performance with a new algorithm for more accurate color.

TruePic III+ for Image Clarity & Speed
Olympus' TruePic III+ Image Processor produces crystal clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible for every photo with accurate color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal representation in between. TruePic III+ also lowers image noise by one step to reduce graininess in images shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.

Worried about missing the winning goal at the soccer game? The image processor on the E-450 enables it to shoot up to 3.5 frames per second in sequential shooting mode, which means that photographers will be able to capture fast-paced action as it happens.

Dust Reduction System for Spot-Free Images
Life moves too fast to spend time worrying about dust ruining your images. Olympus' proven Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter™. The patented ultrasonic technology vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor and captures it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on. This results in beautiful images free from dust spots, which could ruin or be distracting on an image.

Media Versatility
Accepting both CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives, and xD-Picture Cards, the E-450 provides a choice of data storage options for enhanced flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera.

Wireless Flash Capability
If you decide to venture into the arena of advanced lighting, the E-450 is ready to meet the challenge. The E-450 is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for digital photography. When these flashes are used in combination with the E-450, wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The E-450 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with several flash units per group.

Availability
The Olympus E-450 DSLR will be available in July 2009. It includes E-450 Body, ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, ED 40-150mm f4.0/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Warranty Card.

U.S. Pricing
E-450 Two-Lens Kit Estimated Street Price: $699.99

The E-620 is a 12.3 megapixel Four Thirds DSLR—the company says it borrows tech from its big brother, the E-30, and crams it into a body not unlike the tiny (and slightly underperforming) E-420. In-camera image stabilization, which has the dual advantages of keeping low-light images from blurring and negating the need for buying expensive anti-shake lenses, is included, as are a variety of new software filters, image manipulation software and "Shadow Control", which sounds a bit like the highlight/shadow controls found in Photoshop and Lightroom. A range of live view options, such as white balance previewing and aspect ratio previewing, are available via the 2.7in LCD screen, which can swivel around to accommodate plenty of shooting scenarios.

Aside from the articulated LCD screen, nothing stands out as particularly innovative. It's the fact that it's able to include most of the standard features of a much more expensive model that makes the E-620 interesting. The E-620 will ship in May for $700, body-only, or for $800 with a 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 lens. Press release and full rundown available at [DPReview]

Pairing a Micro 4/3 body with loads of vintage lenses is one of the things that could set it apart as a nice, compact alternative to a DSLR, should the price come down for Micro 4/3 bodies. The FD adapter appears to be done DIY style by a Japanese guy with pretty awesome circa-1995 web skills: you can buy for ¥147,000 (~$160), and he also makes a Leica M-Mount adapter as well. Impress took it for a spin with a variety of different old school FD lenses—check out their test shots for a closer look. [Product Page (Translated) via Impress Digicam Watch (translated)]

There is a single photo that you should think long and hard about before deciding whether to plunk down $800 for the G1. And oddly enough, it wasn't even shot with the camera itself. Want to see it?

Yeah, there it is—the G1 posing next to my Canon Rebel XT. As you can see, for all practical purposes, they are the same size and shape. The G1 is smaller by a hair, but unless you're carrying both at the exact same time, it's a difference you would never, ever think about. This seemingly small fact completely undermines the system's potential to set itself apart from the big boys' entry-level DSLRs, which are the G1's direct competitors whether Panasonic likes it or not. The G1 fails to deliver on Micro Four Thirds' potential to produce cameras with small, unique form factors—those Leica-style "digital rangefinders" we pined for when the system was announced—that could be very worthy of your consideration. For now, an entry level Canon or Nikon DSLR is a better bet, coming in with humongous lens and accessory systems and lower price tags.

The thing is, a Micro Four Thirds camera doesn't have to look like a conventional DSLR. There is no pentaprism, which allows for a direct through-the-lens viewfinder in a DSLR and is responsible for the traditional bulge up top. There is no long legacy of lenses and hardware that dictate how the camera body should be formed. But there the G1 is, with its faux prism bulge and totally traditional DSLR shape.

Panasonic apparently chose this route to drive home the fact that the G1 is a serious camera, not just a gussied-up point-and-shoot. I guess that makes some logical sense for a minute, but for people who buy an $800 camera based on more criteria than just the way the body looks (read: most), it will probably prove to be a fatal mistake. Which is too bad, because when form factor is ruled out, Micro Four Thirds' unique characteristics show a lot of potential for greatness. Let's look at those.

Live Viewfinder

When you look through the G1's viewfinder, you see a digital image of the sensor's live view output. Generally this is a really terrible way to compose a photograph, but the G1's is actually really usable. It's not jerky at all in good light (it does tend to slow down in low-light, though), and it's sharp, bright and clear for focusing thanks to a resolution of 1,440,000 dots. It's the best digital viewfinder I've ever used personally.

For auto focus, the G1 uses a 23-area contrast-based system, again because there is no mirror to reflect light to a dedicated AF sensor found in most DSLRs (contrast detection is also occasionally used by DSLRs when they're in live view or video capture mode). It tended to work well in good light and in bad. Manual focus is also possible, but a zoomed-in view PIP-style—like many DSLRs have—would have been nice.

There is a dedicated button for switching between the digital viewfinder and the LCD, which you can swivel out from the camera's back. There's a sensor next to the viewfinder that automatically switches between the two depending on where your face is.

The Sensor

Micro Four Thirds (like the Four Thirds true-DSLR system that came before it) gets its name from the 4:3 aspect ratio of its 13-megapixel "Live MOS" sensor. The sensor is basically a hybrid compact/DSLR type—the 4:3 aspect ratio is more common in compacts (although you can set the aspect ratio to the more traditional DSLR standard 3:2 easily), but the sensor's physical size is more on par with the APS-C sensors found in low-end DSLRs. That's a good thing, because a bigger sensor always equals less noise at high ISO sensitivities, more control over limited depth of field, and better image quality all around. That's why the prospect of a truly compact camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor is so exciting.

As you can see, though, with the lens removed the sensor is directly exposed to the elements. If you have an industrial grade clean room in your house, I would advise changing lenses in there. Dust spots on your sensor are the worst.

Interchangeable Lenses

Right now there are only two Micro Four Thirds lenses: The 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 kit lens and a 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6 telephoto zoom. Thankfully, you can mate the G1 with the larger selection of standard Four Thirds lenses via an adapter (which includes some nice high-end Leica glass). Here you see a Lumix/Leica 14-40mm mounted.

Controls

Controls and menus are generally well thought out. There's a bunch of flexibility built in here—from the customizable ISO intervals (full or 1/3 stop) to the handy Quick Menu—which lets you access just about all of the basic shooting functions from within the viewfinder without diving into a menu.

Mad props for the clickable main scroll wheel. I don't know if this is standard on Panasonic's other performance cameras, but it's incredibly helpful—a single press cycles between controlling the aperture or shutter speed (depending on your mode) to setting a quick exposure compensation or going between shutter and aperture in full manual mode, all with a single wheel. Nice.

I can easily live with the annoyances noted above, balanced as they are by the niceties I also mentioned. However, the G1 does have three drawbacks that, when considered with the baffling form factor decision, are dealbreakers:

ISO Noise

Noise levels are not great. Here you can see a progression of shots from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. As you can see, ISO 3200 is pretty useless:



And here, a quick and dirty crop comparison with a Rebel XT (which is three generations old, keep in mind) at ISO 1600 (the XT's max). Even my three-year-old Rebel does better at ISO 1600. The Micro Four Thirds sensor is large, but it's still smaller than APS-C and not as adept at handling noise as Canon or Nikon sensors, which get trickle-down sensor tech from noise-busting high-end cameras.

No Video

This makes absolutely no sense: The G1 does not have a video capture mode, even though all the challenges of recording video on a DSLR are completely non-existent here. Panasonic has said that its future Micro Four Thirds cams will have HD video. This is precisely where the system has a natural leg-up on entry-level DSLRs and it's a shame—perhaps a fatal omission—that the G1 couldn't take part.

Cost

Panasonic G1 with 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens: $799

Canon EOS Rebel XSi with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens: $669

Nikon D60 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens: $599

As long as that's the competitive landscape, the G1 has no chance.

Conclusion

I am optimistic about Micro Four Thirds, but there's just no reason anyone should buy a G1. Less money could get you a real DSLR that is, for all practical purposes, the same size. The G1's digital viewfinder is excellent, but it's no comparison to looking at the real world as you shoot. Factor in the G1's relatively poor high-ISO performance and tiny lens selection and it's a no brainer.

All is not lost for Micro Four Thirds. Remember Sigma's DP-1, the super-compact, rangefinder-looking point-and-shoot that packed a DSLR-sized sensor and manual controls? Micro Four Thirds could add to that paradigm a great electronic viewfinder and a system of interchangeable lenses. How about a Leica M-looking body with a few interchangeable prime (not zoom) lenses? What about using tons of legacy Leica lenses via a rumored M-mount adapter, in addition to the Leica (non-Micro) Four Thirds lenses that already exist? Sign me up for that any day. There is hope that a remedy is coming soon, as Olympus, Panasonic's partner in this endeavor, will unveil its Micro Four Thirds camera early next year. For now, though, it's back to the drawing board for Panasonic, and back to DSLRs for me.

Test Shots

All full-resolution shots straight from the camera with no cropping or processing.

The 12.1-megapixel camera uses a digital Live View high-res viewfinder and focal-plane shutter, avoiding the mirror apparatus that would require a larger, bulkier body. It still retains the faster autofocus and supersonic wave filter that you see on Panasonic and Olympus DSLRs. While the main advantage is reduced size without reducing picture quality (much), we still have to see it in action before we can judge that it's an appropriate departure from the DSLRs. After all, it's not that small.

And while it's definitely a step above point-and-shoots, it still borrows heavily from them. Primarily, it has Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode, which combines the image stabilizer with face detection and smart AF tracking, exposure and ISO setting, even auto scene-mode selection, giving you really nice shots for not knowing anything about taking a picture. It takes SD or SDHC cards, and comes in three colors, traditional black, plus metallic red and blue.

On the lens front, the as-yet-unpriced kit will ship in November with a Lumix G Vario 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S lens. (Note: No Leica certification at this point.) At the same time, a zoom lens, the Lumix G Vario 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S. lens, will also ship for an extra (but untold) sum. There will also be an adapter so that you can use Four Thirds lenses you may already own.

I can only translate so much into plain English—check out the camera and lens press releases below for the specific details you're searching for.

PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-G1: WORLD’S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST DIGITAL INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA*

World’s First Micro Four Thirds System Camera Features Portability, Ease-of-Use

and Colorful Blue and Red Models For Personalized Style and Active Lifestyles

Secaucus, NJ (September 12, 2008) – Panasonic today announced the world’s first Micro Four Thirds system camera, the LUMIX DMC-G1, the world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera, weighing in at approximately 385 grams (0.85 lbs).* Based on the new Micro Four Thirds System standard, the LUMIX G1 eliminates the internal mirror structure that defines digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, thus reducing the size and weight by nearly half.** With the mirror-less system, the G1’s flange back, which is the distance between the mount and the image sensor, has been reduced from 40 mm – as specified in the Four Thirds System – to approximately 20 mm.

The new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 will enhance the advanced photo quality and flexibility made possible by the Four Thirds™ System, and with its innovative design, consumers will appreciate the portability of a smaller camera body and lenses. The G1 will be available in mid-November as a kit with the new LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5- 5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S lens. Also available in November, and announced today, is the LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S.lens.

“With the LUMIX G1, we are filling a void that has existed for a long time in the digital camera market because consumers wanted the power of an SLR, but previous models were bulky and inconvenient,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The LUMIX G answers this challenge as consumers can benefit from the flexibility of changing lenses; a quick Auto Focus; and a sensor that produces high-quality photos. By packing all those powerful assets into an extremely compact body with easy-to-use features familiar to point-and-shoot users, we are excited about G, as it brings new possibilities to the consumer.”

The LUMIX G1 is also the world’s first interchangeable lens camera that will come with color variety – with availability in black, blue and red models – allowing consumers to personalize their style through color, something very popular with point-and-shoot camera models.

For current Four Thirds users with a collection of lenses, an optional mount adapter will allow Four Thirds lenses to be compatible with the LUMIX G1.*** Also, today, with the introduction of the Micro Four Thirds System, Panasonic is announcing a wide-variety of accessories including: External Flash DMW-FL220(GN22); PL Filter: DMW-LPL52; Mount Adapter: DMW-MA1; Battery Pack: DMW-BLB13; DC Cable: DMW-DCC3; Soft Case: DMW-CG1; Soft Bag: DMW-BAG1; Shoulder Strap (Stylish) DMW-SSTG1-A/C/R; Shoulder Strap (Woven) DMW-SSTG2-W; Shoulder Strap (Leather) DMW-SSTG3-T.

The G1 is also compatible with current accessories: External Flash: DMW- FL360(GN36)/DMW-FL500(GN50); ND Filter: DMW-LND52; MC Protector: DMW- LMC52; Remote Shutter: DMW-RSL1; HDMI mini Cable: RP-CDHM15(1.5m), RP- CDHM30(3.0m).

The G1’s compact size can also be attributed to its electronic full-time Live View Finder, as opposed to a conventional optical viewfinder. The electronic Live View Finder, with an impressive and high-resolution 1,440,000-dot equivalent, allows the user to shoot the exact image the camera sees while also displaying information about the camera’s settings through the view finder. The G1 also features a clever built-in eye sensor, so the camera can detect when the user is nearing the view finder and automatically switches off the LCD, thus conserving battery life. Furthermore, the Live View Finder has a large 1.4x (0.7x on a 35mm equivalent) magnification and when using the G1 in manual focus mode, the frame in the view finder or LCD will enlarge by 5x or 10x (can adjust using the dial).

The Live View Finder and the bright 460,000-dot resolution, 3.0-inch LCD provide a 100% field of view, letting the user adjust settings before taking a shot, which is a great learning tool for consumers beginning to use manual controls as they can visually confirm the effects of changed settings. The LCD can also swivel 180 degrees horizontally and 270 degrees vertically, giving the consumer flexibility to take high and low-angle shots, and its Auto Power technology will automatically boost brightness by as much as 40% depending on the shooting condition so it remains visible in all lighting environments.

The G1 introduces a new Contrast AF (Auto Focus) function that 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. In the 1-area AF mode, the AF frame size can be changed by simply turning a dial. The G1 also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera – no need to wait to press the shutter button halfway. This provides quicker focusing that can help capture the subject before the crucial moment passes.

Users familiar with point-and-shoot digital cameras, and new to the world of advanced interchangeable lens cameras, will benefit from Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) mode. When in iA mode, the G1 will detect the shooting condition and automatically adjust for the ultimate shooting results. Panasonic’s iA includes the following intuitive technologies.

• AF Tracking – Automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the need to hold the shutter halfway down.

• Intelligent Exposure – Helps prevents photos from being under- or over-exposed by analyzing the framed image and adjusting the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash.

• MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand movement from creating a blurry image.

• Intelligent ISO – Determines if the photo subject is moving and changes the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.

• Intelligent Scene Selector – Senses the ambient conditions and will automatically select the appropriate mode from Scenery, Portrait, Close-up, Night Portrait or Night Scenery.

• Face Detection – Detects faces in the frame (up to 15 faces), even if they are moving, and selects optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear. Also features Digital Red-Eye correction.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1, a 12.1 Megapixel camera, also includes the following advanced features.

• Live MOS Sensor – Provides the best of both worlds with high image quality from a CCD sensor, and the lower-power consumption of a CMOS sensor. New technology makes it possible to read four channels of data simultaneously and deliver 60 frames-per-second full-time Live View images.

• Venus Engine HD – New imaging processor enhances noise reduction and provides independent gradation control for each of the R, G and B colors.

• Supersonic Wave Filter Dust Reduction System – Designed to prevent dust from adhering to the image sensor by vibrating 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles.

• My Color Mode – Users can freely adjust the color, brightness and saturation while composing shots, allowing for more expressive and creative shots.

• HDMI Output – With an optional HDMI cable, the G1 can connect to an HDMI-capable High Definition television, such as a Panasonic VIERA Plasma or LCD.

When connected to a VIERA, using VIERA Link capability, the TV’s remote control can direct the slideshow on the G1.

• My Menu – This new tab automatically stores the five most recently used menu selections for quick, convenient retrieval. The custom-setting can also be used to program a frequently-used function, which can be activated by pressing the down arrow on the cursor key. The color of the menu viewed on LCD can also be changed to three different colors: black, red, blue.

Pricing for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 and its Micro Four Thirds accessories will be announced in early October.

* As of September 12, 2008.

**Compared to the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-L10.

*** Needs an adapter (available as an optional accessory) to use Four Thirds lenses. Lenses that are not compatible with the Contrast AF function can be used with manual focusing. There are also some limitations to other functions. For details, see the following customer support site: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/index.html

LUMIX DMC-G1 Specifications

-K(Black), -A(Blue), -R(Red)

TYPE Type Digital interchangeable lens system camera

Recording media SD memory card, SDHC memory card, Multimedia card

Image sensor size 17.3 x 13.0 mm

Mount Micro Four Thirds mount

IMAGE SENSOR Type Live MOS Sensor

Total pixels 13.1 Megapixels

Camera effective pixels 12.1 Megapixels

Aspect ratio 4:3 (Horizontal : Vertical)

Color filter Primary color filter

Dust reduction system Supersonic wave filter

RECORDING SYSTEM Recording file format JPEG(Design rule for Camera File System, based on Exif 2.21 standard), RAW, DPOF corresponding

Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2, 16:9

File size 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 4000 x 3000 pixels, 2816 x 2112 pixels, 2048 x 1536 pixels

3:2 Aspect Ratio: 4000 x 2672 pixels, 2816 x 1880 pixels, 2048 x 1360 pixels

16:9 Aspect Ratio: 4000 x 2248 pixels, 2816 x 1584 pixels, 1920 x 1080 pixels

Image quality RAW, RAW+Fine, RAW+Standard, Fine, Standard

Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB

VIEWFINDER Type Live View Finder (1,440,000 dots equivalent)

Field of view Approx. 100%

Magnification Approx. 1.4x / 0.7x (35mm film camera equivalent) with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1

Eye point Approx.17.5mm

Diopter adjustment -4.0 ~ +4.0 [m-1]

AUTO FOCUS Type Contrast AF system

Focusing mode AFs/AFc/MF

AF mode Face detection / AF Tracking / 23-area-focusing / 1-area-focusing

AF detective range EV 0-18 (ISO100)

AF assist lamp YES

AF lock AF/AE LOCK button or Shutter button halfway pressed in AFs mode

EXPOSURE CONTROL Light metering system 144-zone multi-pattern sensing system

Light metering mode Intelligent Multiple / Center Weighted / Spot

Metering range EV 0-18 (F2.0 lens, ISO 100)

Exposure mode Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual

ISO sensitivity Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / Intelligent ISO

Exposure compensation 1/3EV Step ±3EV

AE lock AF/AE LOCK button or Shutter button halfway pressed

AE bracket 3,5,7 frame, in 1/3 or 2/3 EV Step, ±2 EV

WHITE BALANCE White balance Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / Flash / White Set 1,2 / Color temperature setting

White balance adjustment Blue/amber bias, Magenta/green bias

Color temperature setting 2500-10000K in 100K

White balance bracket 3 exposures in blue/amber axis or in magenta/green axis

SHUTTER SYSTEM Type Focal-plane shutter

Shutter speed 1/4000 ~ 60 and Bulb (up to approx. 4minutes)

Self timer 2sec / 10sec / 10sec, 3 images

Remote control Remote control with bulb function by DMW-RSL1 (Optional)

SCENE MODE Advanced SCN mode Portrait (Normal/Soft Skin/Outdoor/Indoor/Creative) / Scenery

(Normal/Nature/Architecture/Creative) / Sports (Normal/Outdoor/Indoor/Creative) /

Close-up (Flower/Food/Objects/Creative) / Night Portrait (Night Portrait/Night

Scenery/Illuminations/Creative)

SCN mode Sunset / Party / Baby 1,2 / Pet

BURST SHOOTING Burst speed 3 frames/sec (High speed) or 2 frames/sec (Low speed)

Number of recordable 7 pictures (when there are RAW file with the particular speed)

Unlimited consecutive shooting (when there are no RAW file)

(depending on memory card size, battery power, picture size, and compression)

BUILT-IN-FLASH Type

TTL Built-in-Flash, GN11equivalent (ISO 100 ・m), Built-in Pop-up

Built-in flash Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction,

Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off

X-Sync speed Less than 1/160 second

Flash output adjustment 1/3EV Step ±2EV

Flash synchronization 1st. Curtain Sync, 2nd Curtain Sync.

Hot shoe TTL Auto with FL360/FL500/FL220 (Optional)

LCD MONITOR Type Low temperature Polycrystalline TFT LCD

Monitor size Free-angle 3.0inch / 3:2 Aspect / Wide viewing angle

Pixels 460K dots

Field of view Approx. 100%

LIVE VIEW Digital zoom 2x, 4x

Extra optical zoom Max.2x

(Not effective with full pixel recording. Magnification ratio depends on the recording

pixels.)

Highlight Display

Guide Lines (3 patterns)

Other functions

Real-time Histogram

Color Standard / Dynamic / Nature / Smooth / Nostalgic / Vibrant

Black and white Standard / Dynamic / Smooth

FILM MODE

Others My Film1 / My Film2 / Multi Film

PLAYBACK Playback mode Single / 12, 30-thumbnail display, Calendar display,

Zoomed playback (16x max.), /image rotation (except for RAW)

Slide show (duration is adjustable, also manual controllable),

Playback of favorite pictures/ Resizing (selectable number of pixels)

Trimming / Protection / Aspect conversion / DPOF print setting

PROTECTION / ERASE Protection Single / Multi or Cancel

Erase Single / Multi / All / Except FAVORITE

DIRECT PRINT Print

PictBridge（Print size, Layout, Date setting is selectable ）

INTERFACE Digital USB 2.0 High Speed

Digital video MiniHDMI TypeC (1.3b corresponding)

Analog video NTSC/PAL Composite (Switched by menu)

*Check the website of the Panasonic sales company in your country or region for

details on the products that are available in your market.

English,German,French,Italian,Spanish,Polish,Czech,Hungarian,Russian,

Chinese(Traditional),Chinese(Simplified),Dutch,Thai,Korean,

OSD LANGUAGE OSD language

Turkish,Portuguese,Arabic,Persian,Japanese,Finnish,Danish,Swedish

POWER Battery Li-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1250mAh) (Included)

Battery Charger/AC Adapter (Input: 110-240V AC) (Optional DC cable(DMW- DCC3) is required)

Battery life CIPA Standard : Approx. 330 images(LCD)

LVF : Approx. 350 images

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

DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT Dimensions (W x H x D) 124 x 83.6 x 45.2mm

Weight

Approx. 385g（Body only）

OPERATING CONDITIONS Operating temperature 0℃ to 40℃

Operating humidity

10% to 80％

STANDARD ACCESSORIES Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO -viewer- 2.1 E

SILKYPIX® Developer Studio 3.0 SE

USB Driver

Standard accessories Battery Charger/AC Adapter, Battery Pack, Body Cap,

Video Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable, Shoulder Strap, CD-ROM

*Shooting conditions: 23°C with 50% humidity; LCD on; using SD Memory Card; starting to shoot 30 seconds after turning on the power; shooting once every 30 seconds with the flash in full operation for every other shot; changing the zoom setting from telephoto to wide, or wide to telephoto, for each shot; and temporarily turning the power off after each 10 shots (long enough to lower the battery temperature).

The DMW-BLB13 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.co.jp/pavc/global/cs/info/battery.html (This website is in English only.)

*Some accessories are not available in some countries.

*The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is

prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.

*Four Thirds, Micro Four Thirds are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation.

*All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.

*This unit is compatible with both SD Memory cards and SDHC Memory cards. You can only use SDHC Memory cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory cards. (When using a SDHC Memory card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)

PANASONIC INTRODUCES WORLD’S FIRST INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES FOR MICRO FOUR THIRDS SYSTEM DIGITAL CAMERAS

Two New Lenses Compatible with LUMIX G1, the World’s Smallest & Lightest Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera, Part of the Micro Four Thirds System

SECAUCUS, NJ (September 12, 2008) – Panasonic today announced the world’s first interchangeable lenses designed for the new Micro Four Thirds System. The LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S will be the standard kit lens with the LUMIX DMC-G1, the world’s first Micro Four Thirds System digital camera, which also debuted today. In addition, the LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S. telephoto lens, also designed for the Micro Four Thirds format, offers an enhanced zoom range for use with the DMC-G1 and other cameras based on the new standard.

Panasonic’s two new Micro Four Thirds System lenses produce professional-level images, typical of digital single-reflex lens (DSLR) cameras, while greatly reducing the size. For instance, the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S lens is nearly half the size and weight of traditional DSLR lenses with comparable focal lengths.* Both lenses feature Panasonic’s Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), which helps reduce blur caused by hand movement when snapping photos, and are compatible with Panasonic’s Contrast AF (Auto Focus) system found in the LUMIX DMC-G1. Contrast AF in the G1 allows the user to 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. The lenses also feature a durable metal mount and multi-coated lens to reduce ghosts and flares on images. In addition, seven aperture blades create a rounded shape that produces smoothness when shooting out-of-focus areas, helping to deliver top optical performance.

“The introduction of the Micro Four Thirds System is a huge advancement for digital photographers as the reduction in size and weight of these lenses will really change the market and make this format more approachable,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Average consumers interested in purchasing an advanced camera were previously deterred by the bulkiness and inconvenience of DSLRs, so these new lenses provide the same level of quality that consumers demand, but in a package much more suitable for active lifestyles.”

The LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. will be part of the kit with the LUMIX DMC-G1 body and will be available in mid-November. The LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S. will also be available in November. Pricing for the both lenses will be announced in early October.

*Compared to LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-50mm / F3.8-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. lens, available with the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-L10 kit.

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

Lens Construction 12 elements in 9 groups (1 Aspherical lens)

Mount Micro Four Thirds mount

Optical Image Stabilizer YES

Focal Length f=14mm to 45mm (35mm film camera equivalent 28mm to 90mm)

Aperture Type 7 diaphragm blades / Circular aperture diaphragm

Aperture F3.5(Wide) - F5.6(Tele)

Minimum Aperture F22

Closest Focusing Distance 0.30m at all focal lengths

Maximum Magnification Approx. 0.17x / 0.34x (35mm film camera equivalent)

Diagonal Angle of View

75°（Ｗ）～27°（Ｔ）

Filter Size φ

52mm / 2.05 in

Max. Diameter φ 60mm / 2.36 in

Overall Length Approx. 60mm / 2.36 in

Weight Approx. 195g / 6.88oz

Standard Accessories Lens Cap, Lens Hood, Lens Rear Cap, Lens Storage Bag

LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S. Specifications

Lens Construction 16 elements in 13 groups

Mount Micro Four Thirds mount

Optical Image Stabilizer YES

Focal Length f=45mm to 200mm (35mm film camera equivalent 90mm to 400mm)

Aperture Type 7 diaphragm blades / Circular aperture diaphragm

Aperture F4.0(Wide) - F5.6(Tele)

Minimum Aperture F22

Closest Focusing Distance 1.0m at all focal lengths

Maximum magnification Apporox. 0.19x / 0.38x (35mm film camera equivalent)

Diagonal Angle of View

27°（Ｗ）～6.2°（Ｔ）

Filter Size φ

52mm / 2.05 in

Max. Diameter φ 70mm / 2.75 in

Overall Length Approx. 100mm / 3.93 in

Weight Approx. 380g / 13.4 oz

Standard Accessory Lens Cap, Lens Hood, Lens Rear Cap, Lens Storage Bag

The idea behind the original Four Thirds system was a noble one-it theoretically allowed small(er) fries like Olympus and Panasonic to throw together a lens and body system that rivaled those of Canon and Nikon, using specialized, digital-only lenses and a smaller sensor. Four Thirds never quite managed to offer anything that you couldn't get with a Nikon or Canon body, so it struggled.

Why Micro Four Thirds is exciting is that it calls for a new category-smaller bodies without an optical viewfinder (and the mirror box they require), but still retaining interchangeable lenses and the same sensor size as before (albeit about one-third smaller than the standard APS-C size found in other SLRs). With optics-master Leica in the fold, you could build up a system resembling the classic rangefinders of the film era without plunking down huge cash for the Leica M8. No specific products were announced along with the system yet, but we should see things start to roll in later in the year.

The boys at DPReview are also pretty excited:

Phil: This is without doubt the most exciting digital photography announcement this year. It's fair to say that this "extension / addition" to the Four Thirds standard is finally able to deliver on the original promise of that format; considerably smaller and lighter lenses and bodies. Olympus are however keen to stress that this in no way replaces Four Thirds which will continue with new Four Thirds bodies and lenses in the future.

[DPReview]