Panasonic has unveiled a slick little point-and-shoot camera called the Lumix DMC-GF1. The camera is the latest addition to the G series of cameras and lays claim to the title of world’s smallest and lightest digital camera with built-in flash. Like other G series cameras, the GF1 uses the micro four thirds system.
Panasonic’s upcoming Lumix GF1 Micro Four Thirds camera has been spotted on a Chinese forum, seemingly a more compact alternative to the company’s Lumix G1. More retro in design than the G1, the GF1 is lacking just about anything in the way of hard specifications right now, but it obviously supports interchangeable lenses together with what looks to be a pop-up flash.
Panasonic have announced their latest three LUMIX digital cameras, kicking off with the DSLR-lookalike FZ35 with an 18x zoom, following up with the more fashion-focused FP8 with its 4.6x zoom, and finishing up with the mid-range ZR1 with an 8x zoom. All three have a 12.1-megapixel sensor, optical image stabilization and face-recognition.
We love to see gadget gets tested on the spot. Last week you’ve seen the Olympus Tough Styles get physically abused on video, and now we have another cool presentation from Panasonic booth at PMA 2009 showing off their first-gen rugged camera withstanding drop test, being submerge in the water, and resistant to sand damage.
If you can’t spare $400 for the much-advanced Lumix touch-screen FX-580 or the AVCHD lite series Lumix , there’s a budget slim factor model down the line with Venus Engine IV powered DMC-FS25. It’s more affordable but not cutting down in functionalities. You’ll get the same 12.1 megapixel image sensor, 5x Leica-brand optical zoom and 3-inch large LCD screen, and in fact, a top-of-the-line FS-Series model, no less.
In preparing for the PMA 2009, Panasonic has launched a series of new digital compact cameras, two out of the new Lumix, the DCM-TZ-ZS3 and DCM-TS1 are the first of its class to feature the new AVCHD Lite HD Video Recording Capabilities of MPEG-4 / H.264 AVC video compression standard.
Another digital cam to join the new Panasonic lineup is the Lumix DMC-LS85. Like its presuccesor LS80, it’s a basic model with an improved Panasonic Venus Engine IV image processor and extended tele-end zoom lens.
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