Panasonic announced a small mirrorless interchangeable lens camera GM1 recently. It is a compact digital camera featuring a 16
megapixel Micro Four Thirds Digital Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine
image processor to produce high resolution image under
low-light. GM1 uses a contrast-detection AF for quick and accurate focus. The camera can be bought with the Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH MEGA O.I.S. lens.
Panasonic GM1 features:
16MP Digital Live MOS Sensor
Venus Engine Image Processor
Micro Four Thirds System
3.0" 1,036k-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
Full HD 1080i AVCHD Video at 60 fps
Built-In Wireless Connectivity
Light Speed AF and Focus Peaking
ISO 25600 and 5 fps Continuous Shooting
Highly Compact Magnesium Alloy Body
Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
Panasonic GM1 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera
Hands On:
Panasonic Official Announcement:
Panasonic is proud to announce a new premium
compact line GM series to its LUMIX Digital Single Lens Mirrorless
(DSLM) cameras with the DMC-GM1 with large Digital Live MOS Sensor based
on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. The new GM series boasts not
just its outstandingly compact profile but its high functional
performance for ultimate picture quality.
The DMC-GM1 realizes high-quality
image recording with real-to-life details through excellent resolution,
image rendering and color reproduction. Taking full advantage of
16.00-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor and Venus Engine, images are
rendered with highly sharp resolution even shot in low-lit situations
and at max. 25600 high ISO sensitivity can be selected.
The Contrast AF System of DMC-GM1
excels in both speed and accuracy by exchanging digital signal between
the camera and the lens at max. 240 fps. A variety of extensive AF
functions including Low Light AF, Pinpoint AF and One-shot AF enhances
usability to comply with wide-ranging shooting situations. The
touch-control system integrated in the 3.0-inch large approx.1036K-dot
high resolution monitor immediately lets users to set focus to the
subject by just touching it on the screen and you can even release the
shutter. It is free and easy to enlarge the target point with fingertips
to set precise focus.
The DMC-GM1 also features full HD
1920 x 1080, 60i (60 Hz) / 50i (50 Hz) high quality video recording in
AVCHD and MP4* with stereo sound. The practical full-time AF and
tracking AF is available in video recording, too. The cinema-like 24p
video with the bit rate of max. 24 Mbps or P/A/S/M mode provide richly
expressive afterimage with overwhelming image quality.
The DMC-GM1 incorporates popular
Creative Control mode with a total of 22 fascinating filter effects in
addition to Time Lapse Shot, Stop Motion Animation or Clear Retouch. The
Stop Motion Animation allows producing unique stop motion video and the
Clear Retouch function enables to erase unwanted part of a picture
after shooting – both operations completes with ease in camera.
With the Wi-Fi® connectivity, users
can connect the camera to their smartphone / tablet to expand shooting
flexibility. It is also possible to use a smartphone / tablet as a
multi-capable remote shutter with a monitor. With the Instant Transfer
function, photos are automatically sent to the smartphone / tablet right
after shooting. On the other hand, both photo and video can be archived
to the registered digital equipment such as PC automatically via the
wireless access point (router) at home.
There are a lot of ingenious
inventions that let DMC-GM1 accomplish this marvelous downsizing. The
unit mechanism of shutter is redesigned to newly integrate a motor
instead of spring, which allows removal of charging structure inside the
unit and resulting in approx. 80%** reduction in its unit’s size. The
conventional digital single lens mirrorless camera has a structure that
settles a frame to support the sensor unit over the main unit frame.
However, by adopting the magnesium alloy for the main unit, the DMC-GM1
allows direct attachment of the sensor unit to reduce parts. Despite its
ultra compact profile, the DMC-GM1 is equipped with built-in flash
(GN5.6 ISO200･m / GN4.0 ISO100･m) which is enough useful for daily
snapshots. This is made possible by an adoption of newly developed
sliding pantograph-type flash that vertically pops up and down. By
optimizing the layout of electronic components with high density
mounting, the circuit board is able to have a cutout saving approx.
30%** in space for the sensor unit to fit into. This also helps achieve
total volume reduction of internal content.
The DMC-GM1 comes equipped with
decently designed parts including three-strand aluminum dial or high
quality artificial leather grip. Especially the combination with the
newly released digital interchangeable lens LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm /
F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS12032) makes perfect match which even
satisfies trend-sensitive users to carry around stylishly. On the other
hand, the DMC-GM1 allows attachment of Hand Grip DMW-HGR1 (black /
silver, sold separately***) to enhance strength of gripping.
Packing high photographic
performance in sleek, ultra-compact body, the DMC-GM1 is offered in
stylish black, traditional silver, noble white and classical orange.
There are moments in life deserves to be captured – the DMC-GM1 turns
every user across genders, across generations into a life artist.
* 30 fps (NTSC) / 25 fps (PAL) in MP4 recording.
** Panasonic comparison with DMC-GF5.
*** Included in the DMC-GM1W kit.
The DMC-GM1 incorporates
16.00-megapixel, large Digital Live MOS Sensor complying with Micro Four
Thirds system standard that achieves both higher resolution and higher
sensitivity image recording with less noise. The photodiode in each
pixel is enlarged thanks to the adoption of cutting-edge Semiconductor
Fine Technology to improve color saturation by approx. 10% and the
redesigned on-chip lens enhances light condensation to achieve approx.
10%* higher sensitivity. Not only these, noise generation is minimized
in both pixel circuit and digital signal readout circuit to provide
better S/N ratio by approx. 25%*.
The image processor Venus Engine
features its advanced noise reduction systems. By extending the control
level of noise, controllable area of noise is expanded by approx. 64x*
in size. This makes it possible to remove large block of noise which was
formally hard to detect and helps produce clear, smooth image
especially for the nighttime scenery. In addition, the Multi-process NR
(Noise Reduction) works in two separate steps allowing even finer
control over noise level. The texture of noise itself, regardless of the
noise size, is improved with this deliberate control, which is
resulting in the reproduction of smooth human skin even in high
sensitivity recording.
Furthermore, the optimum design of
newly adopted Detail Reproduction Filter Process enhances the limit
resolution by max. 3%* and the contrast of middle to high range by max.
5%*. Plus, the advanced Intelligent D-range Control offers wider dynamic
range while maintaining the smooth gradation thanks to the
high-precision signal processing. Suppressing both blocked shadows and
blown highlights, every part of an image – from dark to bright – is
faithfully reproduced. The combination of the Digital Live MOS Sensor
and the Venus Engine achieves approx. 10%* finer detail reproduction,
making it possible to capture clear image even in low lit situations and
allows max. ISO25600.
The DMC-GM1 complies with image
recording in RAW. The bundled software SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.1 SE
allows dramatically higher quality image development from RAW to JPEG.
Even the images shot at high ISO setting can be produced sharply with
minimum noise. This software also enables high quality JPEG processing,
that lets users to adjust images in 16 bit data and re-develop it into
JPEG with minimum deterioration of image quality.
* Panasonic comparison with DMC-GX1.
• SILKYPIX®; It is a registered trademark of Ichikawa Soft Laboratory Co., Ltd.
2. The Top Level of AF Performance among Conventional DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras
All cameras of LUMIX G, and DMC-GM1
adopt Contrast AF for its focus system. Compared with the Phase
difference system AF, the Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy especially
in shooting with bright lens with small F value. The DMC-GM1 features
high-speed Light Speed AF, making it possible to capture even the
fast-moving subject clearly. Not only the accuracy but also the speed of
AF in DMC-GM1 surpasses the high-end DSLRs with Phase difference. The
camera and the lens exchange the digital signal at max. 240 fps to
minimize the time to focus. The DMC-GM1 realizes the high speed burst
shooting at 5 fps in 16.00-megapixel and max. 40 fps using an electronic
shutter. Also, AF Tracking enables consecutive shooting to capture
moving subject in sharp focus at 4.0 fps*.
The Low Light AF, which is popular
in LUMIX G DSLM cameras, is incorporated making it possible to set focus
on the subject more precisely in such as moonlight even without AF
assist lamp. It further enhances the performance to work in -4EV lower
lit situations, which is as dark as starry sky with no other light
source.
With the Pinpoint AF, users can
magnify the target area to set focus by 5x by just touching it on the
monitor. Magnification using dial is also available and this can be
selectable from 3x to 10x enlargement by 0.1x step. Picture-in-picture
display is available and the magnification ratio of in-frame picture is
selectable from 3x to 6x seamlessly, which enables users to set precise
focus on the target point while seeing the whole image composition. The
One-shot AF enables using AF even in MF mode by just pressing the Fn
(Function) button** to set rough focus on the subject and you can go
back to MF just to adjust precise focus.
* In 1-area-focusing AF mode.
** AF lock function needs to be assigned in advance.
3. Full-HD 60i (60Hz) / 50i (50Hz) High Quality Video Recording Performance
All LUMIX G cameras, especially the
DMC-GH3, are renowned for their capability of high quality video
recording. The DMC-GM1 records smooth, high-resolution full-HD 1,920 x
1,080 60i (60 Hz) / 50i (50 Hz) videos in AVCHD or MP4 (MPEG-4 / H.264)
format*. The DMC-GM1 also supports 1080/24p native mode with 24 Mbps in
AVCHD format bringing impressive afterimage to the footage. In addition,
the P/A/S/M mode also lets users enjoy expressive video recording.
Thanks to optimum pixel-mix technology which is made possible by the
improvement of sensor sensitivity, sharpness and clarity are improved in
motion images, too.
In addition to the practical
full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy
professional-like rack focusing. The AF Tracking locks on the subject
with focus even it moves.
High quality sound can be recorded
with Dolby® Digital. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out
most of the noise from background wind. The Extra Tele Conversion
function virtually extends the zoom range Max. 4.8x without
deterioration of image quality in smaller resolution.
The Time Lapse Shot automatically
starts recording photos at time lapse sequence once the start time,
interval and the number of pictures to shoot are set. The Stop Motion
Animation function enables producing a stop motion (stop frame) video in
camera with the pictures that are sequentially shot while moving the
object by degrees. This effect makes the object appears as if it is
moving by itself.
* 30 fps (NTSC) / 25 fps (PAL) in MP4 recording.
- Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously
with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds in Europe and some Asian areas.
- Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [MP4] is 29 minutes 59 seconds or up to 4 GB.
- You can check the recordable time on the monitor. (For
[FHD] in [MP4] format, the file size is large and so the recordable time
will drop below 29 minutes 59 seconds.)
4. Other Features That Completes DMC-GM1
Easy Wireless Connectivity via Wi-Fi® with Smartphones
The DMC-GM1 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE
802.11 b/g/n) to offer more flexible shooting experience and instant
image sharing with easy operation. All these flexible shooting /
browsing / sharing style are made possible with the DMC-GM1 and the
Panasonic's dedicated application software Panasonic Image App for iOS /
Android smartphones / tablets.
Advanced iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus Mode) and Scene Guide for Beginners
For beginners of Digital Single Lens Mirrorless
cameras, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode supports taking beautiful pictures
with a variety of shooting-assist functions including new Intelligent
Handheld Nightshot and iHDR (Intelligent High Dynamic Range) in addition
to AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene
Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control. The Intelligent
Handheld Nightshot generates a glamorous night scenery with optimum
illumination by multi-layering the images shot consecutively even
without using a tripod. With the iHDR, max. 6 images consecutively shot
at different exposure levels can be overlaid to produce a single
composite picture without whiteout (over-exposure) or blackout
(under-exposure) in difficult lighting situations.
The iA Plus mode lets users adjust defocusing area in
the background, exposure compensation and white balance for more
flexible control.
The Scene Guide* offers 23 sample pictures shot by
professional photographers. Users can choose the one closer to the
situation they are going to shoot and optimum parameters for shooting
the scene will be automatically set. Furthermore, shooting procedure,
technical advice and recommended interchangeable lens for the scene can
be shown for users to learn photography.
* Video recording using Scene Guide is not possible in some scenes.
Focus Peaking
For more practical control over focusing, the DMC-GM1
incorporates Focus Peaking function that shows the peak of focus in MF
and AF+MF mode. Users can see the peaking of focus while monitoring the
subject in live view. It can be set to HIGH / LOW / OFF and the color
can also be changed to blue, white or orange according to the color of
the shooting scene during live view. Users can take advantage of this
function when controlling the camera with smartphone / tablet via Wi-Fi®
in both photo / video recording.
Silent Mode
This mode switches shutter from mechanical to
electronic and turns all sound (AF, operation) off while suppress
emission of AF assist lamp and flash with just a single setting for
special shooting occasions.
Creative Control / Photo Style for More Expanded Expression
The popular Creative Control mode features a total of
22 filter options – Expressive / Retro / Old Days / High Key / Low Key /
Sepia / Monochrome / Dynamic Monochrome / Rough Monochrome* / Silky
Monochrome* / Impressive Art / High Dynamic / Cross Process / Toy Effect
/ Toy Pop / Bleach Bypass / Miniature Effect** / Soft Focus* / Fantasy /
Star Filter* / One Point Color / Sunshine* mode. Effect parameter of
each mode is also adjustable.
The Photo Style, which enables changing texture of photo,
is also upgraded for DMC-GM1 with an inclusion of Monochrome Filter
(Ye/Or/R/G) for more expressive monochrome photography.
* For photo only.
** Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in
Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is
recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture
recording will be approximately 1 minute long.)
3.0-inch, Approx.1036K-dot High Quality Touch-Control Monitor
The 3.0-inch large, approx. 1036K-dot high resolution
static-type touch monitor with approx. 100% of field of view. The front
panel is directly attached to the new In Cell Touch LCD without
containing air layer in between. The result is that the reflection of
external light is dramatically suppressed. Together with the increased
resolution by approx. 13%* and improved color reproduction by approx.
20%*, the monitor for DMC-GM1 secures higher visibility even in sunny
outdoor than ever. Plus, attenuation of transmitting backlight is
minimized to achieve wide angle of view and by 25%* of power saving.
* Panasonic comparison with DMC-GF5
UHS-I SDXC/SDHC Memory Card Compatibility
The compatibility with the UHS-I (Ultra High Speed I)
SDXC/SDHC Memory Card allows faster data writing even in RAW recording
mode.
• The "AVCHD" is a
high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly
established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
• Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
• All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
• This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory
Cards. You can only use SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards on devices that are
compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards on devices
that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC/SDXC
Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating
instructions for that device.)
• SDHC Memory Cards and SDXC Memory Cards can be used
only in equipment that is compatible with their respective formats.
• If the computer being used does not support SDXC
Memory Cards, a message prompting you to format may appear. (Doing so
will cause recorded images to be erased so do not choose to format.) If
the card is not recognized, please refer to the below support site. http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html
• 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.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Recently Sony announce the full frame mirrorless lens interchangeable lens camera a7 and a7R. These cameras are smaller than any other full-frame interchangeable lens camera. The A7 and A7R are identical in terms of design. The main
differences are its sensors and auto focus systems. The A7 installed a
full-frame 24 megapixel CMOS, and the A7R has a 36 megapixel CMOS without optical low-pass filter.
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