Panasonic today officially announced the Lumix DMC-GF5, an upcoming addition to its micro four thirds camera range. This is an update on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 will have a newly-developed 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor, along with a new noise reduction circuit, plus and upgraded Venus Engine image processor. The screen is a 3-inch LCD touchscreen, an inbuilt flash, AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition, and Intelligent ISO Control. In addition to taking still pictures, the DMC-GF5 shoots video in Full HD.
For those that like to apply a little effects magic to their photos, the DMC-GF5 has 14 filters – Soft Focus, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect, Star Filter, Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, and Miniature Effect.
Other assistance for photographers is provided by the Level Gauge and Scene Guide. Level Gauge will show you that the camera is being held straight, not only left to right, but also front to back. An on-screen display will indicate just how level the camera is being held. The Scene Guide feature places 23 images in the screen that have been taken by professional photographers, there for the photographer to choose the sort of shot they are taking, or want to take. Once selected, the camera setup is changed to the settings that were used in the Scene Guide sample, plus advice on how to capture the image, what lens to use, etc.
Ms. Aki Yamamoto, Product Manager, G Series, Panasonic Australia, said: “The LUMIX GF5 is the perfect camera for users who want to step up to interchangeable lens photography.
“It offers outstanding image quality with the new Live MOS sensor and noise reduction technologies; while being our most easy to use G Series yet. Together, the new high-resolution display and Graphic User Interface (GUI) make it simple to operate the camera and navigate the latest features.
“In addition, Panasonic will release new conversion lenses for even greater shooting flexibility and enjoyment.”
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 price and availability
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 will go on sale in Australia in July. Panasonic cannot commit to the colour range they will bring here, nor the price, until closer to the release date. But as a guide, sites overseas are giving US dollar prices as $599 for the DMC-GF5 with a standard 14-42mm zoom lens, or $749 for the camera with a retractable 14-42mm power zoom lens.