Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

Panasonic has announced the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. It is a new generation digital interchangeable lens system cameras.
The Lumix DMC-GF1 is based on the Micro Four Thirds format and takes away the internal mirror to reduce the size of the camera.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 features the following:

• 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor
• Venus Engine HD
• Extended battery life
• Full-time Contrast AF system
• 3.0 in LCD
• Built-in flash
• Hot Shoe - for external flash and optional live view finder
• Rotary/click dial (makes adjustment faster)
• Comes in four colors (black, silver, red and white)
• Dust reduction system
• Interchangeable with any micro four thirds lenses like the Lumix G lenses and the Leica DG lenses
• Optional mount adaptor can expand lens compatibility to Leica D, Leica M and Leica R lenses

The movie function features the following:

• HD movie up to 1,280 x 720 in AVCHD Lite
• HDMI output
• Dolby Digital Creator for high quality audio
• Dedicated motion picture button for quickly start movie recording
• Creative movie functions
• Shake detection
• Face detection
• Scene detection
• Light detection
• Optical and digital zoom

The Lumix DMC-GF1 is just a bit bigger than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. But the interchangeable lens more than makes up for the extra size. If you remember my review of the Olympus Pen E-P1, the Lumix DMC-GF1 is similar in size and features.

The main difference between the two is the available Micro Four Thirds lenses. Panasonic has more Micro Four Thirds lenses, six as opposed to Olympus' two. But with the adaptor, you can expand your lens choice to all standard lenses on both brands.

As per the specifications of the Micro Four Thirds system set by Olympus and Panasonic. You should be able to use any manufacturers lenses on any of their cameras.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 retails for US$899.95 at Amazon.