Panasonic Launches Lumix DMC-GH1 with HD Video

Five months after launching its Lumix DMC-G1 Micro Four Thirds camera, Panasonic is announcing another version of this camera that is capable of recording HD video. This new model, called the Lumix DMC-GH1, has a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor that can record high definition videos with continuous autofocus and built-in Dolby Digital Stereo Creator for quality sound.

The camera’s advanced video recording features include the ability to record high-resolution full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 24 fps or HD video (1280 x 720) movies at 60 fps using an AVCHD format (MPEG-4/H.264). The LUMIX GH1 has a dedicated video record button that lets you start recording videos instantly, even while you’re shooting still photos. For improved sound quality, a Wind Cut function helps block out distracting background noise. An optional stereo microphone is also available.

As you’ll recall, the Micro Four Thirds Standard system eliminates the large, internal mirror structure that is often found in traditional DSLRs. By eliminating this mirror structure, manufacturers are able to create dramatically smaller camera bodies and lenses. The Micro Four Thirds Standard system also enables a Live View Finder. This Live View Finder lets you preview the effects of different camera settings, such as exposure, aperture, and shutter speed before taking a photo. The LUMIX GH1’s 1,440,000-dot equivalent Live View Finder system will automatically turn on the viewfinder when the user looks into it. When a user looks away from the viewfinder, the camera will turn off the Live View Finder and turn on the 3.0-inch swiveling 460,000-dot high-resolution LCD.

To accompany the Lumix DMC-GH1, Panasonic introduced a newly developed long-zoom interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. This lens was designed for HD movie recording and has a silent motor and continuous auto focusing capability. In 35mm terms, the lens is equivalent to 28-280mm. The camera is also compatible with other Four Thirds standard lenses.

In addition to advanced still image and video capture features, the LUMIX DMC-GH1 also offers Panasonic’s user-friendly iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. The Lumix GH1’s iA suite has a new Face Recognition feature that can remember individual faces.

Pricing and availability have not been announced.