Panasonic Lumix GF5 Ultra Compact Digital Interchangeable Lens System Camera, Overhauls Touch Interface With Swappable-Lens Review

Panasonic Lumix GF5 looks identical to its predecessor, offers similar specs for $100 more, an interchangeable-lens camera built for casual users, the mirrorless Lumix GF5 will have a dramatically redesigned touchscreen interface. With the Lumix GF5, Panasonic reaffirms its commitment to a small, consumer-focused compact system camera with limited controls and a touchscreen interface. After the introduction of last year's GF3, there was quite a bit of foment among enthusiasts who thought it was too small, and too consumer-focused and this resulted in a quick about-face, as Panasonic seemed to hastily prepare the GX1 from the 2009 blueprints of the GF1, with only a few minor tweaks to set it apart. The same might be said of the Panasonic GF5, as major new features are few. The GF5 is clearly designed with beginners in mind, more advanced photogs should consider the GX1, but with a $599 sticker price (with 14-42mm lens), it's sure to be a hit.




Panasonic announced a new digital interchangeable lens system camera, the LUMIX DMC-GF5, which joins Panasonic's award-winning LUMIX G Series of digital cameras, which are acclaimed for their high image quality with small and compact body and lenses. The LUMIX GF5 features a newly developed 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and redesigned Venus Engine, helping to ensure true-to-life images through exceptional resolution, image rendering and color reproduction. Even in low-light situations and at a maximum 12800 high ISO sensitivity, the LUMIX GF5 produces stunning photos and videos. The noise reduction system includes a combination 3DNR (3D Noise Reduction) and MNR (Multi-process Noise Reduction) allowing for both bright areas and dark areas to be faithfully reproduced with minimal noise in high sensitivity image recording. Sporting a sophisticated and stylish design, the LUMIX GF5 features a compact, lightweight body with built-in flash. A rubberized grip makes it easier for users to comfortably hold the camera in one hand. Complying with Micro Four Thirds standard, a wide range of interchangeable lenses is offered to expand photographic experience even more broadly at higher level of photo quality. "Panasonic expects the LUMIX GF5 to please photo enthusiasts and budding photographers that are looking for the next step from the traditional point-and-shoot camera," said Christopher Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "The camera's host of shooting options makes photography even more artistic, yet easy for users of any experience level. The powerful Venus Engine and sensor allows the camera to achieve exceptional photo quality in a range of shooting environments."





The LUMIX GF5, like all cameras in the LUMIX G Series, adopts Contrast AF (Auto Focus), so focusing is controlled by the image sensor. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy, especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F value. To further advance the Contrast AF, the GF5 incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. Featuring an ultra high-speed Light Speed AF, the LUMIX GF5 can focus in approximately 0.09 seconds making it possible to capture even fast moving subjects clearly. Combined with Touch AF control and high-speed burst shooting at four frames per second in full resolution, it has never been easier to capture fast-moving objects clearly. Additionally, Pinpoint AF allows for even more precise focus by further enlarging the focus area, assisting, for example, to set focus directly on the pupil of an eye. The LUMIX GF5's large, 3.0-inch 920,000-dot high-precision touch display and Graphic User Interface (GUI) provide users with ease of use and simple operation. The touch-control system immediately allows users to set focus on a subject just by touching the screen and users can even release the shutter to snap a photo directly from the touch screen. Once a user locks onto a subject by a touch, the camera will track the subject with the AF tracking function, even if the subject moves. Touch Zoom is also available when the LUMIX Power Zoom Lens H-PS14042 lens or H-PS45175 is mounted. Creative Control Mode has been upgraded from the LUMIX DMC-GF3 by increasing filter options available on the LUMIX GF5 from six options to 14, adding Soft Focus*2, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process and Star Filter, in addition to the conventional Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, Hi Dynamic, Miniature Effect and recently introduced Low Key and Toy Effect modes. With the new GUI menu tab, switching filter effects is seamless. A preview of filter effects can be seen on the large LCD screen via Live View mode and the camera intuitively recommends filters depending on the scene that the camera detects in iA (Intelligent Auto) or iA Plus mode.




For beginner users of interchangeable lens system cameras, the GF5 features a new Scene Guide offering 23 sample pictures shot by professional photographers. Users can choose the photo closest to the situation that they are shooting and optimal parameters for shooting the scene will be set automatically. Additionally, procedures, technical advice and recommended interchangeable lens options for the scene can be shown to allow users to better understand and learn photography. In addition to shooting still photography, the LUMIX GF5 can also record 1920x1080 60i* full-High Definition videos in AVCHD format which excels in both compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback. In addition to practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets the user enjoy professional-like selective focusing which allows the focus to be changed while shooting video. The LUMIX GF5 features a dedicated video record button on the top of the body so users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make setting adjustments. Along with full-HD video capabilities, the LUMIX GF5 also features high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. Videos can be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files. Additional features of the LUMIX GF5 include:

• iA mode to automatically activate a range of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change, including AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control.
• iA Plus mode allows users to adjust defocusing area in the background, exposure compensation and white balance for more flexible control.
• A dedicated sensor that automatically determines shooting angle, making it possible to tell whether a photo was taken horizontally or vertically no matter what lens was used.
• The GUI interface allows users to choose an image and set it as wallpaper for the menu screen.

The LUMIX DMC-GF5 will be available in black, white and red later this year in the following kit options: Body with 14-42mm standard zoom lens will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $599; body with 14-42mm power zoom lens will have an SRP of $749. The competitive market in the GF5's class:

	Nikon 1 J1	Olympus PEN E-PM1	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5	Pentax Q	Sony Alpha NEX-C3
Sensor (effective resolution)	10-megapixel CMOS	12.3- megapixel Live MOS	12.1- megapixel Live MOS	12.1- megapixel Live MOS	12.4- megapixel BSI CMOS	16.2- megapixel Exmor HD CMOS
	13.2mm x 8.8mm	17.3mm x 13mm	17.3mm x 13mm	17.3mm x 13mm	1/2.3-inch	23.5mm x 15.6mm
Focal-length multiplier	2.7x	2.0x	2.0x	2.0x	5.5x	1.5x
Sensitivity range	ISO 100 - ISO 3200 / 6400 (expanded)	ISO 200 - ISO 12800	ISO 100 - ISO 6400	ISO 100 - ISO 6400 / 12800 (expanded)	ISO 125 - ISO 6400	ISO 200 - ISO 12800
Continuous shooting	5fps n/a (60fps with fixed AF and electronic shutter)	4.1fps n/a (5.5fps without image stabilization)	3.8fps unlimited JPEG/7 raw	4fps unlimited JPEG/4 raw	5fps 5 JPEG/n/a (1.5fps raw)	2.5fps 18 JPEG/ 6 raw (5.5fps with fixed exposure)
Viewfinder magnification/ effective magnification	None	None	None	None	Optional optical for prime lens	None
Autofocus	73-point phase detection, 135-area contrast AF	35-area contrast AF	23-area contrast AF	23-area contrast AF	25-point contrast AF	25-point contrast AF
Shutter speed	30-1/16,000 sec; bulb; 1/60 sec x-sync	60-1/2,000 sec; bulb to 30 minutes	60-1/4,000 sec; 1/160 x-sync	60-1/4,000 sec; 1/160 x-sync	30-1/2,000 sec; bulb; 1/125 sec flash sync	30-1/4,000 sec; bulb; 1/160 flash sync
Metering	n/a	324 area	144 zone	144 zone	n/a	49 zone
Flash	Yes	Included optional	Yes	Yes	Yes	Included optional
Image stabilization	Optical	Sensor shift	Optical	Optical	Sensor shift	Optical
Video	1080/60i/30p, 720/60p H.264 MPEG-4 QuickTime MOV	1080/60i AVCHD @ 20, 17Mbps; 720/60p @ 13Mbps/29 minutes	1080/60i/50i @ 17Mbps 720/60p @17Mbps AVCHD or Motion JPEG QuickTime MOV	1080/60i/50i @ 17Mbps 720/60p @17Mbps AVCHD or MPEG-4 QuickTime MOV	1080/30p H.264 MPEG-4	720/30p H.264 MPEG-4
Audio	Stereo	Stereo	Mono	Stereo	Stereo	Stereo; mic input
LCD size	3-inch fixed 460,000 dots	3-inch fixed 460,000 dots	3-inch fixed touch screen 460,000 dots	3-inch fixed touch screen 920,000 dots	3-inch fixed touch screen 460,000 dots	3-inch tilting 921,600 dots
Battery life (CIPA rating)	230 shots	n/a	320 shots	330 shots	230 shots	400 shots
Dimensions (inches, WHD)	4.2 x 2.4 x 1.2	4.3 x 2.5 x 1.3	4.2 x 2.6 x 1.3	4.2 x 2.6 x 1.5	3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2	4.4 x 2.4 x 0.9
Body operating weight (ounces)	9.7	9.3	9.3	9.3	7.1 (est)	10.7
Mfr. price	n/a	n/a	$499.95 (body only, est)	n/a	n/a	n/a
	$649.95 (with 10-30mm lens)	$499.99 (with 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens)	$599.95 (with 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens)	$599 (with 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens)	$649.95 (with 47mm- equivalent f1.9 lens)	$649.99 (with 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 lens)
	$899.95 (with 10-30mm and 30-110mm lenses)	n/a	$699.95 (with 14mm f2.5 lens)	$749 (with 14-42mm power zoom lens)	n/a	$599.99 (with 16mm f2.8 lens)
Ship date	October 2011	September 2011	July 2011	Q2 2012	November 2011	August 2011

Panasonic GF5 versus Olympus E-PM1

Going up against the small Olympus E-PM1, the Panasonic GF5 is a little taller, but the E-PM1 is wider. The X-Vario lens is noticeably shorter than Olympus's redesigned mechanically retractable lens, both retracted and extended. The E-PM1 achieves a shorter stature, yet includes a full hot shoe and accessory port, while the GF5 supports neither. That's partly due to the wider-aspect LCD screen on the E-PM1.

Panasonic GF5 versus Panasonic G3

Even though the Panasonic G3 is pretty darn small, it's clear why Panasonic still makes the GF5: to really show how small they can make a compact system camera for those who want such a creature. The G3 is larger thanks to its electronic viewfinder hump on top, its full hot shoe, and is most cumbersome because of the rear protrusion for the viewfinder. Enthusiasts will appreciate its greater number of controls, though, including a mode dial, rear control dial, and its articulating screen. A model for everyone.

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