Tuesday, September 1, 2009

New Panasonic DSLR: DMC GF1

What a busy week it has been! First, Sony introduced its high end DSLR, the affordable full frame A850. Four days later, Canon announced its EOS 7D, their highest end APS-C frame DLSR. One day later, today, Panasonic announces its most advanced Four-Thirds DLSR. It is an exciting product to watch. Here's the deal.

This is a camera that will seriously compete against the high end compact cameras. Professionals and amateurs alike buy the high end compacts (e.g. Canon G10) because they are small to carry everywhere and yet take pretty good pictures. Yes, even pro shooters sometimes opt for compacts when they go on holidays.

The Panasonic GF1 is about the same size as the Canon G10, but offers all the advantages of a DSLR: interchangeable lens, Four-Thirds sensor, SLR controls. Like a serious compact, it also offers Live View, HD movie with a dedicated record button, wind-cut for noise reduction, built-in flash as well as flash hot-shoe. Also, the fact that this innovative DLSR has done away with the mirror mechanism means that you can put the camera in silent mode. Great for use when you are shooting animals or birds. One nice touch is the option to record video in either AVCHD format or MJPEG. Both have pros and cons, so it is good to have the choice.

Help me; I feel like running out to buy this camera! This is an ideal camera to take on a holiday. The only thing that is holding me back is the lack of a fully articulated LCD, which allows one to hold the camera at any angle. Seriously!

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