Ind-E-Focus

If you are a photographer who likes to have the option of recording video while on a shoot, the new Panasonic DMC-GH1, with its new HD video capabilities, long list of professional features, and simple user interface, may be the camera for you. CreativePro.com reports;

Panasonic has introduced the DMC-GH1, the newest member of the company’s revolutionary LUMIX G Micro System -- a new digital interchangeable lens camera system that delivers professional-level features and performance in a compact and easy-to-use camera body.

Compatible with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX GH1 features advanced video photography functions, such as the ability to record High Definition (HD) AVCHD 1080p/24p video. In addition, the new LUMIX GH1 comes with 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 specifically designed to support HD movie recording and features a silent motor and continuous auto focusing (AF) capability; two features which distinguish the LUMIX GH1 from DSLRs that offer HD video recording capabilities.

In late 2008, Panasonic redefined the traditional DSLR category with its launch of the Panasonic LUMIX G1, a digital, interchangeable lens camera system that takes the radical step of eliminating the large, internal mirror structure that is currently contained in all traditional DSLR cameras. This innovation allows for dramatically smaller camera body and lens sizes and permits many new, advanced consumer features such as LUMIX G1 “Live View Finder”.

The new LUMIX GH1 provides cutting-edge video recording features, including the ability to record high-resolution full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 24 fps or smooth HD video (1280 x 720) movie at 60 fps using an AVCHD format (MPEG-4/H.264). The AVCHD format provides the important benefit of doubling the HD quality recording time compared with Motion JPEG. The LUMIX GH1 hosts a dedicated video record button on the back of the camera which lets users instantly start recording videos, even while shooting still photos -- removing the fear of potentially missing a must-see video moment. The LUMIX GH1 also records video in high-quality stereo sound via Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, the global standard of audio recording. An optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) is also available to achieve a more intensive sound recording experience. Finally, a convenient Wind Cut function is provided to help to block out distracting video background noise.

Like the LUMIX G1, the LUMIX GH1 features the Live View Finder system, which enables something that simply is not possible with conventional DSLR cameras -- the ability to preview the effects of camera settings (e.g., exposure, aperture, shutter speed) before taking the photo. This helps take the guesswork out of the camera setting process and helps users ensure that every photo they capture comes out exactly as they envisioned.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1, a creative HD hybrid, offers professional-level still photos and HD video performance, yet is easy enough for entry-level DSLR consumers. (Source: CreativePro.com - New Lumix GH1 SLR Records in HD)