Olympus Imaging Corp. and Panasonic Corporation jointly announced the Micro Four Thirds System standard in 2008 and have since been working together to promote the standard. Now we are pleased to announce that three more companies have recently declared their support for the standard and will be introducing products compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard.

ASTRODESIGN, Inc., a developer of advanced imaging-related equipment, such as the 4K camera system, that incorporates the latest technology; Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd., one of the world’s leading manufacturers and developers of interchangeable lenses for digital and film SLR cameras; and Tamron Co., Ltd., an internationally renowned manufacturer of precision optics who has been providing powerful, high-quality lenses for a wide variety of fields for more than half a century. With the addition of exciting new products from these companies, the Micro Four Thirds lineup will become much more diverse, further increasing the potential of this advanced digital imaging system.

As the originator of the Four Thirds System and Micro Four Thirds System standards, Olympus Imaging Corp. will continue to develop and enhance the product lineup for both standards to meet the diverse needs of our customers.

ASTRODESIGN, Inc.

A Japanese company established in 1977 that designs and develops professional video equipment and measurement/analysis-related equipment. Well known for developing the world’s first programmable signal generator and the Ultra HDTV image processor devices used at Expo 2005 Aichi, Japan.

ASTRODESIGN, Inc. Website
http://www.astrodesign.co.jp/english/

Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd.

A Japanese company established in 1957 that designs and develops a wide variety of photographic supplies and optical products. It is Japan’s largest manufacturer/seller of lens filters.

Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd. Website
http://www.kenkoglobal.com/

Tamron Co., Ltd.

A Japanese company established in 1950 that designs and develops interchangeable SLR camera lenses, lens units for surveillance, as well as ultra-precision optical components based on the integration of advanced optical, electronic and precision machinery engineering technologies.

Tamron Co., Ltd. Website
http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/

The outlines of the standards can be checked at the Four Thirds website

http://www.four-thirds.org/en/
http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/index.html

• Wide-angle converter DMW-GWC1 converts the 14mm (28mm equiv) to 11mm (or 22m equiv)
• Telephoto converter DMW-GTC1 converts the 42mm (84mm equiv) end of the kit zoom to 84mm (168mm equiv)
• Macro converter DMW-GMC1 reduces your minimum focusing distance down to .14m (5.5″), but doesn’t tell how to calculate the change in magnification from such.
• Fisheye converter DMW-GFC1 er, makes things fisheye. A 120 degree one, though.

Compatability for them is as follows:

Then, the GF2 came out, and it was a bit less exciting as Panasonic made it clear the line was moving closer to the Pen series. And with the GF3, almost all the controls had disappeared, leaving a lot of shooters feeling a bit unhappy, and longing for a proper replacement to that GF1.

And, today, we finally have it, in the form of a new, third line from Panasonic: the GX1.

For those of you remembering the GFX1 kit, where that X stood for the inclusion of a power zoom lens, you’ll be rewarded to know the X continues to indicate that this body has been optimized for those power zoom, HD video-oriented lenses. And, to support that, the video recording is finally up to a full 1080 AVHCD, being drawn from a new, higher resolution 16 megapixel sensor.

So, what exactly is new in this long-awaited body otherwise? Well, the ISO cap has scooted all the way over to 12,800, it has dual-axis level gauges (as well as an orientations sensors, we hear. The GF1 relied on information from OIS lenses for this, and non-OIS lenses left you rotating your portrait shots yourself), and there’s a new (and improved, we’re guessing) external viewfinder in the form of the DMW-LVF2. The LCD is disappointingly the same size and same resolution (that 460,000 dot resolution has been a bit long in the tooth for a while now), but you do get to add touchscreen now, for what you think that’s worth. Updates to the AF cycle rate also promise AF speeds up to 10% faster than their last generation, and who knows how much faster than the two-gen old GF1.

As for the rest, how about an easy-to-read comparison table of key specs? You got it.

The GX1 will be available in three kits: body only, with regular 14-42mm, and with the new power-zoom 14-42mm, starting maybe sometime next month. More pictures and press release after the jump.

Panasonic Announces Newest Compact System Camera, Lumix GX1 Excels In Speed, Image Quality And Size

The LUMIX GX1 Finds the Perfect Balance of Size and Performance – Making it the Ideal ‘Everyday’ Digital Camera for Professionals and Photo Enthusiasts Alike

SECAUCUS, NJ (November 7, 2011) – Panasonic today announces its latest Compact System Camera (CSC), the LUMIX DMC-GX1, 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 new LUMIX GX1 features a 16.01-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine, helping to ensure real-to-life images through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction. Even in low-light situations and at maximum 12800 high ISO sensitivity, the LUMIX GX1 can produce stunning photos and videos, and because of its compact size it can be easily carried for daily use.

“Panasonic expects the LUMIX GX1 to please a lot of photo enthusiasts who have been eager for a technology upgrade comparable to the LUMIX DMC-GF1, which continues to be a very popular digital camera with dedicated followers who appreciate the compact size, yet high quality of photos and video,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The LUMIX GX1 is an extremely flexible and capable digital camera with fast AF speeds and outstanding image quality. Plus with a built-in flash and a hot shoe allowing for accessories like an external view finder, the GX1 is a powerful compact system camera that is small enough to be a photographer’s everyday camera choice.”

The LUMIX GX1, like all the models in Panasonic’s LUMIX G Series of CSC, adopts Contrast AF for its focus system, so focusing is controlled by the image sensor. When compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF achieves higher accuracy especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F value. For instance, the accuracy of Contrast AF is approximately 90% while Phase difference AF is approximately 60% at F1.4. Additionally, with the precise Contrast AF system, the LUMIX GX1 achieves high resolution through an optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction, thus producing lifelike image rendering and highly precise Auto Exposure and white balance. To further advance the Contrast AF, the LUMIX GX1?incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. With the LUMIX GX1’s 3.0-inch touch LCD screen, frame composition is intuitive and easy.

The LUMIX GX1 features an ultra high-speed Light Speed AF*, which means it can Auto Focus in approximately 0.09 second. This is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by the synchronizing the lens and sensor at 120 fps. Plus, the newly-added focus mode AFF (AF Flexible) locks on the focus when the shutter button is half-pressed, however, if the subject moves, the focusing is reset to get the best results. Combined with the Touch AF control, setting and focusing on the subject is incredibly easy and quick.

The touch-control system of the LUMIX GX1 lets users set the focus on the subject by simply touching it on the large, 460,000-dot wide-viewing angle LCD. Users can even release the shutter by touching the screen. Once locked on the subject with a touch, the LUMIX GX1 tracks the subject, even when it moves, using the AF tracking function. With a touch on the screen, users can select the part and the size of the AF area, choosing from 1-area AF, Multi-area AF with 23 AF areas and Pinpoint AF, which allows extremely precise focus setting.

Despite its compact size, the LUMIX GX1 is extremely intuitive to operate, with an optimized layout of control buttons, a mode dial and dedicated function buttons. Users can customize the two external buttons and two menus tabs to settings they most frequently use so they are easily accessible. In addition, a total of four custom setting patterns can be stored to the camera’s model dial – one on ‘C1’ and three on ‘C2.’ Furthermore, the LUMIX GX1 was designed to enhance its ergonomics, with a grip that fits naturally and comfortably in the hand, despite its flat profile and compact design. Plus, the LUMIX GX1 has a more tactile texture and the mode dial is easy to turn and features print that is easy to read and won’t easily wear.

The LUMIX GX1 can record 1920 x 1080 at 60i, with sensor output of 30p, full-High Definition videos in the AVCHD format which excels in both compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback. In addition to the practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing at the subject, the focus is shifted so it stands out. With a dedicated video record button on the top, users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra setting adjustments. Along with the full-HD video capabilities, the LUMIX GX1 also features high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. Videos can also be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files.

Other features of the new Panasonic LUMIX GX1 compact system camera include:

A new Level Gauge, which lets the camera detect the horizontal/vertical angle of view with its internal level working with the sensor. In addition, photos shot in portrait aspect will be automatically displayed vertically, regardless of which lens is used.

One Push AE adjusts exposure with a single press of the “Fn” (Function) button when it is over/under exposed, which is especially useful when shooting outdoors with open aperture or indoors with fast shutter speed.?

Dust Reduction System helps to eliminate dust or foreign matter getting inside the LUMIX GX1 when lenses are being changed. By placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor that vibrates vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.

Zoom operation can be controlled with touch control when either of Panasonic’s new LUMIX X Power Zoom lenses are attached. And the zoom speed can also be adjusted in two steps for more precise control.

Popular iA and iA Plus modes for beginners looking for automatic shooting in both still and video modes.

Increased energy consumption and an approximately 11%** longer battery life when compared to the LUMIX DMC-G3, which also uses the same battery pack DMW-BLD10.

The LUMIX G Series is a robust system of bodies and lenses, featuring a total of 14 Micro Four Thirds lenses including the new power zoom X lens – standard zoom lens, telephoto zoom lens, single focal length lens, wide-angle lens, fish-eye lens, macro lens, and even a 3D lens – to fit a variety of shooting scenarios and occasions.

The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today’s Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GX1 can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adapter for the unlimited number of lens properties. The LUMIX GX1 system camera offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style, including: external flashes, PL filters, ND filters, MC protectors, remote shutter, zoom level, battery packs, AC adaptor, DC coupler, straps, cases, bags and more. Plus, with the LUMIX GX1’s hot shoe on the top, users can attach the optional tilt-shift Live View Finder (DMW-LVF2), with approximately 1.4x and 1,440,000-dot equivalent, 100% field of view.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1 will be available in black and silver bodies in mid-December and in the following kit options: DMC-GX1-X with the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) lens will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $949.99; the DMC-GX1-K with the 14-42 standard zoom for an SRP of $799.99; and the DMC-GX1, body only for an SRP of $699.99.

* The time for focusing on the subject is measured with LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) to move the lens position to “2m” from the “infinity” position. The zoom is positioned at its widest end. Panasonic measurement method
**Based on a CIPA Standard.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

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Isn’t there something missing? Naw. It’s just in a collapsed state. Similar to the design of Olympus’s M.Zuiko 14-42 I and II, Panasonic’s LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./ POWER O.I.S. stores itself for enhanced portability and compactitude. Yup, compactitude.

This new designation, X, indicates this and the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. are electronically focused, you know, like camcorders or point and shoots. The GF3x, when it ships, will be a good, wholesome GF3 bundled with the X 14-42.

More photos after the break.

Then came the GF2, which seemed to most a step back, streamlining out about half the physical controls and introducing a very point-and-shoot looking four-way controller. It was a little hard to decide what to make of it, since while it had a higher number it seemed rather closer to a step back. And now, today we have the announcement of the GF3 today, and we have to sadly tell you all that the GF series is now a clear-cut consumer line product, aimed squarely at competing with Sony’s extremely tiny NEX series.

I actually just can’t talk about what’s new in this camera without listing what it doesn’t have anymore. Gone are the hotshoe and accessory ports, and with them support for external flashes, optional electronic viewfinders, and Olympus’ very nifty poseable macro light. The stereo mic has been replaced by a mono one. ISO range is down from 100-6,400 to 160-6400, in what counts as the strangest spec revision I’ve veer seen. Oh, and the control wheel under your thumb, which is now a jogwheel around the four-way controller. In exchange for the loss of the hotshoe and accessory port, you get the pop-up flash centered above the lens axis now, and Panasonic once again gets to claim to have the smaller interchangeable lens compact body with a built-in flash.

In the upgrades department, shooting speed is up to 3.8 fps from 3.2. That’s all I got. This is a strange camera to blog about.

At least it’s pretty though, right?

It’ll be available in black, red, white, and one of the best looking browns I’ve ever seen a company decide to use.

Now, because beauty is just skin deep, let’s see what these two beauts have to offer in a long-term committed relationship.

The FP5 starts with a 14.1 megapixel sensor mounted behind a 4x optically stabilized zoom. Around back there are no buttons, just a big 3″ touchscreen. There’s a Venus VI processor moving things along, and it can do some nifty cleanup to your people shots including redeye removal, teeth whitening, and it can apply eye shadow. No, really. And, it takes SD/SDHC/SDXC like all forward-looking cameras should.

The FP7 is mostly the same, but it moves you up to a 16.1 megapixel sensor and a hugenormous 3.5″ touchscreen (there’s a slower framerate on the video, though it’s the 24fps instead of 30, so, it’s up to you to decide how you feel about that).

And yes, they both do 720p. More pictures? After the jump.

So, the DMC-S1 has a 12 megapixel sensor matched to a 4x zoom that starts at 28mm and has some predictably slow and unremarkable f numbers. It does have proper optical image stabilization, and not that silly electronic IS people are always trying to sell us on. There’s a Venus VI processor humming along in the pipeline, and a 2.7″ LCD around back. And, because in the current market it’d be laughed out of town if it didn’t, it includes the now apparently-requisite 720p movie mode. It’ll be available in blue, black, silver, pink, and bling… er… gold.

The DMC-S3 looks a lot like the S1, as you’d expect, but ups the ante to 14 megapixels, throws in auto-redeye reduction, and comes in blue, red, black, and violet.

Pictures after the jump, but I only have them for one color of each model thus far. Le sigh.

Otherwise, you’re looking at a 12.1 megapixel LiveMOS sensor, 3″ touchscreen LCD with 460,000 dots, 23 point AF with selectable face tracking (which also switches you to portrait mode), the new Venus FHD engine, dust reduction, full 1080 HD, yadda yadda, you know the drill.

It is sharp looking, though, although we suspect the change from the pro-ready GF1 to the more consumer-friendly GF2 might prove a point of contention. There’s no pricing yet for either kit, and tentative word is they’ll ship around January next year.