Panasonic Lumix GH1 shoots 1080p video
updated 01:15 pm EST, Tue March 3, 2009
Panasonic Lumix GH1
Panasonic has announced a second entry into its Lumix G series of Micro Four Thirds cameras, the GH1. The camera continues to use a 12.1-megapixel sensor, but introduces the ability to record in 1080p, 24fps video, echoing one of the primary features of Canon's more expensive EOS-5D Mk. II. Video is saved in AVCHD format to the camera's SDHC slot, and can additionally be scaled down to 1280x720 for 60fps recording. Shutter and aperture settings can be tweaked to produce special effects.
The camera additionally ships with a new kit lens, the Vario HD 14-140mm f/4.0-5.8. The lens zooms from wide to telephoto ranges, and is equipped with four aspherical pieces of glass as well as built-in optical image stabilization to reduce blur. Complementing it is an optional separate lens, the the Vario 7-14mm f/4.0, which covers an ultra-wide perspective up to 114 degrees. While the lens is able to hold f/4.0 throughout its zoom range, it uses two aspherical pieces of glass and omits any image stabilization.
Pricing and release dates for the camera and lenses have yet to be revealed.
[Lumix GH1]
[Vario 7-14mm f/4.0]
