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Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-LF1, the first in a new line of Raw-shooting enthusiast compacts. The LF1 marries the sensor from the LX7 to a longer, slower lens and adds an electronic viewfinder. The camera combines a 12MP 1/1.7" CMOS sensor with a 28-200mm equivalent F2.0-5.9 lens and finds room for a 202k dot-equivalent electronic viewfinder. It becomes the fifth Panasonic model to offer Wi-Fi for remote control and wireless communication that can be set up using NFC.
The LF1 will sit alongside the LX7 and offer fewer direct controls but still represent a significant step up from most conventional compacts. The LF1 includes an exposure mode dial and function ring around its lens, as well as a larger sensor than most compacts. In a sense it's a competitor to Canon's S series and the recent Nikon Coolpix P330, but with the added bonus of a longer zoom and built-in EVF. The EVF shares its specifications with the low-resolution, field-sequential LCDs used in Panasonic's lower-end bridge-style superzooms (such as the FZ60). The rear LCD is a 3.0", 920k dot panel, which is about normal for this class.
The LF1 offers the same easy-to-establish Wi-Fi connection as the G6, GF6, ZS30 and TS5, if you're pairing it with a device that supports NFC (Near Field Communication). If not, you'll have to manually enter the Wi-Fi details into your device, but you still gain the ability to remotely control the camera as well as the option to download images from it. Using Wi-Fi extensively will cut into its already modest 250 shot-per-charge battery life.
The LF1 will sell for a recommended price of $499.99/£379
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LUMIX DMC-LF1 Featuring F2.0 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON Lens with 7.1x Optical Zoom*
*35mm camera equivalent:28-200mm
April 24, 2013: Panasonic is proud to announce a new digital compact camera LUMIX DMC-LF1 from new LF series – a sister line of the world-renowned LX series which have been long acclaimed by the photography enthusiasts for its high picture quality and creative descriptiveness. The new DMC-LF1 incorporates F2.0 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens and 1/1.7-inch large High Sensitivity MOS Sensor in sleek, stylish profile with practical EVF (Electronic View Finder). The F2.0 fast LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens boasts excellent descriptiveness produced by its outstanding quality and performance yet achieves 7.1x high optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 28-200mm) making this camera even more versatile. The 1/1.7-inch large High Sensitivity MOS Sensor and the high performance Venus Engine achieves clear image recording even at high sensitivity setting taking advantage of rich amount of light.
With the Wi-Fi® connectivity with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, the DMC-LF1 features “Touch & Share” in which users can connect the camera to their smartphone/tablet anywhere at one-touch to share a image easily right on the spot. It is also possible to use a smartphone/tablet as a multi-capable remote shutter with a monitor. With the new Instant Transfer function, photos are automatically sent to the smartphone/tablet right after shooting. On the other hand, both photo and video can be archived to the registered digital equipment such as PC automatically via the wireless access point (router) at home.
For step-up users who pursue higher expressive performance, the DMC-LF1 comes equipped with a variety of manual functionalities. Newly integrated Control Ring and Composition Guide help experience advanced photography with ease. A variety of special effects that add fun to shooting experience are also integrated in DMC-LF1–Creative Panorama, Creative Control and Creative Retouch featuring a total of max.15 attractive filter effects*.
The DMC-LF1 records 1,920 x 1,080 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) full-HD video recording in AVCHD / MP4** with high quality stereo sound. The 7.1x optical zoom is also available in video recording. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) with Active Mode powerfully suppresses blur even in video recording. In addition to the 0.2-inch 200K-dotpractical EVF, the DMC-LF1 features 3-inch large 920K-dot Intelligent LCD assuring highly visibility in both shooting and image playback.
Advanced in function and more fashionable in design – the DMC-LF1 is for users who wants to get more inspired by photography in their sophisticated lifestyles.
*Some modes of Creative Control cannot be used in Creative Panorama and Creative Retouch.
** 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL) in MP4 recording.
- Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds in some European / Asian areas.
- Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [MP4] is 29 minutes 59 seconds or up to 4 GB.
- You can check the recordable time on the screen. (For [FHD] in [MP4] format, the file size is large and so the recordable time will drop below 29 minutes 59 seconds.)
The DMC-LF1 is equipped with newly developed 28mm wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens with 7.1x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 28-200mm). This supreme lens features F2.0 high speed, which boasts approx. 2x higher speed of F2.8 lens, itself generally considered a fast lens. The extraordinarily rich amount of light allows not only using higher shutter speed to capture stunningly clear, sharp, blur-free images in lower lighting situation, but also giving impressive expression to the image by reproducing exquisite gradation and mellow defocus. The lens unit consists of 10 elements in 8 groups with 4 aspherical lenses with 7 aspherical surfaces including an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens that compensates for chromatic aberration at entire zoom range. Panasonic achieves integrating F2.0 fast lens in this middle-zoom compact camera by combining the company’s unique technologies – a technology for the mass production of a slim lens with a flange of just 0.3mm and a black-box technology for assembling spherical lenses and aspherical lenses.
The super-high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens minimizes distortion at the wide end, so users can get stunning, true-to-life images with outstanding resolution and detail. For more effective countermeasure against hand-shake which tends to occur in shooting with high zoom, POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) with Active Mode is equipped with DMC-LF1 to powerfully suppress blur in both photo and video recording.
The DMC-LF1 integrates 1/1.7-inch, 12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor which is larger in size than standard digital compact cameras. Thanks to the extensive light receiving area of each cell, the performance of high sensitivity image recording in low light is obviously superior with its excellent S/N ratio and wide dynamic range. The result is a high resolution image with stunning clarity not only in high sensitivity recording but also in low ISO setting reproducing rich gradation with the exquisitely wide dynamic range even when the situation is highly contrasted.
The high performance image processor Venus Engine also boasts advanced signal processing. The Venus Engine enables deliberate noise reduction process without missing low-frequency noise by searching large detection area to realize high sensitivity image recording even at ISO12800. In addition, Edge Smoothing NR technology helps rendering smooth edges even in image recording at high ISO setting.
The high speed digital signal output technology is integrated to realize high speed consecutive shooting at 10 fps in full resolution with mechanical shutter and to record full-HD 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) smooth video in AVCHD/MP4*.. It also contributes to the high speed Sonic Speed AF to catch the most fleeting shooting opportunities. In addition, the high speed burst shooting at 60 fps is available to capture subject with fast motion**.
* 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL) in MP4 recording.
** In max.2.5-megapixel (4:3), 3-megapixel (3:2), 3.5-megapixel (16:9) and 2-megapixel (1:1)
The DMC-LF1 is a sleek, stylish digital compact camera but it comes with 0.2-inch EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) with 200K-dot resolution, 100% field of view. It assures stable framing and high visibility of live view image even under strong sunlight.
The 3.0-inch, 920,000-dot Intelligent LCD with super high resolution and a wide viewing angle features automatic brightness adjustment in 7 steps as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times. The big screen with AR coating reflects fine details, making it easy to check the focus before shooting. It also serves as a small photo and video viewer, allowing the user and friends to enjoy viewing the still and motion images together.
The DMC-LF1 integrates a Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to offer more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. The NFC allows “Touch & Share” in which users can connect the camera to their smartphone/tablet anywhere at one-touch to share a image easily right on the spot by just pairing the two devices. What is new is that the setup is extremely easy and finishes within a few seconds, making it possible to pair the camera directly to the smartphone/tablet without connection procedure of information input for authorization.
With a smartphone/tablet, remote shooting of both photo and video is available by using the smartphone/tablet for a remote shutter with a monitor which displayed live at smooth 30 fps. Not only releasing a shutter, zooming, focusing and settings of shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation are all controllable with a smartphone/tablet.
The Instant Transfer function allows the camera to transfer the photo data to the designated electronic devices automatically whenever shutter is released. In playback mode, users can also touch the image displayed on the camera to transfer it directly to the smartphone/tablet right on the spot. In addition, it is possible to tag the location information to the image by utilizing the GPS (Global Positioning System) log of a smartphone / tablet. All these flexible shooting / browsing / sharing style are made possible with the DMC-LF1 and the Panasonic's dedicated application software “Panasonic Image App” for iOS / Android smartphones/tablets.
Archiving images becomes easy. DMC-LF1 transfer the data to PC or other compliant electronic devices automatically via the wireless access point (router) at home. Also, users can save precious record of memory to the Panasonic's exclusive cloud service “LUMIX CLUB”.
The Wi-Fi Direct™ function allows direct playback of images on the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) – compliant VIERA HDTV*.
* Using [Playback on TV] of the Wi-Fi function, you can display images on a TV that supports the Digital Media Renderer (DMR) function of the DLNA standard. Please check the following website about the compatible devices for details. http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/
A variety of advanced functions are equipped with DMC-LF1 to spur more interest of step-up users in photography. Manual control is easy to try thanks to the Control Ring, which enables direct, intuitive control over frequently-used settings – zooming, aperture, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity and filter of Creative Control / Creative Panorama. To assist learning photography, Composition Guide is also available in DMC-LF1. It is easy to shoot a photo in good composition by just choosing most suitable pattern of composition from- Rule of Thirds Offset, Diagonal Lines, Tunnel, Radiation1, Radiation2 and S-shape - and framing the subjects along the guided lines. Well-composed image has a stunning perspective and dramatically look refined. This function can be used in shooting not only with LCD but also with EVF. Furthermore, DMC-LF1 is equipped with Level Gauge to detect the horizontal / vertical angle of view using its internal level working with the acceleration sensor. This is helpful to keep horizontal composition precisely even when shooting in high or low angle.
The DMC-LF1 is also equipped with popular Creative Control and Creative Retouch featuring a total of 15 filter effects – Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Star Filter, Cross Process, Soft Focus, One Point Color and Old Days. The Creative Control lets users shoot with a filter effect while checking how it makes difference on the picture, which can be used for video recording, too*. The Creative Retouch enables applying a filter effect on the picture even after shooting in camera.
With the Creative Panorama function, it is possible to apply filter effect of Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Star Filter, Cross Process, Soft Focus, One Point Color and Old Days to the horizontal / vertical panoramic image, which can be shot by sweeping the camera in any four directions – to right, left, top or bottom.
* Soft Focus and Star Filter cannot be used in video recording.
High Quality 1920 x 1080 Full-HD 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) Video with Stereo Sound
The DMC-LF1 records 1920 x 1080 at 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) full HD videos with full-time AF and high quality stereo sound in the AVCHD format which excels in both compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback. With a dedicated video record button on the back, users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra setting adjustments. Videos can also be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files.
* 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL) in MP4 recording.
- Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds in some European / Asian areas..
- Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [MP4] is 29 minutes 59 seconds or up to 4 GB.
- You can check the recordable time on the screen. (For [FHD] in [MP4] format, the file size is large and so the recordable time will drop below 29 minutes 59 seconds.)
iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode for Photo and Video
For beginners, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode supports taking beautiful pictures with a variety of shooting-assist functions including AF Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control. The iA Plus mode lets users adjust defocusing area in the background, exposure compensation and white balance for more flexible control.
AC / USB Power Charging
The camera’s battery can be recharged either via AC or via USB according to the users’ convenience.
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $499.99 / £379 |
| Body type | |
| Body type | Compact |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 4000 x 3000 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 12.1 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 12.8 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, (12800 with boost) |
| White balance presets | 4 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Image stabilization notes | Power O.I.S. |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (equiv.) | 28–200 mm |
| Optical zoom | 7.1× |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (Max 4x) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 50 cm (19.69″) |
| Macro focus range | 3 cm (1.18″) |
| Lens mount | None |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 920,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT Color LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Photography features | |
| Maximum aperture | F2.0 - F5.9 |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 7 m |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync |
| Continuous drive | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±1 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | No |
| Videography features | |
| Format |
|
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 1280 x 720p (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps) |
| Videography notes | 1920 x 1080 (60i FHD: 17Mbps, Sensor Output is 60fps; 30fps FHD: 20Mbps / MP4, Sensor Output is 30fps) |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
| Storage included | 87 MB Internal |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (mini HDMI) |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Remote control | No |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 250 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 192 g (0.42 lb / 6.77 oz) |
| Dimensions | 103 x 62 x 28 mm (4.06 x 2.44 x 1.1″) |
| Other features | |
| Timelapse recording | No |
| GPS | None |
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 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1
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