Panasonic today introduced the Lumix DMC-G1, the first Micro Four Thirds camera to come out of the format that promises a smaller body and even smaller lenses.
The Lumix G1 completely breaks away from the traditional SLR design by doing away with the pentaprism or pentamirror and coming up with an innovative mirror-less structure that also dramatically downsizes the camera body.
The G1 features a 4/3 type MOS image sensor with 12 megapixels, ISO 100 to ISO 3200 light sensitivity and a 3-inch LCD monitor that can swing out and tilt 180 degrees.
The G1 represents an exciting new design for a digital interchangeable lens camera. But while Panasonic says they want to present a real alternative for entry-level DSLR shooters, the company did not want to present a radically new exterior so it retained an unnecessary bulk where the pentaprism used to be. And while the image sensor has an aspect ratio of 4:3, its articulated rear screen has an aspect ratio of 3:2. Go, figure.
[Site: Panasonic]
[Press Release]