Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds Lumix GF5 Camera

Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds camera line has gained a new member, one that is, at heart, a refined GF3 (the third to have been added to this collection).

The name Panasonic chose to give the newcomer is Lumix GF5. The item will sell alongside the GF3, at least for a while.

We'll not bruise our brains thinking about how the two will manage to coexist, given their relatively similar looks. Instead, we'll give a rundown of what makes the GF5 tick.

A 12.1-megapixel sensor lies at the so-called heart of the item.

This Live MOS image sensor, together with Panasonic's Venus Engine with Multi-process Noise Reduction, can capture 920k-dot resolution images (GF3 has 469k dots) and 1080i Full HD videos.

In addition to all this, focusing is done based on Contrast AF (full-area focusing is supported) and Pinpoint AF (enlarges the point of focus for higher scene selection accuracy).

Furthermore, Panasonic tossed in a bunch of onboard filter modes, like Soft Focus, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect, Star Filter, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art and One Point Color.

Not only that, but shooting modes can be changed as well (4fps full resolution burst photography, iA+ automatic mode, etc.).

"Panasonic expects the LUMIX GF5 to please photo enthusiasts and budding photographers that are looking for the next step from the traditional point-and-shoot camera," said Christopher Rice, senior product manager, imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. 

"The camera's host of shooting options makes photography even more artistic, yet easy for users of any experience level. The powerful Venus Engine and sensor allows the camera to achieve exceptional photo quality in a range of shooting environments."

Panasonic's Lumix GF5 will start selling this year (at some unspecified time), for $599 (455.44 Euro) or $749 with a 14-42mm power zoom lens (570 Euro).

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