Panasonic has announced the release of its LUMIX DMC-G5 EVIL camera. The successor to the popular G3, it features a 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor and a new Venus Engine VII FHD image processor. Native ISO extends to 12800, and the camera boasts a new “Lite Speed” contrast AF system. Lastly, the G5 will record video in 1,920 x 1,080 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL) in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format.

The Lumix G5 will be available from mid-August for £600 (body only).

The True Standard Digital Camera LUMIX DMC-G5 from Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera LUMIX G

Featuring High Image Quality and High Speed Response.

Panasonic is pleased to announce a new addition of Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera LUMIX G DMC-G5. The LUMIX G realizes high-quality photo images with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction. The new DMC-G5 achieves even higher resolution with the advanced image processing engine driven on a new algorithm and faster response. The precision Contrast AF system boasts high speed AF system “Light Speed AF”.* Consecutive shooting is also improved for 6 fps in 16.05-megapixel full resolution.

Taking advantage of the 16.05-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine, DMC-G5 is also capable of recording 1,920 x 1,080 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL) full HD video in AVCHD Progressive with stereo sound. Advanced AF system including practical full-time AF and tracking AF is available in video recording so that every photographer can enjoy high quality video recording with minimum ease.

The external design of the camera has been developed with no compromising on grip, dial, coating – everything to detail. The 1,440,000-dot equivalent Live View Finder of approx. 1.4x (approx. 0.7x*) with 100% field of view newly integrates eye sensor and it can be used with LCD at the same time as the new Touch Pad function. Level gauge is also newly adopted for precision framing.

The popular Creative Control increases its filter option to 14 for the enjoyment of artistic expression. In addition to multi-capable shooting assist function iA (Intelligent Auto) Plus mode, the Scene Guide is available for beginners to supports learning photography with ease.

Available in decent black, silver or white color, the DMC-G5 offers users great satisfaction with its total performance backed up by its high picture quality, high speed response together with the advanced functions in easy operation.

*35mm camera equivalent.

Higher Image Quality Generated by the 16.05-Megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine

LUMIX G realizes high-quality photo images with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction; high-grade lens and precision AF achieves high resolution, optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction achieves lifelike image rendering and high precision auto exposure and white balance with live light metering results in the faithful color reproduction.

To the newly integrated 16.05-megapixel Live MOS Sensor, Panasonic adds its original pixel mix technology in addition to the high speed, which is an advantage of the CMOS sensor. The current process is designed exclusively for the digital Live MOS sensor to minimize the noise generation. The fine wiring around the photodiode realizes high aperture ratio, which results in high resolution and excellent S/N ratio while high performance transistor encourages high speed signal processing.

For the image processor, the Venus Engine is redesigned for DMC-G5 that features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities to render clear, crisp images in both photo and video recording. The 3DNR detects smooth part and edge part of a picture and adjust the strength of noise reduction – stronger to the smooth part and milder to the edge part to maintain the descriptiveness. The Multi-process NR quickly detects brightness in each part of a picture and applies optimum noise reduction in multiple steps. Also, the 4 CPUs excels in processing large amount of digital signals at high speed for these advanced noise reduction system, 1,920 x 1,080 full HD progressive video recording and high speed burst shooting.

The DMC-G5 newly incorporates HDR (High Dynamic Range). Several still pictures consecutively shot at different exposure levels are overlaid to produce a single composite picture to eliminate whiteout (over-exposure) or blackout (under-exposure).

High Speed Response for Fleeting Photo Opportunities

All cameras of LUMIX G adopt Contrast AF for its focus system. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, the Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy even in shooting at small F value. (e.g. the accuracy of Contrast AF is approx. 90% while Phase difference AF is approx. 60% at F1.4.) The Phase-difference AF system is susceptible to mechanical margin of error. However, in Contrast AF system, focusing is controlled by the image sensor so that no mechanical margin of error occurs to achieve precise focusing. The DMC-G5 features high speed AF system “Light Speed AF” which is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by doubling the drive speed of the sensor and the lens from 60 fps to 120 fps*. Not only the accuracy but also the speed excels by far than the high-end DSLRs with Phase difference AF with the advanced contrast AF system in DMC-G5. Combined with the Full-area Touch AF, it is possible to set focus on any point in the field of view which realizes quick and intuitive focusing operation with free frame composition.

The DMC-G5 realizes the high speed burst shooting at 6 fps in 16.05-megapixel full resolution using a mechanical shutter and max. 20 fps using an electronic shutter. The compatibility with the UHS-I (Ultra High Speed I) SDXC/SDHC Memory Card allows faster data writing even in RAW recording mode.

Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 Progressive High Quality Video Recording with Stereo Sound Featuring Full-time AF

LUMIX G offers the camera that records not only high quality photo but also stunning video. Now the DMC-G5 records high-resolution full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL) videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. Upgrading the full HD recording capability from interlaced to progressive, subjects with fast motion or fine details are reproduced even more clearly. High quality sound can be recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind.

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 the subject, the focus is shifted to it and let it stand out to attract attention. The AF Tracking locks on the subject with focus even it moves.

The Extra Tele Conversion function virtually extends the zoom range Max.4.8x without deterioration of image quality in smaller resolution.

A special, dedicated button on the top lets the user instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra settings. The DMC-G5 can take a photo while recording video by just pressing a shutter button. Videos can also be recorded in MP4 format to play it back directly on the PC or other portable electronic devices without a need of conversion.

Operation with Minimum Stress for the Concentration on Shooting.

The control on DMC-G5 is smooth and easy with optimum layout of operation devices. The newly added function lever allows direct adjustment of allotted function - zoom*, exposure or aperture** control.　This lever works for magnification in playback mode and page flip in menu. The combination use with the turn-and-push rear dial completes major shooting settings which accelerates simple, intuitive operation.

The large, bright 1,440,000-dot equivalent LVF (Live View Finder) featuring approx.100% field of view retains the outstanding viewability. Suppressing the color breakup, the LVF assures stunning image view for any subject in any scenes. The 60 fps Live View takes signals directly from the Live MOS sensor and sends them continuously to the LCD at higher speed in real time thanks to the high speed signal processing of Venus Engine. Now the LVF is newly designed to integrate eye sensor for DMC-G5. The image output between the LVF and the LCD is switched automatically with the eye sensor on the LVF, which features options of sensitivity - high, low and off - to reduce false operation. This eye sensor also works for the new Eye Sensor AF that automatically starts focusing when the photographer looks into the EVF to capture the spur-of-the-moment.

The large, 920,000-dot high resolution LCD with wide-viewing angle rotates 180° to the side and tilts 270° up and down offers approx. 100% of field of view. The time lag of image output is minimized by approx.18% compared with the predecessor DMC-G3 making it easier to monitor the fast-moving subject. The free-angle LCD with a touch-screen operation makes both monitoring and touching at any physical position. The touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also for playing back images with outstanding visibility. The new Touch Pad function enables using both LVF and LCD simultaneously to encourage more intuitive shooting. Plus, in the Custom setting, user can set ON/OFF of each touch controls such as touch shutter, touch AF, touch display to make the camera more comfortable to operate for the user.

Now the DMC-G5 comes with Level Gauge which lets the camera detect the horizontal/vertical angle of view with its internal level working with the acceleration sensor. Photos shot in a portrait aspect will be automatically displayed vertically whatever lens is used.

The newly added Electronic Shutter mode allows silent operation which is helpful in shooting recital, school play or in using at museum and so on.

*When used with Power Zoom lenses H-PS14042 or H-PS45175.
**In M (Manual) mode.

Ultra Compact Size with Fine Tuning in Every Part

The DMC-G5 features a compact, light-weight body with built-in flash (GN10.5 equivalent • ISO160) to boast ultra high mobility despite its performance and functions. As a camera from LUMIX G, the external design has been developed with no compromising in every detail. The ergonomically designed grip fits the DMC-G5’s compact profile yet easy to hold. Its tactile feeling offers more comfort thanks to the casting material resin and elastomer. For the front panel, aluminum is adopted to achieve both sophisticated looking and light weight. The mode dial is machined with finest tuning on its pitch of spin, form of plate and shininess. The buttons on the back also have style in the coating, spin, stamp and color.

The built-in flash is offered The DMC-G5 is available in decent colors - black, silver and white to choose from, according to the users’ preferences.

Creative Control and Scene Guide to Enjoy, Learn Photography.

The popular Creative Control mode is upgraded by increasing its filter option from 6 to 14 adding new Soft Focus* , Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect and Star Filter** in addition to the conventional Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Miniature Effect** mode. Effect parameter of each mode is also adjustable. With the new GUI and menu tab, switching filter effect is extremely easy and is possible to preview via the Live View. Also, recommended filters are suggested depending on the scene that camera detects in iA or iA Plus mode.

The DMC-G5 has advanced functions that will satisfy experienced photographers, yet is easy enough for beginners to use comfortably in both photo and video recording with the iA (Intelligent Auto) Plus. In the iA Plus mode, defocusing area, exposure compensation and white balance can be adjusted for scenes while activating auto shooting assist functions such as AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent D-range Control, Face Recognition and Intelligent Scene Selector. For beginners of interchangeable lens system cameras, the new Scene Guide in DMC-G5 offers 23 sample pictures shot by professional photographers. Users can choose the one closer to the situation they are going to shoot and optimum parameters for shooting the scene will be automatically set*. Furthermore, shooting procedure, technical advice an00d recommended interchangeable lens for the scene can be shown for users to learn photography.

*Video recording using Scene Guise is not possible in some scenes.
*For photo only
**Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long.)
***Video recording using Scene Guide is not possible in some scenes.

• “AVCHD Progressive”, “AVCHD”, the “AVCHD Progressive” Logo and the “AVCHD” Logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
• Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
• All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
• This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
• Some accessories are not available in some countries.
• The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.