Panasonic today announced its latest Compact System Camera (CSC), the LUMIX DMC-GX1, as well as the LUMIX DMC-3D1, a digital camera that captures 3D and 2D photos and videos.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1

The new LUMIX GX1 features a 16.01-megapixel Live MOS sensor, Panasonic's Venus Engine and a maximum 12800 high ISO sensitivity - packed into a compact size.

The LUMIX GX1, like all the models in Panasonic's LUMIX G Series of CSC, adopts Contrast AF for its focus system, so focusing is controlled by the image sensor. When compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF achieves higher accuracy especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F value. Additionally, with the precise Contrast AF system, the LUMIX GX1 achieves high resolution through a balance of resolution and noise reduction. To further advance the Contrast AF, the LUMIX GX1 incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view.

The LUMIX GX1 features a high-speed Light Speed AF, which means it can Auto Focus in approximately 0.09 second. This is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by the synchronizing the lens and sensor at 120 fps. Plus, the newly-added focus mode AFF (AF Flexible) locks on the focus when the shutter button is half-pressed, however, if the subject moves, the focusing is reset to get the best results.



The LUMIX GX1's has a 3.0-inch touch LCD screen (460,000 dots) and it is able to record 1920 x 1080 at 60i, with sensor output of 30p, full-High Definition videos in the AVCHD format. With a dedicated video record button on the top, users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra setting adjustments. The LUMIX GX1 also features high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. Videos can also be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1 will be available in black and silver bodies in mid-December and in the following kit options: DMC-GX1-X with the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) lens will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $949.99; the DMC-GX1-K with the 14-42 standard zoom for an SRP of $799.99; and the DMC-GX1, body only for an SRP of $699.99.

LUMIX DMC-3D1

Panasonic also today nnounced the LUMIX DMC-3D1, a digital camera that employs two newly-developed lens units with folded optics design in a compact body that can capture 3D and 2D photos and videos. The LUMIX 3D1, with a twin-lens design, features 25mm ultra-wide angle lenses with 4x optical zoom that offer the capability to record high resolution 8-megapixel 3D photo and 1920x1080 60i 3D HD video using side-by-side method.

The new twin-lens system allows the LUMIX 3D1 to capture 2D images and video simultaneously. The LUMIX 3D1 can shoot 12-megapixel 2D photos and record 1920x1080i full HD 2D videos. Additionally, the two-lens design allows users to record photo or video in different angles of view simultaneously.

Multi-process Noise Reduction applies noise reduction according to the brightness of different areas of an image. Both high frequency noise that occurs in the dark area, and low frequency noise in the light are of a photo are suppressed even though occurring simultaneously in a photo.



The LUMIX 3D1 boasts fast consecutive shots at 8 fps (without auto focusing) and 4 fps (with auto focusing) in full resolution. Utilizing quad-CPUs the Venus Engine processes large amounts of 1920x1080i Full-HD data at high speeds in either AVCHD or MP4 formats.

Though the LUMIX 3D1 utilizes advanced functions to shoot 3D and 2D content, it is easy enough for anyone to shoot 2D photo and videos using iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. iA mode combines a suite of functions to help users achieve the great shots, including: MEGA O.I.S, AF Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Exposure and Intelligent Handheld Nightshot, which generates night scenery with illumination by layering multiple images shot consecutively. The LUMIX 3D1 features a 3.5-inch Smart Touch screen on the camera?s back which allows users to move through camera functions and recorded photos and videos.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-3D1 will be available in December 2011 for a suggested retail price of $499.99.