Building on the innovative Faces and Places features introduced in iPhoto® ’09, Aperture 3 makes it even easier and faster to organize large photo libraries. Aperture 3 introduces new tools to refine your photos including Brushes for painting image adjustments onto parts of your photo, and Adjustment Presets for applying professional photo effects with just one click. Stunning new slideshows let you share your work by weaving together photos, audio, text and HD video.

“Millions of people love using iPhoto to organize, edit and share their digital photos,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Aperture 3 is designed for both professionals who edit and manage massive libraries of photos and iPhoto users who want to take their photos further with easy-to-use tools such as Brushes and Adjustment Presets.”

“Aperture 3 gets it right,” said National Geographic photographer, Jim Richardson. “The image editing tools are exactly what I have been asking for, they’re so easy to use and give me a level of control that I never even thought possible.”

“I chose Aperture because it was the most powerful archiving application around, but it’s now an unbelievable imaging tool as well,” said Bill Frakes, Sports Illustrated staff photographer. “I am beyond impressed with the massive changes made in Aperture 3.”

Aperture 3 allows you to organize large photo libraries with even more flexibility using Projects and the new Faces and Places. Faces uses face detection and recognition to find and organize your photos by the people in them. You can view faces across your entire photo library or view just the faces that appear in selected projects. In a new view that speeds up the organization process, Aperture 3 displays faces that have been detected but haven’t yet been named. Places lets you explore your photos based on where they were taken, and like in iPhoto, Places automatically reverse geocodes GPS data into user-friendly locations. In Aperture 3, you can assign locations by dragging-and-dropping photos onto a map or by using location information from GPS enabled cameras, tracking devices or your iPhone® photos.

The new Brushes feature allows you to add professional touches to your photos by simply painting effects onto the image. Aperture 3 includes 15 Quick Brushes that perform the most popular tasks like Dodge, Burn, Polarize and Blur, without the complexity of layers or masks. Brushes can automatically detect edges in your images to let you apply or remove effects exactly where you want them. Aperture 3 includes dozens of Adjustment Presets that apply a specific style or look to the entire image with just a click. You can create your own custom presets or explore the techniques of other photographers by importing theirs.

Aperture 3 makes it easy to share your work with stunning slideshows that weave together photos, audio, text and HD video. You can select one of six Apple designed themes or choose your own transitions, background, borders and titles, and even add your own soundtrack. You can export your slideshows directly to iTunes® to take with you on your iPhone or iPod touch®. You can also share photographs as beautiful prints, create custom-designed hardcover books and publish to online photo sharing sites like Facebook and Flickr, right from Aperture 3.

Pricing & Availability

Aperture 3 is available through the Apple Store® (http://www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) and existing Aperture users can upgrade for a suggested retail price of $99 (US). A downloadable 30-day trial version is available at http://www.apple.com/aperture/trial.

Aperture 3 runs as a 64-bit application on Mac OS® X Snow Leopard® on Macs with Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Full system requirements, online tutorials and more information on Aperture 3 can be found at http://www.apple.com/aperture.

Canon have revised the optical design to reduce chromatic aberrations, reduced the minimum focussing distance to 1.2m and increased the size of the focussing ring. If you’ve already invested in accessories like extenders, they remain compatible.

Press release follows…

The new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM – Canon’s essential, high-quality, telephoto zoom lens for professionals

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland 5th January 2010 – Canon today adds to its acclaimed L-series with the launch of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens. This new lens launches as the successor to the immensely popular EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, offering improved performance in every area.

True to the L-series’ heritage, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM delivers optical excellence in the most challenging situations. As well as a revamp of the internal optical system, the lens has also been structurally re-developed as a direct result of user feedback, making it as robust and reliable as it is optically advanced.

“Reuters photographers have used the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for a number of years and it allows photographers a great level of flexibility,” said Reuters Production Editor Kevin Coombs. “The focal length, fast aperture and Image Stabilizer all contribute to it being a workhorse lens and you’ll find it in many professional photographers’ camera bags. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the improvements offered by the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM.”

Premium quality, premium performance

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features a re-designed optical system, consisting of 23 elements in 19 groups to deliver truly impressive results. A high-performance
fluorite element is used at the heart of the lens path, coupled with no fewer than five ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements, drastically reducing chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range to produce high contrast images with edge-to-edge definition.

A high-speed Auto Focus (AF) system perfectly matches the abilities of the recently- launched EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 7D Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras. The new model also features a ring-type USM AF motor, which combines with a new high-speed CPU and an optimised AF algorithm to make auto focusing both faster and quieter.

A reduced minimum focusing distance of 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) and improved 0.21x magnification will allow photographers to get closer to subjects without needing to swap lenses – greatly benefitting time-pressured news and events photographers who require flexibility. An updated Image Stabilizer mechanism also offers a shutter speed advantage equivalent to four-stops, reducing the effect of image blur resulting from camera shake in busy shooting environments.

Enhanced design, exceptional ease of use

As well as an update to the internal construction, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features an enhanced external appearance to improve lens operation. The thickness of protruding exterior parts and switches has been significantly reduced, guarding against accidental switching and creating an improved overall look. The rubber focusing grip has also been redesigned and widened; with finely-patterned grooves making it easier to manually focus.

Being an L-series lens, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is fully weatherproof, making it ideal for use in all weather conditions. The mount, focus mode switch and focusing ring all feature a completely dust and drip-proof structure, preventing dust or water from getting inside the camera and lens when used with accompanying weatherproof EOS bodies. The lens has been designed to stand up to the daily wear and tear of professional usage, making it a highly durable, reliable lens for use day-to-day by professional photographers.

High quality L-series accessories

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is supplied with several accessories, including the new ET-87 Lens Hood and the Ring-Type Tripod Collar B (W). A brand new Lens Case
LZ1326 is also included as standard, offering quick and easy access when users need to switch lenses in time-pressured situations.

Compatibility with a range of optional Canon accessories also allows users to pair the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM with the Lens Extender EF 1.4x II, Lens Extender EF 2x II, Extension Tube EF 12 II, Extension Tube EF 25 II, and 77mm filters.

Pricing and Availability

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is available from the end of February 2010 .

Specification sheet

Optical Features/Specifications

Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal): 29° – 10°, 19°30′ – 7°, 34°- 12°
Lens construction (elements/groups): 23/19
No. of diaphragm blades: 8
Minimum aperture: 32
Closest focusing distance (m): 1.2
Maximum magnification (x): 0.21 (at 200mm)
Distance information: Provided
Image stabilizer: 4 -stops
AF actuator: Ring USM[1]

Physical Specifications

Dust/moisture resistance2: Yes
Filter diameter (mm): 77
Max. diameter x length (mm): 88.8 x 199
Weight (g): 1490g

Accessories

Lens cap: E-77U
Lens hood: ET-87
Lens case/pouch: LZ1326
Maximum number of Hood III compatible with Gelatin Filter Holder III: Not compatible
Maximum number of Hood IV compatible with Gelatin Filter Holder IV: 1
Magnification with Extension Tube EF12 II: 0.28 – 0.06
Magnification with Extension Tube EF25 II: 0.36 – 0.14
Extender compatiblity: Compatible

[1] Full time manual focus.
[2] Lenses with dust/moisture resistance are fitted with a rubber ring on the lens mount which may cause slight abrasion of the camera mount. This in no way effects either the lens or camera performance.

Subject to change without notice.

All data is based on Canon standard testing methods except where indicated.

Press Release

New Lightroom beta delivers faster performance, refined image processing and streamlined publishing

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Oct. 22, 2009 —Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today introduced Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 3 beta software for Macintosh and Windows®, a public preview of new and improved functionality to be delivered in the next major release. Lightroom is the essential digital photography workflow solution, helping serious amateur and professional photographers quickly import, manage, enhance and showcase all their images from one application. Available as a free download on Adobe Labs, Lightroom 3 beta delivers a preview of new tools that will be in Lightroom 3, including more intuitive importing, unparalleled noise reduction and sharpening tools, enhanced slideshow capabilities and direct publishing to online photo sharing sites like Flickr®. Adobe encourages photographers to test this early selection of new features and provide the product team with their feedback.

“We are extremely fortunate that a strong community of photographers have rallied around Lightroom, helping to evolve the application and making it a meaningful part of their photographic workflows,” said Kevin Connor, vice president of product management for Professional Digital Imaging at Adobe. “While we’re still hard at work on Lightroom 3, we recognize the value our customers bring to the development process and want their input so we can deliver the best final product possible.”

New in Lightroom 3 Beta
Lightroom 3 beta has been completely redesigned with under-the-hood efficiencies to better handle growing image libraries and improve responsiveness with a higher-quality processing engine. In the Library module, a rebuilt import system makes bringing photos into the software more intuitive. Users can easily specify the source and destination of their images, and save common processing, metadata or destination settings as easy-to-reuse presets.

The Library module also includes new capabilities to publish collections on popular photo-sharing sites. Flickr users now have direct access to their accounts from within Lightroom and can drag and drop images directly into their Photostreams. Flickr Pro account users can automatically synch their images and even view comments made on Flickr directly within the Library. This functionality can be extended to additional sites by adding them as new plug-ins once they become available.

In the Develop module, an overhauled processing engine allows users to create the highest quality images. Improved Capture Sharpening and Color Noise Reduction tools provide superior results while still preserving an image’s edge detail and contrast. A new Grain tool adds a film-style grain to images, and two new Vignette modes help photographers get a more natural look.

Lightroom 3 beta also offers advanced output options, including the ability to export slideshows as videos with audio and title screens that can be posted to video-sharing sites or optimized for mobile media. New watermarking capabilities enable photographers to embed text or graphic information directly on an image and then adjust the size, position and opacity. In addition, photographers can customize print layouts and save settings for future use, giving them refined control over their images.

Adobe Photoshop Family
Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended software are at the heart of the Photoshop family, joined by solutions for users at every level who want to bring out the best in their digital images. Photoshop Lightroom addresses the workflow needs of serious amateur and professional photographers, helping them manage, find, enhance and showcase images in impactful ways. Adobe Photoshop Elements software provides exciting tools and sharing options for photo enthusiasts. Lastly, snap shooters can access Photoshop.com for free to simply fix and enhance photos, and quickly share those images on Photoshop.com or on social-networking sites.

Pricing and Availability
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 beta is available as a free download to anyone on both Macintosh and Windows platforms. Visit to learn more and download the beta. Feedback can be submitted on the Lightroom forums: http://forums.adobe.com/community/lightroom. Users also can connect with Adobe at www.facebook.com/lightroom or www.twitter.com/AdobeLR, and can add the tag #AdobeLR3beta to tweets about the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 beta.

Lensbaby® AnnouncesTwoNewOptics

New additions to the Lensbaby Optic Swap System expand a photographer’s creative possibilities

New York, NY, (October 22, 2009) PhotoPlus Expo Booth #1218 – Lensbaby announces today the addition of the new Fisheye Optic and Soft Focus Optic to the Lensbaby Optic Swap System. Each new optic is available for use with the Lensbaby Composer® and Muse®*. In addition, the Soft Focus Optic is compatible with the Lensbaby Control FreakTM.

“With the introduction of these new optics, Lensbaby is moving beyond the realm of selective focus to offer photographers a Creative Effects SLR lens system, with 6 different optic options. The Fisheye and Soft Focus Optics, unlike earlier Lensbaby optics, do not feature a sweet spot of focus,” said Craig Strong, Lensbaby President and Co-Founder. “The new Fisheye Optic transforms a Lensbaby Composer into a fun fisheye lens and the new Soft Focus Optic creates images that are overall soft and diffused, much like a classic Imagon portrait lens. The Lensbaby Optic Swap System now offers three selective focus optics, and three optics that provide even more options for creative photography.”

About the Lensbaby Fisheye Optic

The new Lensbaby Fisheye Optic allows photographers to turn their Lensbaby Composer or Muse into a fisheye lens by swapping out the installed optic and dropping the new Fisheye Optic into the lens. This optic’s six element multi-coated optical design features an ultra-wide 12mm focal length capable of capturing a 160 degree fisheye angle of view from infinity all the way down to one-inch from the front of the lens.

The Lensbaby Fisheye Optic features a system of interchangeable aperture disks, with possible aperture settings ranging from f/4 to f/22. To change the aperture, users unscrew the top element of the Fisheye Optic and replace the aperture disk using the included Aperture Tool.

Due to the extremely wide angle field of view, photographers who use a full-frame camera will generally see a black circle around almost the entire image, and smaller APS-sized sensor shooters will see black at the corners of their images. This black edge is typical for standard fisheye lenses. However, the Lensbaby Fisheye Optic features a creative lens flare effect that causes the edge areas that would ordinarily be black to glow with color whenever there are bright light sources in the image. The Fisheye Optic lens flare effect is particularly apparent when shooting with a full frame camera.

The Fisheye Optic is different than previous Lensbaby optics, with a much flatter field of focus than the Double Glass, Single Glass, and Plastic Optics. The images created by the Fisheye Optic are sharp throughout the image at darker apertures. While the Fisheye Optic creates some edge blur at brighter apertures, it does not feature the Sweet Spot of sharp focus and dramatic blur that are trademarks of the Double Glass, Single Glass, and Plastic Optics. Instead of bending the lens, photographers typically will point their Lensbaby straight ahead to achieve a classic fisheye look.

The Lensbaby Fisheye Optic is available immediately for $149.95 (MSRP).

*A special adapter is required to use the Fisheye Optic with the Lensbaby Muse. The Fisheye Optic is not recommended for use with the Lensbaby Control Freak.

Fisheye Optic Product Specs:

• Focal Length: 12mm
• Six element multi-coated optical design
• f/4 optic with aperture disks that range from f/5.6 to f/22
• Focuses from one inch to infinity
• Removable disk aperture system
• To change aperture, unscrew top element of Fisheye Optic and remove with Aperture Tool. The aperture disk sits atop the bottom element
• Special adapter must be purchased for use with Muse. The Fisheye Optic is not recommended for use with the Control Freak

About the Lensbaby Soft Focus Optic

The Lensbaby Soft Focus Optic works with Lensbaby’s Creative Effects SLR camera lenses, the Composer, Muse and Control Freak. Images created with the 50mm focal length Soft Focus Optic feature a soft and diffused appearance. The Soft Focus Optic’s multi-coated optical glass doublet creates a much flatter field of focus than previous Lensbaby optics, making this optic well-suited for a variety of soft focus applications. This new optic does not have the Sweet Spot of sharp focus and dramatic blur outside of that spot created by the Double Glass, Single Glass, and Plastic Optics.

The Soft Focus Optic features Lensbaby’s magnetic disk aperture system. In addition to the standard round aperture disks for f/2 to f/22, the Soft Focus Optic also comes with three special soft focus multi-hole apertures that combine one large opening over the optic’s sharp center with small openings over the optic’s soft edges. This hole pattern creates a sharp underlying image with a soft overlay. Users can stack the soft focus apertures together or with standard Lensbaby apertures to vary the amount and appearance of the softness. In addition, the multi-hole apertures have the ability to create out-of-focus highlights that take on the shape of the aperture holes, further enhancing creativity. When using the Soft Focus Optic, photographers typically point the lens straight ahead to achieve a classic soft focus look.

The Lensbaby Soft Focus Optic is available immediately for $89.95 (MSRP).

Soft Focus Optic Product Specs:

• Focal Length: 50mm
• Multi-coated optical glass doublet
• f/2 optic with aperture disks that range from f/2.8 to f/22
• Creates images that are overall soft and diffuse
• Much flatter field of focus than other Lensbaby optics. Suited for variety of soft focus applications such as portrait, landscape, urban, and botanical photography
• Magnetic disk aperture system
• Degree of softness can be controlled by changing the special apertures, or stacking them with regular Lensbaby aperture disks
• With the soft focus multi-hole apertures, bright, out-of-focus points of light take on the hole pattern’s shape. Photographers can control this creative effect by using standard Lensbaby apertures or choosing a low contrast background.

About the Lensbaby Optic Swap System
The Lensbaby Optic Swap System now features six interchangeable optics that can be swapped in and out of Lensbaby’s Creative Effects SLR Camera lenses, the Muse, the Composer, and the Control Freak. Each optic creates a different type of creative image, giving photographers unlimited freedom to achieve their unique artistic vision. The Double Glass, Single Glass, and Plastic Optics have a curved field of focus that allows the photographer to control depth of field in a unique way by creating a Sweet Spot of sharp focus that is surrounded by beautiful blur. The other 3 optic options, Fisheye, Soft Focus, and Pinhole/Zone plate all feature a flat field of focus and create distinctive looks.
For more information about the new Lensbaby optics and the Lensbaby Optic Swap system, please visit www.lensbaby.com.

Not only can you dispense with wires at home, using wi-fi to transfer your photos/videos etc. to your PC or Mac, but you can use wireless hotspots when you are out to send your images back home. No more looking for an internet cafe on holiday to burn your photos to a CD when you fill up your memory card!

Make sure you check out the capabilities of the cards carefully – there are a large number of cards with different levels of functionality.

Eye-fi cards on Amazon.co.uk
Eye-fi cards on Amazon.com

Press Release

Eye-Fi now makes cameras wireless in the UK

Panasonic has added a powerful new model DMC-GF1 to its LUMIX G Micro System lineup of new-generation digital interchangeable lens system cameras. Distinguished by an artistic flat body that is both elegant and compact, the new DMC-GF1 debuts as the world’s smallest and lightest system camera with a built-in flash*. The new GF1 takes its place as the third model in the revolutionary G series of digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. Panasonic took the market by storm with the series’ first model – the compact, lightweight DMC-G1, with its convenient size and brilliant image quality. The company broke more new ground when it launched the DMC-GH1, which added AVCHD full-HD movie recording.

The newest family member DMC-GF1 is sophisticated in form, offers an extensive function set, provides uncompromising performance, and delivers the ultimate in operating and shooting ease. The GF1 thoroughly optimizes the advantages of a system camera to assure outstanding image quality. It can record both vivid still shots and smooth, beautiful motion pictures. The GF1 features the advanced AVCHD Lite movie, which is ideal for recording extended HD movies and networking with other AV devices, and it can also record in the Motion JPEG format, which offers wide compatibility with PCs.

As the “artistic flat” body description suggests, the slim GF1 puts a palette of creative possibilities in the user’s hands. When shooting either still photos or movies, for example, users can select from several preset filters in My Color mode or apply a range of unique textures available in Film mode.

In addition to a host of beginner-friendly shooting assisting functions, such as LUMIX’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, the DMC-GF1 also comes with unique functions including exposure meter, aperture preview and shutter speed preview through the live view. A number of accessories, starting with the Live View Finder which provides full-time live view, makes photography more fun while expanding the user’s artistic capabilities.

With its unlimited possibilities and choice of four attractive body colors, the easy-to-carry GF1 will please users of every level. Experienced photographers will find the GF1 an ideal everyday camera in the bag anytime and those new to system cameras will find that it gives them the potential to explore realms of photography far beyond the limits of compact cameras.

*For a system camera with a built-in flash as of September 2, 2009

1. The world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera with built-in flash in an artistic flat design*

The GF1 does away with the pentaprism found on other standard interchangeable lens cameras. This mirror-less structure helped Panasonic achieve a neo-classic body design that dramatically reduces both size and weight. Designed for maximum thinness, the GF1 reduced 35% in the volume and 26% in the weight of the DMC-G1, up until now the most compact G model.

While the GF1 is small in size, it does not compromise on functions. It comes equipped with a built-in flash. It boasts a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and full 460,000-dot resolution. Users enjoy vivid, exceptionally detailed images both when shooting and when viewing the results. The Intelligent LCD also offers extremely fine, automatic backlight control, which combines with the high resolution to assure outstanding viewing in everything from sunny outdoor conditions to dim indoor situations. The GF1 is compatible with an optional Live View Finder(DMW-LVF1), which provides the full-time live view function boasting 100% field of view regardless of the lens to attach.

Panasonic paid meticulous attention to operating ease when designing the GF1. The drive mode lever and rotary/click dial are considerately placed for operation with minimal finger movement. The precise button placement and simple, logical menu interface work together to make operation easy and intuitive.

LUMIX G Micro System cameras come in a choice of body colors: true black, active red, sleek silver, and clean white. With other body parts crafted of finely textured aluminum, G series cameras have a high-quality appearance to be attractive while it is exceptionally practical design. The DMC-GF1 is absolutely the camera that gives every photographer a pleasure to own.

*For a system camera with a built-in flash as of September 2, 2009

2. High image quality as an interchangeable lens system camera
While achieving breakthroughs in advanced functions and compactness of design, Panasonic also refined its comprehensive digital imaging technologies for every cameras of LUMIX G Micro System to raise the level of image quality that rivals or even surpasses D-SLR cameras. The 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor featured in the DMC-GF1 offers the best of both worlds – the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Advanced technology that makes it possible to read 4 channels of data simultaneously also helps the GF1 deliver 60 frames-per-second Full-time Live View images, while faithfully reproducing high-resolution images with fine detail and rich gradation.

For the image processing LSI, the new Venus Engine HD features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities. This sophisticated LSI separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, so you capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. The Venus Engine HD also provides independent gradation control for each of the R, G and B colors, so even delicate color nuances are reproduced faithfully. Linking smoothly with the Live MOS sensor, the Venus Engine HD records stunning high-resolution 12-megapixel images with exceptional accuracy. Signals containing a large amount of image data are sent from the Live MOS sensor to the optional Live View Finder at 60 fps, resulting in clear, smooth live view. The Venus Engine HD also supports an extensive range of functions, including HDMI output.

Cameras of Lumix G Micro System are equipped with highly efficient Dust Reduction system, If dust or other foreign matter gets inside the camera when you’re changing lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. The Dust Reduction System in the GF1 helps eliminate this possibility by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.　

3. A pallet of options to stimulate photographers’ creativity
The DMC-GF1 is artistic not only in form, but also in function. It provides an array of features that let users either capture precisely true-to-life images or create their own beautifully expressive images. The GF1 newly features My Color mode with a total of seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, and Silhouette while inheriting the previous Custom mode, which lets users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels. With the Live View function, users can see how these settings will affect the photo before they shoot, making it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired. For even more elaborate effects, users can choose from a total of nine Film modes, and set the contrast, sharpness and saturation levels for each. A custom function lets users store their favorite settings in memory. The GF1 also provides a total of 16 Scene modes, including a new Peripheral Defocus mode that keeps the subject in sharp focus while gently softening the focus around it. These modes can be used when shooting motion images too, letting users create movies with dramatic, theatrical effects without having to edit after they shoot.

The exposure meter can be displayed in the P/A/S/M shooting modes. The correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a color-coded warning that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range. For newcomers to system camera photography, this makes it easy to learn proper settings both visually and logically, enhancing their photography skills.

4. Take motion picture recording to the next-level with new generation AVCHD Lite
The DMC-GF1 can record 1280 x 720 high-definition motion picture in AVCHD Lite that features long recording time and high compatibility with audio-visual equipments. Users can enjoy recording HD motion images taking maximum advantage of lens’ descriptiveness and interchangeability or the large sensor size. The action starts at a single press of a dedicated button on the top while most of the settings for photo recording are succeeded, which is convenient when you record the same subject at the same situation in both photo and movie. HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 can also be selected as an alternative movie recording format in addition to QVGA, VGA and WVGA, which is more compatible with PCs.

Even video beginner can record excellent movies with DMC-GF1 because the popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available motion image recording. Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality.

The GF1 also provides a color mode, film mode and carries over 11 different scene modes from photo scene modes in movie recording. Motion picture Program mode that lets you change the aperture for more creative HD movie recording. You can try professional-like movie recording with these variety of options like you do with photo recording.
In AVCHD Lite recording, you can select from three levels of motion image quality: SH (17 Mbps), H (13 Mbps) and L (9 Mbps). A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind.

•Some functions may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.
•When you set the picture quality to HD, WVGA or VGA, we recommend using a high-speed card with “10MB/s” or greater displayed on the package.
•Motion pictures can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds in some countries.
•Continuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen.
•AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.

5. Contrast AF system to realize advanced functions
The contrast AF system adopted in the DMC-GF1 features not only the accuracy but also the industry’s fastest level of high-speed, (e.g. Approx. 0.3 sec with a Lumix G standard zoom lens H-FS014045.) There are more reason to employ contrast AF for its focusing system to realize the full-time live view and a lot of advanced functions.

Users can choose from a wide range of AF modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking. In the 1-area AF mode, the AF frame size can be changed by simply turning a dial. The GF1 also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera – no waiting for him or her to press the shutter button halfway. This provides a quicker focusing that can help capture the subject before the crucial moment passes. Continuous AF keeps the subject in focus at all times. With the GF1′s many auto focus modes, there’s an option that’s just right for any shooting situation.

*Lenses that are not compatible with the contrast AF function can be used with manual focusing.
*There are some limitations to other functions depending on the lens to attach.

6. Great photography is not only from a professional photographer – iA(Intelligent Auto)mode
The DMC-GF1 has advanced functions that will satisfy experienced photographers, yet is easy enough for beginners to use comfortably. It’s ideal for compact camera owners who want to step up to higher-quality photos – but without having to carry a bulky, heavy camera. Panasonic achieved this superb ease of use by continuing to improve iA mode – with its shooting assist functions that have proven extremely popular in LUMIX compact cameras – and adding it to the LUMIX G Micro System’s advanced imaging technologies.

With the Face Recognition* function, up to six people’s faces can be registered, and up to three can be simultaneously recognized to show their names once registered. Three face images can be registered for each person, to dramatically raise the detection accuracy. Once completed, if the familiar face appears into your frame again, the camera will display the name you specified for the person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and in sharp focus. You can also specify the age of the registered subject and have both the name and the age of the subject stamped onto your photos. In playback, you can choose to display only photos that contain a specific registered face using Category Playback. You can also view image slideshows of only a selected person. Face recognition makes sorting and archiving incredibly easy. This advanced face detection system also digitally corrects unwanted red-eye during recording.

With AF Tracking, the GF1 can lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves – making it easy to get beautiful, clear shots when a great photo opportunity suddenly arises. Simply aim, lock, and shoot.

In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include MEGA O.I.S., which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects the subject is in backlight. Intelligent Scene Selector automatically detects the four most common shooting situations – Portrait, Scenery, Close-up and Low-light – and switches to the appropriate Scene mode.

The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting iA mode.

*Turn Face Recognition item ON and register the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance. Refer to back page for detail.
•Some functions in iA mode may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.

7. Rich options for expandability
The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today’s Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GF1 and LUMIX G Micro System can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds standard via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R Lenses via DMW-MA2M or MA3R. This gives the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.

With the LUMIX G Micro System and the growing assortment of lenses becoming available, the expressive possibilities are unlimited. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 system camera offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style. Notably, the hot shoe on the top lets you attach the optional tilt-shift Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1) of 1.04x (0.52x*), 202,000-dot, 100% field of view.

*35 mm camera equivalent.
•Some functions on the DMC-GF1 are not available depending on the lens that is mounted.

Live View Finder: DMW-LVF1 NEW
External Flash: DMW-FL220(GN22) / DMW-FL360(GN36) / DMW-FL500(GN50)
PL Filter: DMW-LPL46
ND Filter: DMW-LND46
MC Protector: DMW-LMC46
Mount Adapter: DMW-MA1, DMW-MA2M, DMW-MA3R
Battery Pack: DMW-BLB13
DC Cable: DMW-DCC3
Remote Shutter: DMW-RSL1
Leather Lens Case(for GF1 with 20mm lens): DMW-CGL1 NEW
Leather Lens Case(for GF1 with 14-45mm lens): DMW-CGL2 NEW
Soft Case: DMW-CG3 NEW
Shoulder Strap (Stylish): DMW-SSTG1-A/C/R/K
Shoulder Strap (Woven): DMW-SSTG2-W
Shoulder Strap (Leather): DMW-SSTG3-T

•Some accessories are not available in some countries.

*1Panasonic in-house comparison. The speed may vary depending on the specifications of PC and the number of images stored in the PC and other condition.
*2AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
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