Sep 12, 2008

Press Release

Panasonic Introduces New Generation Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera - LUMIX G Micro System

World's First Camera to employ new Micro Four Thirds System Standard

Tokyo, Japan - Panasonic, the leading brand by which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is known, today announced the release of the DMC-G1, the world's first digital interchangeable lens camera that is based on the new Micro Four Thirds System Standard. The G1 is a compact, lightweight, easy-to use camera that is equipped with many advanced features allowing users the possibility to shoot more creative photos. The superior picture quality of the G1 is made possible by a 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS image sensor as well as Panasonic's new Venus Engine HD imaging processor. The G1 is also equipped with a Dust Reduction System designed to prevent dust and other foreign matter from adhering to the image sensor.

With the G1, Panasonic has created an entirely new category of digital cameras that takes advantage of the Micro Four Thirds System Standard in making more lightweight and compact cameras. By increasing the number of electrical contacts between camera body and lens, Panasonic has increased camera expandability and maximized the potential of future features and compatibility in the G1. In addition, the versatile G1 accepts not only Micro Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses, but also conventional Four Thirds System lenses when an optional adapter is mounted. This means that users can continue to use Four Thirds lenses they already own.

The G1 is the optimal camera for those users who are interested in a small, sophisticated, easy-to-use camera that will greatly expand their photographic capabilities. Together with an innovative mirror-less structure that dramatically downsizes the camera body, the LUMIX G Micro System achieves a dramatic portability and ease of use by adopting a high resolution electronic Full-time Live View Finder instead of a conventional optical viewfinder. Despite its ultra-compact design, the G1 comes fully equipped with features that assure outstanding ease of use, made possible by the contrast AF system. The G1 also boasts iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, a popular feature that is now incorporated in all new LUMIX digital compact cameras. iA mode brings together a full range of functions - AF Tracking, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Exposure, Intelligent ISO Control and MEGA O.I.S - that together let users shoot beautiful photos with maximum ease. The G1 incorporates an innovative camera design as well by giving users a variety of body colors to choose from.

The Live MOS sensor in the G1 provides users the benefits of Full-time Live View both when viewing the Free-Angle LCD and when looking through the viewfinder. Other new conveniences made possible by the contrast AF include 1-area-focusing, AF Tracking, and a preview functions that show the photographer how changing the shutter speed and other settings will affect the photograph. The large 3.0-inch free-angle LCD, with its 100% field of view and sharp 460,000-dot resolution, allows the photographer to check even the finest details when composing an image or viewing a shot just taken.

The exceptional image quality of the G1 is based on a 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor that boasts a wide dynamic range and low power consumption, as well as the new Venus Engine HD imaging processor from Panasonic, with superb noise reduction performance and expandability represented by HDMI output capability. Because dust entering the body is a concern with all interchangeable lens cameras, Panasonic equipped the G1 with a Supersonic Wave Filter as part of a Dust Reduction System designed to prevent dust and other matter from adhering to the image sensor.

In addition to the use of Micro Four Thirds lenses, the G1 can be fitted with a mount adapter that allows the use of standard Four Thirds lenses. This greatly expands the assortment of lenses available to users allowing them to choose lenses from a variety of manufacturers and in a variety of combinations, for virtually unlimited photographic capabilities. A wide range of special accessories is available too. The G1 also is equipped with a mini HDMI output terminal for easy connection with other AV devices. With features like these, the G1 gives users a host of photographic and entertainment possibilities to explore.

For more information on this product, visit LUMIX global website at http://panasonic.net/lumix/index.html

About Panasonic

Best known for its Panasonic brand name, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 9.07 trillion yen (approx. US$90.52 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2008. The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:MC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net/.

Media Contacts:

Akira Kadota, International PR
Tel: 03-3578-1237 Fax: 03-3436-6766
Panasonic News Bureau
Tel: 03-3542-6205 Fax: 03-3542-9018
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