photo - Ken Gilbert

lab * CAMerA TeST
Due to the way Micro Four
Thirds cameras achieve
autofocus, we cannot test their
AF speed in our lab, only in
the fleld. But, the GF1 focuses
noticeably faster than the
E-P1 and was able to focus in
dimmer conditions in our fleld
testing than the E-P1 could.
pANASONIC luMIx DMC-GF1
Noise issues aside, the GF1
was a pleasure to use and
small enough to flt in a small
messenger bag or backpack
instead of a large camera bag.
With the 20mm lens attached,
it might flt in a midsized purse.
So if a DSLR is too big, and
you want better image quality
Velocity 9x
model 5769
Carry Like a Backpack,
Access Like a Shoulder Bag
with Tamrac’s Velocity Series
Tamrac’s photo sling packs combine the comfort
of a backpack with the fast access of a shoulder
bag. Quick-Flip Tops open away from the body
for super fast access to photo gear. The front pockets
feature Tamrac’s patented Memory & Battery Management
System that identifies available memory
cards and batteries.
Velocity 6x model 5766 Velocity 7x model 5767 Velocity 8x model 5768 Velocity 10x model 5770
Available in five sizes for every photographer from enthusiast to professional.
For a free 80 page color catalog, call toll-free: 1-800-662-0717
See the Velocity Series VIDEO
and over 170 other products at
www.tamrac.com
Velocity 9x
model 5769
PHOTO, LUGGAGE & COMPUTER CASES
one hour of
the GF1’s
highestquality
hD
video will
fill up an
8GB sDhc
card.
www.storemags.com & www.fantamag.com
®
specIfIcatIons
imaGinG: 12.1MP effective, live
MOS Four Thirds sensor captures
images at 4000x3000 pixels with
12 bits/color in raW mode.
storaGE: SD/SDHC cards.
Stores jPeg, raW, raW + jPeg.
Burst ratE: Full-sized jPegs (extra
Fine mode), up to card capacity at
3 fps; raW, up to 7 shots at 3 fps.
aF sYstEm: TTl contrast detection
with 23 focus areas and adjustable size
single-area focusing. Face detection,
single-shot, and continuous aF.
shuttEr spEEDs: 1/4000 to
60 sec plus B (1/3-eV increments).
mEtErinG: TTl metering with
144-zone intelligent Multiple (a.k.a.,
evaluative), centerweighted, and
spotmetering. eV 0–18 (at iSO 100).
iso ranGE: iSO 100–3200
(in 1/3-, 1/2-, or 1-eV increments).
ViDEo: records up to 1280x720 pixels
at up to 60 fps in aVCHD lite format or
up to 30 fps in Motion jPeg format;
built-in mono microphone; stereo
minijack input.
Flash: Built-in pop-up flash gn 20
(in feet at iSO 100). Supports TTl
autoflash with Panasonic lumix
flashes; X-sync at 1/160 sec.
lcD: Fixed 3-in. TFT screen
with 460,000-dot resolution.
output: Hi-Speed uSB 2.0,
HDMi (mini-type) video, nTSC/Pal
composite. PictBridge compatible.
BattErY: rechargeable DMW-
BlB13e li-ion; CiPa rating, 350 shots.
siZE/wEiGht: 4.7x2.8x1.4 in.,
0.65 lb with card and battery.
strEEt pricE: $900 with lumix g Vario
14–45mm f/3.5–5.6 Mega O.i.S. lens or
with lumix g 20mm f/1.7 lens.
For inFo: www.panasonic.com
and higher-end controls than
you can get in a compact, the
Panasonic GF1 may be for you.
But up against the Olympus
E-P1, it’s tough to declare a winner.
If you don’t mind the E-P1’s
sluggish focus, you’ll get less
noise, plus sensor-shift image
stabilization (Panasonic puts it
in the lens). If you don’t mind
cranking up noise reduction and
sacriflcing some of its higher
resolving power, the GF1 will
provide a more seamless shooting
experience. —Philip Ryan
80 popular photography january 2010