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Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LF1 Preview
Like many of their competitors, Panasonic has fully embraced Wi-Fi connectivity for their newly announced 2013 LUMIX series cameras. The DMC-LF1 works perfectly with both the Panasonic Image App (available on Android and iOS platforms) as well as the camera-maker's cloud service, LUMIX CLUB. The club, in addition to being a great place to backup and store photographs and videos, allows users to sync their accounts with social networking sites like Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Twitter, or YouTube.
The Panasonic Image App has a lot of great features too. For example, if you have a DLNA-compliant Panasonic VIERA HDTV, Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology allows you to display slideshows directly from your camera (no wires!). The Instant Transfer function automatically sends photo data to designated electronic devices whenever the shutter releases (or feel free to pick individual images to transfer during playback mode). And, finally, the app allows you to use your smartphone or tablet as A) a remote control to shoot both stills and video -- release the shutter, zoom, focus, and adjust shutter speed, aperture, or exposure compensation -- or B) an external monitor. Very cool.
While Wi-Fi is an excellent bonus, what's most important about the LF1 is that, assuming it reviews like similarly appointed LUMIX models, it promises to take highly-detailed, accurately-colored photographs at a 12.1-megapixel resolution as well as record 1080/60i HD videos. The 7.1x optical zoom lens has the 35mm equivalency of 28-200mm with a F2.0 maximum aperture. iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode and the Creative Guide are both designed to help newer shutterbugs accurately capture and frame still photos. And, there are 15 Filter Effects accessible via Creative Control (Filters applied BEFORE stills or video) and Creative Retouch (Filters applied AFTER).
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LF1 Features
- 12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS image sensor
- 7.1x LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON optical zoom lens
- 35mm equivalent of 28-200mm
- F2.0-5.9
- Venus Engine Image Processor
- 3.0-inch (920K-dot) Intelligent LCD
- 200K-dot Electronic Viewfinder
- POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
- 1920x1080/60i HD Video Recording
- Control Ring with access to Manual Controls
- 10 frames per second High Speed Burst Shooting
- iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode
- Composition Guide
- Rule of Thirds Offset
- Diagonal Lines
- Tunnel
- Radiation 1
- Radiation 3
- S-Shape
- Level Gauge
- ISO up to 12,800
- Creative Panorama
- Creative Control and Creative Retouch with 15 Filter Effects, including:
- Old Days
- Expressive
- Retro
- High Key
- Sepia
- High Dynamic
- Soft Focus
- Dynamic Monochrome
- Impressive Art
- One Point Color
- Cross Process
- Low Key
- Toy Effect
- Star Filter
- Miniature Effect
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- NFC (Near Field Communication) Technology
- AC / USB Power Charging
Panasonic's LUMIX DMC-LF1 should be available in the coming months. Stay tuned for a specific date and pricing. Color choices, thus far, include black or white.
Additional Product Views
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.
