Panasonic Canada announced last week that they’ll be releasing a new version of their popular GF-series system cameras, this time called the DMC-GF5. Future Shop is going to be carrying the DMC-GF5KK.
I had the unique opportunity to go hands on with the new model–one of the only ones in Canada right now. Having used and loved the GF3, I was curious to see what the GF5KK had to offer.
Externally it’s pretty similar; the GF5 has a new grip style, which I like quite a bit. It also includes12.1 megapixel “Live MOS” sensor, and has Panasonic’s imaging engine–the Venus processor–inside. Panasonic is boasting ISO performance up to 12,800, and says that the new GF5 can autofocus in under 1 second, along with shooting 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second.
The big change is the addition of an updated, higher resolution touch-screen on the back. The 900k-dot screen has a similar interface to Panasonic’s other touch models; it’s responsive and easier to use. They’ve also included clear icons, and built-in definitions of what different features do and what each setting means.
As a Micro Four Thirds system camera, I like the approach that Panasonic has taken here. It’s a great camera for folks to get into more hands-on photography: it’s incredibly friendly, and actually takes the time to educate users. If you’re looking for a pocket-sized DLSR companion here you might find the interface a bit verbose, but for everyone else (and that means most of everyone else) the GF5 is the perfect way to improve skills and learn more about taking great images.
There’s no current date listed on when the GF5KK will arrive at Future Shop, but we do know that it’s the version that will come with the 14-42mm lens, and that we're looking late spring or possibly early summer. I’ll have some more shots and video to sample from the Panasonic GF5 soon!
*The GF5 above is shown with the power-zoom lens option, which is sold separately to the GF5KK model that will be available at Future Shop.
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