The DMC-GH1 is not just a high performance still picture camera. Amazingly it can record Full-HD movies at 1080/25p or smooth HD movies at 720/50p in AVCHD with a continuous AF function. It also features a stereo microphone, featuring Dolby Digital Stereo Creator to record high quality audio. Just press the 'one touch' Motion Picture button, and shooting begins. In the unique Creative Movie mode, the shutter speed and aperture can be adjusted. When the DMC-GH1 is connected to a Panasonic VIERA via an optional mini HDMI cable, the TV's remote control unit can be used to enjoy playing back with a greater convenience.

The DMC-GH1's 4/3-type Live MOS sensor with 12.1 megapixels gives you superior image quality with low power consumption. It also adds a high-speed readout for recording HD movies. You can record images with 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratio. In each, you get the same angle of view and same outstanding image quality. The Venus Engine HD incorporates two CPUs. This not only boosts image processing speed but also helps achieve an exceptional noise-reduction performance. Also, the two CPUs allow long-time movie recording in AVCHD with low power consumption.

The DMC-GH1 kit is equipped with the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. lens. This compact lens boasts a focal length of 28-280mm (35mm camera equivalent) and supports a continuous AF function that works for both photos and movies. The Aperture adaptively adjusts to each scene, letting you capture the kind of delicate, softly focused movies that only a digital interchangeable lens camera can produce. Thanks to a silence design that helps suppress lens drive noise, the DMC-GH1 with its kit lens records sounds with amazing clarity.

The DMC-GH1 features a flexible Contrast AF system which is not only accurate, but also very fast. Adding a Face Recognition function to Face Detection AF/AE, the iA Mode offers a combination of functions that automatically makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. Furthermore, the iA Mode can also be activated in movie recording. It automatically determines the most suitable Scene mode and helps correct blurring, focus, and brightness problems for bright, sharply focused HD movies.

The DMC-GH1 can be fitted with a mount adapter DMW-MA1 (optional) that allows the use of a wide variety of high-performance Four Thirds lenses, including Leica D lenses. Naturally, the shooting functions of DMC-GH1 remain usable with the DMW-MA1 mounted.* *Lenses other than LUMIX G lenses cannot use the Tracking AF, AFc (Auto Focus Continuous) or Continuous AF functions. Also, when a lens that does not support the Contrast AF function is mounted, operation will automatically switch to manual focus.