The Lumix G
Series of cameras uses the Micro Four Thirds System standard, which
is a mirrorless interchangeable lens system. This system looks to
deliver on the promise of "High-picture quality
digital-dedicated design," but focuses on reducing overall system
thickness and size by aiming for a highly portable compact
system.
The features that set this standard apart from the Four Thirds
System standard include a flange-back distance (mount-to-sensor
distance) that is approx. 50% shorter, a lens mount with an outer
diameter that is approx. 6mm smaller, and an increase from 9 to 11
electrical contacts in the mount*. In essense, this means the same
quality in a smaller body.
In addition, not only the camera body but also the Micro Four
Thirds lenses are smaller, and this is particularly true for the
wide-angle and high-power zoom lenses, while maintaining the
superior image quality of the 4/3-type image sensor. The increased
number of electrical contacts between the lens and the camera body
also allow a variety of new features and system functions.
Mirrorless Camera Structure
Using the Micro Four Thirds System standard made it possible to
create an innovative mirrorless structure in an interchangeable
lens system camera. A compact, lightweight body was achieved by
eliminating a number of components that are found in a conventional
interchangeable lens system camera, including the mirror for the
optical viewfinder, the focusing glass, the penta mirror, the
distance sensor for phase-differential AF system, and the light
sensor for auto exposure.
The distance and light measurements that are conventionally
performed by the mirror box are handled by sensors in real time,
and highly accurate, high-speed auto focusing is achieved by the
use of contrast AF.
New-generation digital interchangeable lens cameras easy enough
for anyone to use
The key feature of an interchangeable lens camera is the ability
to change the lens to match each shooting situation. The Lumix G
lenses and LEICA DG lens
were developed in compliance with the Micro Four Thirds System
standard for use with the LUMIX G Micro System.
The compact, lightweight Lumix G lenses and LEICA DG lens
support the Contrast AF function of Lumix G-Series cameras and
feature Panasonic's advanced optical technologies such as MEGA
O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser). These high-performance lenses
carefully preserve the image quality of the 4/3-type image sensor,
while reducing the size of the camera body and particularly the
size of wide-angle lenses.
*Image sensor diagonal dimensions are the same for both Four
Thirds System and Micro Four Thirds System standards.
