Panasonic rolled out this week a new Micro Four Thirds System digital camera with HD recording capability. It is called the LUMIX DMC-GH1.

Panasonic touts the GH1 as a “creative HD hybrid, offering professional-level still cameras and HD video performance” that is easy enough for entry-level DSLR consumers. Video can be recorded at AVCHD 1080p/24p video. It comes with a newly developed long-zoom interchangeable lens – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.

This camera hosts a dedicated video record button on the back of the camera which lets users instantly start recording videos while shooting still photos. Other features include the ability to preview the effects of camera settings (e.g., exposure, aperture, shutter speed) before taking the photo and a built-in eye sensor that automatically switches on the viewfinder when the user looks into it, then switches it off and turns on the swivel 3.0-inch large 460,000-dot high-resolution LCD when the user looks away from the viewfinder.

Panasonic