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.