Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF5

The latest successor to Panasonic’s micro four-thirds throne has just been announced. The new DMC-GF5 directly follows the GF3, continuing the LUMIX G-series traditions of offering super-compact point-and-shoot cameras with the image quality and lens interchangeability of a full-bodied DSLR. The GF5 features a new 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and a redesigned Venus Engine to dramatically increase photo quality in a wider variety of shooting environments — including the all-important night shooting capabilities. Panasonic’s 920,000-dot touch display technology equips the camera with a simple user interface that allows for touch focus, shutter engagement, and a bevy of other intuitive features. Via this touchscreen, selective camera focus can even be shifted on the fly while the GF5 records 1920×1080 high definition AVCHD video. While official release dates have yet to be announced, the LUMIX DMC-GF5 is expected to be available later this year in three colorways, starting at $599 USD.