Last update 12 June’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ Alphamountworld
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is a 12 megapixel Four Thirds Live MOS sensor DSLR and features a high resolution electronic viewfinder, a new Venus Engine HD processor, 3 inch TFT LCD, and an ISO range from 100 to 3200. Camera dimensions are 124 mm x 84 mm x 45 mm and it weighs approx. 380 g (camera body) and approx 630 g with lens, card and battery.
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Review Index – (updated 10 Alphamountworld’10)
Alphamountworld has posted their review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 where they write – ‘To be fair, completely fair, the G1 has difficult competition in my stable of cameras. I have amassed a favorite working collection of DSLR, SLR, and digicam/compact cameras that I’ve weeded through over the years.’
Pocket-lint
“The thing about the G1 is that it encourages you to experiment, with everything really easy to access. Yes, the range of extras might be more restrictive than your DSLR, but if the compact nature of the G1 appeals to you, you might not be looking to weigh yourself down with a huge selection of accessories anyway.”
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The New York Times
“The camera is fast, well-designed, enormously satisfying to use, and generally tops in image and video quality. Yet even the GH1 is only a way station, not a destination. First, you don’t yet get all the creative possibilities of S.L.R. video, since there are only four lenses in the Micro Four Thirds line so far. (A $170 adapter lets you use 30 older Four Thirds lenses, though with some limitations.)”
Philip Bloom
“The image out of the camera is utterly terrific, so clean and noise free. Also very sharp. It’s a dream to use operational wise and the auto functions make it even better. I am never a fan of auto but when running and gunning it can be useful.”
David Pogue (Footnotes)
“In the GH1, however, the sensor is actually larger than the standard 12-megapixel sensor, so that you can switch aspect ratios without losing resolution–and you get the same width of scene (angle of view) in all three aspect ratios. It’s a very nice feature to have.”
PhotoZone
“Basically, the Panasonic DMC-G1 is suitable for all kinds of photography, but it is limited by the lens options of the system. However, due to the small and lightweight body it is especially attractive for light-weight travel photography so the compromises may still be worth it.”
Shutterbug (Field notes)
“A fine performer, it’s smaller/lighter, more elegant, and available in three colors. This Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera (ILDC) also offers some unique features and provides a better Live View experience. While the G1 is just as “complicated” as a D-SLR in terms of menu items, novices tend to view it as more user-friendly, because of the Intelligent Auto mode. Except for some high ISO issues, photo quality is very good, particularly at a +1 setting for sharpness.”
Luminous Landscapes (Field notes)
“After a week of extensive use on this trip I have to say that I continue to be very impressed with the Panasonic G1. It isn’t in any way a replacement for a full-frame DSLR, but when one needs to travel light and still come back with publishable images, this little marvel can deliver the goods.”
StevesDigicams
“My only concerns with this model are the fact that the lens offerings are very slim right now, and the image sensor not being protected by a mirror scars me a bit. However, it seems the Dust Reduction system is very effective, as I saw no traces of dust being on the sensor in our sample photos; and I was pulling the lens on and off quite often.”
ComputerActive
“Images were smooth and colourful, with the auto modes working well to deliver correct exposures and the lens giving a surprisingly high level of detail. Results at low light and ISO3200 were similar in noise levels to those delivered at ISO1600 by competing cameras.”
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CameraLabs
“For all that’s great about the G1’s Live View Finder, there’s counter-arguments of a noisy and jerky image under very low light. The 100% Live View experience inevitably has an impact on battery consumption, and the lack of a movie mode an annoying omission given the buzz around the capability and a future Lumix G model already having the capability.”
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DPInterface
“The Panasonic Lumix G1 is a very nice camera which offers digital SLR-like performance and operation in a not-so-SLR way internally… but with the slightly high price tags (both the camera itself and lenses & accessories) and the Micro Four Thirds system is currently at its infancy, the G1 isn’t exactly the ultimate camera.”
Camera Labs (High ISO Quality as compared to Canon EOS 450D / XSi vs PowerShot SX10 IS
“By increasing the resolution by a couple of Megapixels on the G1, the fear of noise becomes even greater, but the results prove the Lumix G1 can keep up with best-selling models like Canon’s EOS 450D / XSi, and depending on your personal preferences, even deliver slightly better-looking output at higher sensitivities. Again this bodes well for any future Four Thirds models which may employ the same sensor.”
PCMag
“You’ll probably want to wait for the second generation of products, or simply go with a traditional entry-level SLR like the similarly sized and priced Canon EOS Rebel XSi.”
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InfoSync
“We extended our testing schedule because shooting with the Lumix DMC-G1 was so much fun. Also, we were blown away by the image quality. Exceptional detail, crisp lines and vibrant colors merely skim the surface of what the Lumix DMC-G1 can do.”
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CNET Australia
“What sets the G1 apart from other entry-level dSLRs is really its size, flexibility and unique features. We really enjoyed using the G1, and though it does have its problems, for anyone looking for a compact alternative to an entry-level dSLR and with no current investment in a lens system, it’s an incredibly strong contender.”
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RegHardware
“There’s a lot to like about the G1, but it has the feeling of a product still undergoing development. It’s as if Panasonic is still trying to find the right mix of ingredients that will appeal to someone who wants to move from a compact to something more advanced, and, at the same time, make the G1 appear both fresh and familiar.”
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GoodGearGuide
“The camera’s battery doesn’t last as long as a traditional D-SLR would, as it has to power the LiveViewfinder and LCD screen. You’ll probably have to charge it after a day’s use, though this will depend on your usage pattern. It’s also worth mentioning that it’s a quick camera, as it’s ready to shoot as soon as you flick the on-switch; you don’t have to wait longer than a couple of microseconds between each shot, either.”
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DPReview
“It’s designed to look, handle, operate and feel like one, and it’s still far from pocketable. But it’s an impressive debut for a system we think has huge potential, and everyone here that used it, without exception, fell for its undeniable charms.”
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TrustedReviews
“The G1 impresses with its very good EVF, lightning-fast AF, excellent lens and strong, natural colour rendition. But after a while you may find yourself hankering after the simplicity and clarity of an old-fashioned optical viewfinder, and a smaller and simpler set of controls.”
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TechRadar
“The G1 impresses with its very good EVF, lightning-fast AF, excellent lens and strong, natural colour rendition. But after a while you may find yourself hankering after the simplicity and clarity of an old-fashioned optical viewfinder, and a smaller and simpler set of controls.”
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PopPhoto
“Editors chose the G1 as “Camera of the Year.” The reason? In a contest where the criterion is “the camera that best refined or redefined photography,” the debut of the G1 represents a re-defining moment.”
PCWorld
“In our tests, the DMC-G1 made a less-than-impressive showing. Test images looked dark, and the white balance–at least, when we used its automatic white-balance setting–was really off on a couple of shots.”
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Photoxels
“Not only does it succeed in excellent image quality, very good performance and breadth of advanced features — it does so in a package that is much smaller and lighter than its competitors.”
DigitalCameraInfo
“We wonder if Panasonic didn’t over complicate matters for a camera that’s presumably designed for point-and-shooters looking to upgrade their photographic experience.”
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DigitalTrends
“Right now we suggest you take a look at the G1 to see the first of its type, but hold off on buying one unless the price comes way down.”
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LetsGoDigital
“The camera responds fast and is very user-friendly. The menu is well-structured enabling fast navigation.”
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Popular Science (Compared to the Canon Powershot G10 and Olympus E-420)
“The Panasonic G1’s color and exposure were skewed under daylight, but low-light images with high ISO (sensitivity) settings looked surprisingly good—both with and without flash.”
Luminous Landscape
“Lord knows I have enough cameras, I was so taken with the G1′s compactness, decent standard lens, and image quality that a body and two lenses are now part of my travel kit for when a regular sized DSLR is just a bit too much weight and bulk, and pocket camera doesn’t offer quite enough reach or high ISO sensitivity.”
CNET.co.uk
“It goes from power on to first shot in a brisk 0.8 seconds and can focus and shoot in 0.4 seconds in high contrast conditions and 0.6 seconds in dim, which is very good for its class.”
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PhotographyBlog
“Downsides are the traditional bug-bear of Four Thirds sensors, namely noise at slow ISO speeds (it’s visible at ISO 400 on the G1), plus the comparatively poor marco performance if you’re used to the 1cm focusing capability of many compact cameras.”
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DCResource
“Normally, the first model of a totally new product design isn’t the greatest. That’s not the case here, though, as Panasonic has done a really nice job with the G1.”
OutbackPhoto
“Camera points into the future – Handles and feels very well – EVF is useful, while not a match to an optical viewfinder – EVF and manual focus work well together – Camera and zoom are smaller and lighter”
PhotoReview
“With no other cameras for comparison, we have been unable to consider this camera for an Editor’s Choice nomination. However, it’s worth noting that in the G1, Panasonic has produced a camera that looks like a DSLR and supports the same range of user-adjustable controls but has a smaller, lighter body.”
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Gizmodo
“I am optimistic about Micro Four Thirds, but there’s just no reason anyone should buy a G1. Less money could get you a real DSLR that is, for all practical purposes, the same size.”
Digital Camera Review
“Serious shooters may be turned off by the system’s lens and flashgun limitations, and in light of the fact that most of the G1′s competition in the entry-level DSLR space is somewhat less expensive, general consumers may find the camera’s price tag hard to come to terms with.”
CNET
“As with its performance, the G1 displays excellent photo quality that rivals or bests similarly priced dSLRs. The kit lens we tested with it produces sharp images across almost the entire frame, with absolutely zero fringing or bleed.”
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Imaging Resource
“And it takes a pretty darn good picture too. Because the sensor is smaller than modern APS-C-sized digital SLRs, you’d expect image quality to be slightly lower, but printed results really show surprising parity.”
Digital Camera Info
“We wonder if Panasonic didn’t over complicate matters for a camera that’s presumably designed for point-and-shooters looking to upgrade their photographic experience. There is a lot to like for this audience, but there are also a baffling array of choices staring them in the face.”
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ePhotozine
“Noise control is very good on the DMC-G1 at low to mid range ISO settings. It doesn’t become a problem until ISO1600 but when it does get there it really fails badly.”
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CNET Asia
“As the G1 is using a Four Thirds-sized sensor, the area which light falls on is significantly larger than the sensors used in conventional point-and-shoots. This also means the pixel density is lower and this gives better detail reproduction with lesser noise.”
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DCResource
“Photo quality was very good. The G1 took well-exposed photos with pleasing, accurate colors. As with digital SLRs, images are a bit soft straight out of the camera, but that can be fixed easily enough with the Film Mode feature.”
MeMobility (Hands-on Preview)
“In operation, the camera felt slightly slower than my Nikon D40X- especially in burst mode. Then again, the cameras were set to iA mode as Panasonic wanted us to test this particular feature so maybe all that intelligent calculation was what was making the camera feel a bit sluggish.”
The New York Times
“The pictures look wonderful. The color is rich and true. The low-light abilities put compact cameras to shame. And all of the effects that would be impossible with a typical small camera — trailing car lights, frozen splashes, eight-second star-trail exposures — are easy to dial up with this one.”
Pocket-lint (First Look)
“So what are the pictures like? On the whole very good. Unfortunately we can’t share any shots we took at outside in the stadium at Wembley due to licensing rights (crazy we know), however what we saw, considering the technological leap in design over performance was very good.”
DPReview (Hands On Preview)
“On the inside of course it is indeed radically different to every SLR on the market; the mirror and pentaprism/pentamirror viewfinder is gone, replaced by a live view-only system using either the newly-developed high resolution electronic viewfinder or the large articulated rear screen (which, interestingly, has a 3:2 aspect ratio – not the 4:3 ratio of the sensor).”
Owner Feedback
[Owner Comments and Experiences
Sample Photos
[Sample Photos @ Alphamountworld]
[Sample Photos @ Pocket-lint]
[Sample Photos @ PhotoZone]
[Sample Photos @ StevesDigicams]
[Sample Photos at CameraLabs]
[Sample Photos at DPInterface]
[Sample Photos at CNET Australia]
[Sample Photos at RegHardware]
[Sample Photos at DPReview]
[ISO Performance Samples at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Photos at Photoxels]
[Sample Photos at DigitalCameraInfo]
[Sample Photos at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos at Gizmodo]
[Sample Photos at CNET]
[Sample Photos at Imaging Resource]
[Sample Photos at Digital Camera Info]
[Sample Photos at CNET Asia]
[Sample Photos at DCResource]
Specifications & Camera Profile
Firmware – (updated 02 February’09)
Panasonic has released a firmware update for the DMC-G1. Version 1.2 improves color reproduction and auto white balance performance. It also enables writing files from PCs to the camera for models shipped in Europe. Last, with the latest update, the built-in flash operates better in low temperatures. Version 1.2 Download Page
Press Excerpt
Secaucus, NJ (September 12, 2008) – Panasonic today announced the world’s first Micro Four Thirds system camera, the LUMIX DMC-G1, the world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera, weighing in at approximately 385 grams (0.85 lbs).* Based on the new Micro Four Thirds System standard, the LUMIX G1 eliminates the internal mirror structure that defines digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, thus reducing the size and weight by nearly half.** With the mirror-less system, the G1’s flange back, which is the distance between the mount and the image sensor, has been reduced from 40 mm – as specified in the Four Thirds System – to approximately 20 mm.
The new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 will enhance the advanced photo quality and flexibility made possible by the Four ThirdsÔ System, and with its innovative design, consumers will appreciate the portability of a smaller camera body and lenses. The G1 will be available in mid-November as a kit with the new LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S lens. Also available in November, and announced today, is the LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S.lens.
“With the LUMIX G1, we are filling a void that has existed for a long time in the digital camera market, because consumers wanted the power of an SLR, but previous models were bulky and inconvenient,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The LUMIX G answers this challenge as consumers can benefit from the flexibility of changing lenses; a quick Auto Focus; and a sensor that produces high-quality photos. By packing all those powerful assets into an extremely compact body with easy-to-use features familiar to point-and-shoot users, we are excited about G, as it brings new possibilities to the consumer.”
The LUMIX G1 is also the world’s first interchangeable lens camera that will come with color variety – with availability in black, blue and red models – allowing consumers to personalize their style through color, something very popular with point-and-shoot camera models.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
In this version, they left out video recording, altough the mention HD output (still photos only) on the specs. It shouldn’t take too long for video features to be implemented, and then these cameras will be quite versatile.
Another slight minus: the new autofocus system only works with the new lenses, old 4/3 lenses need manual focus. Perhaps this could be fixed in the next version?