This camera is small and lightweight.
Cons
This camera has a poor battery life and is poor in low light situations.
The Verdict
This camera is designed for someone who wants an advanced camera but not a dSLR.
The Panasonic LUMIX G1 breaks new ground in digital cameras. Traditionally there have been 2 types of digital cameras: point and shoot and digital SLRs. Panasonic has taken the best of both worlds and combined them into one with their G1.
The LUMIX G1 features an interchangeable lens system, a first for non SLR digital cameras. Unlike digital SLRs, the G1 does not have a mirror box and relies solely on the full-time live view function.
Features
The Panasonic LUMIX G1 features an interchangeable lens system. This allows the user to select the lens that is best for any given application. Instead of being limited by a set zoom, you can simply put on a longer zoom lens to capture subjects that are farther away. Or you can put on a fish eye lens to capture images that are too close for standard lenses.
The G1 relies on a full-time Live View. This allows the use to see exactly how different settings will affect the photo before it is taken. You can either view the images on the large 3 inch LCD screen or use the viewfinder. Either way, the image you see is the same.
Panasonic has incorporated an intelligent auto system feature on the LUMIX G1. This mode activates 6 detection and compensation functions that work automatically. They are:
- Shake detection - MEGA O.I.S.: Helps prevent blurring when the camera shakes.
- Motion detection - Intelligent ISO Control: Helps prevent blur caused by subject motion.
- Light detection - Intelligent Exposure: Adjusts the brightness of dark areas in the image.
- Advanced Face Detection and Face Detection AF/AE: Helps deliver clear portraits.
- Scene detection - Intelligent Scene Selector: Selects the optimal scene mode for the situation.
- Subject detection - AF Tracking: AF Tracking follows moving subjects and adjusts accordingly.
The large 3 inch LCD screen makes it easy to review the photos you have taken. The screen can even rotate 180 degrees horizontally and 270 degrees vertically. This makes it easier to take pictures from extreme angles such as holding the camera above your head.
Expert Reviews
Experts liked the advanced feature set on the G1. The camera took excellent quality photos and the menu system was relatively easy to navigate. The electronic viewfinder will either make or break this camera. Some people will like while others will not.
User Reviews
Consumers were impressed by the G1’s ease of use. It was quick and responsive. The ability to control settings manually was also a nice feature for those who don’t want to always rely on the automated settings.
Summary
Panasonic is blazing new territory with their LUMIX G1. This camera is ideal for the user who doesn’t want a dSLR but still demands top notch performance.
Buy the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 from Amazon
| Additional Features-Self Timer Delay: | 10 sec |
| Resolution: | 12.1 megapixels |
| Main Features-Optical Sensor Size: | 1/2 in |
| LCD Panel Size: | 3 in. |
| Battery-Required: | 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1050 mAh ( Included) |
| Main Features-Image Stabilizer: | Optical (Super Steady Shot) |
| Lens Systems-Macro Focus Range: | 0.1-1.0m |
| Optical Zoom: | 11.1 x |
| Main Features-Continuous Shooting Speed: | 3 frames per second, 4 frames per second |
| Focal Length: | Varies With Lens |
| Main Features-Max Shutter Speed: | 1/6000 sec |
| Main Features-Min Shutter Speed: | 60 sec |
| Manufacturer Warranty-Full contract period: | 1 Year |
| Camera Flash-Red Eye Reduction: | Yes |
1 Comment:
The EVF on the G1 is the first that I've seen that is remotely usable. While not as good as the OVF in my 5D, it is considerably better than the OVF in my older 350D. The first look through the EVF will impress anyone who hasn't used a Full-Frame camera before. While there is a noticeable lag (particularly when moving the camera around...a delay of a 10th of a second maybe), the fact that you can see a live histogram in the VF makes the lag completely worthwhile. Even better, the VF can increase the gain of the screen in darker conditions so you can actually see what you are shooting (it does get grainy, but it is better than seeing nothing at all). Finally, when you engage Manual Focus, the view in the EVF zooms in on your subject automatically which allows for perfect manual focus adjustments every time!! Without a doubt, this is the best interchangeable lens camera on the market if you are interested in manually focusing.
The articulating LCD is another design choice that is spot-on!! Why haven't other manufacturers caught on that "live view" is completely useless without an articulating LCD? Switching from the LCD to the EVF is as simple as putting your eye next to the viewfinder. There is a sensor there that detects when it is being used. The LCD doesn't have the super resolution of the new 5DMkII or the D700, but it has twice the resolution of my older 5D.
So is the camera pocketable? Not a chance. However, it isn't much bigger than the larger (with its kit lens) than modern superzoom Point&Shoot cameras. I bought it because I found that I was leaving my 5D (with 24-70 f/2.8) at home more often than not because i didn't want to carry so much weight. The G1, in comparison, is a joy to hold and carry. For me, the size is just right. Any smaller and the controls would be unusably small. Any larger and the camera would begin to resemble smaller DSLRs. Side Note: The kit lens has to be seen to be believed...it is SO small. Even the 45-200 lens (90-400) isn't much bigger than kit lenses for APS-C or FF cameras (let alone comparing it to the monstrous 100-400 lens that canon makes).
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