Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Review

Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-G1 is a highly capable and thoroughly enjoyable camera to use. The 100% Live View system with flexible screen and detailed viewfinder are a joy to compose with, the controls and handling quick and easy, the image quality comparable to the best of the current budget DSLRs, while the low size and weight ensure it never becomes a burden. And while the choice of body colours and Intelligent Auto mode suggest beginners as a target market, enthusiasts are also well-catered for with features like seven-frame bracketing which are not normally offered until mid-range or semi-pro DSLRs.

There’s certainly a lot to like here, but equally a few key downsides. Like all new standards, there’s a limited lens selection at launch and the ability to mount existing Four Thirds lenses via an adapter of little consolation when most suffer from AF restrictions. 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 the fact the forthcoming Lumix GH1 will have it.

So we wouldn’t recommend the Lumix G1 to anyone who’s really into low light shooting, requires a wide lens selection from day-one, or of course needs video recording capabilities. But these caveats only eliminate a relatively small number of photographers. Everyone else will find a camera that combines the size and ease of a typical super-zoom with the quality and (potential) optical flexibility of a traditional DSLR; the two kit lenses are also pretty respectable. As such even with a forthcoming model bringing video to the equation, we can Highly Recommend the Lumix G1 and look forward to seeing how Micro Four Thirds develops.

Gordon Laing

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