Panasonic Lumix G1 Digital System Camera Kit – Black
Posted by Notcot on May 6, 2010 in Photography |
- Take digital photography to a whole new level with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. This camera is as discreet as a bridge camera, yet it has an interchangeable lens system just like a digital SLR. The DMC-G1 therefore bridges the gap between these two distinct systems, integrating a Live MOS 12.1-megapixel sensor with Micro 4:3 format to ensure great image quality in a compact design. The G1 has a comprehensive viewfinder system with its 3″ LCD swivel screen, as well as a second 1.4-megapixel vie
- wfinder. This means you can line up your shot perfectly, even at unusual angles or in bright sunlight, for a reliable representation of the subject you’re shooting. The Lumix DMC-G1 has several manual modes, so you can really let loose your creativity. There’s also an easy-to-use Auto Intelligent mode, which takes care of adjusting all the camera’s settings so you can save time and concentrate on the subject. With functions like this, you won’t miss a thing! This G1 is supplied with a Mega O.
- .S. 14-45mm F/3.5-5.6 aspheric lens. This lens is the equivalent of a 28-90Â mm in 24×36 format, and will cover most of the useful focal ranges without weighing you down. Plus, its optical stabilisation system means you can reduce the fuzz and blur caused by camera shake, and take perfect pictures even in poor lighting conditions. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 opens up the world of professional-quality photography to everyone.
I have been a keen photographer for the past 40 or more years and used to carry around with me a massive bag of SLRs and lenses which very often I could not be bothered to lug around and so missed many a good photo. Since digital came in I have been avoiding the big name DSLRs because I knew the same problem would arise. All of the conventional DSLR are pretty bulky and even more so if you include their lenses. So I have been using compact and ‘bridge’ type digital cameras for the past few years which are easy to carry around. Unfortunately they also have small sensors so the image quality is not so good when enlarged. All that changed when the G1 came out. This is what I had been waiting for i.e. a DSLR size sensor with interchangeable lenses but without the massive bulk. I have now had this camera for 3 months and am most delighted with it. The image quality is fantastic and advanced features such as the flip out screen, the image stabilisation and many others make it great fun to play with and tweak. The lens quality is excellent as tested by the dpreview site, they show that it is as good or better than similar entry kit lenses from Canon. At present there is a shortage of lens options (although you can use the range for the Olympus DSLRs) but more are coming out in the next month or so. The size and weight saving goes for the lenses as well as the body so if you compare e.g. a Canon, Sony or Nikon DSLR kit each with a couple of lenses you would be looking at a considerable weight and bulk saving.
Rating: 5 / 5
First of all, let me get things straight – this is NOT a DSLR camera. A conventional DSLR camera (digital single lens reflex camera) has a mirror inside the camera body which reflects images to a pentaprism that eventually goes to your eye. Basically, what the lens ‘see’ is exactly what you get in a DSLR’s viewfinder. The Lumix G1 takes away that mirror and instead replaces the viewfinder with an electronic one, hence the smaller size. Of course, the G1 is being compared to DSLR cameras because it has a DSLR-sized sensor, which is much bigger than the typical compact cameras’ sensors (which also means better resolution and image quality).
Who is the G1 for? Honestly, die-hard DSLR fans will not welcome the EVF because they perceive them as grainy and low in resolution. This one, however has a >1 million pixel EVF, which is probably the best in the market by far. Coupled with full-time live view and shutter-speed preview, you have a killer here. Not to mention the swivelling 2.5″ screen which is a joy to use. Of course, the downside: the lag and apparent noise in low-light situations. Like other EVFs, the viewfinder does not view well at night but please take notice that the image quality is not affected.
The micro four-thirds format is an all new format for digital cameras. Due to that, there is currently only 2 lenses in the market – the 14-45mm and the 45-200mm zooms. With a crop factor of 2x, you get a reach of 400mm at the telephoto end which is REALLY sweet. While there aren’t any other lenses in the market, that’s actually not a bad thing because both of these lenses would blow you away. Both these lenses have built in image-stabilisation (Panasonic’s MEGA-OIS) which allows you to take sharp handheld photos at low shutterspeeds, even at 1/8s! Furthermore, they have little or no chromatic abberation and lens distortion is at a bare minimum. You’ll have to try them for yourself to believe! In fact, DSLR lenses of this quality (with VR/IS) would set you back more than what this camera costs if you’re considering to go the DLSR way.
Of course, the main feature of this camera is undeniably its size and performance. Without a mirror/prism, its obvious that this camera would be less bulky and lighter than its DSLR counterparts. Being a person who emphasizes on build quality and ‘feel’, this camera surprisingly ticks all the boxes. It has a very luxurious feel to it due to the unique rubber coating, compact yet large enough to be used comfortably with larger hands, and feels very solid. Build qualilty is impressive and you get the ‘Made in Japan’ sticker rather than the ‘Made in Thailand’ one which you get in Nikon DSLRs (even the D90!). The weight? Lovely – I had this camera strapped comfortably around my NECK for the whole day. Some DSLR-fanatics tried to point out that it weights the same as the Olympus E-420, but please understand that the M4/3 lenses are much lighter/compact than the standard 4/3 lenses, plus the G1 outperforms the E-420 in so many aspects. Lastly, the size of both the camera and lenses means that you could easily fit your equipment into a small backpack and travel light. Travellers, do note this.
The price for this camera is rather steep if you actually compare it to entry-level DSLRs and would make the big guns look like a good bargain. Then again, let me remind you once more that the kit lenses (both 14-45mm and the 45-200mm) are EXCELLENT lenses. By getting them, you can literally stay off from buying any new lenses because both of them would easily have your needs covered. Furthermore as you all know, good DSLR lenses would easily set you back >500 quid per piece, and the tack sharp ones way beyond that. The G1 lenses’ 52mm thread rings also means that you can swap filters between both lenses and just use 1 set of them, which is already darn cheap compared to a set of >70mm filters.
I wouldn’t want to blab on about the the technical bits, because you can just watch the video from Panasonic’s website. This camera is what it is – a hybrid compact camera with interchangeable lens. Another downside – it lacks the ability to capture video (I don’t know why Panasonic has left this out, but apparently a HD version of the G1 with video capabilities would be released soon enough, so opt for that one if you really need it). Anyway, let’s finish this review with a bit of talk on the prospective buyers.
This camera is well suitable for:
1) Enthusiasts currently using bridge/compacts who are looking to upgrade to a camera with better fexibility, resolution and image quality.
2) DSLR users who find having a full DSLR kit (lenses and camera) too bulky and heavy to go around, but do not want to compromise on quality.
3) Entry-level DSLR users who have few lenses and can easily afford to swap over to the M4/3 format.
4) Travellers (I am one).
5) People looking at DSLR alternatives and would not care to buy 1000 quid lenses, but rather stick with VERY GOOD kit lenses that would cover the range of everyday needs.
This is definitely not for:
1) Professional DSLR users or pixel-peepers with a huge selection of top-class(expensive) lenses.
2) Stubborn people who cannot accept a modern format but rather, stick with a 60-year old technology. DSLR snobs, in short.
3) People who regularly prints at >A3 sizes.
4) People with gorilla-sized hands.
To conclude, the G1 would easily put a smile on the faces of people who have handled it. It is a fun, compact and easy-to-use performer which would be more than enough for the enthusiasts, yet powerful and flexible enough to cope with the needs of semi-pro users. This camera WILL not fail to impress, and the potentional of the M4/3 format is intriguing.
Rating: 5 / 5
After many years of using film SLR cameras, I finally ‘went digital’ in 2007 with the purchase of a Canon A720IS compact for family/holiday shots and last year a Canon 500DSLR for serious photography. Both are excellent cameras, but I wanted a better camera for holidays and as a back-up for my DSLR. The choice is huge, but after trawling through numerous reviews I became intrigued by the new micro 4-3 format and bought a Panasonic DMC-G1 kit, 45-200 lens and spare battery.
I wasn’t disappointed. With the kit lens fitted, it is small, light and a joy to handle. The 45-200 lens transforms it into a ‘serious’ camera but still light compared to a DSLR with telephoto lens. The whole package, including spare battery and charger, can easily be carried in a shoulder bag, and won’t add much weight to the back-pack I use for my other cameras and lenses.
Initial trial shots with both lenses convinces me that it will easily produce images which can be printed up to A4, a size more than enough for most people. The EVF is the best I’ve seen, and the flip-out screen lets you take images from most angles. For those coming from point-and-shoot, the iA setting will let them take excellent shots while they come to terms with the more complicated controls with the aid of the comprehensive hand book. The two lenses together provide a focal range of 28 to 400 in film camera terms, again more than enough for most. The reviews say it’s not so good in poor light, but if you must take photos in near darkness then be prepared to spend serious money.
All things considered, an excellent product and good value for money.
Rating: 5 / 5
Others have sung the general praises for this camera, so I won’t repeat them. It is a great little camera: good quality kit lens, plenty feature to keep most photographers happy, but also good easy enough for snappers; good viewfinder and very decent picture quality, etc. etc.
But … to add to K. Lim’s list of people whom this camera would suit … add:
People with old Leica M lenses, but don’t want to spend thousands on a Leica digital M camera.
I have been looking for a solution for this for years, and this is it! I got an adapter ring for Leica M lenses on ebay for 50 quid (not the expensive official adapter) and this has breathed new life into three top quality lenses from the 1960s. The manual focus works great. The crop factor doubles the focal length, so my Leica Elmar 135mm becomes a whopping (for Leica) 270mm.
I appreciate not many people fall into this category but if you do, get your card out and buy the G1 now!
Rating: 5 / 5
I have been looking to upgrade to a DSLR but put off by the size of the things!So when this came along which is no bigger than very old but dependable SLR Cosina CSR I was sold.
It does everything my SLR does and for someone starting out in the digital format has all the standard features Aperture/Shutter priority,Manual plus plenty of more like Intelligent Auto Mode, which means point and shoot and let it do all the work.
Certain reviews moan that it doesn’t have movie mode but I bought this to take pictures and I’ll leave movies for my digital compact.
Yes a little pricey but that’s coming down fast!
Rating: 4 / 5