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The LUMIX G1 Ultra-Compact Digital Interchangeable Lens camera is as easy to use as a compact digital camera. It's a new-generation digital interchangeable lens camera that does away with the mirror box and complies with the new Micro Four Thirds System standard. It also features Full-time Live View for compact digital camera shooting ease and iA Intelligent Auto) for beautiful photos with point-and-shoot simplicity. In short, the G1 writes an entirely new chapter in the evolution of the digital interchangeable lens camera.
Features
- 12.1-megapixel 4/3-type MOS sensor; world's first Micro Four Thirds camera
- Includes Lumix G Vario 14 - 45 mm F3.5 - F5.6 ASPH.Mega OIS lens
- Live View Finder and bright 460,000-dot resolution, 3.0-inch LCD
- New Contrast AF (Auto Focus) function; Face Detection and Intelligent Auto (iA) mode
- Capture images to SD/SDHC/Multimedia cards (not included)
Customer Reviews
Great Camera, finally a little camera alternativeI am a professional photographer and I have looked for a perfect take-it-anywhere camera since I abandoned my Nikon 28Ti when I stopped shooting film. I have had everything in the small camera class from the original Nikon Cp950 to the Panasonic LX3. I had Canon G9 &10s, the Pro-1, various Fujis and a Ricoh compact. None of them came close to delivering the sort of image I get from a real DSLR. For a while I used a Canon Rebel TXi, but it just wasn't a size savings because the lenses are so big.
Enter the G1. It's very small, but still easy to use and hold steady. The lenses are tiny. You can use Leica-M lenses with a cheap adapter. The image quality is right there with a DSLR. Not quite as good as a Canon 5D at ISO 800, but fully useable at everything up to 1600 ISO. The G1 at 800 is better than the G10 at 100.
I highly recommend this camera to any serious photographer looking for a small, high quality alternative to a big DSLR with way better quality than even the best small sensor camera.
Tom Kachadurian
Best Bang for the BuckThis camera is awesome. Bought it for my daughter to teach her photography and was absolutely blown away by its output. It has the best dynamic range per $ I have ever encountered. What a treat.
I shoot with a Canon 1DsMKIII and MKIII and must say that DR is as good as my MKIII, which to date I have considered the best. Of course one needs to put that comment into perspective as the G1 is no MKIII nor does it have the pro features or capabilities.
But for those looking for an "entry" level DSLR on a "budget" this is the one.
Yeah, it doesn't have built in video, which is the new craze, but if you don't need it big deal. My main complaint with this camera is the electronic viewfinder, which needs lots and lots of improvement.
Controls are well laid out for the beginner or advanced photographer, auto-bracketing and bracketing in general a snap. With HDR I tend to use AB much more often than I did and this camera makes it a snap. While there are those who will argue about HDR, for me it is a must and the ease of AB is a big concern for me.
In summary, this new technology, is awesome with better and better things on the horizon. You won't be sorry buying this camera; whether you are looking for an entry level DSLR or a light weight carry around to supplement your high end gear it will be hard to put this thing down once you see its awesome images pop up on your computer screen.
Great compact interchangeable lens camera This camera has been great thus far. I have a Nikon D200 and D300. Three Elph Powershots, an Olympus 1050 and others. The fact that this camera is so compact and so sharp with excellent versatility and features makes it a unique and balanced addition to the others. It is so tight and compact and it has done an excellent job under a variety of conditions.
The camera records very detailed images and is able to maintain that detail at lower shutter speeds in despite of the O.I.S. The white balance appears excellent on the LCD but has not been great under certain conditions which have been easily corrected.
Focus is quick, battery life is good, color rendition is quite good and there is not much more to ask for when looking to complement a pro SLR. This camera can go where you want without the liability or the excess weight and it takes superb images. The tests will prove it.
Printed images should be good. It has been skiing in the Alps and the images have needed almost nothing. White balance is good when you don't have to think to hard about it or when a camera is consistent. The color rendition of skin tones under a variety of conditions is excellent and that includes the flash. The contrast detect AF is great but has not been tested with bursts or ultra low light. Nonetheless, this camera is a winner in my book and will most likely become a cult camera if it does not get adopted widely. It has worked very, very well thus far.
