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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Components
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03.Design / Layout
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04.Modes
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05.Control Options
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06.Conclusion
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07.Specs
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08.Comments
Panasonic G1 Digital Camera First Impression Review
Previous: Page 2
ComponentsNext: Page 4
ModesModel Design / Appearance
The G1 is a handsome camera, styled like a miniature SLR with a deflated viewfinder hump, with a pleasing sense of proportion and elegantly curved lines. In addition to basic black, the camera is available in red or blue. Fortunately we're not talking candy-apple red or sky blue. Instead, Panasonic has chosen sophisticated, muted tones that bring a little style to the proceedings without screaming out 'look at me, look at me!' Nicely done.
Size and Handling
This was an area of some concern for your large-handed reviewer, who's perfectly comfortable working with chunky SLR's like Nikon's D700 but often finds grasping little compact cameras like holding a delicate teacup with pinky raised and fingers cramping. Turned out, though, that the G1 grip accommodated a wide variety of shooters very comfortably indeed. We had only one major problem. The control dial mounted on the top front of the grip falls too easily under the index finger. When pressed, it enables exposure compensation by simply turning the dial. That's great if you're trying to use exposure compensation. It was less great when we found ourselves repeatedly shooting with a tweaked composure after accidentally clicking the dial. It would be better if you had to hold the dial down while changing the exposure comp setting.
Panasonic managed to create a small body that's still comfortable for
big hands which was, frankly, a pleasant surprise.
The control panel menu puts all frequently-changed
settings at your fingertips..
Ease of Use
Overall the control scheme and menu structure of the G1 were very easy to grasp, even without a user's manual (which is probably being written as you read this).
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