Panasonic DMC-GH1

	Introduction
The basic concept of the Micro Four Thirds format, jointly developed by Olympus and Panasonic, is to create interchangable-lens cameras without an SLR mirror mechanism, relying exclusively on Live View for both lining up shots and autofocusing the camera. Without the mirror, Micro Four Thirds cameras can be smaller, particularly in depth. The Panasonic Lumix G1 was relatively slim when it was introduced last year, though not a radical departure from existing small SLRs. The breakthough achievement for the G1, though, was fast Live View autofocus. For the first time we could shoot subjects in motion in Live View mode and not worry about the focus keeping up, and we applauded, even with some hesitation over image quality. What was missing from the G1, though, was the ability to shoot video, a void that has since been filled by several video-equipped SLRs. Now, with the Lumix GH1, Panasonic responds to the SLR video world with a bang, delivering a camera with the manual control and autofocus ability you'd expect from a high-def camcorder, sadly lacking in video-equipped SLRs to date. The 12.1-megapixel GH1 is priced at $1499.99, a hefty chunk of change in this economy, but that hasn't stopped fans from enthusiastically buying snapping up the first few production models too quickly for Panasonic to keep up with demand. In the following review, we'll explore the pros and cons of this groundbreaking camera, with the experts from our sister site CamcorderInfo.com providing an authoritative comparison not only between the GH1 and two SLRs, but also weighing it against a first-rate high-def camcorder.
Exclusive - Video testing on the Panasonic GH1 is provided by CamcorderInfo.com, the world leader in camcorder and video reviewing.
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Section		The Good	The Bad
	Product Tour	Handsome articulated screen; sensor for viewfinder-to-LCD switch; metal tripod socket,	Plastic body feel; lacks texture for gripping
	Color	Useful variety of customizable color modes	Poor scores for color accuracy and long exposure
	Noise	Lower than some Four Thirds cameras we've tested at key ISO settings	Higher than most SLRs
	Resolution	Good sharpness; minimal chromatic aberration	Mid-range score overall compared to SLRs
	White Balance	Better than others under incandescent light	Trouble under fluorescent bulbs
	Playback	Good assortment of playback views; attractive slide show capability	Minimal in-camera editing, no Mac software
	Hardware	Good-looking hinged LCD; HDMI out; external mic jack	Limited lens selection, uncomfortable electronic viewfinder
	Controls	Fast Live View autofocus; depth of field and shutter speed previews; lots of scene modes	Mediocre burst mode speed
	Design & Handling	Small and lightweight; well designed quick menu system	Poorly placed movie button
Video Section		The Good	The Bad
	Video: Color & Noise	Low noise levels, numerous color modes	Color accuracy was average for a DSLR
	Video: Motion & Sharpness	Numerous frame rate options, good sharpness	Full HD video is choppy and produces blur
	Video: Low Light Performance	Very low noise levels, good color accuracy	Low light sensitivity wasn't very good
	Video Features	Lots of manual controls, rotatable LCD, live autofocus during video recording	Record button is easy to bump, some confusing layout

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