Fast Live View autofocus
Low noise for a Micro Four Thirds
Still more noise than most SLRs
Poor color performance
Introduction
The basic concept of the Micro Four Thirds format, jointly developed by Olympus and Panasonic, is to create interchangeable-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 breakthrough 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.
| This review is organized into 8 pages | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Page 1
Sample Photos
A gallery of photos taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Read More... |
Page 2
Design
|
Page 3
Image Quality
Read More...
|
|
Page 4
Usability
Read More...
|
Page 5
Features
Read More...
|
Page 6
Conclusion
Read our final conclusion of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. Read More... |
|
Page 7
Specs & Ratings
See all the scores for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. Read More... |
Part 8
Comments
Read what people are saying about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. Add your comments... |
|
Shop for the Panasonic DMC-GH1
Latest News
& Reviews
-
02-Feb-2012
Pentax's risky K-01 is like no other mirrorless camera
Pentax has made a brave move with their latest mirrorless system camera: they’ve to ignored all prevailing trends in the space, and announced a new model that strongly favors form over function (gasp!). Read More...
-
31-Jan-2012
Nikon launches Coolpix P510, the world's longest superzoom
The P510’s 42x, 24-1000mm lens leaves others in the dust, while the P310 packs an f/1.8 piece to dominate dark shooting situations. Read More...
Top Rated Digital SLRs
-
$1,049.951Canon EOS 60D
The Canon EOS 60D is a top-notch camera in terms of performance, handling and flexibility. However, the performance of the kit lens leaves something to be desired. Read full 7-part review
$1,049.95TypesProsumerAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels19.00 -
$589.952Nikon D5100
The D5100 is the latest entry-level DSLR from Nikon, with full 1080/30p video, an articulated LCD, and the same image sensor as the D7000. It lacks an internal focus motor, but we found it produced some of the most accurate colors we've seen yet. Read full 7-part review
$589.95TypesAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels16.2 -
$1,174.993Canon EOS 7D
The 18-megapixel Canon 7D delivers high resolution stills and full HD video in a well-built camera designed for serious photographers without the desire (or budget) for a full-frame model. Read full 7-part review
$1,174.99TypesProsumerAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels19.00 -
$1,199.004Nikon D7000
The Nikon D7000 is a powerhouse camera at an excellent price. It offers a huge range of features that will make shooting quicker and easier for the experienced shooter, with lots of customizable options and quick control access. Read full 7-part review
$1,199.00TypesProsumerAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels16.9 -
$565.005Sony Alpha SLT-A55V
The SLT-A55 is a well performing SLR, with a wide ISO range, good color and relatively low noise. . Read full 7-part review
$565.00TypesConsumerAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels17
(add your own)