Panasonic DMC-GH1

	Nikon D90 Comparison Summary
The first SLR to offer video recording capability, the Nikon D90 version of this feature suffers in comparison to the Panasonic GH1 in many ways, including lower resolution, a maximum clip size of 5 minutes, a distinct wobble effect when the camera is moved quickly, limited recording controls and the lack of autofocus while shooting..On the still photo front, though, the D90 is a superior choice, with better results in nearly every image quality lab test  a more sophisticated system for manual control and a body built to take more punishment in rugged shooting situations. The only still photo advantage we found for the Panasonic is its exemplary Live View autofocus system.
	Nikon D5000 Comparison	Page 18 of 21	Olympus E-30 Comparison

	Comparison Specifications
	Panasonic GH1	Nikon D90
Price	$1499.95 with 14-140mm OIS lens	$999 (body only)
Dimensions	4.88 x 3.29 x 1.78in/124 x 90 x 45mm 13.6 oz/385g	5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in./132 x 103 x 77mm 22 oz./ 620g
Resolution	12.1 megapixels	12.3-megapixels
Processor	Venus Engine HD	EXPEED
Sensor size/type	17.3mm x 13.0mm Live MOS sensor	15.8 x 23.6mm CMOS
Kit Lens	14-140mm OIS	AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
Viewfinder	Live View electronic viewfinder	0.94x magnification, 96% coverage
LCD	460,000-dot, 3.0 inch articulated screen	Super density, 3 inch, 920,000 pixels
Live View	Contrast Autofocus, 23-area, 1-area,tracking, face detection	Manual focus Autofocus: Face-priority, wide area, normal area
Shutter Speed	1/4000 sec to 60 sec, bulb	1/4000 to 30 sec., bulb
Burst Speed	Max 3 shots/sec	Max. approx. 4.5 shots/sec.
Autofocus	Contrast AF	11 focus points (including 1 cross-type sensor)
Exposure Compensation	±3 EV in 1/3 stop increments	±5EV
Noise Reduction	High ISO (5 levels), Long Exposure	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure
ISO range	100-3200 in 1/3 or 1 EV increments	ISO 200-3200 (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1-stop increments), expandable to ISO 100-6400 equivalent
Flash	Built-in, pop-up	Retractable, auto pop-up flash
Media Format	Still: JPEG, RAW Video: AVCHD and Motion JPEG	Still: JPEG, RAW (12-bit NEF) RAW+JPEG Video: AVI
Movie Mode	Yes, maximum resolution 1080p @24fps	Yes
Media Type	SD/SDHC	SD memory card, SDHC memory card
Connections	USB, NTSC, HDMI	HDMI, NTSC, Hi-speed USB
Other Hardware	DC power cable	No

NOTE: We updated our testing and scoring procedures in January 2009. For comparison purposes, we re-tested several cameras we'd reviewed in 2008, producing the score shown in the chart above for the Nikon D90. However, the scores in the original reviews for these re-tested cameras remain unchanged, for consistency's sake.

Performance
Our still image testing gives the Nikon D90 a considerable advantage over the Panasonic GH1, with superior results in every category except dynamic range, and major differences in color accuracy,  long exposure performance and burst mode speed. We tested the D90 before our new video testing system was in place, so we can't compare the results statistically, but the experts at our sister site, CamcorderInfo.com, say the D90 video is very similar to what they shot with the D90, with the same limitations of short clip length (no more than 5 minutes), lower resolution and frame rate (720p at 24 fps for the Nikon versus 1080p at 24 fps and 720p at a silky smooth 60 fps). The Nikons also suffer from considerable wobblilng in the video if the camera is moved quickly while shooting, which wasn't found in the Panasonic video.

Components
The D90 offers features suited to a more advanced still photographer, including two control dials for easy adjustments when shooting in manual mode, a big bright pentaprism viewfinder and a monchrome LCD readout on top (particularly useful when shooting on a tripod). The D90 LCD is a thing of beauty, with 920,000-dot resolution and excellent color, though it lacks the flexibility of the pivoting 460,000-dot screen on the Panasonic. As for lenses, the 14-140mm kit lens provided with the Panasonic shot very well, but Nikon owners have a wealth of lens choices at their disposal, Panasonic shooters only a handful of fully compatible Micro Four Thirds options.

Handling
The D90 is a larger camera, though we don't find that a problem (and with that big lens mounted, the GH1 is no featherweight either). The textured grip on the D90 is clearly superior to the plastic GH1 finish, and the buttons and dials have a better feel. Plus, there's no video record button near your thumb to accidentally trigger a video recording session.

Controls
The D90 has a wider ISO range and a significantly higher burst shooting rate (a measured 4.5 shots per second versus 3.1 for the Panasonic). When it comes to Live View autofocus, the GH1 leaves the D90 in the dust, but when you hold the D90 up to your eye to take a shot, it focuses nearly instantly. In video mode, of course, the Panasonic shines, with a full suite of manual controls and video adjustment options versus the essentially point-and-shoot D90 video system, plus the autofocus during shooting capability that the D90 (along with all the other video-enabled SLRs) sorely lacks.

	ISO Examples
	Panasonic GH1	Nikon D90
ISO 100
	Panasonic GH1	Nikon D90
ISO 200
	Panasonic GH1	Nikon D90
ISO 400
	Panasonic GH1	Nikon D90
ISO 800
	Panasonic GH1	Nikon D90
ISO 1600
	Panasonic GH1	Nikon D90
ISO 3200
	Panasonic GH1	Nikon D90
ISO 6400

NOTE: The images above are not used in our testing or scoring, but are included here to show real-world examples of the differences between cameras at the various ISO settings.