Panasonic DMC-GH1

	Olympus E-30 Comparison Summary
The Olympus E-30 is priced at nearly $1300 without a lens or a video recording function. It offers an articulated screen and some advanced features, including two control dials to speed manual exposure settings and extensive customization options. We also like some of the fun features for shooting and in-camera image editing. Both cameras have issues with image noise (they have the same size sensor). Superior resolution, color accuracy and burst rate results give the Olympus some crediblity, but overall the Panasonic, with its exceptional Live View performance and first-rate video, is a better buy.
	Nikon D90 Comparison	Page 19 of 21	Conclusion

	Comparison Specifications
	Panasonic GH1	Olympus E-30
Price	$1499.95 with 14-140mm OIS lens	$1299.99 (body only)
Dimensions	4.88 x 3.29 x 1.78in/124 x 90 x 45mm 13.6 oz/385g	5.6 in/141.5 mm (W) x 4.23 in/107.5mm (H) x 2.95 in/75 mm (D), 23.1 oz/655gg
Resolution	12.1 megapixels	12.3 megapixels
Processor	Venus Engine HD	TruePic III+ Image Processor
Sensor size/type	17.3mm x 13.0mm Live MOS sensor	17.3mm x 13.0mm Live MOS
Kit Lens	14-140mm OIS	no
Viewfinder	Live View electronic viewfinder	98% field of view, 1.02x magnification
LCD	460,000-dot, 3.0 inch articulated screen	230,000 pixel, 2.7 inch articulated LCD
Live View	Contrast Autofocus, 23-area, 1-area,tracking, face detection; manual focus	Manual focus Autofocus: High speed imager AF, Phase-difference detection AF
Shutter Speed	1/4000 sec to 60 sec, bulb	60 - 1/8000 sec, bulb up to 30 minutes
Burst Speed	Max 3 shots/sec	1-5 frames per second
Autofocus	Contrast AF	TTL phase-difference detection system, 11 points
Exposure Compensation	±3 EV in 1/3 stop increments	±5 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps
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 100-3200 in 1/3 or 1 EV
Flash	Built-in, pop-up	Retractable flash, GN=18 @ISO200, (GN=13 @ISO 100.m)
Media Format	Still: JPEG, RAW Video: AVCHD and Motion JPEG	JPEG, RAW
Movie Mode	Yes, maximum resolution 1080p @24fps	No
Media Type	SD/SDHC	CF (UDMA compatible), xD
Connections	USB, NTSC, HDMI	Proprietary USB DC in
Other Hardware	DC power cable	No

Performance
Both cameras have image noise challenges, with the Panasonic GH1 receiving a marginally better score in this area. For the most part, though, the Olympus delivered superior still image performance results, notably in color accuracy, long exposure and resolution. The difference in shot to shot speed is also significant, pointing to the higher-performance target market for the E-30. When we tested the E-30, we were impressed with its autofocus speed in Live View mode, and it still stands out from the Nikon and Canon experience. Compared to the GH1, though, it's a slow-poke in Live View mode.

Components
The E-30 is one solidly built camera, built to take abuse in the field, with advanced features including dual control dials for quick manual exposure setting and a monochrome LCD on top. The grip on the E-30 is also larger and more comfortable. While both cameras offer articulated screens, the GH1 version is superior, with a larger size (at 3 inches versus 2.7 inches) and a higher resolution (460,000 dots versus 230,000). The GH1 also provides an HDMI output and, while it's not unusual for a camera without video capability to skip HDMI, it's very useful for seeing your still images on an HTV screen in all their high-def glory too.

Handling
The E-30 is a more substantial camera to carry and maneuver than the others mentioned in this review, but we still found it easy enough to manage. And with the lens attached, the size advantage of the Micro Four Thirds GH1 is academic rather than practical at any rate. The E-30 grip is larger and more comfortable, though, and it doesn't have any buttons you might accidentally press, the way the movie recording button lures the thumb on the back of the GH1.

Controls
The two cameras have the same ISO range, but the Olympus does offer a faster 1/8000 shutter speed that can come in handy when shooting on brightly lit days. The Olympus measured burst rate of 4.63 shots per second is a big leap from the relatively pokey 3.16 from the GH1. And the E-30 offers some interesting fun features, including a set of Art Filter effects that produce dramatic results without technical skill and a slick multiple exposure capability.

	ISO Examples
	Panasonic GH1	Olympus E-30
ISO 100
	Panasonic GH1	Olympus E-30
ISO 200
	Panasonic GH1	Olympus E-30
ISO 400
	Panasonic GH1	Olympus E-30
ISO 800
	Panasonic GH1	Olympus E-30
ISO 1600
	Panasonic GH1	Olympus E-30
ISO 3200

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.