Panasonic’s DMC-G1: Sort of Like A DSLR, But Not Really
Panasonic has been making high-quality digital cameras for several years now. Perhaps the most appealing thing about them was the superb optics provided by the famous German company, Leica.
Most models of Panasonic Lumix digital cameras are point-and-shoot devices that virtually all take very good to excellent photos in daytime conditions, but yield mediocre or horrible results in dimly lit settings. Panasonic has also been known for making cameras that are built solidly and are ergonomic. But despite introducing some models that featured extensive manual controls, it had a hard time competing in the DSLR market led by old-school camera companies like Canon, Nikon and Pentax.
Nevertheless, just recently the company finally managed to introduce a camera that is turning the heads of semi-professionals. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is something known as a Micro Four Thirds camera, a relatively new technology that uses a larger sensor than that found on compact cameras but not as large as that used by DSLRs. The concept is to take excellent quality photos with a camera that is manageable and not cumbersome as a DSLR, and to have the flexibility of changing lenses. DSLRs are generally perceived as being complicated with all its dials and buttons to fiddle with, so the DMC-G1 takes the complexity out of taking wonderful, high-detail photographs. The main difference between this camera and a DSLR is that it does not implement the DSLR’s mirror system of taking photographs. Instead images are taken with a live-view electronic interface, like what you would see on a compact digital camera.
The DMC-G1, which is now a leader in the complete line of Panasonic DMC cameras, has a 12.1 megapixel sensor and a pivoting, swing out high-resolution LCD screen that has 460,000 pixels. There is an autofocus face detection mode, which is a feature that many non-DSLR cameras are offering today.
It ships from the factory with a 4-45mm F3.5-5.6 digital camera optical zoom lens. The camera is just under 5 inches wide and 2.6 inches in depth without the lens, which isn’t so big at all. The menus are very easy to use, which is a major plus. There’s also a built-in flash, and the hot-shoe will allow you to use a more powerful flash if you need it. Both SD and SDHC memory cards can be used for storage remember to stick with those that have very fast write speeds.
With the DMC-G1 you have a plethora of scene modes to choose from, including portrait, scenery, sports and close-up to name a few, allowing you to adjust to virtually any setting no matter the lighting conditions. There’s even a “Film Mode” whereby noise reduction, sharpness, contrast and saturation are adjusted automatically to mimic the look of film depending on the chosen setting. Switching between manual and auto focus is a snap by turning a dial on the top-right of the camera.
Camera performance is quick with instant-on and fast autofocus with the included lens. You can take about 3 frames per second when shooting in bursts, which is great.
As is the case with virtually all Panasonic Lumix cameras I have seen or held (I used to own a DMC-FZ7, a great camera that I miss), the DMC-G1 is gorgeous in design. It’s a pleasure to hold the camera in your hand–it simply feels like it belongs there. There are three colors to choose from for the camera body: black, red or blue.
Yet there are two big minuses for the DMC-G1 a lack of native interchangeable lenses and the inability to shoot videos. The electronic viewfinder doesn’t work quite well in the dark, but that’s not so much of a big deal since it is an excellent performer when there’s plenty of light.
In terms of genuine Panasonic camera accessories, you may want to pack an extra digital camera battery with you (model DMW-BLB13PP). Also, make sure you use a memory card that has at least 4GB in capacity. That way, you won’t have to swap cards while you’re strolling along the beach snapping shots.
Amazon.com is currently selling the DMC-G1 for about $600. For the same price you can find an entry-level SLR with a kit lens, but as I mentioned, you’re going to have to put up with the awkward size and shape of it. With the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, you’ll take photos similar if not identical to those taken with a low-end DSLR but in a lighter, considerably smaller package.
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