Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 12Mp µ4/3s camera

The future of the bridge camera?

The G1’s body has a rubberized coating that makes it nice to handle. However, we found it a bit cramped to use, especially when adjusting the lens. Although it’s not pocketable, the G1 is easy to carry around in one hand. A few things we weren’t so keen on were the front control dial, which is easy to press accidentally and so alter the exposure compensation setting. It’s also easy to inadvertently hit the power lever. When you remove the lens, the lack of a mirror means that image sensor is exposed to the elements, so don’t hang about during this process

Also available in blue and red

On a happier note, the LVF is superb – it’s sharp, clean and clear, with only a little blurring when fast panning, and the some flicker when shooting indoors under artificial light. The LCD screen flips out and twists, and is great for shooting at various angles. If you put your eye up to the LVF, a sensor ensures that the LCD automatically switches off.

Switch on was very fast – around half a second, and shutter lag wasn’t a problem. A depth of field preview mode is provided, and you can even preview the effect of changing the shutter speed – nice one, Panasonic.

In terms of performance, the G1 did pretty well. With the camera using a smaller sensor than a DSLR, we expected noise to be a problem, but this wasn’t noticeable until around ISO 800. We also expected the all-electronic viewing system to drain battery power fast, but we took several hundred shots and there was still plenty of power left. We also expected the contrast AF system to struggle, but it was fast and responsive. Resolution was good too.

So the DMC-G1 performed beyond our expectations. Well, almost. One disappointment was that colour reproduction, which was a little insipid. But overall, we were happy with the DMC-G1’s efforts.

Verdict

Does the DMC-G1 mark the beginning of a new era for digital photography, or is it heading down a technological blind alley like the now forgotten Advanced Photo System? There's a lot to like about the G1, but it has the feeling of a product still undergoing development. It’s as if Panasonic is still trying to find the right mix of ingredients that will appeal to someone who wants to move from a compact to something more advanced, and, at the same time, make the G1 appear both fresh and familiar. If you like being a technology pioneer, you might be tempted to take the plunge - otherwise you may prefer to wait to see what Panasonic does with the next version. ®

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