Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

I've used a Nikon D40 in the past and really liked taking more control over a simple point and shoot. I wanted something small, easy to use, with great picture taking abilities. The Lumix is all of those things. After just a day or two playing around with it I already know most of the settings. The "intelligent auto" mode is great for everyday pictures with not having to worry about anything but the framing of my shot. The view finder and back screen are fantastic (back screen is hard to see in sunlight). I would recommend this to anyone whose looking for an upgraded camera, but without the hassle of trying to figure out tons of features.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

As a former TLR and SLR user I chose micro 4/3 for many reasons including size, weight, articulating LCD. All work as advertised. Excellent value. I bought the G1 because I liked the "old" 14-45 kit lens more than I wanted the touch screen on the G2.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

Currently own a Canon 1D mark III and a Canon 7D and have owned may full size digital SLR's.
I was looking for something small and light for travel. This camera has exceeded my expectations in every way. Pictures are crisp and sharp straight out of the camera. I especially like the electronic viewfinder and the ability to playback your pics through the viewfinder. The image stabilization is very good and the absence of a mirror helps also.

Only negative is the battery life....it won't last a whole day. Pick up a second battery like I did.I don't mind the trade-off which is a light battery vs. a heavier longer lasting one.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

I was originally looking for a 14-45 mm lens for my GF1, but decided to buy the G1 zoom kit. The micro 4/3 format cameras do every thing I need for everyday photography. I have used the G1 and GF1 cameras to photograph a wedding - the bride and groom were very pleased with the results.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

I use this camera for digiscoping, and it's as close to perfect as it could be. The Liveview with the 10x magnification is the best feature for me. I shoot entirely in manual focus, so I have to be able to see clearly, and this camera gives me that capability. My only wish is that there was one button you could press to get that screen instead of having to press two buttons. It shoots on continuous and in RAW MUCH faster than my Nikon P6000.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

I've owned cameras like Canon's G7, G9 and G10 as well as other compacts and point and shoots ... all in search of a camera that could take the place of my larger DSLRs and lenses on trips and vacations.

Well, I've finally found that camera. The G1 is small, light and perfectly proportioned for my hands. More importantly, its takes great pictures. The color is very accurate and the resolution of fine detail couldn't be better. I am extremely impressed and very happy with the purchase.

The level of control and the button arrangements are near-perfect. Is it a DSLR killer? No. Does it come close to DSLR quality? Yes. Close enough so that I feel extremely comfortable taking it on my next trip and leaving the heavy DSLR and lenses at home.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

The G1 is the first EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens) camera to come on the market. It has successfully overcome the two major problems with this design; i.e. clear viewfinder and fast focusing. There is still however, a problem with the viewfinder and focusing in low light conditions. There is one further problem, at least for me, the control buttons are both too small and too close together.
Even with those problems, I found this to camera to be ideal for all types of photography. I use mine for Candid (street) Photography, Birding and Macro.
One other advantage of this camera is that all most any lens made in the last 50 years can, with an adapter, be used. My collection of Pentax K lenses have been given a new life thanks to the G1.
Overall, I would rate this as the best camera that I have used in over 60 years interest in photography.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

I had a Nikon D90, and bought this camera as an small and light option. Well, I sold the D90.
The G1 electronic viewfinder is HUGE, full frame like, I have all info, including the histogram in it, and I adjusted it to show me (when photographing taking my time), 3 seconds of the photo taken in the viewfinder, then 3 seconds of it zoomed 4x, again in the viewfinder, to check focus, etc. It has an autofocus that is probably quickier and more precise than the D90. If I want to focus manually, the lens and the camera understands that, just touching the focus ring, and opens a small window in the middle of the viewfinder zooming 4x, to help me focus! The 14-45mm kit lens (28-90mm equiv.)is a very good kit lens, and the Mega OIS gives me 4 extra stops, for real! Better than the Nikon 18-105mm's VR.The high ISO noise is about 1 stop worst than the D90, but I still think I'm better with the G1, all things considered. I also bought the 20mm 1.7 prime (40mm equiv), which is the best lens I used in my 48 years of photography. It gives me the low light capacity that the kit lens can't give. The battery delivers easily the number of shots I need.
AND the camera and lenses are small and light!
I have the cake, and have eaten it too!! I'm just praying for a 45 or 50mm 1.7 with OIS(90 or 100mm equiv)with OIS, and IQ equivalent do the 20mm(not the expensive and not impressive Leica macro). I would buy it immediately.Come on Panny!

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

I am using this camera with the 20mm f1.7 pancake lens. I considered the GF1 but the viewfinder won me over to this camera. I have given up using zoom lenses in candid photography, preferring now to just use the slight wide angle similar to what we see, and position myself to get the shots rather than using a zoom.

The camera is small and light enough to be unobtrusive, yet looks semi-pro so I'm not in danger of being taken for an amateur. I'm using the viewfinder exclusively except when I need to use the twist function of the LCD screen to get an overhead shot etc.

I can see a potential use for virtually every one of the many features of this camera, but set to Program, centre weighted exposure and centre point focus, it does everything I need accurately and fuss-free.

Unless you have an absolute reason to go for the smaller size of the GF1, I would recommend this camera over the GF1 just because of the viewfinder. LCD screens are good until you move out into the sun, then they are often useless. This camera combines the two options much more elegantly than the GF1 with its add-on viewfinder.

Could not really pick out any cons for this camera. It's not a pro camera but it would take an expert to tell the difference in most shots.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

Biggest asset is size and wt. Really fine images in a small package that is easy to tote around all day. Zoom (14-45) is best range for normal useage. Image quality is superb for the price and size. Only drawback I found is that some of the metering was a bit off (highlights blown); I shoot mostly in P mode with this camera, so maybe it did not respond as fast as my finger can press the shutter sequentially. However, it is well worth the price and definitely stays in the bag as the best backup ever

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

For its size the camera is laoded with lots of features. Its very portable and easy to use.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

My Lumix G1 is almost a year old. As the headline states, I love it.

This camera was bought as an up-grade from the two 4-mp digital cameras I own (Kodak and Panasonic), which are really advanced point-and-shoot cameras that produce excellent results. The G1 took me to the professional level (heresy to some, I'm sure). It succeeds the Contax and Fuji film cameras I have owned for years.

Everything positive that has been written about the camera is valid. It matches my Contax Aria in size and feel, but is lighter, especially the lens. As one writer said, it is built to be controlled by the user, not vice versa, and the controls are mercifully accessible. Yes, the small buttons can be troublesome, but one develops feel and technique over time. The menus are very well laid out.

My greatest pleasure is the manual zoom, which puts me back with my professional-level 35-mm cameras. Electrical zoom is slow and imprecise, and consumes power; manual zoom is fast and accurate.

Second is the compact size and light weight. Until one has held and used the camera, one cannot appreciate how delightful and rewarding these features are. I do not hesitate to reach for it whenever I need to take pictures. Infrequently, I choose the Kodak, which is about six years old, because it is about half the size and weight, but the G1 is my choice when I want the greatest flexibility and highest-quality images.

The noise that some writers have noted is relative. Some people will find it annoying; I suspect their hearing might be more acute than others'. The design of the camera requires that the shutter must always be open, in order to produce the viewfinder image. When the shutter button is pressed, the shutter closes, rapidly re-opens to capture the image, closes again, and opens again. It's almost impossible to generate that much activity without producing some sound. I am impressed that it is a soft as it is. Anyone more than one or two feet away will not hear it.

In low light, the camera uses an infra-red beam and sensor, so the shutter response can be slower than usual. In normal and bright light, the focusing is virtually instantaneous, and essentially inaudible.

The built-in flash is barely adequate, and yes, high-ISO images tend to be "noisy." For serious low-light photography, I recommend the DMW-FL500 external flash. However, adjusting the exposure can help, and Photoshop and equivalent software does an outstanding job of bringing out the hidden details and re-balancing the color.

I would strongly urge buyers to order the high-capacity battery. The criticism of the short charge duration in the standard battery is valid, which is why I ordered my camera with two high-capacity batteries. Depending on flash usage, these batteries will run the camera between two and four hours continuously on a charge. The internal viewfinder shuts itself off when the camera is moved away from the user's eye, and the camera shuts down after a couple of minutes of inactivity. These functions extend the life of the battery to essentially a full day.

I agree with other writers that 4:3 is a format to be taken very seriously. It is optically all but indistinguishable from full-frame camera images.

I have taken thousands of photographs during my many years. This camera is as comfortable and enjoyable as the best of my 35-mm and medium-format cameras.

Panasonic has built an outstanding camera in this model. Don't hesitate to buy it.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

This is the best electronic viewfinder there is. Not quite as sharp as seeing through the lens directly from an optical viewfinder, but an EVF has the luxury of having all sorts of information on the screen, such as the live histogram. The size of this EVF is enormous, much bigger than type typical viewfinder from entry level crop bodies.

The contrast detect AF system on this Panasonic is also extremely fast, as fast as phase detect systems on some DSLRs.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

I bought the G1 with the 14-45mm lens after reading good reviews, for my "throw in the car" camera so I wouldn't have to lug my big, heavy Canon gear all the time. I love the ergonomics and controls and the LCD viewfinder is much better than I had anticipated. For "right out of the camera JPG's the G1 is better than my Canon 5d and 5dII in color accuracy and metering and matches the 5d in resolution. That shocked me and now I find myself using the G1 all the time. Next up are the 45-200mm and the 20mm/1.7!

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

Landscape, Night city lights, portrait. Travel.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

Like many photographers, I have come to realize that there is no such thing as one system that will do all the things that you need. For all my professional work, I use a pair of D700s. Complementing these is a larger array of heavy, expensive, and wonderful lenses.

But for when you want to throw a camera in the car, or go for a walk in a new area where I might see something you want to shoot, the D700 and the 24–70 just will not do: too heavy, too intrusive.

So into the micro 4/3 format. I bought the G1 rather than the new GH1 simply because I already shoot pro video. And for most videographers the quality of the sound is at least as important as the quality as the picture -- and so having XLR connectors is critical.

The G1 with the 14 to 45 lens is a lovely little toy that makes very good images. I intend to buy the GF1 with 20/1.7 lens, and I will be able to mix and match between the two lenses and the two bodies for specific purposes. For example, the GF1 with the 14–45 lens has to be the greatest travel camera ever designed and built. The fact that it has IS built in to this lens is a big bonus.

The button layout is simple and intuitive. And the "my menu" function means that your most commonly used ones (like flash exposure compensation) are available at a single button push if if the "my menu" was the last thing you hit. While you are shooting, it is.

A toy, to be sure, but I think the micro 4/3 format is definitely a force to be reckoned with, now and into the future. I have sold all of my DX format gear, including the brilliant Fuji S5 Pro, and now will rely on the two D700 bodies, lenses, and the G1 and GF1 one combinations. The fat that a simple non-optical adapter means that legacy, brilliant lenses like the OM range can be used is a great bonus too.

Highly recommended.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

Bought this for use as a small, portable travel camera system that would give better image quality than point and shoot compacts. Have had the camera for more than a month now and have brought it along on two out of town trips and have used it in a variety of situations. It has performed as advertised and I am very pleased with the overall performance.

This camera is a good step up in image quality and flexibility from small sensor compacts and a small, easy to carry alternative to full DSLR systems. I have virtually stopped using my Canon G10 and Panasonic TZ5 compacts since acquiring the G1. Image quality (resolution and detail) is a significant improvement over small sensor compact cameras.

The G1 is not a replacement for my 35mm DSLRs but it has given me an easier to carry alternative when I don't want to take along the "big toys".
Keys to the G1 is the image quality received for the small size and portability. I also purchased the Lumix 45-200mm G Series lens. When combined with the 14-45mm kit lens, this 2 lens system gives you the 35mm equivalent coverage of 28-400mm with any of the lenses or camera body fitting into a coat pocket. I did pick up a Lowepro Nova 160 AW small camera bag which can easily fit into my suitcase if needed and which easily carries the G1 body with a lens mounted, the other lens, extra battery, memory cards, etc. Entire system is very handy

Highly recommended if you have similar requirements.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

After all the heavy SLR camera's I have had. What joy it is to have been introduced to the G1. The best reference for those that remember is the Olympus Pen-F, the half frame SLR of 30 years ago. It is light weight, takes wonderful pictures, has a high pixel count, has available lenses, understandable instructions, an easy to read screen, can be used as a point and shoot or as a professional and programable piece of photo equipment, and above all, as I mentioned above it does not pull your arm off everytime you carry it somewhere.
It is a camera users love affair, if I were an octopus I would have four of the G1's. And it is right after my wife and kids...and dogs, the love of my life...well you know its not but she says I act like it is
Put it high on your wish list!

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

I purchased the G1 instead of a full frame big name digital SLR with similar features on the recommendation of a photo enthusiast friend. I have not been disappointed. As a casual photographer I have enjoyed the quality and ease of use of the automatic settings as well as the wide variety of custom exposure options. Image quality is great. This is a fun and easy to use camera that provides plenty of room for growth at a fraction of the price of full size digital SLR cameras.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 SLR-Style Digital Camera (Black) with 14-45mm Lens:

In planning my summer travel shooting I decide to lighten up my camera bag. I wanted to reduce the load of carrying a camera body and a couple of lenses. The G1 weighs about one lb. and even with the two lenses that came in the B&H kit (14-45mm and 45mm-200mm) the whole package hardly weighs more then two lbs. So and after reading a lot of the reviews and specs finally decided to get a G1.

I am not an early adopter type so I was a bit hesitant and unsure about getting a 'different' kind of SLR-like camera and when I got the camera I spent several days 'learning' it and taking photos.

To begin with the control layout is much like a standard dSLR but it is clear this camea was designed to be controlled by the photographer and not the other way around. Controls like ISO, WB, exposure comepnsation etc.. are on the camera body and can be easily adjusted without going into the menu display. That is without taking your eye from the viewfinder.

The Electronic Viewfinder is a bit of an adjustment. Its easy to use and in low light it is brighter than an SLR. But it is different than a mirror system and takes getting used to. To my surprise I discovered I could see the image on the viewfinder when wearing sunglasses. Couldn't do that with my dSLRs. The body is very well built and the 3" LCD is marvelous.

The real test, of course, is in the pictures. I am admittedly a lens test freak having started out in photography with Leicas. It sets you up for a certain level of expectation.

I shot comparison tests with my dSLRs and the G1 and reviewed the images on my PC and also made big 13x19 inch prints of several of the shots. I set up a tripod and shot several different scenes at many different focal lengths and ISO speeds with each camera on the tripod.

On my PC I viewed each image at a 200% size and found that it was hard to determine which image came from which camera or which was "better" than the other.

The big prints showed some differences, mostly in contrast and tonality. The G1 images had a slightly smoother tonality while the dSLR images had a trifle more contrast. Both were equally sharp.

Since I worked with each image in Photoshop to optimize them for printing, in truth it was hard to tell how many of the differences were due to my manipulation and how much was inherent in the different image files.

The bottom line is that the G1 is a serious camera totally capable of professional work. But I think that because of its diffrences and its newness, it is not a camera you fall in love at first sight with but one you grow to love as you use it.

The only odd thing with this camera is that it makes a sound like an SLR when you press the shutter release. Since there's no mirror I wish someone from Panasonic could tell me what's up with the sound and why can't I turn it off?