Product ReviewsDigital cameras
Panasonic's Lumix G1 may look like a DSLR, and even has the same-size sensor as the 4/3 standard L1 and perfectly capable L10, but it's a little bigger than many upmarket compacts. Hybrids with large sensors aren't exactly new, of course. The 10-megapixel Sony DSC-R1 boasted an APS-C size Cmos sensor with a superb Carl Zeiss zoom, and more recently the Sigma DP-1 compact with a similar-sized Foveon sensor, have shown what's possible with a little ingenuity, but the G1 takes us to the next level. With the familiar viewfinder hump, it's styled like a DSLR, but this Panasonic doesn't have an optical pentaprism or a reflex mirror. But while it packs full-time Live View, as you might expect from a hybrid, the Micro 4/3 G1 breaks new ground as the first to offer interchangeable lenses. That's restricted to just two - the 14-45mm (28-90mm) and a 45-200mm (90-400mm) - at the moment, although an adaptor can be used with 4/3 lenses, albeit with some restrictions on certain models. In the hands, the mirror-less 12-megapixel G1 body is tiny, as is the bundled G-series 14-45mm (28-90mm) zoom. Like the larger 4/3 lenses, the Lumix G series cameras feature Panasonic's optical image stabiliser
The lens isn't Leica-branded, but it's still well made, features an internal focus motor, and is both sharp and quick to focus. Neither does the G1 scrimp on AF modes: there's a wide-area AF option as well as a face-detection mode, and a fast and accurate focus-tracking option. The electronic viewfinder may not offer as much contrast as an optical finder, but with 1.4 million dots, it's easily one of the best we've seen. It's also bigger and brighter than regular 4/3 finders, and benefits from several data-layout options. To the rear, the flip-out vari-angle 3in screen is detailed, evenly lit and offers good, if a little vibrant, colour. It's pretty legible in bright daylight, too, and mostly overcomes the distraction of smearing. Like the Panasonic Lumix L10, the G1 has every conceivable shooting mode and then some, including the clever iA (Intelligent Auto) mode from the company's popular range of compact cameras. We were also impressed with the picture quality. A new image processor handles noise sensibly at least up to ISO1600, and the top ISO3200 option is usable at a push. At that point, the coloured speckles are harsh and the integrity of the shadows isn't great, but at all other speeds the G1 retains high levels of detail and excellent colour. One of the downsides of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is poor colour accuracy under indoor lighting, but a manual option down to 2500K helps address this. More surprising is this camera's lack of a movie clip option. It's a touch pricey, too, given its target audience. Despite this, the Lumix DSC-G1 ticks an awful lot of boxes and would make a fine choice for anyone looking for a highly portable camera. By Kevin Carter
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