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Panasonic Lumix G1
Panasonic Lumix G1
B+
HQ Grade: B+
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 5 out of 5
"Small and impressive"
See rating based on 48 user reviews
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Daniel Johnson (13655) 1 pts
September 28, 2008 8:58 AM

Will the G1 give me better overall picture quality, even at higher ISO settings, than is common with point-and-shoots? Larger chip?

I'm considering the DMC FZ50, but most point-and-shoots give poorer results due to (what I understand to be) smaller sensors. What I'm talking about is noise and lower sensitivity at lower light levels. The reviews I've read state that the FZ50 is no exception. So my choice is either accept the lower quality (I'd be happy to give up some pixels!) or go to a DSLR. I don't wanna chnge lenses. However, the G1, with its smaller size and lighter weight, etc. may be what I need.
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Answers This question has been answered!
by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts
October 2, 2008 5:35 PM
2 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
I think so. First off, it uses slr lenses. That's a plus. It really is a digital SLR that acts like a point and shoot. It doesn't have a mirror, though, but a digital system. It's called the Micro 4/3s system, which is why it can be so much smaller than your basic DSLR. But the real benefit is in the lenses. The format will require framing to be carried out using Live View on the LCD monitor. Not my favorite idea, as I prefer to look through the lens. As for if it has a larger chip ... no, not really.
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gonna_get_me_a_G1 7 pts
November 3, 2008 8:26 PM
3 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
YES! It is not an SLR, there are no mirrors. You cannot see through the lens with optics. It has a fairly large sensor, and interchangeable lenses, just like an SLR. but its smaller because there is no big chunk of glass up in that hump on top. What that does is allow them to make the body smaller. The 4/3s sensor is a little smaller that a Cannon Rebel, but much larger than a point and shoot. Unlike most DSLR's, the lenses are made to fit the sensor, not 35mm film. So they are also much smaller. In fact, the sensor is 1/2 the size of 35mm film. with means the included 14-45 lens is equivalent to a 28-90 mm lens on a 35mm. I am getting one.

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Daniel Johnson (13655) 1 pts
November 3, 2008 8:49 PM
0 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Thanks much! I want one, too! I'll stick with the black one, though. Cameras in color? I'm just not ready for that much change in my life!!
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Pete 5 pts
January 29, 2009 6:33 PM
1 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
I'm in the market for a new camera and this Lumix looks very interesting. My Canon G3 has performed very faithfully over the years but i'm now becoming frustrated by a few of it's limitations. I wonder if Canon will be coming out with a G11 with full frame cmos sensor this year? If they do, it would be a hard decision between the two.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts
January 30, 2009 12:49 AM
1 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
The G1 does look interesting, but the frame is much smaller. As a result, you have to keep that in mind as you shoot because there's a multiplier in play.

And as for a G11, I don't think you'll see a followup to the G10 for at least a year. With news that Canon has posted an 81% operating loss last quarter, they can't really afford to undercut their latest follow-up to the G9. So I wouldn't look for a G11 until at least 2010.
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Daniel Johnson (13655) 1 pts
January 30, 2009 5:35 AM
0 people rated this answer helpful, 0 people rated this answer not helpful
 
So, has anyone gotten one of these G1s yet? If so, how do you like it, and aside from the EVF, what are its strong and weak points? Would you recommend it? I see it can be had at some places for $589 (such as 86th Street Photo and Video -- http://www.86photovideo.com/default.asp), making it a little more reasonable.
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