Panasonic Lumix G1
Announced September 12, 2008
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Panasonic Lumix G1 is a compact, interchangeable-lens camera that delivers high-quality images and responsive performance in a portable design. While it offers a versatile articulating screen and an excellent electronic viewfinder, the lack of video recording capabilities and limitations in low-light performance may deter some users.
Weighted from 16 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-quality image output with accurate colors and impressive detail
- Compact, ergonomic body with a well-implemented articulating LCD screen
- Intuitive manual controls and a useful quick menu system
- Fast, responsive autofocus and snappy overall operation
- High-resolution electronic viewfinder that provides a clear shooting experience
Cons
- Limited high-ISO performance and susceptibility to noise
- Complete absence of video recording functionality
- Sluggish or unreliable autofocus in low-light conditions
- High launch price relative to competing DSLRs
- Inconvenient placement or sensitivity of dials and controls
- Launch price $799.95 (USD)
- Sensor 12.11MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
- Stabilization None
- Burst 3 fps electronic
What the Reviewers Say
All 16 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 70/100
If you can live with its limitations the G1 is an appealing and viable DLSR alternative that’s a lot of fun to use and is capable of superb results.
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[T]he Micro Four Thirds system promises interchangeable-lens cameras with good performance at significantly smaller overall sizes. With the Panasonic G1, early indications are that the platform is off to a solid start.
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The Panasonic Lumix G1 is a feature-packed and highly enjoyable camera to use.
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It’s a good camera that outperforms most compacts, delivering lots of detail, accurate colors, and when shooting in enough light, extremely high quality images.
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[T]he combination of this sensor and lens to produce extremely sharp and contrasty images – as good as anything that I’ve seen from comparable cameras from other makers, and often for a lot more money.
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Panasonic's first attempt at a brand new camera format is undoubtedly a great success.
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is a revolutionary camera that delivers on its promise of SLR-like quality in a compact body.
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The G1 is a great camera that produces excellent results and demonstrates the potential of the new Micro Four Thirds system. But is the G1 an SLR with a digital viewfinder or a compact with a 'proper' sensor and interchangeable lenses?
- CNET 7.5/10
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is a camera that people will either love for its speed, photo quality, and interchangeable-lens flexibility or hate for its large-ish size, electronic viewfinder, and occasionally frustrating design.
- Photo Review 8.5/10
It looks great, is reasonably well built and offers decent (though not exceptional) all-round performance.
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[W]e love the compact body and the level of control that you get. We also love the full articulation of the screen: it's a real bonus and helps make the G1 a really fun camera to use.
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[I]t’s such a delightful camera, both in use and in the pictures it takes, that it’s going to take some serious self-control not to rush out and buy one now.
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The G1 is beautifully made and a pleasure to use. Image quality is very good. Excellent original thinking from Panasonic.
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The G1 is beautifully made and a pleasure to use. Image quality is very good. Excellent original thinking from Panasonic.
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[I]f you like affordable fun little cameras and want to try one out, you can't go far wrong with the Panasonic Lumix G1.
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So far, I couldn’t be happier with our decision to skip the legacy Canon and Nikon DSLR designs to embrace EVIL.
