Panason G1 Micro Four Thirds Camera out now

[TarMoo]

There is a big Panasonic stand at Bluewater today where they are promoting all their latest cameras (plus other stuff).

I took a look at the 12.1 Megapixel G1. This is their new small SLR-like camera without an internal mirror. There is a small LCD inside which you see through the viewfinder, or use a big 3in LCD in a 60 frames/sec Live View Mode at the back.

It has a lot of high-end features like image stabilisation, auto ISO (motion detection), sensor dust reduction, HDMI output, RAW mode. AF Tracking of moving object (23 AF points), 100% field of view in viewfinder. Lenses available now are the 14-45 F3.5-5.6 and 45-200 f4.0-5.6.

The camera is really small, and will suit people who like Canon G10 sized cameras - compact, but with good picture quality. It felt really small and light - almost like a toy. It is expensive - nearly £600 right now.

I think it will appeal to people who like small gadgets and have money to spend.

See Cnet Preview.

[Fozzybear]

There was one in the window of Cameraworld in Chelmsford. About the same size as a Nikon D60 but 'slightly' slimmer. Really worth losing the proper viewfinder for.

[Twadger]

Originally Posted by TarMoo

It has a lot of high-end features like image stabilisation, auto ISO (motion detection), sensor dust reduction, HDMI output, RAW mode. AF Tracking of moving object (23 AF points), 100% field of view in viewfinder. Lenses available now are the 14-45 F3.5-5.6 and 45-200 f4.0-5.6.

Actually the G1 doesn't have IS, it's built into the lenses, so if you buy the adaptor to use the older Fourthirds lenses, no IS.

[TarMoo]

Originally Posted by Twadger

Actually the G1 doesn't have IS, it's built into the lenses, so if you buy the adaptor to use the older Fourthirds lenses, no IS.

The brochure says it has "Mega O.I.S" advanced image stabilisation. In the Lumux G uses an integrated LSI that processes output from gyrosensors which operate 4000 times per second.

Edit: Looks like it is In-lens IS -- see top image. There is an on-off switch on the side of the lens, like the Nikon VR lenses have.

[ush flynn]

i saw them in bluewater today too, was disappointed how "not actually that small" they were. The geezer in the stand was playing about taking photos of a train set and i was watching the output on an LCD tv... looked decent but im keeping an eye on this olympus concept camera instead
Looky

[TarMoo]

I'm not sure who the G1 is targetted at. From the Panasonic G1 microsite It looks likes it is targetted at women with large handbags.

At £600, it seems a little pricey when compared with a real DSLR like the D60. I don't think it will sell all that well. Maybe the Olympus micro four thirds cameras will be small enough to put in your pocket. I can see enthuisiats buying these.

[Yandros]

Arrgh! I really hope Oly/Panasonic don't screw this one up. I really like the idea of a compact with near APS-C image quality, but if it's basically a D40 with a few mm shaved off, for £600, they've dropped the ball badly .

[Tobers]

Originally Posted by ush flynn

...but im keeping an eye on this olympus concept camera instead
Looky

Now that does look rather attractive! Like a Sigma DP1 that works?

[poker_stu]

Originally Posted by Tobers

Now that does look rather attractive! Like a Sigma DP1 that works?

It certainly is a beauty isn't it.

[RandomLee]

A collegue wanted to check out Jessops last night after work so I went along with them just for a look. When I was there I held the G1 and it does feel tiny, although I was quite surprised to find it didn't feel too cramped. They're wanting £549 for it, but the guy said he expected that to drop considerably by January. Whilst he was chatting about the new micro lenses he removed it and there was a hugh bit of dust on the sensor. Careless... I hope they don't sell that one