Micro 4/3 - Panasonic Lumix G1

The world’s first Micro 4/3s camera: this changes everything. The Micro 4/3rds sensor in a smaller body (the smallest interchangeable lens SLR made) with no mirror box: rather it uses a live-view electronic viewfinder, which works exceptionally well according to several reviews. Because of the smaller mount and shorter flange to sensor distance, lenses can also be much smaller than even the standard 4/3rds lenses.

The G1 has a 12.1 megapixel sensor with automatic supersonic wave dust reduction system, a built-in popup flash, 3 FPS burst capacity, 3 inch LCD, and works just like any other SLR. Because there are a very limited selection of Micro 4/3rds lenses and other 4/3 lenses require an adapter, we are renting the G1 as a package complete with 14-45mm lens. As other lenses, and the adapter to use standard 4/3rds lenses become available, we will begin renting the body by itself.

Roger’s Take: I’ve had a chance to play with this camera and the kit lens for the weekend. As advertised its very small – smaller than an Olympus 420 or Canon XTi. The Electronic Viewfinder is superb. You may notice a little noise telling you its electronic and not optical, and it ‘freezes’ for half a second after each shot, but its clear and works just like an optical viewfinder on any other SLR. The LCD is superb and I suspect will soon be copied by other manufacturers. Its completely articulated so you can use it at any angle (including flush with the camera back), the information on it is clear but unobtrusive, the 3 inch picture is superb and Liveview focusing is a snap.

Image quality is about what I expected. Up to ISO 800 its clear and sharp, but from 1600 on noise is pretty severe and loss of detail apparent, as you can see HERE and HERE .

I’ve posted a more extensive review on my blog HERE if you’re interested.