Panasonic Lumix GH1: The Micro Four Thirds System gains a new member, and with an impressive arsenal of video functions it could just be the best yet
Panasonic Lumix GH1 Review
Verdict
The GH1 is an exceptional camera, but more than anything it is an exceptional video camera. In terms of still imaging it has some improvements on the previous G1 model, though these are not significant enough on their own to justify the huge price difference.
The GH1 does come with an impressive lens, which does come some way to explain the price increase, and this is a great addition for both still and for video use.
As this review was going to press, Panasonic announced an update to the GH1 and the 14-140mm lens, which is expected to give improvements to the camera’s burst rate, video stabilising and other performance issues.
If this is the case it may answer the minor gripes we have – all apart from the price – making this an even better proposition.
Verdict
The GH1 is an exceptional camera, but more than anything it is an exceptional video camera. In terms of still imaging it has some improvements on the previous G1 model, though these are not significant enough on their own to justify the huge price difference. The GH1 does come with an impressive lens, which does come some way to explain the price increase, and this is a great addition for both still and for video use. As this review was going to press, Panasonic announced an update to the GH1 and the 14-140mm lens, which is expected to give improvements to the camera's burst rate, video stabilising and other performance issues. If this is the case it may answer the minor gripes we have - all apart from the price - making this an even better proposition.
Details
Sample Photos:See sample images taken on the Panasonic GH1
AF Points:23-area, contrast AF
PC Socket:No
Built-in Flash:Yes, GN11
DoF Prview:Live
Colour Temp Control:Yes
White Balance Bracket:3 exposures
Colour Space:sRGB, Adobe RGB
Shutter Type:Focal plane shutter
Exposure Comp:+-3EV
Focusing Modes:AFs, AFc, MF, Face detection. AF tracking
Dust Reduction:Yes
Built-in Image Stabilisation:Yes - lens based
Weight:385
Dimensions:124 x 89.5 x 45.2 mm
Live Mode:Yes
Power:ID-security Li-ion
White Balance:Auto, 5 presets, 2 custom
Viewfinder Type:EVF
Field of View:100%
Memory Card:SD, SDHC
Connectivity:USB2.0, MiniHDMI, 2.5mm stereo mini jack
Drive Mode:Single, Burst High (3fps), Low (2fps), Self timer (2sec, 10sec)
Metering System:144-zone multi-pattern
ISO:100-3200
Compression:3-stage JPEG, 1-stage Raw
Exposure Modes:M, A, S, P, Ai, Scene modes
File Format:JPEG, Raw, AVCHD, Motion JPEG
Shutter Speeds:1/4000-60sec
Lens Mount:Micro Four Thirds
Output Size:4000x3000 (4:3)
LCD:3in 460K dots
Focal Length Mag:2x
Sensor:12.1MP LiveMOS