Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds Lumix DMC-G1 reviewed: only knock is the price

The question has been on your mind since we first got wind of this so-called "Micro Four Thirds" concept back in August: how will it stack up? Now that Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1 is filtering out to the world, we're able to kick back and digest a mammoth review of this here camera thanks to the fine folks at Digital Camera Resource. Without going into dissertation-level detail in this space, we'll tell you that the biggest issue critics had with the G1 was its price. Not the image quality. Not the size. Just the price. In other words, Panny has delivered a superb camera that offers up "very good quality photos, an unmatched live view shooting experience and a nice collection of both automatic and manual controls." Deemed the first to "truly offer a point-and-shoot experience on an interchangeable lens camera," the DMC-G1 looks to be a real winner if you've got $800 to blow.

[Via 1001 Noisy Cameras]

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 2nd 2008 10:52AM]

sexy thing,
about time some company made you ....
come here ... let me feel you

[maxxpwr Posted Nov 2nd 2008 1:41PM]

Without the possibility of ever having a real optical through the lens view finder, the Micro Four Thirds format will be relegated to consumer enthusiast segments. Which is fine, except as long as higher end DSLRs exist, this same segment will long after what the pros use. A major reason for the popularity of cameras like the EOS XSi and Nikon D60 is because for a fairly acceptable price, the owners can "own a real DSLR". You take away the "real DSLR" part and what do you have?

The market has no shortage baby-DSLR-look-alike cameras like the Olympus SP-560. The problem is that they are neither that portable, nor particularly well performing compared to the compact digital cameras. In the end, physics cannot be bypassed, which is that to get better pictures, you need bigger sensors and bigger/better glass. There is nothing fundamentally unique or different between the G1 and any of the other consumer grade point and shoot digicams, just giving it a clever name doesn't cut it.

[Dixon Ticonderoga Posted Nov 2nd 2008 3:03PM]

Except for the interchangeable lenses and the fact that it uses the same sensor in Panny's dSLRs.

This is the first of a new breed of camera, it might not be impressive now, but the potential is fascinating.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 2nd 2008 4:37PM]

well I think G1 is closer to the "REAL DSLR".

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 8th 2008 12:29PM]

Why is "Real DSLR" relevant? This format is new and different, and that seems to make you uncomfortable. Have you used the G1? Looked at the Live View? Seen and felt how light and small it is? Seen the picture quality?

Don't dis it until you try it. Who cares if it is a "Real DSLR" if it takes better pictures and is smaller and lighter and more durable than a "Real DSLR?"