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Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed

by Paul Miller posted Oct 9th 2009 at 2:48PM

The typical Micro Four Thirds review seems to come down to a matter of tradeoffs -- size and convenience for a bit of a drop from the image quality and performance of a real DSLR. The GF1 doesn't break that trend, but it has some pretty nice things to offer for the inquisitive interchangeable lens shopper. The most notable feature when put up against its direct competition, the E-P1, is the GF1's built-in pop-up flash, and the primary drawback of both of these cams versus their regular Micro Four Thirds counterparts is the lack of an eye-level viewfinder, though the GF1 does offer a pricey hot-shoe mounted approximation. As for images PhotographyBLOG says the camera gets "almost everything right," and video doesn't look bad neither -- a couple samples are after the break. The camera is no ultra-compact, but it seems another good proof for the existence of Micro Four Thirds as a DSLR alternative.

Continue reading Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed

How would you change Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1?

by Darren Murph posted Sep 19th 2009 at 1:01AM

Olympus' E-P1 may be cuter, but it was Panny's own Lumix DMC-GH1 carrying the Micro Four Thirds banner for quite some time. After an excruciatingly painful wait for it to slide from concept to production, it was largely met with praise from the industry. Of course, smaller rivals have since emerged, leaving early adopters with an expensive piece of larger-than-necessary kit. Still, we're anxious to hear if you MFT believers that jumped at the chance to own a GH1 are still satisfied with your decision. Is the image quality where it should be? Are the controls implemented well? Do you have to keep stealing it back from your lady friend? Rip it or praise it, but whatever you do, do it in comments below.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 hands-on, with 720p test footage!

by Paul Miller posted Sep 3rd 2009 at 8:17AM

Hoo boy are we stoked on this one. Panasonic has really shown what micro four thirds is all about, with the retro good looks and strong performance of the new Lumix DMC-GF1. The camera is certainly a bit larger and heavier than it looks from a distance, but housed within the slightly oversized shell are some pretty good optics and some snappy performance. You can't replicate the satisfying "kerklunk" of a real DSLR shutter, but the GF1 is responsive and clicky enough to give off a much better vibe than the standard camera in this size range. The few shots we took on auto looked quite vibrant in a variety of lighting conditions, though the close-ups showed a disturbingly shallow depth of field -- though that could obviously be tweaked. Being the filthy non-purists that we are, we're most excited by the camera's 720p video mode, which offers decently fast autofocus with a half press of the shutter button, and zero jelly vision to worry about. The downsides of no line-in and a higher pricetag than the comparable E-P1 aren't insignificant, but the GF1 will certainly put up a fight. Stick around for some in-camera test footage later on, test stills are below and there's a hands-on video after the break.

Update: Sample footage is now posted after the break! It was ripped from an AVCHD file to H.264, so there's been some generational quality loss, but you'll get an idea of the colors and the motion. We also just got word that the camera is up for pre-order at Amazon. [Thanks, Ron]

Gallery: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 test shots

Gallery: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 hands-on

Continue reading Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 hands-on, with 720p test footage!

Panasonic goes rangefinder with the Lumix DMC-GF1

by Nilay Patel posted Sep 2nd 2009 at 12:01AM

We've been wondering when Panasonic would do something a little more interesting with a Micro Four Thirds sensor than simply pack it into an SLR-style body, and it looks like the new Lumix DMC-GF1 is the first step along that road. First leaked early last month, the spec sheet aligns pretty closely to the similarly sweet-looking Olympus E-P1, although most of the numbers max out a little lower: 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor with ISO 3200 sensitivity, 720p 30fps AVCHD Lite or Motion JPEG video (sorry, no mic input), three-inch LCD, and HDMI out. (In terms of size it's a wash: the GF1 is less wide, but it's a tick taller, and they're both about the same thickness, although the GF1 has a built-in flash.) Ready for the bad news? Panny's going to be selling this thing in two kits come October, one with a 20mm/f1.7 "pancake" lens and the other with a 14-45mm/f3.5-5.6 zoom, and both are priced at $900 -- not including the optional viewfinder attachment. Yeah, that's a lot of scratch, especially since the E-P1 has slightly better specs and lists for $800. We'll see what street prices look like after a couple months, but for now we're, oh, let's say, "waiting to be convinced." Full press release after the break.

Update: Well, what do you know? PhotographyBLOG has a nice gallery of sample shots up to give you a solid idea of what this bad boy's capable of.

Continue reading Panasonic goes rangefinder with the Lumix DMC-GF1

Panasonic Lumix GF1 banner ad hits the web, still not official

by Ross Miller posted Sep 1st 2009 at 7:26PM

So much for subtle, ambiguous leaks. As a great follow-up to the first blurry pics we saw of Panasonic's Lumix GF1, someone over at dpreview apparently pulled the trigger a little early and posted a vertical banner ad for the micro four thirds camera, with the tag line "DSLR photo quality in ultra compact flat design." 4/3rumors has some of the other ad variants if you're curious -- so now that its ad campaign is primed for launch, anyone care to take a guess how much longer we'll be waiting for its full debut?

[Via Photo Rumors; thanks, Ren K]

Rumored Micro Four Thirds Panasonic GF1 gets pictured

by Donald Melanson posted Aug 6th 2009 at 1:51PM

Well, this one's a bit out of the blue, but a member of the Xitek.com forums has produced this image of a hereto unheard of Micro Four Thirds Panasonic Lumix GF1 that's purported to come from an internal Panasonic PDF. A second image (after the break, and full size at the link below), also reveals a few more interesting details, like a port below the hotshoe that would presumably be used for a detachable EVF, and a built-in pop-up flash. Otherwise, about all that's clear is that the camera itself appears to be slightly smaller than the Olympus E-P1, and that it's prompted an endless stream of speculation on the photography forums.

[Via Digital Photography Review]

Continue reading Rumored Micro Four Thirds Panasonic GF1 gets pictured

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 superzoom reviewed: crème de la crème

by Darren Murph posted Jul 28th 2009 at 7:16AM

If you're in the market for a superzoom, and you've already decided that none of those Micro Four Thirds options will sway you, it looks as if you'll be hard pressed to find a superior alternative to Panasonic's minty fresh Lumix DMC-FZ35 (FZ38 in some regions). Both TrustedReviews and PhotographyBLOG managed to score a unit for review, and both outlets came away generally impressed. The former concluded that the outfit's newest 18x zoomer was only marginally changed from its predecessor, but those who skipped on over the FZ28 should certainly give this one a look. In fact, it straight up confessed that to "get anything better than this, you'll have to move up to a DSLR." You may notice that this bugger doesn't offer the greatest zoom nor the most megapixels in its class, but the stellar image quality and even more stirring video mode kept critics from suggesting any of those more marketable rivals. Don't believe us? Check the read links below for all the proof you can handle.

[Thanks, TheLostSwede]

Read - TrustedReviews' take
Read - PhotographyBLOG review

Panasonic's new LUMIX consumer lineup: the high-powered FZ35, fashionable FP8 and thin-lensed ZR1

by Paul Miller posted Jul 27th 2009 at 11:04AM

Panasonic is going at it from all angles today, with three new 12.1 megapixel LUMIX cameras with surprisingly distinct aims:

LUMIX FZ35 (pictured) - The requisite "superzoom" of every lineup, the FZ35 doesn't disappoint on features, but the $400 pricepoint certainly pushes the limits of "consumer" camera. Features include 18x zoom and HD video recording, including a Creative Movie Mode with shutter speed and aperture settings for video. It also expands on typical facial recognition functionality with a "Baby mode" for... finding babies.
LUMIX FP8 - While it can handle HD video, the FP8 is more about looks. Still, the 12.1 megapixel sensor and 4.6x zoom aren't bad for the form factor -- though the $300 pricetag isn't nothing.
LUMIX ZR1 - Featuring the "world's first 0.3mm thin aspherical lens," the ZR1 manages a full 8x optical zoom while keeping its girlish figure when extended. There's also room for a 12.1 megapixel sensor. The cam goes for $280.

All the cameras pack optical image stabilization and facial recognition, and the ZR1 and FZ35 have a "High Dynamic Mode" which presumably emulates HDR photography to some extent. All three will be out in September. Full PR is after the break.

Gallery: Panasonic's new LUMIX consumer lineup: the high-powered FZ35, fashionable FP8 and thin-lensed ZR1

Continue reading Panasonic's new LUMIX consumer lineup: the high-powered FZ35, fashionable FP8 and thin-lensed ZR1

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 gets reviewed, recommended

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Jul 10th 2009 at 2:48PM

If all those recently unveiled sample shots from Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1 have left you wanting more, you're in luck. The kids at Digital Photography Review have got their hands on the thing and have been kind enough to give us an extensive review. Rocking a Four Thirds imaging sensor, HD-video mode (with stereo sound recording), a multi-aspect sensor, and a video-optimized lens, the camera is essentially the G1 with HD-video, according to the review. Not that that's a bad thing, especially when noting that it has "the best implementation of video on a 'non-compact camera' that we've seen so far." Among the camera's strong points are its resolution, size and weight, build quality, image stabilization, and shutter-speed simulation. Still the reviewer didn't look kindly upon the camera's relatively small amount of RAW headroom, fairly low powered flash, poor battery life, and a loud shutter sound for a non-SLR camera. But overall? If you need a camera that performs admirably with video, and are willing to pay the $1500 premium, the GH1 comes highly recommended.

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1 produces sample shots and videos galore

by Darren Murph posted May 15th 2009 at 8:29PM

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1 has already shown off its visual prowess a time or two before, but the eagle-eyed photogs over at DPReview have finally hosted up a cornucopia of sample shots and videos for those still unsure if a Micro Four Thirds camera is right for them. And hey, even those cats obviously understand a little tongue-in-cheek humor, wouldn't you say? Tap the read link for the full array of goods.

Panasonic's waterproof LUMIX DMC-TS1 unboxing

by Tim Stevens posted May 7th 2009 at 9:59AM

Looking for a digi cam that can stand up to your adventure vacations (you know, like, the beach) while also capturing HD-quality video? Panasonic's LUMIX DMC-TS1 may be your salvation, and we're happy to have one in the house for a bit of testing. It's only just arrived and we're still getting a feel for it, but so far we're impressed with the build quality of this semi-rugged 12 megapixel compact shooter, which is taking some solid pictures and videos through its 4.6x stabilized zoom. Full impressions will come soon, but for now enjoy a few unboxing shots.

Gallery: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 unboxing

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 gets officially detailed, priced for US market

by Darren Murph posted May 6th 2009 at 12:22PM

It's been a long, winding road to get to this point, but we've finally got Panasonic coming clean and telling us a little of what we already knew and lots of stuff we didn't regarding its Lumix DMC-GH1. The hotly anticipated Micro Four Thirds shooter is indeed getting priced at $1,499.95 when it lands in the US in "early June," and that MSRP will include the LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens. Speaking of the lens, it'll boast a silent motor and continuous auto focusing (AF) capability for HD video, a feature that's sorely (sorely!) lacking from video-capable DSLRs. The cam will ship only in black and will capture video in AVCHD 1080p/24p (or 720p/60p) form, and Panny also tells us that users can adjust shutter speed and control aperture during motion recording. Can you say: "want?"

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 goes up for pre-order, for $1,499

by Donald Melanson posted May 5th 2009 at 3:32PM

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1 certainly has a lot going for it. It's smaller than a DSLR, boasts some interchangeable lenses, and it's apparently more than up to the task when it comes to shooting video. Unfortunately, all of that doesn't come cheap, with the camera now up for pre-order from J&R for the not so low price of $1,499.99, which puts it well above a number of more-than-capable DSLRs. Of course, that price does include a 14-140mm lens, and it could come down slightly once some other retailers get in on the discounting action, but it's pretty clear that anyone simply looking for a low-cost alternative to a DSLR (or a low-cost DSLR, for that matter) will want to look elsewhere.

[Via Crave]

Panasonic Lumix GH1 shoots some sample footage, gets examined

by Donald Melanson posted May 4th 2009 at 7:06PM

We've already gotten a pretty good look at Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-GH1, and even seen a few sample shots, but filmmaker and blogger Philip Bloom has now come through with yet another hands-on with the camera, and he's thankfully also gone the extra mile and included some sample video footage. As with some other lucky folks that have gotten their hands on the not-quite-a-DSLR, Bloom seems to be mightily impressed with it, saying that the image out of the camera is "utterly terrific," and that it's "a dream to use operational wise." He also found that the built-in mic was "way better" than the ones found on comparable, or even higher-end, Nikons or Canons (like the 5D Mark II pictured alongside the GH1 above), although it's obviously made even better by the optional top mic. Of course, it's the sample footage really tells the story, and you can find somewhat compressed version after the break, and an even higher quality sample at the link below.

Continue reading Panasonic Lumix GH1 shoots some sample footage, gets examined

Voigtländer adapter expands lens pool for Micro Four Thirds cameras

by Darren Murph posted Apr 27th 2009 at 5:33PM

Granted, this was totally expected, but we can't possibly be more excited to see such a peripheral emerge before the Micro Four Thirds segment even has a chance to blossom. Cosina, parent company of Voigtländer, has just introduced a new adapter which aims to make Micro Four Thirds cameras (you know, like Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1) compatible with a slew of existing Voigtländer, Leica and Carl Zeiss lenses. Unfortunately, we're told that the device is mechanical only, which could cause issues with some of the more advanced features that require tight knit camera-lens communication. Head on past the break for a full list of suitable lenses, and feel free to ping your favorite Japanese importer with a mailing address and at least ¥19,800 ($205).

[Via Wired]

Continue reading Voigtländer adapter expands lens pool for Micro Four Thirds cameras