Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 with 14-45mm lens Reviews: Lumix Digital Micro Four Thirds Camera

Photo of Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 With 14-45MM Lens Digital Camera

30 Real Customer Reviews - In Summary

This digital camera is a good all rounder. “Great camera and small enough to take everywhere !” Sarah, Maldon ESSEX View all 30 real customer reviews

Available via Reevoo.com from £459 – £507 at 12 retailers

Product Details

3" Screen, 1x optical zoom, SD Card storage More »

Customer reviews
Expert reviews
Product details
Compare prices & retailers
People also viewed

Real customer reviews

30 verified purchasers have reviewed this product.
96% of people recommend it.

Show scores of…

All purchasers (29)

Build Quality	8.9
Ease of use	8.7
Features	8.8
Image quality	9.2
Value for money (at time of purchase)	8.4
Overall rating	8.9

Keen amateur (6)

Experienced amateur (3)

Point & shoot (1)

Other (19)

*not all purchasers provided a score or review

Sharon, Essex , “Experienced amateur”

Score 10.0/10

+ Switches on very fast so unlikely to miss a shot. Battery lasts about 5 days if you took about 300 pics per day using the eyepiece. Actually has a battery guage so you know how long it will last. Dials seem to be in the right place for controlling the camera. Very lightweight and comfortable to hold. Loads of different scene types so easy to take the perfect picture for every setting. 12 megapixel so very high quality pictures. Advance user settings like grid, histogram and overexposure highlight make this a good camera for the slightly more experienced photographer. Overall a nice starter DSLR camera.

- Easy to move the single to timed shot dial instead of the on/off switch as very close together. Not all the scene type settings allow you to use the 4x digital zoom. This particular model has no video function. As it's a micro four thirds lens system there aren't many lenses at the moment but I believe more are coming out. There is also an adapter ring you can buy to mount normal lenses.

Was this review helpful?

25 of 25 people found this review helpful

purchased 13 Jun 2009

Pablo Fernandez, Dublin , “Experienced amateur”

Score 9.0/10

+ Tiny, fully spec'd, large screen and usable large electronic viewfinder. Very customizable and nicely laid out buttons.

- On low light conditions this camera seems to have a harder time with shutter lags, screen readability, noise, manual focusing... but you can manage with some practice. If that's not your usual environment for shooting, then this camera is a wonderful compact camera. Lens selection very limited at the moment.

Was this review helpful?

14 of 14 people found this review helpful

purchased 02 Jun 2009

How we collect reviews »

Show more reviews »

« See only first 15 reviews

Like this product? Want to keep track of it? Add it to your shortlist »

£459 – £507 at 12 retailers

Expert reviews for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 with 14-45mm lens

TechRadar expert review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is small, athough if you put it side-by-side with the Olympus E-420, you find that it's just a centimetre here and a centimetre there. Neither camera will fit in a pocket; both will need a shoulder or holster bag of some sort. Despite looking like a slightly scaled-down DSLR, the G1 nevertheless handles very well. The controls aren't particularly cramped,and it's easy to keep a secure grip on it with one hand.Clearer viewfinderThe electronic viewfinder is a pleasant surprise too. Usually, they're grainy and jittery, but this one has a resolution of 1.4…

This Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 with 14-45mm lens review continued on TechRadar

reviewed 25 Dec 2008

PC Advisor expert review - by Alan Stafford

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is smaller and lighter than any digital SLR, but relies on a 3in LCD screen and an electronic eye-level viewfinder for shot composition.

This Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 with 14-45mm lens review continued on PC Advisor

reviewed 15 Dec 2008

Product Features

Camera Type	Micro Four Thirds
There are 2 main types of camera: The SLR and the Compact. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. SLR cameras use a prism to reflect the exact image as seen through the lens and so offers a more accurate viewfinder. SLR cameras have detachable lenses offering greater flexibility if you wish to take a variety of different photographs. Compact cameras have a built in lens and an ‘above lens’ viewfinder which is less accurate but they are often cheaper, more sleekly designed and easier to carry anywhere with you to capture that moment perfectly without having to fiddle with complex settings or a bag full of lenses.
resolution (Megapixel)	12.1

Optical Zoom Ratio	1
The amount by which the camera optics (lens) can bring the subject closer.
Screen Size in Inches	3
Screen size is measured diagonally from corner to corner.
Digital Zoom Ratio	1
Not to be confused with optical zoom, digital zoom enlarges a portion of the image thus simulating optical zoom. In doing so, some image quality is lost.
Face Recognition	No
A function for automatically detecting peoples faces and correctly adjusting the focus and exposure to take the best photo
Image Stabilisation	No
If a photo is taken at a slow shutter speed, or at a long focal length, the effects of ‘hand shake’ will be amplified. Some cameras come with built-in image stabilisation which is designed to act against this to produce sharper images. It’s great for low light shots without a tripod, like at a gig.
Colour	Multi
The main colour of the product.
Memory Card Slot	Yes
Having a memory card slot allows you to save data to a memory card and then transfer it to another device. For example you may put a photo from your camera or mobile phone onto a memory card and then plug it into your printer to print directly. Memory card slots come in many formats: Compact Flash Card Memory Stick Duo Micro SD Card MMC SD Card SDHC Card
Media Format	SD Card
This is the type of storage that your digital camera or camcorder uses to save images to. The main types of card media format: Compact Flash Micro SD MMC (Multi Media Card) SD Card (Secure Digital) SDHC (Secure Disk High Capacity)
Media Format	SDHC Card
This is the type of storage that your digital camera or camcorder uses to save images to. The main types of card media format: Compact Flash Micro SD MMC (Multi Media Card) SD Card (Secure Digital) SDHC (Secure Disk High Capacity)
PictBridge	Yes
An industry standard allowing images to be printed from camera to printer, without needing a computer. CIPA PictBridge Standard Website
Macro Mode	No
This mode allows close-up photograpy of small objects such as insects and flowers.
Video Recorder	No
Video recording functionality allows the capture of videos in mpeg or avi format which is great if you want to capture a whole scene, not just one moment.
Manual Focus	Yes
Almost all modern cameras have autofocus. Manual focus allows you to override the autofocus and set the distance yourself. This is especially useful if your camera is struggling to focus in a low-light or confusing scene.
Timer	Yes
Having a timer function is essential if you want to get into the shot yourself. Make sure your camera has this feature if you plan to go on holiday and capture photos of you and your friends or family having fun together.
Under Water	No
An under water feature means your camera is safe to dive with, usually between 3 and 5 metres. Most dSLR cameras will require expensive separate housing so consider investing in a waterproof digital compact first.
Dimensions (mm)	84x124x45
The size of the device in millimetres, in width x height x depth.
Weight (g)	385
The weight of the product in grams.
Flash	Yes
Whether or not your camera has an in-built flash. Flashes are essential for fully capturing a low light image.
Body Only	No
dSLR cameras have detachable lenses and are sold in a variety of combinations. This facet lets you know whether the package your are considering comes bundled with a lens or whether it is just the body of the camera.
Series	Lumix
The name the manufacturer has given to this model’s range.
Resolution (Pixels)	4000x3000
A camera sensor, that captures the photograph, is measured in pixels. The number given here is the horizontal amount of pixels followed by the vertical quantity of pixels. The more pixels a camera sensor has, the bigger and higher quality the image will be.
Shortest Shutter Speed	1/4000
This is the fastest speed at which the camera can take a photo. Faster shutter speeds really freeze the action and are great for sports photography.
Longest Shutter Speed	60"
This is the longest exposure your camera will take. The longer you take a photo for, the more light is let in and the more motion is captured. Long shutter speeds can give fantastic, artistic results. Try photographing the night sky at 30s or longer to see how the rotation of the Earth causes the stars to curve through the scene.
Max. Aperture Lens 1	f3.5-5.6
Measured in f-stops the aperture of a lens dictates the maximum amount of light captured. If you want to do low light photography look for something with a wide aperture like f2.8. The widest aperture is given as a range as it changes when your lens is zoomed in.
Filter Diameter (mm) Lens 1	67
If you want to protect your camera or camcorder lens from getting scratched you will need a filter. A filter screws on to the front of the lens. The filter diameter is the distance across the lens.
USB Port	Yes
Socket for connecting devices such as a computers and other components
WiFi	No
Wifi allows you to connect your device to wireless routers or modems which allows you to connect to broadband internet.

Also known as: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 with Lumix 14-45mm OIS

Digital Cameras Buyers' Guide

Photos taken with this camera

Manufacturer's Description

Ultra compact digital interchangeable lens camera with live view

The Micro 4/3 (four thirds) mount allows the Lumix G1 to be both compact and light. In fact, the only reason it isn’t smaller is down to ergonomics… you can go too far! These qualities allow the camera to be very portable making it an ideal travelling companion.

With Full time Live View, you can see the effect of camera settings before you shoot. Coupled with a large, 3.0-inch, 460,000-dot resolution free angle LCD monitor, framing a shot is even easier. Alternatively, the image can be sent to the Live View Finder with 1,440,000-dot equivalent resolution.

To optimize the use of Full-time Live View, the LUMIX G1 uses contrast AF rather than the conventional phase difference AF. This makes it possible to use functions such as iA (Intelligent Auto) mode including Face Detection AF and AF Tracking, that conventional digital SLR cameras with phase difference AF can not match. Contrast AF also enables advanced functions such as 23-AF area and versatile 1-area (single area) AF for more accurate focussing.

The Venus Engine HD has exceptionally advanced processing capabilities. This sophisticated LSI features effective noise reduction even at high ISO sensitivity levels. The Venus Engine HD also reproduces delicate colour nuances faithfully with independent gradation control for each of the R, G and B colours. Additionally, it supports the Live View function, resulting in the display of smooth images at 60 fps. HDMI output support is also a feature of the Venus Engine HD.

If dust (or other foreign matter) gets inside the camera when you’re changing lenses, it could find its way to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. The Dust Reduction System eliminates this possibility by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating around 30,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles without affecting the camera’s internal mechanisms, helping maintain superb image quality. *The Lumix G1 is also compatible with current (standard) 4/3 lenses, however, a mount adapter (option) is required. Lenses compatible with the contrast AF function can be used with manual focusing. There are also some limitations to other functions. For details, visit the site: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/index.html

Compare prices for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 with 14-45mm lens on 10 Dec 2009

Retailer	Customer satisfaction (in %)	Delivery	Price	Availability	Total price	Buy
	96% 880 reviews of Jessops	Free delivery Courier	£459free delivery	In stock	Best Price Guarantee £459	Go
	No retailer reviews yet	Courier	£459 + £6 delivery	In stock	£465	Go
	94% 1000+ reviews of Currys	Free delivery Courier	£479free delivery 3% off with code PHOTO3 Copy and paste the code PHOTO3 into the field "Promotion Code" on the Currys checkout page and get 3% off. This voucher is valid until Wed 16 December 2009	In stock	£465 ~~£479~~	Go
	No retailer reviews yet	Free delivery Courier	£479free delivery	In stock	£479	Featured Retailer Go
Get organised early for Christmas with Amazon – rapid free delivery with DHL						Featured Retailer Go
	94% 1000+ reviews of PC World	Free delivery Courier	£479free delivery	In stock	£479	Go
	96% 1000+ reviews of Dixons	Free delivery Courier	£479free delivery	In stock	£479	Go
	92% 1000+ reviews of Simply Electronics	Free delivery Courier	£480free delivery	In stock	£480	Go
	98% 42 reviews of Ask Direct	Free delivery Courier	£480free delivery	Out of stock	£480	Go
	No retailer reviews yet	Free delivery Courier	£489free delivery	In stock	£489	Go
	No retailer reviews yet	Free delivery Courier	£489free delivery	In stock	£489	Go
	No retailer reviews yet	Free delivery Royal Mail	£500free delivery	Unknown	£500	Go
	96% 108 reviews of Purely Gadgets		£500 + £7 delivery	In stock	£507	Go