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View Full Version : Panasonic G1: World's First Micro Four Thirds Camera Reviewed


John Lane
02-11-2009, 11:08 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.dpreview.com/news/0901/09011901panasonicg1review.asp' target='_blank'>http://www.dpreview.com/news/0901/0...nicg1review.asp</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Panasonic's stated reasons for introducing Micro Four Thirds are simple; to produce smaller cameras that act more like compact DSCs whilst offering the quality and versatility of a DSLR - and in doing so to convert some of the millions of compact camera buyers who - according to research - are put off digital SLRs by the bulk, complexity and lack of user-friendliness."</em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1234382827.usr18286.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>The Panasonic G1 is an interchangeable lens camera that employs a revolutionary idea - remove the mirror and make the distance to the lens smaller, thereby allowing you to make the lenses themselves smaller.&nbsp; Now, you can have DSLR quality without the DSLR bulk (which is exactly why I have a pocket camera in addition to my DSLR).&nbsp; The G1 gets DPreview's vaunted "Highly Recommended" rating.&nbsp; As a first step, Panasonic deserves the kudos.&nbsp; However, there are two drawbacks to the initial model - a limited selection of lenses and no video mode. It will be interesting to see if this product catches on, or if it is eclipsed by the ever-increasing capability of compact cameras. Click on the link to get all the facts on the new Panasonic G1.</p>

Lee Yuan Sheng
02-12-2009, 02:04 AM
http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?id=2804&cid=18&pg=4

Last photo at the bottom. I can't tell if it's a mockup or what.

Note the cute little pancake lens as well.

Neil Enns
02-12-2009, 07:03 AM
a limited selection of lenses

Ah, but the thing that should get you excited is how people are already making adapters that let you use Leica and Canon FD lenses on this baby. Now *that's* a selection of fine high quality lenses!

Neil

marlof
02-12-2009, 10:29 AM
Yes... and manual focusing is quite easy with this camera, since it enlarges the view (the viewfinder is also an EVF) when you change the focusing.

It's a nice thing, I'm just a bit sorry that they conservatively decided to make it look like a DSLR. I'm sure their marketing department knows what it's doing, but I'd love to see a more daring design once you've freed yourself of mirror housing and pentaprisms. That said, I'll probably get the announced HD movie version, with the 14-140 (28-280mm equiv) lens for my wife to use in and round the house.