Product Summary
Very good
The good: Better image and video quality than the G1 and EOS 500D, respectively; 3-inch articulated LCD; gentle learning curve for point-and-shoot users with friendly operations. 7.8
out of 10View score
The bad: Live View Finder laggy in dim lighting conditions; costs more than most entry-level dSLRs.
The bottom line: The GH1 is a good hybrid camera for aspiring filmmakers who to capture both video and still images. However, Panasonic could have taken advantage of the Micro Four Thirds technology to come up with a better design.
Read full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 »
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CNET Asia Review
When Panasonic launched the first Micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix DMC-G1, rumors of the next version, the Lumix DMC-GH1, soon started buzzing on the Web. However, it wasn't until earlier this year that the company made this model official. Essentially, the GH-1 is very similar to the G1, except for the inclusion of a video-recording capability. Recently, it was announced in the US that the GH1 will retail for US$1,499. Considering new entry-level dSLRs from Canon, Nikon, Sony and Olympus are going for less than US$1,000, is the high price tag of the GH1 justified?
When the Micro Four Thirds technology was announced last year, Panasonic and Olympus promised smaller camera designs due to the removal of the mirror component found in dSLRs. This would allow camera makers to redesign such shooters differently. However, Panasonic has taken the conservative approach and stuck to conventional and uninspired dSLR styling for both its Micro Four Thirds offerings so far. Having said that, the GH1's handgrip has contours in the right places and offers a firm hold on the GH1 even with a lens attached.
The placement of controls on the GH1 is also similar to the G1's. The only difference is a new dedicated button for video recording. It is strategically located to the right of the thumb rest, which makes it easily accessible. There were several occasions when we pressed the button accidentally triggered walking around with the shooter slung on our shoulders. It didn't help that video recording can be activated even when the mode dial is in the image option. This can be a problem if you are one of those who leaves the camera on while out shooting.
On the top of the snapper is a stereo microphone. If you want to attach an external microphone, there is a port on the left of the GH1. The audio input jack is protected by a rubbery cover with a rather flimsy hinge. We would have liked it better if Panasonic had used the same lid for all the ports as it did with the SD/SDHC card slot on the GH1, which felt sturdier.
As with most entry-level dSLRs, the GH1 has only one command dial located on the handgrip of the camera. If you're using manual exposure mode, you have to press the command dial to toggle between shutter speed and aperture settings. It would be nice if there was a rear dial to adjust both exposure settings simultaneously.
Tags: DSLR, Stereo Microphone, Camera, video, Panasonic
Design
The average consumer may not be able to tell the GH1 from the G1 at first glance. It's no surprise, considering that the design of both cameras is almost similar. However, the GH1 is available in a new color--champagne gold--together with red, blue and black.When the Micro Four Thirds technology was announced last year, Panasonic and Olympus promised smaller camera designs due to the removal of the mirror component found in dSLRs. This would allow camera makers to redesign such shooters differently. However, Panasonic has taken the conservative approach and stuck to conventional and uninspired dSLR styling for both its Micro Four Thirds offerings so far. Having said that, the GH1's handgrip has contours in the right places and offers a firm hold on the GH1 even with a lens attached.
)
The placement of controls on the GH1 is also similar to the G1's. The only difference is a new dedicated button for video recording. It is strategically located to the right of the thumb rest, which makes it easily accessible. There were several occasions when we pressed the button accidentally triggered walking around with the shooter slung on our shoulders. It didn't help that video recording can be activated even when the mode dial is in the image option. This can be a problem if you are one of those who leaves the camera on while out shooting.
On the top of the snapper is a stereo microphone. If you want to attach an external microphone, there is a port on the left of the GH1. The audio input jack is protected by a rubbery cover with a rather flimsy hinge. We would have liked it better if Panasonic had used the same lid for all the ports as it did with the SD/SDHC card slot on the GH1, which felt sturdier.
)
As with most entry-level dSLRs, the GH1 has only one command dial located on the handgrip of the camera. If you're using manual exposure mode, you have to press the command dial to toggle between shutter speed and aperture settings. It would be nice if there was a rear dial to adjust both exposure settings simultaneously.
Tags: DSLR, Stereo Microphone, Camera, video, Panasonic
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