8.0 out of 10

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1

12.1 megapixels

Information found in: from 155 sources in 28 countries

Best Price: $899

  • User Score (309)
    9.1 9.1 from 309 reviewers
  • Expert Score (40)
    8.1 8.1 from 40 reviewers
  • Design (6)
    8.2 8.2 from 6 reviewers
  • Value for money (10)
    6.2 6.2 from 10 reviewers
  • Features (13)
    7.7 7.7 from 13 reviewers
  • Ease of use (12)
    9.2 9.2 from 12 reviewers
  • Performance (18)
    7.0 7.0 from 18 reviewers
  • Picture quality (27)
    7.6 7.6 from 27 reviewers
  • Reliability (2)
    9.5 9.5 from 2 reviewers
  • Overall quality (4)
    9.3 9.3 from 4 reviewers
  • Battery performance (4)
    5.9 5.9 from 4 reviewers
  • Display (14)
    9.1 9.1 from 14 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (15)
    7.9 7.9 from 15 reviewers
  • Build quality (2)
    6.6 6.6 from 2 reviewers
More grades Less grades

  • Best Prices

Digital Scrooge
Check Availability (S) $899 Go

Prices from Shopping.com (S)

List All 1 Prices

  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(14)
7-8
(22)
5-6
(4)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(170)
7-8
(48)
5-6
(14)
3-4
(4)
1-2
(1)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. goodgearguide.com.au

    review.goodgearguide.com.au
    19 May 2009

    By using what is called the Micro Four Thirds system, Panasonic has taken the D-SLR concept of removable lenses and combined it with the convenience of an advanced compact camera. The end result is the LUMIX DMC-G1K, which is as thin — if not thinner — and as wide as many advanced compact cameras on the market. Read more

    • Compact body, interchangeable lenses, accurate electronic viewfinder, fast performance, stacks of settings to play with
    • Slightly dull colour tones, no video mode

  2. SMARTHOUSE

    SMARTHOUSE
    8.0/10
    4 April 2009

    The Panasonic Lumix G1 is a great camera for first time DSLR users - it functions and feels like a DSLR but has digital camera functions that will make shooting fun and easy. And with its small and light form factor, this camera can be taken in trips without being a burden to users. Read more

    • : Form factor; Ease of use; Photo output; Large screen; 'Preview' mode : No video recording; Sensitive viewfinder sensor
    • : No video recording; Sensitive viewfinder sensor

  3. PhotoReview

    8.5/10
    14 January 2009

    Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-G1 is the first model in an entirely new camera system, officially known as 'Micro Four Thirds' but sometimes dubbed 'EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens)' to provide a better picture of the difference between it and a DSLR (which it resembles superficially). Cameras made for this system have no reflex mirror and no optical viewfinder. The sensor is also significantly larger than the sensor in similar-sized advanced digicams. Read more

  4. Gizmodo

    Gizmodo
    9 February 2009

    Companies that aren’t Canon or Nikon have it rough in the digital camera market–particularly outside the cheap point-and-shoot area. Some band together for strength in numbers, creating cooperative standards like Panasonic, Olympus and Leica’s new Micro Four Thirds system–a spec for smaller cameras with digital viewfinders like a compact, but interchangeable lenses, manual controls and higher performance like a DSLR. Read more

  5. The Age

    29 January 2009

    In the short history of digital photography there haven't been many innovations in camera design and technology. The compacts are replicas of simple point and shoot 35mm film cameras. The digital single lens reflexes are film cameras with the electronic sensor in the place of film. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1

    CNET
    3.0/10
    Reviewer: canberra_photographer, CNET
    6 May 2009

    "Still, its size, image quality and design will undoubtedly sway many a first-time SLR buyer." And the price... this camera is a failure. Read more

  • WikiFreak Description

Help out your fellow TestFreaks by writing a Wiki description for this product.

Edit

  • Manufacturer's Description

  • Palm Sized - the DMC-G1 puts enormous photographic power into the palm of your hand.
  • Micro Four Thirds System standard gives you a wide selection of available lenses for high quality and wide compatibility
  • Full-time ‘Live View’ functionality through the LCD and the View finder for setting up the perfect shot everytime.
  • iA mode for capturing stunning photos with all the ease of a compact digital camera
  • Advance Auto Focus (AF) helps make focusing quick, easy a…

Ask the community

Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask a question!

Video Reviews