Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1

From TakenWithM43

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1
Plastic-bodied black camera with attached black lens
Overview
MakerPanasonic
TypeMicro Four Thirds
ProductionSeptember 12, 2008 (2008-09-12) – January 2010 (2010-01)
Intro price$800 USD w/ 14–45mm lens (as of November 2008)
Lens
Lens mountMicro Four Thirds
Compatible lensesMicro Four Thirds /
Four Thirds via opt. DMW‑MA1PP adapter
Image sensor
SensorFour Thirds
Sensor typeLive MOS
Sensor size17.3mm × 13mm
Maximum resolution4000×3000 (12.0 megapixels)
SensitivityISO 100–1600 (3200 boosted)
File format(s)JPEG, RAW
Color space(s)sRGB, AdobeRGB
Image processing
Image processorVenus Engine HD
White balanceAuto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / Flash / White Set 1, 2 / Color temperature setting
WB bracketing3 images; amber-to-blue or green-to-magenta axis
Orientation sensorOnly w/ O.I.S. lens
Focusing
FocusCDAF or Manual
Focus modesAFs (Single AF) / AFc (Continuous AF) / MF (Manual focus)
Focus areasFace detection / AF Tracking / 23-area / Single area
Focus peakingNone
Exposure/metering
Exposure bracketing3–7 frames (⅓ or ⅔ EV steps)
Exposure modesiA (Intelligent Auto) / Program / Aperture priority / Shutter priority / Manual
Exposure metering0–18 EV
Metering modesMultiple-weighted, center-weighted, or spot
Flash
FlashBuilt-in pop-up, TTL, GN 11 equivalent (ISO100 · m)
Flash synchronization1⁄160 sec.
Flash bracketing±3.0 EV in ⅓ EV steps
Shutter
ShutterVertical travel focal-plane
Shutter speed range60–1⁄4000 sec.
up to 8 min. bulb
Burst rate3 fps
Intervalometer2-sec. or 10-sec. self-timer only
Viewfinder
Electronic viewfinderColor LCD
Resolution800 × 600 pixel (1.44M dots equivalent)
Viewfinder magnification1.4x magnification
0.7x 35mm equiv.
Frame coverage100% field of view
Diopter adjustment-4.0 ~ +4.0 [m-1]
Rear screen
TypeColor LCD
Size3 in (76 mm) / 3:2 aspect
Resolution460,000 pixel
TouchscreenNone
Screen movementFully articulating (180° swing, 270° swivel)
Firmware
Initial version1.0
Latest version1.5 (as of May 10, 2010)
User flashableYes
Video capabilities
None
Connectivity
AV Port(s)Mini HDMI (type C)
Data Port(s)USB 2.0
Physical
Body featuresABS plastic / Black, Red or Blue
Weather sealedNo
DimensionsWidth: 124 mm (4.9 in)
Height: 83.6 mm (3.29 in)
Depth: 45.2 mm (1.78 in)
Weight385 g (13.6 oz) (body only)
General
BatteryDMW-BLB13 (Li-ion 7.2V, 1250mAh)
Recording mediaSD, SDHC
Made inFlag of Japan.svg Japan
PredecessorNone; new system
SuccessorDMC-G2, DMC-G10
References
[1] [2] [3]

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 was the first digital mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC) adhering to the Micro Four Thirds design standard. It was introduced by Panasonic under the Lumix brand on September 12, 2008 as the initial camera in the Lumix G Micro System.[4] It is commonly referred to simply as the G1.

Rollout[edit | edit source]

The G1 was announced just ahead of the biennial photo industry trade show photokina, and the camera was first displayed to the public at that show which was held in Cologne, Germany, beginning on September 23, 2008.[5] The G1 was one of the hits of the show.[6][7] The camera had been previously shown to the press as early as the summer of 2008.[8] It was available for sale in the United States and Europe in November 2008.

A pair of zoom lenses were introduced alongside the G1, the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14–45mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH wide-to-short-telephoto zoom and the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45–200mm f/4–5.6 ASPH telephoto zoom, both of which include Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. stabilization technology.[4]


Design[edit | edit source]

The G1 bears a physical resemblance to its Four Thirds predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 and even shares the same Four Thirds sensor design specifications as the L10's earlier system, although at a higher resolution.

The mirrorless design of the M43 system offers some advantages over the Four Thirds DSLR design — by eliminating the mirror box and complex optical path necessary for the DSLR's optical viewfinder, cameras in the new system could be made smaller and lighter. The optical viewfinder is replaced with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) which displays a live view image directly from the sensor.[9] These design changes also mean that lenses for the new system can also be made significantly smaller and lighter.


Features[edit | edit source]

In many ways, the G1 was considered a landmark design, kicking off a new market for mirrorless interchangeable lens system cameras. It was offered in three body colors (black, blue or red) and in a choice of two kits: the DMC-G1K Lens Kit included the camera and 14–45mm standard zoom while the DMC-G1W Double Zoom Lens Kit add the 45–200 telephoto zoom.[10] The initial MSRP for the single lens kit was US$800[11]

LCOS electronic viewfinder[edit | edit source]

To compensate for the loss of the DSLR design's optical viewfinder, Panasonic created a sophisticated new electronic viewfinder (EVF) for the G1 with technology borrowed from professional video cameras.[12] This miniature display uses LED-illuminated liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) technology to achieve a clearer, smoother, and brighter image than is possible with the traditional LCD displays used in compact camera EVFs. This 800 x 600 pixel LCOS display also employs a field sequential display strategy which illuminates the red, green and blue components in very quick succession, which your eye and brain then blend into the desired color. This field sequential display technology is the reason Panasonic claims a 1.44M pixel effective resolution for the EVF, since it offers resolution which would be similar to an LCD panel with that resolution.[9]

Another advantage of this design over an LCD panel which has separate red, green and blue pixels is that there are no gaps between the pixels. The G1's EVF offers a refresh rate of 60Hz (60 frames per second).

Contrast Detect AF[edit | edit source]

As it lacks a separate autofocus sensor, the G1 uses contrast-detect autofocus (CDAF), utilizing the readout from the main sensor. The primary knock on CDAF was that it lags the phase-detect autofocus (PDAF) systems in conventional DSLRs in terms of performance, but Panasonic claimed and testers confirmed that the G1's autofocus performance rivaled the best DSLRs.[12]


Successors[edit | edit source]

Further information: List of Micro Four Thirds cameras

The second camera in the Lumix G line, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1, was introduced five months after the G1. The GH1 is a hybrid model which combines video and still photography capabilities. This camera was not meant to replace the G1, but to appeal to a different market.

The G1's successor model is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 which was announced in March 2010. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 was introduced alongside the G2 as a less feature rich and more affordable option. Like the GH1, these cameras also both added video capability, but maintained a primary focus on stills photography.


Reviews[edit | edit source]

Links to selected reviews of the G1:


Awards & recognition[edit | edit source]

  • The G1 was named "Camera of the Year" for 2008 by Popular Photography magazine.[19]
  • The G1 was awarded a "Photokina Star" as one of the highlights of the industry trade show.[6]
  • The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) recognized the G1 with its "Gold Award" based on results of the organization's testing and analysis.[20]
  • The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) presented the Lumix G series their award for "Best Design Innovation in Europe".[21]


Manuals & catalogs[edit | edit source]

Manuals
Catalogs


Suggestions for settings and use[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Media related to Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 at Wikimedia Commons

  • "Panasonic : DMC-G1". Four Thirds Alliance. Archived from the original on 2009-06-20.
  • DMC-G1 compatibility list[28]


Images[edit | edit source]

Camera images
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1

  • G1 w/ both kit lenses

  • Man holding G1 w/ 14–45mm lens

  • Man holding G1 w/ 14–45mm lens

  • G1 w/ Industar lens attached

Images taken with Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1

Media related to Taken with Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 at Wikimedia Commons


Firmware updates[edit | edit source]

Panasonic has released five firmware updates for the G1:[3]

Version Release Date Notes
1.0 Original Original
1.1 December 16, 2008
  1. Makes it possible to check the exposure with Live View during the AE lock.
  2. Makes it possible to continuously display the enlarged screen of the MF assist.
  3. Added "color adjustment function" for the LCD monitor/ viewfinder.
  4. Added "Red-eye reduction forced flash on" to the flash setting for the [PARTY].
  5. Improved the performance of AE(Auto Exposure) and AWB(Auto White Balance).
  6. Improved the accuracy of flash control.
  7. Improved the noise reduction during high sensitivity photo shooting.


Operating instructions update after v1.1 firmware [PDF], Panasonic[30]

1.2 February 9, 2009
  1. Performances in the Auto White Balance and the color reproduction were improved.
  2. A reliability on the flash operation in low temperature environments were improved.
  3. File write back from PC to the camera was enabled also for the models shipped for Europe.
1.3 June 24, 2009
  1. Fixed the instability of operation when the lens is retracted into its barrel, using Olympus Corporation's M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14–42mm f3.5–5.6 lens.
  2. Fixed the instability of operation, using Olympus Corporation's M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f2.8 lens.
  3. Improved the battery identification to assure the safety standards Panasonic uses for our customer's safety.


Warning: After this firmware update your Panasonic Digital Camera cannot be operated by unauthorized 3rd party batteries.

1.4 September 17, 2009
  1. Improved Auto Focus performance for the subject in low contrast.
  2. Improved the stability of AE(Auto Exposure) control for H-ES045 lens(to be introduced in Oct., 2009).
1.5 May 10, 2010
  1. Improved operation menu for image stabilizer ([OFF] will be added under [STABILIZER] only when LUMIX G VARIO 14-42 mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042) is attached).
  2. Improved modulation accuracy of flash
  3. Improved AF (auto focus) performance with lenses of other manufacturer.


Recording formats[edit | edit source]

Still photography formats[edit | edit source]

File formats Image capture options Aspect ratios Image sizes
Size Resolution (Pixels) Size (MP)
JPEG or Raw RAW
RAW+Fine
RAW+Standard
Fine
Standard 		4:3 Large 4,000 x 3,000 12
Medium 2,816 x 2,112 5.8
Small 2,048 x 1,536 3
3:2 Large 4,000 x 2,672 10.7
Medium 2,816 x 1,880 5.3
Small 2,048 x 1,360 2.8
16:9 Large 4,000 x 2,248 9.0
Medium 2,816 x 1,584 4.5
Small 1,920 x 1,080 2


Sources[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "DMC-G1 (Specifications)". Panasonic Global. Archived from the original on 2009-02-01.
  2. ↑ "Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 specifications". Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on 2012-02-29. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Update Contents for DMC-G1". Panasonic Japan. May 10, 2010. Archived from the original on 2021-04-11. Retrieved 2021-10-07.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "A New Generation Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera LUMIX G MICRO SYSTEM". Panasonic Global (Press release). September 12, 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-10-19.
  5. ↑ "Final Report photokina 2008: New Dimensions in Image Communication". photokina. September 29, 2010. Archived from the original on 2010-02-26.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Panasonic New Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera Lumix DMC-G1 Receives 2008 Photokina Star". Panasonic Global (Press release). September 25, 2008. Archived from the original on 2010-09-23.
  7. ↑ Keller, Jeff (September 22, 2016). "Throwback Thursday: Photokina's greatest hits". Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on 2021-10-15. Retrieved 2021-10-15.
  8. ↑ "Exclusive: Panasonic Lumix G1 previewed". Digital Photography Review. September 12, 2008. Archived from the original on 2014-08-05. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Joinson, Simon; Rehm, Lars; Askey, Phil; Butler, Richard (January 1, 2009). "Panasonic Lumix G1 Review". Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on 2009-01-21. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Panasonic DMC-G1 catalog" (PDF). Panasonic Global. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-12-20.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Barnett, Shawn; Etchells, Dave; Weidelich, Zip (November 26, 2008). "Panasonic G1 Review". Imaging Resource. Archived from the original on 2008-12-17. Retrieved 2021-10-07.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Owens, John (September 2008). "Panasonic Lumix G1: Less is More". Popular Photography [magazine]. Archived from the original on 2009-01-21.
  13. ↑ Burian, Peter K. (April 2009). "Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1; The First Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera (ILDC)". Shutterbug [magazine]. Archived from the original on 2009-09-10.
  14. ↑ Keller, Jeff (September 25, 2008). "DCRP Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1". Digital Camera resource page. Archived from the original on 2018-06-22.
  15. ↑ "Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Review". Digital Camera Review. November 8, 2008. Archived from the original on 2015-09-06. Retrieved 2021-10-10.
  16. ↑ "Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 : Tests and Reviews". DxOMark. Archived from the original on 2021-10-10. Retrieved 2021-10-10.
  17. ↑ Laing, Gordon (February 28, 2009). "Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 review" (video). YouTube. Camera Labs. Retrieved 2021-10-10.
  18. ↑ "Panasonic G1 - The first mirrorless camera 10 years later" (video). YouTube. DPReviewTV. August 19, 2018. Retrieved 2021-10-10.
  19. ↑ "Camera of the Year 2008: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1". Popular Photograpy [magazine]. December 2008. Check |archive-url= value (help)
  20. ↑ "Panasonic Digital Camera Lumix DMC-G1 Receives DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) Gold Award". Panasonic Global (Press release). December 12, 2008. Archived from the original on 2010-01-07.
  21. ↑ "Panasonic Digital Camera LUMIX G-Series Receives 2009 TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) Award for Best Design Innovation in Europe". Panasonic Global (Press release). Archived from the original on 2010-01-17.
  22. ↑ "DMC-G1K/DMC-G1W Operating Instructions" (PDF). Panasonic Global. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2019-04-13. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  23. ↑ "Panasonic DMC-G1 system chart" (PDF). Panasonic Global. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-03-06.
  24. ↑ "Panasonic 2010 Digital Cameras" (PDF). Panasonic. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-03-31.
  25. ↑ "LBGuides G1 videos" (Video). Youtube. LBGuides. Retrieved 2021-10-22.
  26. ↑ "Optimizing In-Camera JPEG Settings on Panasonic Bodies". Mu-43 Forum. March 30, 2011. Archived from the original on 2021-10-22. Retrieved 2021-10-22.
  27. ↑ "JPG Engine Settings". Mu-43.com (enthusiast forum). Archived from the original on 2021-10-22. Retrieved 2021-10-22.
  28. ↑ "Compatibilities of DMC-G1 and DMC-GH1". Panasonic. August 26, 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-11-04. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
  29. ↑ "Camera Finder / Panasonic / DMC-G1". Flickr. Archived from the original on 2022-02-10. Retrieved 2022-02-10.
  30. ↑ "Concerning the DMC-G1 Firmware Update" (PDF). Panasonic. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-10-07. Retrieved 2021-10-07.


Preceded by
None: new line 		Lumix G line
November 2008–March 2010 		Succeeded by
DMC-G2


Micro Four Thirds camera timeline
Brand Form Class 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Olympus/ OM System SLR-style
OM-D/ OM 		Professional E-M1X ‡
High-end E-M1 E-M1 II ‡ E-M1 III ‡ OM-1 ‡
Advanced E-M5 E-M5 II E-M5 III ‡
Mid-range E-M10 E-M10 II E-M10 III E-M10 IV
Entry-level E-M10 IIIs
Rangefinder
style
PEN 		Advanced PEN-F
Mid-range E-P1 E-P2 E-P3 E-P5 E-P7
Upper-entry E-PL1 E-PL2 E-PL3 E-PL5 E-PL6 E-PL7 E-PL8 E-PL9 E-PL10
Entry-level E-PM1 E-PM2
remote Air A01
Panasonic SLR style Hybrid GH1 GH2 GH3 GH4 GH5 GH6 ‡
Hybrid (streaming) GH5 II
High-end Photo G9 ‡
Mid-range G1 G2 G3 G5 G6 G7/ G70 G8/ G80/ G81/ G85 G90/ G91/ G95/ G99
Entry-level G10 G100/ G110
Rangefinder style Advanced GX1 GX7 GX8 GX9/ GX7 Mark III
Mid-range GM1/ GM1S GM5 GX85/ GX80/ GX7 Mk. II
Entry-level GF1 GF2 GF3 GF5 GF6 GF7 GF8 GX800/ GX850/ GF9 GF10/ GF90/ GX880
Video-focused SLR-style GH5S
Pro camcorder AG-AF100 series AG-AF100A series
Box-style BGH1
Kodak Rangefinder style Entry-level S-1
DJI Drone Professional Zenmuse X5R Zenmuse X5S
Enthusiast Zenmuse X5
YI Rangefinder style Entry-level M1
Blackmagic Design Rangefinder style High-End Video Cinema Camera
Pocket Cinema Camera Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Micro Cinema Camera
Z CAM 6K video E2-S6
4K video E1 E2
Mid-range E2-M4
Entry-level E2C
JVC Camcorder Professional GY-LS300
SVS-Vistek Industrial EVO Tracer EXO Tracer
Brand Form Class 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
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