Lumix G1...any good?

[MacG]

I should start by saying I know very little about photography and don't really plan to become a committed enthusiast. All I want is a camera that can take rather better pictures than a 'normal' compact digital camera (current one is an old Ixus).

A friend of mine has a G1 and it appears to take pretty good pictures, without much hassle.

I realise I could probably buy a full sized SLR for similar money, but I don't want anything that large and the G1 seems just about right. It will generally be used for taking family pictures, though I may buy it in time for my trip to Le Mans as I would like to get some decent images while I am there.

Fire away, but please bear in mind my opening comment. I am on Pistonheads because I am fanatical about cars, not photography.

Many thanks.

[Andy M]

It's a nice camera, and well worth considering, but it's just been superseded: http://www.dpreview.com/previews/PanasonicDMCG2/

[LongQ]

Andy M said:

It's a nice camera, and well worth considering, but it's just been superseded: http://www.dpreview.com/previews/PanasonicDMCG2/

Could be some deals around if you don't want the new features.

There is a dedicated MU-43 (Micro 4/3rds) forum (www.mu-43.com) which has some great shots in the gallery. Enthusiasts for sure but many are keen on street shooting which I think in many ways is like taking family stuff.

http://www.mu-43.com/gallery/g632-panasonic-g1-pag...

(Though not too much of the G1 gallery is family stuff.)

My take on it is that you get the potential, compared to regular pocket point and shoot, to do more with the image to make it a better and more interesting family photo without the need to become too expert in the trade. A little knowledge - really very little - and you can do much more than you can with pretty much any P&S camera. Of course you pay for that privilege but then that is expected here I think.

If I was not already equipped in other directions I think I would be tempted by the format. Any of the cameras seem to be worth considering. Maybe a GF-1?

[agent006]

Looked at a G1 a while ago. Struck me as all the disadvantages of a compact with all the disadvantages of an SLR and the advantages of neither. Bought an FZ38 instead (also have a 1d though).

[gingerpaul]

Check out the GF1 as at least it is usefully smaller when fitted with the 20mm lens. I agree with Agent006 about the G1. To me it seems like the worst of both worlds.

[toppstuff]

I think the G1 is a great little camera. It is usefully lighter and smaller than a DSLR while also having much better picture quality than a compact.

Compare, for example, the G1 with a telephoto zoom with a Canon or Nikon with the same equivalent lens. The G1 is much smaller and lighter.

They are good value too. I would strongly consider it.

[gingerpaul]

toppstuff said:

I think the G1 is a great little camera. It is usefully lighter and smaller than a DSLR while also having much better picture quality than a compact.

Compare, for example, the G1 with a telephoto zoom with a Canon or Nikon with the same equivalent lens. The G1 is much smaller and lighter.

They are good value too. I would strongly consider it.

But what advantage does it have over the GF1?

[LongQ]

gingerpaul said:

toppstuff said:

I think the G1 is a great little camera. It is usefully lighter and smaller than a DSLR while also having much better picture quality than a compact.

Compare, for example, the G1 with a telephoto zoom with a Canon or Nikon with the same equivalent lens. The G1 is much smaller and lighter.

They are good value too. I would strongly consider it.

But what advantage does it have over the GF1?

If video is a requirement this may not be a fair comparison and one of the more recent models may make a better bet for assessment but, in general, the G1 style is more slr like (obviously) has a permanent (rather than optional) view finder as well as a screen. and the screen is articulated making it more flexible to use. It also has a more powerful flash. Things like that, although the underlying technology, except for the video, seems much the same.

On the other side it is bigger and heavier - relatively.

I can't comment on the handling. I think it really depends on what you feel OK with. There seem to be a few people who have bought both bodies since they can share a set of lenses but then provide common functionality for different intended use.

[toppstuff]

gingerpaul said:

toppstuff said:

I think the G1 is a great little camera. It is usefully lighter and smaller than a DSLR while also having much better picture quality than a compact.

Compare, for example, the G1 with a telephoto zoom with a Canon or Nikon with the same equivalent lens. The G1 is much smaller and lighter.

They are good value too. I would strongly consider it.

But what advantage does it have over the GF1?

It has a viewfinder for a start. And a handgrip that makes it easier to hold with a telephoto, while remaining smaller than a regular DSLR.