Micro Four Thirds Photography and the Lumix G1
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:09PM 
Pick a color: The Panasonic Lumix G1 Micro Four Thirds Camera
By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
The DSLR phenomenon has really caught up with prices coming down and consumers having more options than ever in terms of affordable semi-pro or prosumer cameras with interchangeable lenses. Camera processor and lens technology has become so advanced that, in the right hands, a cheaper DSLR can capture great looking photos that are comparable to expensive, higher end cameras.
The question of whether there is something beyond DSLR, has been answered; it seems, by Panasonic with their Micro Four Thirds Lumix G1 and their HD Video shooting GH1. These cameras are a hybrid of high-tech point-and shoot, ultra-zoom and a DSLR-type form-factor with interchangeable lenses.
Ditching the pentaprism and mirror of a DSLR while allowing for smaller lenses has enabled them to create a stunning new product that give the versatility of a multi-lens camera with the ease of use of a point-and-shoot. We will focus on the G1 since it is widely available and retails in places like Henry’s Camera and Canada Computers for around $699-$799.
Tiny Revolutionary
The most impressive aspect of the G1 is its diminutive size. Even the larger lenses, which already integrate the stabilization feature, are remarkably tiny compared to what you are used to with DSLRs. The G1 also has an electronic viewfinder as opposed to an optical only one that is a mixed bag. The viewfinder is super-clear and accurate but fails to deliver the instantaneous performance of a glass viewfinder. This is most evident when shooting multiple frames per second; they just don’t register quickly enough. So, if you are into action and sports photography, then consider any DSLR over the Lumix G1.
The G1 also comes with a foldable rear screen, not unlike what one would see in a camcorder and this, coupled with the live-view feature, makes composing photos a bit easier.
This lightweight camera fits well in the hand and is a joy to use, especially in situations where a larger DSLR may catch attention. Panasonic’s automated controls are so good that you really don’t need to mess with the settings, more seasoned photographers may be put off with this as it seems that manual features, while available, don’t feel as accessible as they would on a regular DSLR. The intelligent auto feature on the G1 is pretty darn good and can figure out, more or less, what kind of lighting and focusing is needed by each situation.
Micro Four Thirds at the forefront
The Panasonic G1 is the world’s first Micro Four Thirds Camera in the market, it uses a smaller sensor (similar to that on the Olympus E3 Four Thirds DSLR) but one that is still far larger than any point-and-shoot or ultra-zoom compact camera can offer. Ditching the mirror that makes a DSLR has allowed the creation of smaller bodies, smaller lenses and more technology and less mechanical functionality.
So you can theoretically shoot thousands of photos on a Micro Four Thirds camera without worrying about the shutter giving way or mirror wear - a big concern for traditional DLSRs that tend to crap out after a lot of use. Some would say that the 12 Megapixel Panasonic G1 is really the future of the replaceable-lens camera at least in terms of technology.
The biggest problem with this platform is that it is so new that there are only half a dozen lenses available for the system (you can expand this with adapters and connectors which allow you to use anything from Four Thirds lenses to Nikon, Canon and even Leica mounts). Aside from the G1 and the GH1, Olympus released the Digital Pen P1, which is more similar to a rangefinder in shape and size and comes without any optical viewfinder and built-in flash.
Only time will tell if a proper evolution for this standard will take place but right now the G1 is a hot little camera whose price has gone down in the past few months and has even won prestigious awards for its innovation and performance, most notably Popular Photography’s Camera of the Year for 2008. Which is impressive considering it went up against the likes of the Nikon D90 and the newer Canon Rebels.
Real World Usage
The G1 performed admirably in clear and well lit situations but seemed to struggle while photographing musicians in a dark bar – a situation that a true DSLR would have been able to handle given the right settings. The electronic viewfinder in low light is just plain awful and without it you will need to guesstimate what is ahead of you – something that professional photographers will never do. Higher ISO performance is okay but not amazing; attribute this limitation to the sensor size.
The stabilized lenses work well and are fatastic in terms of size and performance but they aren’t Leica lenses which is unfortunate since the G1 has a gold L, for Leica, badge on its body yet there is nothing remotely Leica-ish about it, You would think that for the steep price ($US 800.00) Panasonic would spring for some higher end glass to go with its landmark camera.
The G1 performs excellently in daylight conditions manitaining bright colors.
We enjoyed the auto mode on this camera which gave consistent, pro-looking quality photos but realized that it could be a good camera to fiddle with.
Casual photographers who want the state of the art and the option to change lenses but who are daunted by jumping into the DSLR world would benefit from the G1.
Pluses:
o Micro Four Thirds realized in a small and powerful package.
o Lenses are compact and stabilized
o With adapters, can use a gamut of other lenses including vintage Leica rangefinder lenses as well as full size Four Thirds Lenses
o Amazing auto functions, good AI and clear, crisp photos in well-lit conditions.
o Well built body, rubberized texture and grip make it easy to hold even If it is incredibly lightweight.
o Pop-out 3-inch LCD screen is great for composing awkward or challenging shots.
Minuses:
o Lenses aren’t Leica glass
o Expensive for a glorified point-and-shoot.
o Electronic viewfinder is among the best but fails in low-light conditions and when firing multiple shots.
o Only two lenses available in the system.
Conclusion:
While we embrace the innovation and boldness that the Panasonic Lumix G1 embodies, we’re a bit tentative on its practicality. With the addition of more Micro Four Thirds models, we should hopefully see more lenses and accessories round out this exciting new system.
Photo courtesy of Firepixel.ca
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