Panasonic Lumix DMC-GMC-GH1
It looks like the smallest D-SLR ever, but Panasonic’s elegant Lumix GH1 is really an entirely new breed of digital camera. Based on the Micro Four Thirds standard, it substitutes a high-quality electronic viewfinder (EVF) for the optical viewfinder used by SLRs—that “pentaprism” you see is just for show, since there’s no need for a reflex mirror. Losing the mirror makes the GH1 considerably quieter than a D-SLR, and because it allows a reduced distance between lens and image sensor lenses can be more compact and much lighter.
The GH1’s color EVF is exceptionally good, which it has to be to compete with D-SLRs. It has 1.44 million-dot resolution (sharp enough for manual focusing) and a 60fps refresh rate (fast enough to keep most moving subjects from smearing). In low light it’s brighter than an optical screen, though you get some motion smear and pixel noise. What’s more, the viewfinder offers 100 percent coverage—something ordinarily found only in pro D-SLRs. It is also nearly as big as viewfinders in full-frame D-SLRs. Also rivaling competing D-SLRs are the speed and precision of the GH1’s contrast-detection autofocus, with its uncanny focus tracking of moving subjects across the frame.
Perhaps the first successful hybrid camera, the Lumix GH1 is just as adept at capturing high-definition video (at broadcast- quality 24fps 1080p or ultra-smooth 60fps 720p) with Dolby stereo sound. And unlike all other video-capable D-SLRs, it can focus continuously and silently while you’re shooting, just like a regular camcorder—a huge advantage that gives you or your subject the freedom to move in and out without the worry of manual refocusing. In video mode, the GH1 offers useful manual control of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and more, and unlike “clip”-based D-SLRs the recording duration is limited only by the size of your memory card.
The GH1’s video finesse makes its horizontally unfolding, swiveling LCD all the more valuable. OK, so it isn’t technically a D-SLR. Depending on your needs, it might be something even better.
Quick Stats:
- 12.1 MEGAPIXELS/ LIVE MOS IMAGE SENSOR
- 2.0X FOV CROP (Micro Four Thirds)
- 3.0-INCH TILT/SWlIVEL LCD (460K dots)
- IMAGE STABILIZATION: IN-LENS
- TOP ISO: 3,200
- 3FPS
- LIVE VIEW: YES
- VIDEO: 1080p HD
- ABOUT $1,300 (with 14-140mm kit lens)
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