Panasonic Lumix DMC G1
Panasonic · Mirrorless · 12.1 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Standard HD video

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Model | Lumix DMC G1 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2008 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 12, 2008 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 124 x 84 x 45 mm |
| Camera weight | 360 g |
Optics38/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 receives a score of 36/100 for its general specifications. With dimensions of 124 x 84 x 45mm and a weight of 360g (0.79lbs), the G1 offers a compact and lightweight design. However, considering today’s market, the G1 falls behind in terms of advanced features and performance compared to newer models. Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 received a score of 38/100. This camera features a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, with a shooting speed of 3 frames per second. The Venus Engine HD II processor powers the camera, and the DXOMARK score for the sensor is 52. The Lumix G1 has a Micro Four Thirds sensor size and a matching Micro 4/3 lens mount. In today’s market, the Lumix G1’s specifications are not competitive. Cameras with higher megapixel counts and faster shooting speeds are readily available. Additionally, the G1 lacks image stabilization, which is now a common feature in modern cameras. The 4:3 aspect ratio is also less versatile compared to the 3:2 ratio found in many current models. The Panasonic Lumix DMC G1’s optics do not stand out in the present market. With its low score and outdated specifications, it is not a top choice for those seeking cutting-edge camera performance. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 12.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4000 x 3000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13 x 17.3 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 3 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Micro 4/3 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Venus Engine HD II |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. | |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 32003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 6044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 230300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 20200009900000 |
Video34/100 | |
About the VideoThe Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 has a video score of 34 out of 100. Its maximum video resolution is standard HD, with dimensions of 1280×720. The camera’s maximum video frame rate is 30fps. However, it does not have built-in time-lapse functionality. When comparing the G1’s video capabilities to other cameras in today’s market, it falls short. Many modern cameras offer higher resolutions, such as 4K, and faster frame rates. The lack of time-lapse functionality also puts the G1 at a disadvantage compared to other models. This camera’s video features are not as advanced as those found in newer cameras. For individuals who prioritize video capabilities, the Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 may not be the ideal choice. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1280 x 720 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | Motion JPEG |
Features36/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 features a score of 36/100 in terms of its specifications. With a 3-inch screen size and a screen resolution of 460,000 dots, the camera does not possess a touchscreen but does have a flip screen. The absence of GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities are notable drawbacks in today’s technologically advanced market. Comparing the features of the Lumix DMC G1 to other cameras in the market, it is evident that the camera lacks many modern features found in contemporary models. The absence of a touchscreen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth diminishes its appeal among photographers who seek connectivity and convenience. The 3-inch screen size and 460,000-dot resolution are also relatively outdated in comparison to more recent camera models. Taking these specifications into account, it is clear that the Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 may not be the most competitive option for photographers seeking advanced features and connectivity. Its feature score of 36/100 reflects these limitations, and potential buyers should consider more up-to-date cameras to meet their photography needs. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. | |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 4600001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery21/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 receives a storage and battery score of 21 out of 100. This camera has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and MMC cards. Its battery life lasts for 380 shots, powered by a DMW-BLB13 battery. However, it does not support USB charging. Compared to modern cameras, the G1’s storage and battery capabilities are subpar. The limited memory card options and lack of USB charging make it less convenient for prolonged use. Furthermore, the 380-shot battery life does not compete well with newer models offering superior battery performance. The Panasonic Lumix DMC G1’s storage and battery specifications reveal its age and limitations in today’s market. Users seeking a camera with more advanced storage and battery features should consider other options. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / MMC |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | DMW-BLB13 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 380 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |