www.testfreaks.com

Reviews, reviews, reviews...

8.1 out of 10

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

 

Information found in: from 136 sources in 24 countries

Great Deal: $1,419.95

  • User Score (142)
    8.6 8.6 from 142 reviewers
  • Expert Score (37)
    8.1 8.1 from 37 reviewers
  • Design (6)
    8.6 8.6 from 6 reviewers
  • Value for money (12)
    5.1 5.1 from 12 reviewers
  • Features (12)
    8.2 8.2 from 12 reviewers
  • Ease of use (7)
    9.6 9.6 from 7 reviewers
  • Performance (12)
    5.8 5.8 from 12 reviewers
  • Picture quality (19)
    7.9 7.9 from 19 reviewers
  • Overall quality (2)
    8.3 8.3 from 2 reviewers
  • Display (7)
    9.1 9.1 from 7 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (8)
    8.3 8.3 from 8 reviewers
  • Build quality (3)
    6.8 6.8 from 3 reviewers
More grades Less grades
  • Best Deals

iSave.com In Stock (Z) $1,419.95 SEE IT
Amazon Marketplace
In Stock (S) $598.99 SEE IT

Prices from Shopzilla (Z), Shopping.com (S)

List All 5 Prices
  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(12)
7-8
(21)
5-6
(3)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(98)
7-8
(19)
5-6
(9)
3-4
(6)
1-2
(10)
  • Expert Reviews

  1. DP Review

    DP Review
    7.2/10
    2 weeks ago

    Expensive compared to most comparable SLRs, the key to the GH1's appeal is its class-leading HD movie capture. The fact that it has the best sensor of any Micro Four Thirds camera is just the icing on the cake. Read more

    • JPEG output shows impressive detail at base ISO, Good resolution, even slightly more in RAW, Good balance between noise reduction and detail retention at higher ISOs, Good control over high ISO noise reduction, Smaller dim...
  2. Digital Camera Review

    Digital Camera Review
    9.0/10
    21 September 2009

    Cameras (like sports cars, camping/adventure gear, professional musical instruments, and top shelf audio/video components) get much more interesting (and expensive) as they increase in complexity - the GH1 is a case in point. Read more

    • Best video of any currently available dSLR, Fully articulated live view LCD, Super kit lens
    • Expensive, Lacks total functionality of a true dSLR, Current lens lens selection is thin
  3. Camera Labs

    Camera Labs
    8.9/10
    1 July 2009

    Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GH1 is one of the most complete cameras we’ve tested, and one that achieves a number of ambitious goals. Unlike many rivals where features like Live View and video recording are often compromised and... Read more

    • Compact but comfortable body., HD video with AF and manual control., Excellent EVF and big, flexible screen., Easy to use with intuitive user interface.
    • Viewfinder noisy and jerky in low light., AF restrictions in 1080p movie mode., Continuous shooting slower than rivals., Only sold with premium 10x kit lens.
  4. Imaging Resource

    Imaging Resource
    8 October 2009

    Panasonic's approach to the interchangeable-lens digital camera, the G-series, includes no mirrors or pentaprisms to weigh the system down, making the goal of simple live view easier to realize. Read more

    • Good noise performance vs other cameras with Four Thirds sensors, Full exposure control (PASM) in video modes, AF is live during video recording, 720p HD video is quite good, even in AVCHD, MOV (Motion JPEG) video option f...
    • Autofocus during video is slow with AVCHD, much faster with MOV file format, Camera strap rings are a hassle, and add noise to video captures, EVF contrast is low, with plugged shadows, Noticeable optical distortion when u...
  5. Steve's Digicams

    Steve's Digicams
    5 November 2009

    The Lumix DMC-GH1 builds off the DMC-G1 with a few new and improved features (HD video and new lens), however is quite a bit more expensive. Read more

    • Robust iAuto exposure mode works great in a variety of situations, Produces nice 12-megapixel photos, Speedy shooting performance, Sweet new kit lens, Versatile 3.0-inch, rotating LCD, Excellent ISO performance up to ISO 1600
    • ISO 3200 not suitable for prints, Almost double the price of the DMC-G1, Built-in mic picks up wind noise easily
  6. What Digital Camera

    What Digital Camera
    8.5/10
    8 August 2009

    The GH1 is an exceptional camera, but more than anything it is an exceptional video camera. In terms of still imaging it has some improvements on the previous G1 model, though these are not significant enough on their own to... Read more

    • HD movie mode, articulating LCD screen, build quality, supplied lens
    • High price tag, white balance issues, slow burst mode, shutter lag
  7. PC World

    PC World
    6.0/10
    26 August 2009

    If shooting HD video is Read more

    • Smooth, vibrant HD video, Beginner-friendly menus and controls
    • Expensive, with proprietary lenses, Disappointing low-light performance
  8. Wired

    Wired
    2 September 2009

    The Lumix GH1 captures Pantone-precise colors and Ginsu-sharp details for both video and stills. Whatever you shoot, it offers the same bucketful of configuration options, including shutter speed, aperture, light sensitivity,... Read more

    • Image-stabilized 10X zoom lens. Video mode has autofocus to track fast action. Offers 1080p HD video resolution at 24 frames per second for the most detail, or 720p at 30 fps for smoother motion. Swiveling 3-inch LCD is gr...
    • Menus with 1980s arcade-type graphics can be hard to navigate — six clicks just to delete all the pictures. Pricey.
  9. CNET

    CNET
    7.0/10
    24 June 2011

    If you're looking for a camera that's not quite as big as a dSLR but doesn't skimp on hardware controls or features like an articulated LCD, EVF and stereo full HD video, the G3 is one of my top options. Read more

    • The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 delivers great photo quality and useful features like an articulated LCD and extended bracketing in a comfortable--if somewhat big--shooting design.
    • While not bad, its performance is in the middle of the pack, and the battery doesn't last long enough.
  10. Digitaltrends

    Digitaltrends
    26 September 2009

    We haven't had a chance to fully test this product yet, but we've assembled this helpful overview of relevant information on it. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. Beware Lumix Cameras from Angel Seller

    Amazon
    2.0/10
    Reviewer: Peter, Amazon
    1 week ago

    I purchased a Panasonic Lumix GH1K from Amazon through Angel Seller last May. I live in California and Angel Seller is in Brooklyn, NY. The camera with the 14 to 140mm zoom lens cost over $1370. Read more

  2. "Lumix G3 with 14-42mm lens - first impressions"

    CNET
    9.0/10
    Reviewer: RomriellDel, CNET
    22 November 2011

    was looking for something less bulky and lighter than my trusted Nikon D70 DSLR. One essential requirement was a "proper" viewfinder. After reading lots of reviews, I decided to go for the G3. Read more

    • + The pics and videos are amazing + Small, lightweight, seems very well made + Electronic viewfinder is excellent + Solid-felling and it is incredibly easy to use
    • - It does eat batteries - LCD monitor is very good in everything except very bright sunlight
  3. Great when shooting RAW in well lit situations. Otherwise...

    Ebay
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: student_19, Ebay
    9 December 2011

    I have mixed feelings about this camera. I traded my E-PL1 for a GH1 because I like the built-in EVF, control dials and the flip LCD. I use it primarily for stills. Read more

  4. Great EVIL camera

    Newegg
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: Newegg
    24 April 2010

    -Great camera for non serious photographers, and film students Read more

    • This is a wonderful little EVIL (electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens) camera. I am a cinematography student and bought this camera specifically for it's video capabilities. Don't get me wrong it takes great pictures...
    • -Four thirds lenses are expensive
  5. Girls, we are also good at photography - Panasonic GH1

    10/10
    Reviewer: simplereview, Ciao
    19 May 2010

    I am going to holiday next week today on the 25th May and therefore I especially ordered this Panasonic Lumix GH1 from Amazon for 904 pounds (after discounted). Read more

    • Great pictures & AVs, easy to use, clear instruction menu, fantastic design
    • Cannot find one so far
  6. Best Investment!

    Ritz Camera
    10/10
    Reviewer: Navy Doc, Ritz Camera
    1 October 2009

    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Read more

    • Bright LCD, Comfortable Controls, Easy To Use, Fast Shutter Speed, Great Image Quality, HD Video, Image Stabilization
    • Poor In Low Light
  7. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

    CNET
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: gonno, CNET
    31 August 2009

    i think its getting ridiculous the way companies bring out new models so soon after the previous model.they often add something new to it or just change the way it looks.its that age old question again; when to buy? Read more

  • WikiFreak Description

Panasonic DMC-GH1

The GH1 utilises the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. lens and supports continuous AF. It also has a 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine HD, with multi-aspect type sensor that allows users to take photos in 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratios with the same angle of view, twin CPUs for processing capabilities, Creative Movie mode which lets the user manually set the shutter speed and aperture, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode like Face Recognition (to prioritiz…

See more

Panasonic DMC-GH1

The GH1 utilises the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. lens and supports continuous AF. It also has a 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine HD, with multi-aspect type sensor that allows users to take photos in 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratios with the same angle of view, twin CPUs for processing capabilities, Creative Movie mode which lets the user manually set the shutter speed and aperture, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode like Face Recognition (to prioritize focus and exposure on a specific face), O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) to help reduce blurring from hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control to help limit motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken; AF Tracking that lets the camera lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves; Intelligent Exposure which optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights, and Intelligent Scene Selector. The camera also has SD card support, as well as an optional mini HDMI™ cable to output the images from the GH1 to the Panasonic HDTV via VIERA Link™, allowing users to view playback and slideshow features on the camera.

Features

Panasonic introduces the DMC-GH1 which utilizes the G Micro System – a digital interchangeable lens camera system that features professional-level functions and performance in a compact camera body. Compatible with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the GH1 features advanced video photography functions, such as the ability to record High Definition (HD) AVCHD 1080p/24p video. In addition, the LUMIX GH1 comes with a long-zoom interchangeable lens – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. This lens was designed to support HD movie recording and features a silent motor and continuous auto focusing (AF) capability. This allows for smaller camera body and lens sizes. The GH1 provides video recording features, including the ability to record high-resolution full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 24 fps or HD video (1280 x 720) movie at 60 fps using an AVCHD format (MPEG-4/H.264). The AVCHD format provides the benefit of doubling the HD quality recording time compared with Motion JPEG. The GH1 hosts a dedicated video record button on the back of the camera which lets users start recording videos, even while shooting still photos. The LUMIX GH1 also records video in stereo sound via Dolby Digital Stereo Creator.

See less
  • Manufacturer's Description

See the difference.  A new world of imaging.  Creative photos and movies in full HD.With the GH1, shooting incredible photos is only part of the fun. You can also shoot beautiful, richly detailed movies in full HD (high-definition) (1920 X 1080) at 24 frames per second, or smooth HD (1280 X 720) movies at 60 frames per second in AVCHD format (MPEG-4/ H.264) with continuous auto focus.* You can record for a longer time without running out of memory because AVCHD stores…

Ask the community

Need more advice? Ask the community a question.

Questions asked: 1 Answers: 0

Previous questions about this product

  • GH1 versus GF1 at 720

    Is there a difference between 720 HD shot on the GH1 and 720 HD shot on the GF1? At 720 HD is the quality the same on both? Does the GH1 have a higher bitrate? If I won't be shooting 1080 am I just as well off with the less expensive GF1? $800 versus $1500.

    (No answers yet. Write an answer!) 2009-11-19

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Deals

Current special offers from our most trusted merchants

Other Products

Users who looked at this product also looked at these:

  1. Jenoptik JD 350
    Freakscore: 4.8
    Jenoptik JD 350

Video Reviews