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Each of the four Nikon mount lenses requires the use of a Nikon to m4/3 adapter purchased separately. Owning a set of old Nikon E Series lenses gave me a good reason to buy a camera I very much desired but could not justify-a Panasonic DMC-G1. My new outfit includes Nikon E 28f28, 50f18, and 100f28 lenses and a Tokina AT-X 2885 zoom lens. A 1445 lens came with the G1. I am very pleased with the camera and the kit lens and the E Series lenses whose sizing is ideal for the m4/3 camera.
This camera is easy to use and makes great photos. It is easy to learn to use the advanced features for complete control of your photography. Also, the IA mode usually is right on the button for quick snaps. The size is comfortable in my hands.
I own the DMC G1, on it use a DMW fl360, which is big and heavy for this camera, but, its the smallest flash available when I bought them, the case is, the hot shoe this camera features is not strong enough to carry this flash, now, my flash failure to fire when I need, feels a little loose when attached, I highly recommend the use of a flash bracket and a sync cord.
It can, if you want, get a highly zoomed center square that makes manual focusing, when you want it, a much simpler task.The electronic viewfinder is the future of the industry: It turn practical to build much smaller cameras, "in the viewfinder" histograms (it's live view), center "zoom", no mirror slapping, which permits to use lower speeds without blurring, and less moving parts. It's easy to learn, and it's intelligent ISO and aperture priority modes make it a very quick "decisive moment" camera.
The image quality is on par with any under US$1500 DSLR. My D90 is gathering dust because if I'm going out, I allways, instintively, grab the G1.
This great camera is perfect for whom prefer to compose with the camera in the eye like God wanted, not at an arms length. This camera does it's work occupying 60% of the space and weight than an amateur DSLR.
It balances very well with the 14-45mm (28-90 equiv). lens, which is VERY small for DSLR standards.
The 20mm (40 equiv).f1.7 it's a dream lens, more than "tack-sharp" at about four ounces.The electronic viewfinder isn't clear like an optical one, but it's BIG, full frame size, without the dreaded "tunnel effect". It's a photography camera: I didn't pay for a movie-capacity that I didn't need or care.The micro four thirds Panny Lumix G1 is the "goldilocks" camera: just right.Even if the G1 is standing daily abuse very well, the build quality, materials, switches and knobs of my Canon G11 and Nikon D90 are better, firm, solid.
When I do not feel like carrying my heavy SLR camera and lenses, I take my Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 instead. are well positioned and easy to use.2. In manual focus mode, the image is magnified in the high resolution electronic viewfinder so that precise focus may be achieved.4. Of course, the G1's 12 megapixel sensor cannot compete with the A900's 24 megapixel sensor, and the 14-45 lens is not nearly as fast as the 24-70 lens, but the portability of the G1 means that I take it with me more often than I take my A900. However, the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Pancake Lens for Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Cameras remedies this problem.For those who would like to capture video, the Panasonic DMC-GH1 12MP Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera with 1080p HD Video, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 12.1MP Micro Four-Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-45mm Lens and the somewhat larger Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD are attractive alternatives. The Lowepro Rezo TLZ 10 Digital Camera Case Gadget Bag fits the G1 with 14-45 lens perfectly and attaches to my belt via a Velcro strap. With the 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, the G1 is about one-third the weight of my Sony A900 SLR with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. A real time histogram may be displayed if desired.3.
And the Canon WS20 Wrist Strap for all Canon Camcorders is a convenient alternative if you don't want a camera strap around your neck.If I were to list all of the features of the G1 that I like, this review would be rather long, so here is a short list of my favorite features:1. All of the buttons that control focus, metering, ISO, etc. If desired, images may be stored in RAW format in addition to the limiting JPEG format.A consequence of the small 14-45 lens is that the lens is not particularly fast and so does not permit low light photography. But I don't shoot video, so the G1 is a low priced solution to my need for a portable camera.
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