Panasonic DMC-GH1

Mark · 10-03-2009, 23:58

I'm thinking about what camera to get next. My S3 IS has given me good service and for holiday snaps I'm happy with it, but I know its limits and I've been disappointed at results often enough to know that just occasionally something comes along that I wish it could do, but can't.

So, I've been considering what next for a while now. My original plan was another bridge camera (probably one of the new Canons or somesuch), but I'm worried I'll hit the same problems I've had with the S3 - by far the biggest of which has been sensor noise, even at low ISO. It isn't noticeable in the average daytime shot, but push the limits and there it is.

So, that lead me to consider the low-end of the dSLR market. I really can't justify spending hundreds or thousands on glass, but I'm thinking that a low-end dSLR and OK glass are going to give me better results overall than a top-end bridge camera for not that much more outlay.

Then, the Panasonic DMC-G1 turned up. Seems to fit the bill nicely but a few niggles remained - primarily I wasn't sure about the lens options (OK lenses is fine, but no lenses might be a problem), but also there were a few 'nice to have' features that weren't there.

I looked on the Panasonic site a few days ago and the DMC-GH1 had appeared. The features I wanted are there, and there's now another lens option.

It isn't Canon/Nikon, so I just know the purists will moan (with a little justification due to the limited choice in accessories), but it seems like it'll destroy my S3 in all but zoom range (which is easily fixed by buying the 45-200 lens). Obviously, I don't know a price yet, so that might change my mind.

Have I got my 'ducks in a row', or have I just gone quackers? Is there a deal-killer I haven't spotted?

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_G...692/index.html (DSC-GH1 @ Panasonic)

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmcg1/ (DSC-G1 review @ D.P. Review)

10-03-2009, 23:58	#1
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	Panasonic DMC-GH1 I'm thinking about what camera to get next. My S3 IS has given me good service and for holiday snaps I'm happy with it, but I know its limits and I've been disappointed at results often enough to know that just occasionally something comes along that I wish it could do, but can't. So, I've been considering what next for a while now. My original plan was another bridge camera (probably one of the new Canons or somesuch), but I'm worried I'll hit the same problems I've had with the S3 - by far the biggest of which has been sensor noise, even at low ISO. It isn't noticeable in the average daytime shot, but push the limits and there it is. So, that lead me to consider the low-end of the dSLR market. I really can't justify spending hundreds or thousands on glass, but I'm thinking that a low-end dSLR and OK glass are going to give me better results overall than a top-end bridge camera for not that much more outlay. Then, the Panasonic DMC-G1 turned up. Seems to fit the bill nicely but a few niggles remained - primarily I wasn't sure about the lens options (OK lenses is fine, but no lenses might be a problem), but also there were a few 'nice to have' features that weren't there. I looked on the Panasonic site a few days ago and the DMC-GH1 had appeared. The features I wanted are there, and there's now another lens option. It isn't Canon/Nikon, so I just know the purists will moan (with a little justification due to the limited choice in accessories), but it seems like it'll destroy my S3 in all but zoom range (which is easily fixed by buying the 45-200 lens). Obviously, I don't know a price yet, so that might change my mind. Have I got my 'ducks in a row', or have I just gone quackers? Is there a deal-killer I haven't spotted? http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_G...692/index.html (DSC-GH1 @ Panasonic) http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmcg1/ (DSC-G1 review @ D.P. Review)