Panasonic DMC-G1 review
 

[url]http://www.photozone.de/dslr_reviews/424_panasonic_g1[/url]

This is the first micro 4/3 format camera out the gate

Its interesting because it does away with the mirror / prism system in the SLR making is very compact. The viewfinder is another LCD.

It looks like all the entry level DSLR's will be moving to this kind of format.

One advantage this has for everyone is that the shutter on a DSLR adds a lot of vibration, and this could be done away with.

[IMG]http://www.photozone.de/images/8Reviews/dslr/panasonic_dmc_g1/micro-four-thirds.jpg[/IMG]

I wouldnt like just an lcd viewfinder at all lol also im guessing the focusing wont be anywhere as accurate/fast? basically this is just a point and shoot with a bigger sensor?

well I don't see why focusing speed and accuracy would be affected? I think there is a few ms of lag in the display though. Im guessing battery life will be affected by having even a small lcd in the eye piece on all the time.

You can look at it like its a p+s, with changeable lenses and proper manual modes.
Or you can look at it like its a DSLR with no prism and half the weight.

But I can see all cameras heading this way because to remove a shutter curtain is going to mean massive reduction in camera shake. And as long as there is no perceptible difference with the live view finder to a normal one no one will care.

They probably add features like digital zooming on the view finder so manual focus accuracy would be even better.

Im not too sure, but doesnt Dslr AF system use the mirror etc ? when Im using Live view in my mkII and use the other type of focus (not the one which flips mirror down focuses then flips back up) the focusing is much slower.

current dslrs use a half polarised mirror to send some light to the view finder above and some to the focus module below it. This does away with all of that and while focusing on current dslrs is slower in live mode i really doubt that would be a problem here.

The main sensor probably operates in a reduced and faster capacity for speed of focusing and display and then will wake up the whole sensor for the photo.

keep in mind this is still an entry level camera so it will be relative to ... the 1000d, and the d5000 and the km and all that type of kit.

but id not be surprised to see the 5d mk3 going this way as the camera shutter motion is softening your images with camera shake by about 70% currently.

"The 100% Live View system with flexible screen and detailed viewfinder are a joy to compose with, the controls and handling quick and easy, the image quality comparable to the best of the current budget DSLRs, while the low size and weight ensure it never becomes a burden."

[url]http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_G1/index.shtml[/url]

[url]http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_G1/video_review.shtml[/url]

the video there specifically mentions focusing.

I think it looks kick arse i might get one is a every day carrying around camera.

It does look good for an entry level Dslr, But I want a bigger camera body not smaller :p I dont see this coming into semi pro/pro bodies for some time, Tracking/panning with that viewfinder wouldnt be as good as what we have now imo, the auto focus did look fast but that was on a brightly lit object right in front of the lens, wait till you have to focus in fairly low light conditions will be interesting to see how good it is.

[QUOTE=werticusness]
but id not be surprised to see the 5d mk3 going this way as the camera shutter motion is softening your images with camera shake by about 70% currently.[/QUOTE]

Not sure how you worked out that figure? If Im shooting a landscape with a long exposure then Im going to use a tripod/shutter release and flick the mirror lockup on. Not that I have ever noticed any blur due to shutter movement before. Its a non issue.

The 5D mkii also moves the mirror assembly in an elliptical movement so the mirror doesn't bang open and closed. Its a smooth circular motion.

The AF will be shit house on that camera compared to a proper SLR. Its basically using contrast to focus the subject. Try shooting accurate fast motion with that. Bet the shutter will lag too, turning the sensor on and off isnt the best way to capture a photo hence the lag in P&S cameras.

Great for people who want a leica/range finder style camera with swappable lenses. Dont think you will see many of these down at the track.

dont know why you want bigger cameras... go large format :P

i read some article from 'Japanese scientists' about cheap tripods amplifying shutter vibration... even with locked up mirrors the curtain induces shake, which you wont notice as blur but rather softness, which you wont notice because you've never seen it without a shutter, just that it could be sharper without :) I'm looking for it now.