A new feature of the Micro Four Thirds format is that the camera has an electronic viewfinder that can be used as an alternative to the live view on the TFT monitor instead of SLR typical search components such as the Pentaprisma and the rearview mirror.
The image sensor used in the GH1 does not correspond to the "normal" four-thirds format with a sensor area of 17.3_x_13 mm, but has an oversize. Only in the 4: 3 setting is it the usual 17.3_x_13 mm, at 16: 9 the sensor surface used is 18.9_x_10.6 mm. Of the 14 million pixels that the CMOS of the GH1 collects on its surface, the camera uses in 4: 3 format 12 megapixels. The available reserves are used to ensure an unchanged image angle at different image aspect ratios - choose 4: 3 (12 megapixels), 3: 2 (11.4 megapixels) and 16: 9 (10.7 megapixels). Only in the square format (1: 1) the angle of the picture moves slightly in the direction of the telephoto.
The newly developed "multiformat" sensor can be read out at high speed on four data channels, to enable the full HD video recording offered by the GH1 - more on the next page. According to the manufacturer, the AD conversion takes place on the sensor itself, which should influence the noise behavior favorably.
Also the kit lens supplied with the GH1 Lumix G Vario HD 4-5.8 / 14-140 Asph. OIS mm has been especially optimized for the videofilm: the autofocus works fast and quiet, the aperture control infinitely, the built-in image stabilizer prevents camera shake. For the set Panasonic is currently about 1500 euros, more than twice as much as for the G1 with the G Vario 3.5-5.6 / 14-45 Asph.
SLR-compliant with new design accents The classic SLR design has varied the Panasonic in the G1 / GH1 to varying degrees. The camera has not only a handle, but also a typical housing bulge, where the Pentaprisma sits with a SLR camera. There, as usual, the flip-out flash unit and (at the GH1) a stereo microphone for the videofilm. Bottom line, the case looks pleasingly modern and harmoniously proportioned. The surface with anti-slip coating feels good, but should be slightly rougher to provide more support. The face of the small camera quite large mode dial for the exposure programs is a typical SLR element. The standard programs (P, A, S, M), motif programs or scenes and an "intelligent" fully automatic (iA) are available. The latter automatically selects the program, which the camera computer is optimal (scene recognition). The iA mode includes a large number of modern automatic functions such as facial, motion and contrast detection as well as AF tracking. With the GH1, the "intelligent" automatic can be used not only in photos, but also in video recordings.
Electronic viewfinder with high resolution The electronic viewfinder offers a high resolution of 480 000 RGB pixels, 100% image coverage and an effective search magnification of 0.7x. The resolution is sufficient to produce a realistic image without perception of individual pixels. In dark or black parts, however, clear (color) noise is visible.
On the other hand, you can still see something with the electronic viewfinder even in darker rooms. The necessary signal amplification makes the image grimy and increases the delay in image formation (manufacturer's specification: 30 ms). Practical: The electronic viewfinder can be used to display all the settings that are relevant to the recording, as well as various grid lines and a live histogram. White balance and exposure are also simulated.
The 3-inch monitor with 153 300 RGB pixels can also be used as a motif searcher thanks to the live view function, as well as folds out of the housing and pivots in all directions. The camera switches between viewfinder and monitor operation via the eye sensor. What can be seen or turned on in the viewfinder and monitor is somewhat different, but it is the same as the information density.
Facial identification with registration function With the automatic focus, the GH1 works exclusively with contrast measurement at the image sensor and at an acceptable rate: 0.45 / 0.52 s at 3000/30 lux. The AF system can take up to 23 AF points when automatically measuring the range. Alternatively, dynamic autofocus (AF tracking) or face detection can be selected. After switching to a single field, it can be positioned not only in the image field but also in its size in four stages. The sensitivity of the AF system is 0 to 18 EV at ISO 100.
New: The facial recognition function has been further developed in the GH1 for facial identification. Up to six faces can be registered, named and listed according to priority. Recognized and / or registered persons are recognized under the name of the name, exposure and focus on it.
Convenient operation on different levels When the menu / set button is used to access the setting menus, you are surprised by unusually large fonts, which are also very high in contrast. No less large and clear, the submenus for changing settings have failed. If you want, you can create the most frequently used settings under "My Menu". In addition, the camera provides three memories for user-defined setups.
The button "Film Mode" gives you access to global image presets similar to the "Picture Styles" at Canon. In the same menu you can adjust four parameters for each preset: Contrast, Sharpness, Color Saturation and Noise Reduction.
There are several ways to view recordable data. On the one hand, the buttons of the 4-way switch allow direct access to ISO value, AF mode and white balance, while the fourth button (Fn) can be freely configured. By pressing the display key several times you can also switch to a display window, which shows all data as an overview. If you press the "Q.Menu" button near the shutter button, the displayed functional areas can be selected by means of a 4-way switch or dial, but can not be changed directly. Instead, you must first press the Set button to make the settings in a sub-menu.
Image quality: More dynamics at ISO 800 and 1600 At the limit resolution, the GH1 achieves standard values between 1254 and 1231 LP / BH in the measured range from ISO 100 to 1600. In terms of texture loss, it is with an overall 0.4 of the Olympus E-450 (Up to 1.1). The same is true for the dynamic range, which is still 8 screens at ISO 1600, while the E-450 has to be satisfied with 6.5 screens. It is noticeable that the dynamic maximum of 9 stops is achieved at ISO 400/800 and not at ISO 100 (8.5 aperture). The camera roars at ISO 100 a bit more than the E-450 (which is not noticeable), but with ISO 800 and 1600 but visibly less.
Videofilms with the Lumix GH1
With the video mode, the GH1 offers a clearly defined added value in comparison to the sister model G1, which the manufacturer can be paid for appropriately. The maximum resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels (full-HD) at an image refresh rate of 25 B / s with respect to the image output - namely 50 fields per second. For shooting in Full HD mode, the camera operates according to the Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD) standard, which uses the H.264 / MPEG-4 Codec Codec. Alternatively, the GH1 also offers Motion JPEG as a video format, which can be played with the standard QuickTime player. For AVCHD you need special programs that contain the H.264 / MPEG-4 codec. The firmware CD supplied with the GH1 provides the program PhotoFunStudio with elementary editing functions. You can also play AVCHD videos with the VLC Media Player available as freeware for Mac and Windows on various Internet pages. The quality of full-HD videos is excellent.
You start a video recording with the red button within the range of your thumb and finish it by pressing again. Disadvantage: Sometimes you press the video start button if you want to "only" take photos. The autofocus is retained during video recording. When the AF selector switch is set to AF-S, you can press the shutter button during the video recording. If, on the other hand, AF-C is selected, continuous refocusing is the most comfortable option. You can also manually focus.
Important for the film are on the one hand the swiveling monitor of the GH1, on the other hand the set lens Lumix G Vario 4-5,8 / 14-140 mm. Its AF-motor works almost silently and leads the sharpness softly. The focal image-equivalent focal range is 28 to 280 mm, an optical image stabilizer minimizes camera shake. A stereo microphone has been integrated into the housing of the pop-up flash unit and is placed in front of the flash shoe. The built-in sound processor (Dolby Digital Stereo Signal Creator) widens the stereo base, a switchable software filter to suppress wind noise - in three stages. The sound quality is amazing for a built-in microphone. An external microphone can be connected to the Mic / Remote using a jack plug and attached to the flash shoe.
In the video recording, 14 of a total of 30 exposure programs are available, as well as the "intelligent automatic" (iA) with additions such as motif or face detection, AF tracking etc. This setting is recommended for undefeated videofilms with good to excellent results. The user is able to intervene with the aperture, e.g. By switching to automatic time with aperture selection. By selective sharpness (large aperture), motifs can be isolated from their surroundings. Due to the relatively small sensor, the play with selective sharpness can not be as high as with an SLR camera with a full-size sensor (Canon EOS 5 MkII) is possible.
To adjust the exposure in the video mode, the Lumix G Vario 4-5.8 / 14-140 mm has a continuously variable aperture. The camera automatically varies the shutter speed electronically between 1/30 and 1/4 sec. When the shutter speed is set to 1 second or more for an optimal exposure, the ISO setting is automatically increased, normally to ISO 400. If the user manually sets an ISO limit, the limit can also be extended to ISO 800 and 1600. However, when the shutter speed and aperture are manually set, there is no ISO auto.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1
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