Capture Every Moment with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1: Review and Comparison

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 - a powerful and versatile camera that is perfect for capturing every moment. We'll discuss its specs, features, and performance, and compare it to other popular models in its class. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just getting started, this review will give you all the information you need to make an informed buying decision.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 article cover photo

Key Features

Jul 10 2009

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPanasonic
Sensor TypeFour Thirds
SensorCMOS
Weight385g
MSRP$1499USD

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Overview of the Lumix DMC-GH1

With so many cameras on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. But if you're looking for a camera that offers powerful performance, versatility, and ease of use, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is definitely worth considering. This mirrorless camera boasts a 16.05 megapixel sensor, 1080p video recording capabilities, and a range of advanced features that make it perfect for capturing everything from landscape shots to action-packed sports scenes. In this review, we'll take a closer look at what this camera has to offer, and compare it to other popular models in its class. So whether you're a professional photographer or simply looking to up your photography game, read on to discover why the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is a top pick for many.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

1080p HD Video Recording
Interchangeable Lenses
Micro Four Thirds System
High-Quality Image Stabilization
Fast Autofocus
External Mic Input
Large Articulating Screen
Compact Design
Electronic Viewfinder

Cons

Pricey
Poor Low-Light Performance
Mediocre Battery Life
No Full-Frame Sensor
Limited Dynamic Range
Limited Native Lens Options
Some Compatibility Issues
Slow Startup Time
No Built-in Flash

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

Weather sealed
Dimensions124 x 90 x 45mm
Weight385g
Thickness45mm
Weight
Min
Avg
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution460k dots
Body typeSLR-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Lumix DMC-GH1 includes a electronic viewfinder with n/a of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 has a 12MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - 3200. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jul 10 2009

Announced

100 - 1600

ISO Range

SensorFour Thirds
Extended ISOnull - 3200
Max resolution4000 x 3000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

64 / 102

Color Depth

21.6 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

11.6 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

772 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Lumix DMC-GH1 is below average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Four Thirds

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC
Battery Life320 shots
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 supports SD/SDHC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 uses the undefined model of battery pack. This is rated for 320 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 weather sealed?

No the Lumix DMC-GH1 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 announced?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 was announced on Jul 10 2009

Does the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 have in-body image stabilization?

No the Lumix DMC-GH1 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1?

The Lumix DMC-GH1 has a native ISO range of 100-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-3200 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 article cover photo

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