Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Review

@pmobuvis: Quality of components does not sell cameras. Pentax and Olympus bundle with their DSLRs lenses of excellent quality, but it doesn't stop the hordes of people buying a Canon instead, with it's not too great 18-55mm lens..

It's all a marketing and price game, one that Panasonic hasn't seemed to have worked out how to play yet. After being asked by clients all the time why I don't shoot on Canon/Nikon, I have realised that public perception of what is "pro" and "the best" seems to be is heavily weighted towards "the big two" brands. For many, Canon/Nikon means expensive camera, like a Hoover vacuum cleaner or Aga cooker etc..

Until Panasonic can break this perception with something that can undercut in price (the big one), or provide truly superior results then it's Canon/Nikon competitors, then it will always be an also ran, along with Pentax/Oly/Sony etc..

@Noodles: without the 14-140mm lens, the GH1 is useless for video, as the rest of the micro 4/3 lineup (including the excellent 20mm f1.7) are too noisy for video recording, unless you resort to manual focusing (and without manual focus detents on the barrel, it's not going to be easy) or pre-focus, which limits them to a very specific role.

Cliff misses the point of movie mode on DSLRs. Unlike HD camcorders, it is possible to obtain a very film-like feel with the DSLRs (including the GH1) because of their large sensors and big-aperture lenses. Meaning they're competing (at least nominally) with professional HD camcorders that cost an order of magnitude more, are bulkier, and less versatile. It's still not something you could or would shoot Lord of the Rings on, but they are a compelling option for film students, indie shorts and commercials (except in Europe where they are often crippled with ridiculous 30-minute limitations by overzealous bureaucrats).

If there is a major shortcoming on the GH1, it's that it's missing in-body IS, which would have made it a killer video app with manual OM and M mount lenses.

Oh, and Chris, the GH1 has a new multi-aspect sensor compared to the G1, which is worth mentioning.

@Noodles: Unfortunately, re: your comment about how people perceive Canon/Nikon brand over others...yes, it's true -- most people are brand-whores. I really wish Olympus/Panasonic/m43/(even Sony) can put more pressure on Canon/Nikon juggernaut. At the end of it all, good competition is good for us.