CameraReviews.com
menu
Hi Camera Lovers 👋 If you buy a camera through our referral links, you support our site at no cost to you 😉 Full info here.

Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 vs Lumix DMC G2 Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Panasonic Lumix DMC G1

Panasonic Lumix DMC G1
36%

Panasonic Lumix DMC G2

Panasonic Lumix DMC G2
Winner!
44%
Panasonic Lumix DMC G1
vs
Panasonic Lumix DMC G2
Price
Brand
Panasonic
Panasonic
Model
Lumix DMC G1
Lumix DMC G2
Released
2008
2010
Announcement Date
September 12, 2008
March 07, 2010
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G2 outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 with a score of 44/100 compared to the G1’s 36/100. Both cameras share the same mirrorless camera type and identical dimensions of 124 x 84mm. However, the G2 is 29mm deeper and weighs 68g more than the G1.

The G2’s higher score reflects its better performance, which can be attributed to a more recent release in 2010, compared to the G1’s 2008 launch. Additionally, the G2 has a lower launch price of $599, making it more affordable than the G1 at $790.

The G1’s advantage lies in its lighter weight of 360g, making it more portable than the G2. However, the G2’s improved performance, affordability, and overall value make it the clear winner in this comparison.

Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 vs Lumix DMC G2 Overview and Optics

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G2 outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 in optics with a score of 44/100, a 6-point lead over the G1’s 38/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including 12.1 megapixels, CMOS sensor type, Venus Engine HD II processor, Micro Four Thirds sensor size, and Micro 4/3 lens mount.

The G2’s advantages lie in its slightly higher DXOMARK sensor score of 53 compared to the G1’s score of 52. This one-point difference indicates that the G2’s sensor performs better in terms of image quality. Moreover, the G2 includes image stabilization, a feature absent in the G1. This addition allows the G2 to capture steadier images and reduces the chances of blurry photos due to camera shake.

On the other hand, the G1 has a faster shooting speed of 3 frames per second (fps) compared to the G2’s 2.6 fps. This means that the G1 can capture a slightly higher number of images in a shorter time, which could be useful in specific situations, such as photographing fast-moving subjects.

Considering the optics of both cameras, the Panasonic Lumix DMC G2 emerges as the better option due to its higher sensor score and the presence of image stabilization. These features contribute to its enhanced image quality and steadier shots. Although the G1 has a marginally faster shooting speed, the G2’s advantages make it the superior choice for capturing high-quality images.

Optics
Optics
38%
44%
Megapixels
12.1 MP
12.1 MP
Image Resolution
4000 x 3000 px
4000 x 3000 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
13 x 17.3 mm
13 x 17.3 mm
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds
Micro Four Thirds
Frame Rate
3 fps
2.6 fps
Lens Mount
Micro 4/3
Micro 4/3
Image Processor
Venus Engine HD II
Venus Engine HD II
Aspect Ratio
4:3
4:3
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
3,200
6,400
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
3200
6400
Minimum Shutter Speed
60 s
60 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 4000 s
1/ 4000 s
Autofocus Points
23
23
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Electronic
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
202,000 dots
1,440,000 dots

Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 vs Lumix DMC G2 Video Performance

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G2 outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 in video capabilities, with a video score of 47/100 versus G1’s 34/100. Both cameras share some common features, such as Standard HD maximum video resolution and maximum video dimensions of 1280 x 720. However, there are key differences that set the G2 apart.

The G2’s main advantage is its higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, compared to the G1’s 30fps. This means that the G2 can capture smoother videos with more fluid motion, making it ideal for recording fast-paced action or sports. Additionally, the higher frame rate allows for better slow-motion playback, as more frames can be played back at a slower speed without losing video quality.

The G1 does not have any significant advantages over the G2 in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras lack built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a popular feature for capturing the passage of time in a creative way. This means that neither camera has an edge in this aspect.

Given the differences in video performance, the Panasonic Lumix DMC G2 is the clear winner in this comparison. Its higher video score reflects superior video quality and smoother motion capture, thanks to its 60fps frame rate. While the G1 shares some common specifications with the G2, its lower frame rate of 30fps limits its video performance. Consequently, if video recording is a priority, the Panasonic Lumix DMC G2 is the better choice between these two cameras.

Video
Video
34%
47%
Video
Max Video Resolution
Standard HD
Standard HD
Max Video Dimensions
1280 x 720 px
1280 x 720 px
Max Video Frame Rate
30 p
60 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
Motion JPEG
MOV, AVCHD Lite

Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 vs Lumix DMC G2 Features and Benefits

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G2 emerges as the winner with a feature score of 49/100, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 trails with a score of 36/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, 460,000-dot screen resolution, flip screen, and the absence of GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth.

The G2 outperforms the G1 mainly due to its touchscreen capability. This feature allows users to navigate menus, adjust settings, and select focus points more efficiently, making it a more user-friendly camera. The touchscreen also provides a more modern and intuitive user experience, which is a significant advantage over the G1.

On the other hand, the G1 does not have any particular features that make it better than the G2. The only advantage it has is that it shares some specifications with the G2, such as screen size, screen resolution, flip screen, and the lack of GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth. However, these similarities do not provide an edge over the G2, as they are present in both models.

Considering the differences and similarities, it is clear that the Panasonic Lumix DMC G2 is a superior camera compared to the Panasonic Lumix DMC G1, primarily due to its touchscreen functionality. This feature enhances user experience and efficiency, making the G2 a more appealing choice for photographers. The G1, while sharing some specifications with the G2, does not offer any additional advantages, making it a less desirable option.

Features
Features
36%
49%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
LCD
TFT LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3"
3"
Screen Resolution
460,000 dots
460,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 vs Lumix DMC G2 Storage and Battery

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC G2 both score 21/100 in storage and battery. They share similarities in this category, such as having one memory card slot and not supporting USB charging. Both cameras accept SD and SDHC memory cards, but the G2 also supports SDXC cards, which allows for higher storage capacity.

The G1 outperforms the G2 in battery life, providing 380 shots per charge compared to the G2’s 330 shots. They both use a similar battery type, the DMW-BLB13 for the G1 and the DMW-BLB13PP for the G2.

The advantage of the G2 is its compatibility with SDXC memory cards, offering more storage options for users. However, the G1 has a longer battery life, enabling more shots to be taken before needing to recharge. Despite these differences, their overall scores in storage and battery remain equal. Both cameras have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them depends on the user’s priorities in terms of battery life and storage capacity.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
21%
21%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / MMC
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
DMW-BLB13
DMW-BLB13PP
Battery Life
380 shots
330 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
52%
53%
Portrait (Color Depth)
21.1 bits
21.2 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
10.3 EVs
10.3 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
463
493
Scores

Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 vs Lumix DMC G2 – Our Verdict

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 or the Panasonic Lumix DMC G2:

User Scores
Spotted a mistake with these specs? Please let us know so we can update it!