Photographybay just published the new Panasonic review. “I was really pleased with the GH1 as a fun and capable alternative to a DSLR…”

Read the article: http://www.photographybay.com/2009/09/28/panasonic-gh1-review/

Light (our cat) from kiyuri on Vimeo.

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kiyuri made this nice video with the Panasonic and the new Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Pancake Lens.
He writes:
“Just a simple video of our cat, Light. Nothing humorous. He’s sleepy, but does a little grooming. He is a red point bi-color Ragdoll and is just over 1-year old.

The original is 1280×720 at 60fps, but I slowed it down to 30fps so it plays in slow motion. I think it’s more relaxing to watch this way. =)“

Ok I know, they have only one in stock, but isn’t that something we missed since the day Panasonic unveiled the camera?

See it for yourself:

Panasonic DMC-GH1 12MP Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera with 1080p HD Video

UPDATE: Now only the high priced ($2,199.99) item is in stock. You have to wait until the September 19th to get the for $1,499.99 only.

Jerry sent me following email:
When shooting RAW – they (the GH1 owners) should not use NR -2 setting!

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1041&message=32843973

and

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1041&message=32676299

Best Regards,

The review comments on video but doesnt provide any analysis or samples, although there is a good collection on it’s video page. I haven’t yet read the whole review, but from the conclusion, “Colours are accurate when using the default Standard setting, with lots of scope to adjust the JPEG output to suit your own tastes, and the auto white balance is spot-on in most lighting conditions”.

In terms of handling, “It delivers a near-seamless Live View experience which doesn’t feel as though it has been literally forced into the overall design, as with the Live View function on the majority of DSLRs. The combination of the high-resolution, swivelling LCD screen and the outstanding electronic viewfinder is a joy to use.”

For more, read the review: http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_gh1_review/

The review is pretty much summarised by his closing comment:

“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is the best attempt yet at implementing video recording on a DSLR-like camera. The combination of high price, compulsory kit lens and so-so image quality in low-light conditions won’t make it suitable for everyone though.”

I am personally quite disappointed that Panasonic are crippling their product by not making it available to everyone. It may end up creating ‘tiers’ within the Micro FourThirds camera hierachy, something for users of the cheaper cameras to upgrade to.