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Panasonic Lumix G100 Review

The fact that Panasonic is marketing its new G100 as “the ultimate” vlogging camera makes it quite apparent to who the manufacturer intends to sell this particular model.

Although the beginning camera is the successor to the Panasonic G95 and G90, it differs considerably from those models. It has a more compact size and features that focus more on video recording to cater to those just starting on YouTube.

Panasonic LUMIX G100 4k Mirrorless Camera, Lightweight Camera for Photo and Video, Built-in Microphone, Micro Four Thirds with 12-32mm Lens, 5-Axis Hybrid I.S, 4K 24p 30p Video, DC-G100VK (Black)
C $899.00
4 new from C $899.00
6 used from C $678.61
Free shipping
as of June 8, 2023 11:18 am

However, because of its compact form, it has the potential to be thought of by still photographers as the perfect camera for taking on vacation. In addition, you’ve got a pretty little portable bundle if you combine this with any of the more compact Micro Four Thirds lenses currently available.

Panasonic Lumix G100 Features

Panasonic has been a significant participant in the video industry for a long time. While in the past, its attention may have been directed toward the more “serious” filmmaker, the G100 focuses squarely on the space occupied by video bloggers.

This indicates that it comes equipped with many video-centric specifications, making it appealing to YouTube creators. There is, of course, the ability to shoot video in 4K at 30 frames per second, although with a crop, but in addition, there is a wide variety of different frame rates and resolutions.

There is also a video selfie mode, a social media frame marker (to assist you in ensuring that you are framing up correctly for the social media network of your choice), and a dedicated button for transferring your videos and photos directly to your smartphone, where they are ready to be uploaded. Other social media-friendly features include a social media frame marker.

Panasonic Lumix G100 Build Quality

One of the system’s many strengths is the ability of cameras designed for the Micro Four Thirds system to be far more compact than their APS-C or full-frame equivalents. With the G100, Panasonic has carried this concept to its logical conclusion, creating a highly compact device and light to appeal to vloggers looking for something extremely portable to record their day-to-day life.

The Panasonic G100 is a follow-up to the Panasonic G95 and G90. However, it doesn’t look like either of those cameras. The most obvious change is the much-reduced size of the body. It also means that you will not have the large handgrip, but the smaller grip left will still provide you with a substantial purchase on the camera, making this feel like a sacrifice that was well worth it.

There is also a reduction in the number of direct access buttons and dials on the G100; nevertheless, you are still left with a sufficient array that will allow you to get to the setting you want rapidly. This is even though the number of direct access buttons and dials has been reduced. For example, there is still a dial for altering the aperture and shutter speed, but there is no longer a secondary dial nor a dial for modifying the drive mode. The mode dial, as is the one for adjusting the aperture and shutter speed, is still present.

Panasonic Lumix G100 Performance

We’ve been able to put the G100 through a few real-world tests to get a better idea of how effectively the Ozo Audio internal microphone system functions.

When a company states that you do not require the acquisition of an additional microphone, it is an audacious assertion; nonetheless, preliminary evidence suggests that they might not be incorrect.

The G100 has been put through its paces in various sonic environments so that we can evaluate the microphones’ ability to suppress ambient noise and how well they perform overall. We wouldn’t anticipate any issues in mostly calm settings, and the camera performs admirably in those situations. In addition, it does a fantastic job of prioritizing the speaker’s sound to offer clear sound even when background noise exists, such as crowds and other people conversing. Examples of this kind of background noise include:

Panasonic Lumix G100 Image & Video Quality

Because the G100 utilizes the same sensor as its predecessor, we were not anticipating any unexpected developments about the picture and video quality of the camera.

That implies you get a sensor that performs well and produces high-quality pictures in various environments and lighting circumstances. The overall sense of detail is extremely high when looking at photographs at A4 or lower resolution. In addition, the colors immediately exhibit a decent degree of vibrance from the camera (in other words, everyday printing and web sizes).

The video quality is also relatively high, which we would anticipate from a camera explicitly designed with vloggers in mind. Most of the video is clear and fluid, with vivid colors and fine detail. The sound quality was discussed previously in the “performance” section, but it is still head and shoulders above the excellent quality of other built-in mics.

However, a crop is applied to the image when you take a video in 4K. This is the only bad news. Vloggers who like to record videos of themselves will be disappointed to learn this, as doing so will require them to shoot from a considerable distance to properly frame their heads when using the standard kit lens at its widest setting (12-24mm equivalent, thanks to the Four Thirds Sensor).

Panasonic Lumix G100 Specs

MSRP$749 (w/12-32 lens), $799 (w/12-32 lens and tripod grip)
Body type
Body typeSLR-style mirrorless
Body materialComposite, metal
Sensor
Max resolution5184 x 3888
Image ratio w h1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors22 megapixels
Sensor sizeFour Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
Color spacesRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter arrayPrimary color filter
Image
ISOAuto, 200-25600 (expands down to ISO 100)
Boosted ISO (minimum)100
White balance presets5
Custom white balanceYes (4 slots)
Image stabilizationNo
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsFine, standard
File formatJPEG (Exif v2.31)Raw (Panasonic RW2)
Optics & Focus
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View
Autofocus assist lampYes
Digital zoomYes
Manual focusYes
Number of focus points49
Lens mountMicro Four Thirds
Focal length multiplier
Screen/viewfinder
Articulated LCDFully articulated
Screen size3″
Screen dots1,840,000
Touch screenYes
Screen typeTFT LCD
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeElectronic
Viewfinder coverage100%
Viewfinder magnification1.46× (0.73× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder resolution3,680,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed60 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/500 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic)1/16000 sec
Exposure modesProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual
Scene modesExpressiveRetroOld DaysHigh KeyLow KeySepiaMonochromeDynamic MonochromeRough MonochromeSilky MonochromeImpressive ArtHigh DynamicCross ProcessToy EffectToy PopBleach BypassMiniature EffectSoft FocusFantasyStar FilterOne Point ColorSunshine
Built-in flashYes
Flash Range3.60 m (at ISO 100)
External flashYes
Flash modesAuto, auto w/redeye reduction, on, on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction, off
Flash X sync speed1/50 sec
Drive modesSingleBurst4K PhotoPost Focus
Continuous drive10.0 fps
Self-timerYes
Metering modesMultiCenter-weighted spot
Exposure compensation±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB BracketingYes
Videography features
FormatMPEG-4, H.264
Modes3840 x 1920 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC3840 x 1920 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC3840 x 1920 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
MicrophoneMultiple
SpeakerMono
Storage
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I supported)
Connectivity
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
USB chargingYes
HDMIYes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone portYes
Headphone portNo
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless notes802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth
Remote controlYes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionBLG10 lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)270
Weight (inc. batteries)352 g (0.78 lb / 12.42 oz)
Dimensions116 x 83 x 54 mm (4.57 x 3.27 x 2.13″)
Other features
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingYes
GPSNone

Panasonic Lumix G100 Verdict

Panasonic LUMIX G100 4k Mirrorless Camera, Lightweight Camera for Photo and Video, Built-in Microphone, Micro Four Thirds with 12-32mm Lens, 5-Axis Hybrid I.S, 4K 24p 30p Video, DC-G100VK (Black)
C $899.00
4 new from C $899.00
6 used from C $678.61
Free shipping
as of June 8, 2023 11:18 am

The G100 is a fantastic option for people who create content for YouTube and other video-sharing websites. It is one of the most flexible and well-specified cameras in its price and weight category, boasting a world-first in audio recording capabilities and a wide variety of video recording possibilities.

Travel photographers seeking something compact and unobtrusive will find this camera an excellent alternative because of its modest size, shape, and weight. In addition, this is a fun alternative that may appeal to a wide range of people because there is an excellent selection of Micro Four Thirds lenses on the market, many of which are compact and convenient for traveling.

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