Panasonic G100 - A good entry-level point into the Micro Four Thirds System

[Phaser]

Pros:

• RAW shooting
• Capable for photography
• Quick Autofocus and Decent Tracking
• Top Center High Resolution EVF
• Built In Flash
• Touch Screen
• Very Small & Light
• Micro HDMI port
• 3.5mm Microphone Input Jack
• Responsive Menu & Controls
• Included 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens is very sharp, contrasty, and renders very well
• Can be found cheap
• Has a high quality 20MP sensor, practically the same quality as the G9

Cons:

• No IBIS (Why would a camera marketed for video vlogging not have it?) The GX85 has IBIS and it's very compact...
• 4K Video has a large crop
• Electronic E-Stabilization on "High" reduces video quality substantially because it's not oversampled (better to rely on O.I.S lenses and "Standard" E-Stabilization)
• No Environmental/Weather Sealings
• Audio Bitrate is only 128 Kbps. 320 Kbps or PCM audio should really be selectable options!
• Recording Limits (4K, 10 Mins/1080p 20 Mins)
• Mechanical shutter limited up to 1/500 sec
• Flash limited up to 1/50th Sec (you might be better off using LED Light Panels)

Other thoughts:

• Good for Street Photography, Landscapes, Portraits. The lack of IBIS has been a non-issue for stills.
• Auto and P modes tend to use very small Apertures (like F11-F22) in good light if shutter type is set to "Electronic Front Curtain". This is because the Mechanical shutter is limited up to 1/500 sec. Set the shutter type to "Electronic Shutter" for better results in good lighting.
• AF Custom Settings for video will need to be manually set for best results (AF Speed & AF Sensitivity) Recommended AF Sensitivity to "locked on" and Autofocus mode to "tracking".
• If recording video on a Tripod, turn off E-Stabilization to get the sharpest video and least amount of crop.
• If you need a cheap MFT camera as a backup or just starting out, just get one!

Sample photos converted from RAW and lightly processed:


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100


Panasonic G100

 

[Isola Verde]

It's interesting that the G100D isn't really an upgrade let alone a new model, yet it's getting a renewed promotional push in Japan where they've hired vloggers and camera channels to promote it. They've even forked out for a new ad campaign .

And how many have they got working in this Forum, I wonder?

Peter

 

[ahaslett]

Firstly I'd like to commend the OP for being brave enough to mention G100 here!

The G100 is just about my favorite M43 camera [non video]] and it exemplifies what M43 should [still] be about....small, light, good.

I've had a range of mirrorless cameras over the last few years and to give you an idea of what I'm comparing the G100 with:

Fuji X-E1, X-T10, X-100S, X-T100, X-T2, Olympus EM 10, EM 10 ii, EM 5 ii [twice], EM 1, EM1 ii, Panasonic GX 8, GX 85 [twice], GF 7, G 7.

If I'm not using a long tele zoom I will take the G100 out in preference to my EM1ii or Fuji X-T2 and it matches so well with, say, the PL9 and the 12-32.

The lack of IBIS is a non starter for me and I'd certainly do without it if it means a lighter, smaller body.

The OM5 has IBIS for an extra 2g.

A

 

[Tom Caldwell]

Firstly I'd like to commend the OP for being brave enough to mention G100 here!

The G100 is just about my favorite M43 camera [non video]] and it exemplifies what M43 should [still] be about....small, light, good.

I've had a range of mirrorless cameras over the last few years and to give you an idea of what I'm comparing the G100 with:

Fuji X-E1, X-T10, X-100S, X-T100, X-T2, Olympus EM 10, EM 10 ii, EM 5 ii [twice], EM 1, EM1 ii, Panasonic GX 8, GX 85 [twice], GF 7, G 7.

If I'm not using a long tele zoom I will take the G100 out in preference to my EM1ii or Fuji X-T2 and it matches so well with, say, the PL9 and the 12-32.

The lack of IBIS is a non starter for me and I'd certainly do without it if it means a lighter, smaller body.

The OM5 has IBIS for an extra 2g.

A

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67424254

 

[Markusweld]

It's interesting that the G100D isn't really an upgrade let alone a new model, yet it's getting a renewed promotional push in Japan where they've hired vloggers and camera channels to promote it. They've even forked out for a new ad campaign .

And how many have they got working in this Forum, I wonder?

Peter

 

[Stu3133]

It's interesting that the G100D isn't really an upgrade let alone a new model, yet it's getting a renewed promotional push in Japan where they've hired vloggers and camera channels to promote it. They've even forked out for a new ad campaign .

And how many have they got working in this Forum, I wonder?

Peter

Well me for starters. I'm making millions or of all the sales directly from this site. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Me too!!

I joined in 2011 and I've been a sleeper ever since just waiting for this opportunity!!

 

[Markusweld]

It's interesting that the G100D isn't really an upgrade let alone a new model, yet it's getting a renewed promotional push in Japan where they've hired vloggers and camera channels to promote it. They've even forked out for a new ad campaign .

And how many have they got working in this Forum, I wonder?

Peter

Well me for starters. I'm making millions or of all the sales directly from this site. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Me too!!

I joined in 2011 and I've been a sleeper ever since just waiting for this opportunity!!

I suspect Tom too. He's in the perfect position with power and authority, and he's been promoting the small IBIS-less GM cameras as well. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

 

[Phaser]

I got the G100 brand new with the 12-32mm lens for $350. That's half of what the Olympus E-M10 Mark IV costs for just the body. With the money saved, I got 3 extra lenses.

That's the issue isn't it? The G100 meanwhile is the same price as the E-M10 IV here, why'd I get the G100 in that case?

Price always plays a big factor, especially more so when the camera has a few standout flaws.

Where is here? I was surprised how cheap they can be obtained in the USA. On Ebay they are commonly $350-$375 new, or often on clearance at retail stores.

 

[Phaser]

Firstly I'd like to commend the OP for being brave enough to mention G100 here!

The G100 is just about my favorite M43 camera [non video]] and it exemplifies what M43 should [still] be about....small, light, good.

I've had a range of mirrorless cameras over the last few years and to give you an idea of what I'm comparing the G100 with:

Fuji X-E1, X-T10, X-100S, X-T100, X-T2, Olympus EM 10, EM 10 ii, EM 5 ii [twice], EM 1, EM1 ii, Panasonic GX 8, GX 85 [twice], GF 7, G 7.

If I'm not using a long tele zoom I will take the G100 out in preference to my EM1ii or Fuji X-T2 and it matches so well with, say, the PL9 and the 12-32.

The lack of IBIS is a non starter for me and I'd certainly do without it if it means a lighter, smaller body.

Thanks! It is somewhat of a mis-marketed oddity and I figured there would be a deterrent effect but I did it anyway. ;-)

It does take some time to learn how to get the best out of it, but it's worth it IMO for the right price.

I use it for casual shooting and I like the portability of the system and image quality. The size of the lenses is fascinating to me and I enjoy the portability of the system.

 

[Lupata]

It's interesting that the G100D isn't really an upgrade let alone a new model, yet it's getting a renewed promotional push in Japan where they've hired vloggers and camera channels to promote it. They've even forked out for a new ad campaign .

And how many have they got working in this Forum, I wonder?

Peter

probably none but the video is interesting, om went for wildlife. Panasonic is going tamelife

--
gfgfjup

 

[Lupata]

\I use it for casual shooting and I like the portability of the system and image quality. The size of the lenses is fascinating to me and I enjoy the portability of the system.

I have been shooting the camera in raw, but the screen is on monochrome. I like it the results that I obtain. When importing into Lightroom of course they are colour raw images, but I do find the results are better than having my camera screen in colour

the biggest difference is in image composition

--
gfgfjup

 

[Lupata]

It might be priced at entry level but it seems to me, from the pros and cons, its limitations are such that it's more like expert level to get the best out of it. Otherwise, its form factor makes it a great little travel and backup camera.

Jeez if this camera is entry-level because it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that makes my medium format. Hasselblad film version the ideal camera for a novice.

--
gfgfjup

 

[Tom Caldwell]

\I use it for casual shooting and I like the portability of the system and image quality. The size of the lenses is fascinating to me and I enjoy the portability of the system.

I have been shooting the camera in raw, but the screen is on monochrome. I like it the results that I obtain. When importing into Lightroom of course they are colour raw images, but I do find the results are better than having my camera screen in colour

the biggest difference is in image composition

I set my lvf function 3 button to the mono/colour live view toggle. I often prefer to shoot in mono even if the capture in jpg/raw is actually in colour.

I don't need this myself but capturing in mono view can help see the focus peaking.

 

[ahaslett]

Firstly I'd like to commend the OP for being brave enough to mention G100 here!

The G100 is just about my favorite M43 camera [non video]] and it exemplifies what M43 should [still] be about....small, light, good.

I've had a range of mirrorless cameras over the last few years and to give you an idea of what I'm comparing the G100 with:

Fuji X-E1, X-T10, X-100S, X-T100, X-T2, Olympus EM 10, EM 10 ii, EM 5 ii [twice], EM 1, EM1 ii, Panasonic GX 8, GX 85 [twice], GF 7, G 7.

If I'm not using a long tele zoom I will take the G100 out in preference to my EM1ii or Fuji X-T2 and it matches so well with, say, the PL9 and the 12-32.

The lack of IBIS is a non starter for me and I'd certainly do without it if it means a lighter, smaller body.

The OM5 has IBIS for an extra 2g.

A

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67424254

IBIS allows me a lighter smaller kit. No idea why this is a problem for people who don’t need IBIS. I have no problem with people not needing IBIS and I don’t have it in the GM1.

Like an EVF, popup flash, AF, longer battery life, whether you want IBIS depends on how you expect to use the camera. I have several MF lenses. Does that mean I should complain every time someone prefers an AF lens?

Andrew

 

[Markusweld]

IBIS allows me a lighter smaller kit. No idea why this is a problem for people who don’t need IBIS. I have no problem with people not needing IBIS and I don’t have it in the GM1.

Andrew

Okay, I'm curious. How does IBIS allow you a smaller, lighter kit? Can't get too much lighter than my G100 with some of my favorite, most used lenses, such as the PL 9mm, PL 15mm, Laowa 10mm, Lumix 20mm PL 25mm, Lumix 42.5mm, PZ 14-42mm, Lumix 12-32mm & so on.

 

[ahaslett]

IBIS allows me a lighter smaller kit. No idea why this is a problem for people who don’t need IBIS. I have no problem with people not needing IBIS and I don’t have it in the GM1.

Andrew

Okay, I'm curious. How does IBIS allow you a smaller, lighter kit? Can't get too much lighter than my G100 with some of my favorite, most used lenses, such as the PL 9mm, PL 15mm, Laowa 10mm, Lumix 20mm PL 25mm, Lumix 42.5mm, PZ 14-42mm, Lumix 12-32mm & so on.

No tripod.

Andrew

 

[Markusweld]

IBIS allows me a lighter smaller kit. No idea why this is a problem for people who don’t need IBIS. I have no problem with people not needing IBIS and I don’t have it in the GM1.

Andrew

Okay, I'm curious. How does IBIS allow you a smaller, lighter kit? Can't get too much lighter than my G100 with some of my favorite, most used lenses, such as the PL 9mm, PL 15mm, Laowa 10mm, Lumix 20mm PL 25mm, Lumix 42.5mm, PZ 14-42mm, Lumix 12-32mm & so on.

No tripod.

Andrew

I don't take a tripod either

 

[ahaslett]

IBIS allows me a lighter smaller kit. No idea why this is a problem for people who don’t need IBIS. I have no problem with people not needing IBIS and I don’t have it in the GM1.

Andrew

Okay, I'm curious. How does IBIS allow you a smaller, lighter kit? Can't get too much lighter than my G100 with some of my favorite, most used lenses, such as the PL 9mm, PL 15mm, Laowa 10mm, Lumix 20mm PL 25mm, Lumix 42.5mm, PZ 14-42mm, Lumix 12-32mm & so on.

No tripod.

Andrew

I don't take a tripod either

Do you shoot landscape?

Andrew

 

[Markusweld]

IBIS allows me a lighter smaller kit. No idea why this is a problem for people who don’t need IBIS. I have no problem with people not needing IBIS and I don’t have it in the GM1.

Andrew

Okay, I'm curious. How does IBIS allow you a smaller, lighter kit? Can't get too much lighter than my G100 with some of my favorite, most used lenses, such as the PL 9mm, PL 15mm, Laowa 10mm, Lumix 20mm PL 25mm, Lumix 42.5mm, PZ 14-42mm, Lumix 12-32mm & so on.

No tripod.

Andrew

I don't take a tripod either

Do you shoot landscape?

Andrew

Do these count?

 

[Markusweld]

IBIS allows me a lighter smaller kit. No idea why this is a problem for people who don’t need IBIS. I have no problem with people not needing IBIS and I don’t have it in the GM1.

Andrew

Okay, I'm curious. How does IBIS allow you a smaller, lighter kit? Can't get too much lighter than my G100 with some of my favorite, most used lenses, such as the PL 9mm, PL 15mm, Laowa 10mm, Lumix 20mm PL 25mm, Lumix 42.5mm, PZ 14-42mm, Lumix 12-32mm & so on.

No tripod.

Andrew

I don't take a tripod either

Do you shoot landscape?

Andrew

Do these count?

Couple more

 

[ahaslett]

IBIS allows me a lighter smaller kit. No idea why this is a problem for people who don’t need IBIS. I have no problem with people not needing IBIS and I don’t have it in the GM1.

Andrew

Okay, I'm curious. How does IBIS allow you a smaller, lighter kit? Can't get too much lighter than my G100 with some of my favorite, most used lenses, such as the PL 9mm, PL 15mm, Laowa 10mm, Lumix 20mm PL 25mm, Lumix 42.5mm, PZ 14-42mm, Lumix 12-32mm & so on.

No tripod.

Andrew

I don't take a tripod either

Do you shoot landscape?

Andrew

Do these count?

Couple more

Markus

My apologies. I respect someone who posts sample pictures but I'm choked with a new cold and working to a client deadline. I haven't forgotten that I need to respond.

Andrew

--
Infinite are the arguments of mages. Truth is a jewel with many facets. Ursula K LeGuin
Please feel free to edit any images that I post