Lumix G1

Lens / 4 Thirds

Q: Can Four Thirds lenses be used?

A: Yes, the DMW-MA1 is a mount adaptor available for Four Thirds lenses. Auto focusing can also be used for lenses that support the Contrast AF function.

Q: Can interchangeable lenses from other companies be used?

A: There is a compatibility chart on the Panasonic global support site.

Q: Are there adaptors made by Panasonic for interchangeable lenses from other companies?

A: Panasonic have produced adaptors to use Leica M and Leica R lenses on the DMC-G1. Please click here for details.

Q: If you use a mount adaptor to mount a Four Thirds lens with an aperture ring, will the aperture ring work?

A: Yes.

Body

Q: Is the body made of resin or magnesium alloy?

A: The body is made of resin.

Q: Does the DMC-G1 have a mechanical shutter?

A: Yes. It is normally kept open. This means you can not see it even if you detach the lens.

Q: Electronic shutter is useful at weddings etc. How come G1 doesn't have it? Any specific reason for not to have it?

A: The structure of the sensor didn't allow the G1 to have an electronic shutter. This may be considered in the future.

Q: If the shutter is normally open, How does the shutter work?

A: It closes right before you release the shutter and then starts exposure.

Image Sensor

Q: Is the image sensor made by Panasonic?

A: As with our previous models, it was co-developed by Panasonic and Olympus.

Q: What's the pixel pitch for the image sensor?

A: It's 4.36 microns.

Q: I touched the sensor by mistake. How can I clean it? I don't think a blower works for finger prints.

A: You need special treatment to remove oily stain like finger prints. Please contact one of our service centres, using the appropriate options in the 'Contact Us' section of the Lumix lifestyle website.

Q: Is this the first for digital interchangeable lens camera to have EVF?

A: Yes.

Q: What kind of system does the electronic viewfinder use? What does 1.44-megapixel equivalent mean?

A: The electronic viewfinder is a field sequential system. This is a method of forming images in which the three RGB colours are switched for each pixel at the high speed of 180 fps. Because of this, the actual number of pixels displayed is 480,000 x 3 = 1,440,000.

Q: What's the apparent size?

A: It's equivalent to the 0.7 magnification for a viewfinder on a 35mm full-size camera. This is the industry's top level.

Q: What is the release time lag?

A: It is approximately 70ms for the picture to be taken after releasing the shutter.

Using the G1

Q: What do I need to set on the camera to enable me to use third party Non 4Thirds lenses on the G1?

A: You will need to change the option 'Shoot W/O lens' Details on Page 110 of the instruction manual. This allows the camera to operate when no lens or a non dedicated lens is attached.

Q: How do I Use 'Manual Focus assist' with non dedicated lenses?

A: After enabling 'Shoot W/O lens' you can use the Manual Focus assist with any lens that is attached to the G1. When in Picture taking mode Press the Left hand cursor key. This will bring up a box for selecting which part of the LCD to Magnify. Choose an area and press the 'Menu/Set' button. Once you have focused, to return to normal view half press the shutter button. Whilst in the manual focus assist mode you can change the zoom magnification by using the 'Front Dial'.

Q: Can I use external Flash triggers with the G1 hot shoe?

A: Yes, however you will need to ensure to use a trigger system with a low terminal Voltage (Less than 24V).

Q: Are all the Micro 4Thirds lenses compatible with the G1?

A: Yes, the Micro 4Thirds system allows compatibility between different manufacturers who make lenses for this system. Currently lenses for Micro 4Thirds are manufactured by Panasonic and Olympus.

Q: Can I use the G1 with my telescope or Spotting scope?

A: In theory yes providing you purchase a third party adaptor for your spotting scope or telescope for connecting it to a Micro 4Thirds camera. You could also use the DMW-MA1E to convert the G1 from Micro 4Thirds to Normal 4Thirds standard. You might find it easier to obtain an adaptor for your telescope for the 4thirds standard.

Q: Is there a way of setting the camera to infinity focus?

A: There is no way of setting the camera to infinity focus; you will either need to use Auto focus or manual Focus to achieve the correct focus distance.

Updating Firmware

Q: How do I load the firmware file to the camera?

A: You will need to load the firmware file to the route directory of an SD card using a card reader (You can use the G1 if the firmware is 1.2 onwards).

Q: I have loaded the software to the card but the camera will not update what could be wrong?

A: Firstly ensure the '.BIN' file is on the route directory of the card. Also note that the camera will not update unless the battery is fully charged (Showing 3 bars of battery).

Downloading to a PC

Q: What program do I use to convert the RAW files taken with the G1?

A: The camera comes with Silkypix Developer, which can open and convert the RAW files taken with the G1.

Q: Can I use third party editing / Raw converters?

A: Providing that the software you are using supports the G1, then you are able to use this software. To check suitability of the program you are using please contact the manufacturer of the software and enquire as to whether they support RAW files from the G1.

We trust that the above has provided you with an answer to your query. If not, please send us an e-mail using the Contact Us button. Our advisors will be pleased to answer your questions.