Text: Happy | Translation: dilettante | Photo: Chan Kin Wai
For those who like taking photographs and want certain level of quality, DSLR models probably come to their consideration. Apart from the optimised image quality, DSLR models also allow the user to change lens accordingly. However, the sheer weight and complex system of DSLR are not desirable for many.
Eventually, a perfect solution materialised last year. Taking the concept from 4/3 system, the DSLR lens was completely taken out and made lighter. The excellent Micro 4/3 system offers quality images. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is a debut of such pioneer camera model.
Lumix G1 is drawing such attention, apart from the fantastic combination of physical lightness and quality images, also because it is highly functional and practical. The one thing that excites photography lovers most is that a specially-designed adaptor allows the camera to be compatible with lens by a different manufacturer. This includes the classic and stunning Leica M Mount lens series.
PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-G1
The intention of developing Micro 4/3 is to design a portable machine with all the advantage of 4/3; Lumix DMC-G1 is a DSLR with changeable lenses to attract the demanding female users. Hence G1 looks like a mini-DSLR, and comes in red and blue as well as the traditional black. Surprisingly, this model is found to be more popular among the male users.
Before we go into the ‘secrets’ of G1, let’s discover its various functions. Unlike traditional DSLR machine, the distance between the Micro 4/3 system ring and sensor is now halved, with changeable lens making the machine highly portable. The diameter of G1 ring is 6mm shorter than before. G1 comes with a 4/3-system-size, 12.1 mega pixels Live MOS light sensor, with CCD image quality, CMOS low battery consumption, 60 frames per second instant image, Venus Engine HD image processer which adjusts colour and light, enabling a clear image even with high ISO. The Supersonic Dust Reduction System vibrates at a frequency of 50,000 per second repelling dust and other particles.
Another major function of G1 is ‘Full-Time Live View’, it guarantees excellent image accuracy on LCD and View Finder, as well as showing the current set up. Looking into View Finder, the built-in sensor automatically turns it on, and LCD screen off simultaneously. Real time View Finder is the same model used in the top DSLRs, providing 100% field of view and 1.4× magnification, 1,440,000 dots equivalent and display of smooth images at 60fps.
G1 lens provides accurate, user friendly and high speed zoom. Set up modes are available, up to 23 focus area and detecting up to 15 faces. AF Tracking allows accurate navigation on a moving object, accurate focus and exposure lock. 460K dots 3-inch LCD screen offers 270 degrees rotation to enable flexible composition. Auto Power function on LCD enables auto brightness adjustments according to the surrounding.
THE MUTATION-MOUNTING LEICA M LENSES ON LUMIX G1
The ‘secret’ I mentioned before is the adaptor that allows the camera to be compatible with lens by a different manufacturer. The Panasonic lenses are of high quality, but the major manufacturers have been launching popular lenses with specific functions over the years. Therefore the Micro 4/3 adaptor is an exciting arrival for photography lovers.
Panasonic launched the original Micro 4/3 – 4/3 adaptor quite a while ago, allowing G1 to be compatible with the 4/3 lenses. Miyamoto factory in Japan manufactured Micro 4/3 adaptors under the name ‘Rayqual’, the two main categories are Leica M – Micro 4/3 and Canon FD – Micro 4/3. Leica M Mount is our focus here.
Leica M Mount is part of the Lens Mount series, which was used since the M3 launched in 1955 up until the recent digital M8. M Mount adaptor was never produced before, because DSLR lens was built-in. M Mount is a specific model for Rangefinder cameras, therefore it is impossible to achieve an indefinite depth of field. For this reason it was not manufactured. The flange of Micro 4/3 is less than 20mm, shorter than the 27.8mm of M Mount, therefore allowing the lens to capture faraway images.
With the adaptor and Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH lens in place (although the G1 Auto Focus and Auto Exposure fail to initiate), the resulting image brings much surprise. Apart from the distinctive depth-of-field, the detail of the image, colour saturation is much better than what the original lens can provide. The strong sense
of dimension urges one to re-discover the importance of lenses. It also boosts the analog texture of a film camera. It is the first time a camera in this price range is capable of creating images with such expression.
Panasonic recently announced the launch of second-phase model Lumix DMC-GH1, with a full HD (1,920 × 1,080 Pixels). Yet it is not a follow up model of G1, but a more high-end model.
PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-G1 $6,990
www.panasonic.hk
RAYQUAL LEICA M – M4/3 ADAPTER JP¥18,700
www.japanexposures.com
