Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 image samples to download

[Four Thirds User editorial team]

After yesterday's high ISO comparisons, here are some straightforward every day test shots taken with our G1 evaluation unit for you to download.

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[f22]

Ian,

Thanks for the examples. Having used it what is your impression about the way it holds onto the highlights? It could be the difference in metering systems/signal processing, but from various examples I've seen on the net the E-3/520 have more headlight range.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by f22

Ian,

Thanks for the examples. Having used it what is your impression about the way it holds onto the highlights? It could be the difference in metering systems/signal processing, but from various examples I've seen on the net the E-3/520 have more headlight range.

I haven't done any more comparisons with other bodies, but there don't seem to be any serious highlight issues in the pictures took today.

Ian

[shiyali]

Thank you for posting these. I mostly looked at the ISO 100 samples and they look very clean to me. In fact, cleaner than other G1 samples I have seen. Could that have something to do with the NR -1 setting? Do you think the Standard NR setting adds extra sharpening that affects image quality?

[Ian]

Originally Posted by shiyali

Thank you for posting these. I mostly looked at the ISO 100 samples and they look very clean to me. In fact, cleaner than other G1 samples I have seen. Could that have something to do with the NR -1 setting? Do you think the Standard NR setting adds extra sharpening that affects image quality?

I would expect NR-1 to look sharper as there would be less smoothing applied. That sounds like the opposite of what you were suggesting?

Ian

[Bob Ross]

Hi Ian,
I downloaded the Jordan's shot and had a good play with it. I picked this shot as it was familiar, had lots of detail, wide exposure range and tonal gradients to look at.
What I found was
1. A tipical 4/3rds image (that is a good thing).
2. The usual digital highlight rate of detail fall off.
3. A weak saturation gradient that I have recently become aware of in most digital images.
4. Image file is flexible and my PP routines to treat #s 2 & 3 above worked fine.
5. While looking for the actual focus plane I went to 200% mag and found that the new lens doesn't seem to be in the same sharpness league, as say the ZD50. It looks good at normal magification on screne (and most likely in a print). This could be the lens or the sensor's increased resolution and it could be a good thing if the sensor's AA filter is light, because lenses add AA effects, too. I usually don't poke around an image at 200%, but once in a while will and this time I was expecting to see what I do with the ZD50 on the E-3, and didn't.
Over all, I am satisfied with the normal ISO performance, where if a camera has a problem it only gets amplified at higher ISOs. I am curious what will show when top end optics are used. Thanks for posting the good samples.
Bob

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Bob Ross

Hi Ian,
I downloaded the Jordan's shot and had a good play with it. I picked this shot as it was familiar, had lots of detail, wide exposure range and tonal gradients to look at.
What I found was
1. A tipical 4/3rds image (that is a good thing).
2. The usual digital highlight rate of detail fall off.
3. A weak saturation gradient that I have recently become aware of in most digital images.
4. Image file is flexible and my PP routines to treat #s 2 & 3 above worked fine.
5. While looking for the actual focus plane I went to 200% mag and found that the new lens doesn't seem to be in the same sharpness league, as say the ZD50. It looks good at normal magification on screne (and most likely in a print). This could be the lens or the sensor's increased resolution and it could be a good thing if the sensor's AA filter is light, because lenses add AA effects, too. I usually don't poke around an image at 200%, but once in a while will and this time I was expecting to see what I do with the ZD50 on the E-3, and didn't.
Over all, I am satisfied with the normal ISO performance, where if a camera has a problem it only gets amplified at higher ISOs. I am curious what will show when top end optics are used. Thanks for posting the good samples.
Bob

Thanks Bob, the intention is to try out some top notch Four Thirds optics, like the 50mm Macro once the Four Thirds adapter tube arrives.

I have been trying to process a 3200 ISO image in SilkyPix (which comes with the G1) but the software is not easy to use. I managed to produce a better base black which can hide noise, and banding is still well subdued compared to the E-3, for example.

I must say that the more I use the G1, the more I like it. Stephen, who moderates here, was over for dinner last night and had a play with the G1. He's a Canon G9 user and if he was in the market for a new camera says he would very seriously consider something like a G9. Mind you, he hasn't seen the LX3 yet

Ian

[Bob Ross]

Originally Posted by Ian

Thanks Bob, the intention is to try out some top notch Four Thirds optics, like the 50mm Macro once the Four Thirds adapter tube arrives.

I have been trying to process a 3200 ISO image in SilkyPix (which comes with the G1) but the software is not easy to use. I managed to produce a better base black which can hide noise, and banding is still well subdued compared to the E-3, for example.

I must say that the more I use the G1, the more I like it. Stephen, who moderates here, was over for dinner last night and had a play with the G1. He's a Canon G9 user and if he was in the market for a new camera says he would very seriously consider something like a G9. Mind you, he hasn't seen the LX3 yet

Ian

Hi Ian,
I only use SilkyPix for DNGs from the M8 and I find it easier to use than Phase One, though the images aren't as sharp.
Those who now have the G1 are saying that it is fun to use. I wonder how Oly took the various comments on their mock up mFT and how they will affect the final form. That would seem to be what Stephen has in mind, something for the pocket on travels. My interest is in a possible second platform for some Leica M lenses. I suppose the only question along thos lines for the G1 is, can the viewfinder magnification be easily manually brought into use (toggle on/off)?
The hight ISO banding seems to be a problem outside of my usual framework, as I haven't run into the problem, with the E-3.
Bob

[Bear]

Bob

Banding has ever been an issue for me. I have not really noticed it weven at ISO 320 and I have used high ISO's a lot this year. I wonder if I am doing something different that reduces the susceptibility of the sensor to this phenomenon or if my sensitivity to such effects is lower than most !

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Bear

Bob

Banding has ever been an issue for me. I have not really noticed it weven at ISO 320 and I have used high ISO's a lot this year. I wonder if I am doing something different that reduces the susceptibility of the sensor to this phenomenon or if my sensitivity to such effects is lower than most !

Banding is only an issue in pictures where there are fairly large areas of darkness. The banding doesn't show in lighter areas. Indeed, if you use ISO 3200 in reasonably good light, for upping the shutter speed to freeze actiom or to enable extra depth of field, then banding is hardly noticeable. But for pictures, say, in twilight without flash, or in theatres, etc., I see banding in the dark to mid tones.

Ian