IndieFilmGears.com

Great camera for the rest of us
I was looking for a camera to complement my already excellent Canon point and shoot compact camera. I wanted a longer zoom than the current 3x the Canon had, and I wanted more flexibility and performance in low light and night shooting (for indoor and travel pictures). However, I didn't want a big bulky DSLR and didn't want to lug a bunch of lenses around everywhere I went. After a lot of research, I settled on two alternatives - both Panasonic (GH1 and GF1). I really liked the GF1 due to its smaller overall size, however the lens zoom didn't really get me any further than what I already had. I was concerned however that the GH1 would be too big and complicated to operate. After settling on the GH1, I have to say not only is it easy to use and shoots great pictures, but its actually more compact than I thought it would be. This camera is very well built, and although it's pricey (I paid just under 00 thru Amazon), I was willing to pay more for a camera that would have greater flexibility and long term usability. I was a little surprised at first that the zoom was manual (unlike compacts that have a motorized motion), but after using it I don't think you need it because you have to use two hands anyway to steady the camera at zoom length and it's very natural to hold the camera with one hand while resting the lens with the other in the palm of the hand and twisting to zoom. This camera is perfect for me and while expensive, you definitely get what you pay for.

Pro's: Build quality, ease of use, portability, lens and zoom quality
Negatives: Price (but should continue to come down)

Great video - well thought out controls and menus
I bought the GH1 as a second camera to my larger Canon system, replacing a Canon S5 IS. It was a big jump price-wise but I wanted the improved video quality I'd been reading about. I've always had Canons, so getting this camera was a personal big deal. However, I have not been disappointed. Panasonic has done a very nice job designing the camera's controls and menus. The top right layout of controls is very, very nice. Everything I like to do easily available. No more hunting for that hidden menu for exposure bracketing or the timer. And after I got the hang of the Quick Menu options, I find I'm using them a lot: very well conceived and thought out. The two things I loved about the Canon S5 IS are also part of the GH1: the articulating LCD screen and the red button on the back to immediately activate video. However, the LCD screen is more reflective in bright sun than the Canon's, so I'm forced to use the viewfinder more than I like (perfectly fine in lower light situations, both outdoors and indoors). That viewfinder is taking some getting used to but after a couple of weeks of moderate use, I've got the hang of it. The video is exactly as I'd hoped. I'm amazed at its ability to maintain focus and exposure on moving subjects. I practiced at a dog park so the camera got a good workout: lots of quick movement towards and away from me and shifts from sun to shade. The camera adjusted quickly and silently. It is, however, too heavy for one-handed use (which I was able to do with the Canon S5 IS), so I'm having to adjust to two-handed video recording; of course, that's necessary anyway to adjust the zoom. Finally the camera feels substantial and well-made.

Great camera!
We got this per some coworker's recommendation and it turned out exactly what he sold it as. It was great for what we wanted to do which was take HD videos of Antarctica marine life. Splendid! It's easy to use and there are lots and lots of functions to play around with and meet all your needs for a camera.

The future of cameras
What makes this camera different is the ability to make both excellent still and video pictures with one (relatively) small camera. My Sony HD video camera is bulky and akward to use and my Canon digital SLR doesn't take movies. Many times I used to go to events (school plays, etc.) with the point-and-shoot just because I wanted both stills and movies and I didn't want to carry a bag o' stuff with me. Therefore, I have been waiting for this camera for a long time.

I have been using this camera for a month (including the christmas/new years holidays) and I have been extremely happy with the convenience and quality of this camera. The stills and the videos are both on par with my DSLR and Digital video camera and are far above my point-and-shoot. I take videos in the 720P mode as the 1080 mode seems to have interlace artifacts (even though the sales literature says it is progressive).

The big difference between this camera and a digital video camera is that you know longer have to mess around with the tapes. That means that reviewing what you recorded is much easier and less dangerous and transferring to the computer is much easier. A huge win.

The big difference between this camera and a DSLR is that you are not looking through a mirror when you look through the viewer. This means that what you see is what you get. Why would ever put a mirror on a digital camera? It's ridiculous.

The bottom line is that there is not a DSLR that can do all of the things this camera can do and there is not a video camera that can do all of the things this camera can do.

Lug Strap Problem -- Wait before buying
There is apparently a lug strap problem -- there are a lot of reports on the dpreview forum website of the lug straps breaking/falling out on the GH1. Apparently the 14-140mm lens may put too much weight on the lug straps when carried by a neck strap. I want to buy the camera and lens to add to my growing G1 system. It's a fantastic system. But I'd wait if I were you to buy untl there's a solution. Otherwise, if the lug straps break, the camera will fall to the ground and break.

Panasonic is apparently repair (though it's not clear how well) the problem at their Illinois facility, but waiting time is reported to be long -- about 1 month.