Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1K Digital Camera Review

Camera Controls

The top of the camera, shown in Figure 10, has several dials and buttons. Yet, they do not feel cramped. All are easy to access and clearly marked. The dial on the left has three options: AFS (auto focus single), AFC (auto focus continuous) and MF (manual focus). Right next to that is a very small switch the releases the pop-up flash. A hot shoe for an option external flash is located in the middle.

The mode dial on the right side of the top provides the main settings for the camera. A red icon is labeled iA (Intelligent Auto).  Other choices include P (Program), A (Aperture-priority) S (Shutter-priority), M (Manual), CUST (Custom Settings which include three user-programmable groups of settings), an artist’s palette icon (My Color mode where you can control color, brightness and saturation), and SCN(Scene mode). There are also icons for five advanced scene modes: Night Portrait, Close-Up, Sports, Scenery and Portrait.There is also a mode lever at the front right of the mode dial with four positions: single shot, burst mode, auto bracket and self-timer. Just below that is the on/off switch. The shutter button is located over the handgrip to the front of the top. Below that is the Quick Menu button, which provides access to several frequently used settings. Below the Quick Menu button is the Film Mode button, which lets you choose from a variety of virtual film modes which are basically combinations of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction settings.

Figure 10: The top of the camera.

The back of the camera contains even more controls. To the left of the viewfinder is a button marked LVF/LCD. This can be used to switch between the Live Viewfinder and the LCD.

To the right of the viewfinder are two buttons, one with a green “Play” icon for the playback mode and the other for AE/AF Lock. To the right of the LCD screen is a button marked “Display” which toggles different scene views. Below that is a four-way controller with a MENU/SET button in the middle. This controls ISO and white balance, and also has a programmable function button and an auto focus mode.

Under this is a dual-purpose button that triggers depth of field preview during recording and allows for photo deletion during playback.

Figure 11: The back of the camera.