We thought that Panasonic might use the fact that the G1 was smaller than SLR cameras to give it fewer features and make it easier to use. But they did the opposite. They gave this camera almost every feature found in most SLRs and they added several features from their point-and-shoot lineup.

The G1 has excellent face recognition as well as three different image stabilization modes. The AF tracking mode allows you to lock on to a subject and the camera will follow that person as they move. It has a variety of scene modes, digital red-eye correction, and an excellent macro mode.

It has an automatic ISO selection and an Intelligent exposure mode that brightens the dark areas of a photo as it is taken. It also has an impressive Intelligent Auto mode. This mode, which has become popular in point-and-shoot cameras, works quite well. It analyzes the photo that is being framed and chooses the settings that will produce the best results for that photograph.

We believe that these features were added to allow point-and-shoot users to start off with auto modes that are similar to their point-and-shoot camera and to then move on to learn more about the camera adjustments. Unfortunately, there is no real documentation to alert the user of how to start with these modes and move on to the more professional photography that this camera is capable of. Most users who purchase this camera as their first semi-professional camera will probably be just as confused by the multitude of knobs, dials, and settings as they would with any other high-end camera. That’s a shame because this camera has the potential to be a great camera that could bridge the gap between point-and-shoot and digital SLR.

The documentation that comes with the camera is adequate, but could be better. We would like to see a quick start guide, and easier-to-understand documentation that could accommodate those who would like to use this camera as their introduction to better photography.

However, those who have some experience with SLR cameras will find the G1 has most everything they need in a slightly more portable device. More professionally-orientated photographers will appreciate the fact that the camera can take RAW images and provide on-screen histograms. The included SilkyPix Developer Studio software will help you manipulate the RAW images. Although we found that this software had a fairly high learning curve, it is a capable piece of software. We loved the custom spot on the mode dial can hold up to three sets of your most commonly used settings. The G-1 also has three burst rates, a self-timer, metering mode, three aspect ratios: (4:3, 3:2, 16:9)

The 12-megapixels of this camera combine with the full-sized CMOS sensor to produce excellent photos. The camera has the snappy performance of an SLR with no shutter lag. The auto-focus is superior to most SLRs that we have tried.