I started using the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera system back in 2009 with the Panasonic Lumix G1. I switched from Canon DSLRs because their autofocus was often unreliable. The new MFT cameras offered much better single-shot autofocus by focusing directly on the imaging sensor.
However, over time, MFT cameras became larger, and Panasonic continued relying on their contrast detection autofocus system, which struggled with moving subjects (and still does).
Fast forward ten years, I found myself returning to Canon, which debuted the RF mount in 2018 alongside significant improvements in their dual pixel autofocus system.
Many in the camera industry, myself included, speculated that MFT wouldn’t last in the long run.
I lost touch with the MFT scene for a bit but saw that Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake, previously with DP Review, labeled the G100 as the worst camera of 2020.
The issue seemed to stem from Panasonic promoting the G100 as a vlogging camera without equipping it with essential features for that purpose, like in-body stabilization, phase-detect autofocus, and fast sensor readout to minimize rolling shutter effects.
It had a directional microphone system nobody requested, an outdated 20MP sensor, an old-style TFT LCD EVF, and a budget single curtain shutter similar to older GM cameras, with a maximum electronic shutter speed of just 1/500 second.
It’s no wonder many reviewers and forum users mocked it. I can’t guess what goes on in the minds of camera manufacturers, but in this case, their product development, design, and marketing teams seemed completely disconnected, leading to a product unsuitable for its advertised function.
Thus, I disregarded the G100 and its marketing missteps for three years.
Then, surprisingly, the G100 reportedly started selling well in Japan. I noticed several forum users claiming the G100 wasn’t bad if we focused on its strengths rather than its flaws.
Curious, I purchased a refurbished G100 from a Panasonic service center in Sydney. I was mostly impressed by its features, except for the EVF, which I found difficult to adjust for optimal usage in varying lighting conditions.
I then discovered a G100D on sale at a non-camera electronics store. This version features a superior OLED EVF and USB-C charging, along with minor menu updates.
This review will cover my assessment of the G100D with the 12-32mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens, focusing solely on its still photography capabilities.
I won’t be using it for video or sports/wildlife photography. As a compact camera, it performs well and is enjoyable to use.
It seems Panasonic has unwittingly created one of the more attractive compact cameras currently available.
General description
The MFT system is primarily attractive because it offers camera bodies and lenses that are smaller and lighter than what’s typically available with APS-C or full-frame models.
Additionally, for street, documentary, lifestyle, and close-up photography, it allows for sharp foreground and background elements at moderate apertures, like f5.6.
The G100D is compact and light, effectively retaining the core philosophy of MFT by delivering excellent image quality and enjoyable operation, provided it’s used within the scope of single-shot still photography.
While the G100D can handle video, it has its limitations as pointed out by numerous reviewers. It can accommodate any lens made for the MFT system, including super telephoto zooms; however, if I wanted to use such lenses, I’d prefer a more suitable camera body.
Recently, I’ve been testing the Leica D-Lux 8 alongside the Pana-Lumix G100D. Both cameras appear to have the same sensor, monitor, and EVF, making it a natural comparison—despite the fact that I could purchase three G100Ds for the price of one D-Lux 8.
While out taking street and documentary photos, I found myself preferring the G100D. It’s nearly the same size as the DL8, but lighter, with a fully articulated monitor and controls that I find more user-friendly.
The G100D feels like a proper camera. It features a well-placed EVF, an excellent fully articulated touchscreen, a solid built-in grip, and a straightforward mode dial and dual control dials.
With the 12-32mm kit lens attached, the G100D fits perfectly in a Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 5 bag, leaving room for spare batteries, memory cards, and a cleaning cloth.
Sensor
The G100D seemingly uses the same 20.15 MP Four Thirds sensor as the G90 and possibly other MFT models. This sensor is known for providing strong image quality with impressive detail, sharpness, dynamic range, and well-managed high ISO noise.
My tests indicate that the G100D, paired with the 12-32mm lens, produces a similar high ISO noise level, dynamic range, and detail as the…
When comparing images from the 24 Mpx Canon EOS R10 with an 18-45mm lens to those from my G100D, they look nearly identical at the same output size. In fact, even at 100% zoom, both sets of test images seem quite similar.
The G100’s 20 Mpx sensor captures detail comparable to the R10’s 24 Mpx, likely due to the absence of an anti-aliasing filter. Despite this feature, I’ve had no issues with moiré across thousands of photos.
Lens
The compact 12-32mm kit lens has pleasantly surprised me. Some critics and users tend to dismiss these small kit lenses, assuming they lack quality.
However, the 12-32mm impresses with its impressive sharpness, clarity, minimal aberrations, and decent flare resistance. When I check my photos at 200% on screen, it’s clear the lens resolves quite well down to pixel level.
Its design features a double inner barrel extension to minimize size, extending only 23mm when fully unlocked. Although the zoom action feels somewhat stiff at first, it loosens up with use.
One downside I found is noticeable barrel distortion at 12mm focal length during file processing in Adobe Camera Raw, particularly problematic for architectural shots. Thankfully, this can be corrected easily using the distortion slider.
The single autofocus system is fast and usually very accurate. I can cause some focus issues by placing the AF area on strongly backlit subjects with bright highlights, but otherwise, I haven’t faced any issues.
On my regular tests, the optical image stabilizer in the lens adds a benefit of two EV steps to the shutter speed. While this might seem minimal compared to manufacturer claims of 8 stops, my testing shows that most Canon EOS bodies/lens combos usually offer around 3-3.5 EV steps. So, a 2 EV advantage is quite respectable and definitely useful.
The filter thread on the lens is 37mm. I keep a B+W XS Pro 007 clear protect filter on it all the time, as I prefer cleaning the filter rather than the lens’s front element.
Body and Ergonomics
The G100D is very compact, yet it incorporates many features found in larger cameras. The grip, while small, is well-designed and comfortable when using a lightweight lens. The thumb support is well-placed and has a rubberized grip for better handling.
All essential controls are conveniently located and generally offer good tactile feedback. The on/off switch, mode dial, front dial, and shutter button are where I naturally reach for them.
However, the second dial on the back is positioned near the 4-way cross keys, which some critics find awkward, as they occasionally press the cross keys when trying to turn the dial. While I haven’t experienced that issue myself, I believe better ergonomic design is needed. If Panasonic releases a G100 Mk2, I hope they’ll reposition this dial to the top for better accessibility.
Viewing images is enjoyable, whether using the OLED EVF or the fully articulated touchscreen.
Aside from the rear dial issue, setting up, holding, viewing, and operating the camera is generally smooth and uncomplicated.
Performance
If rated as a sports or action camera, the G100D would not excel. However, it serves well as a compact stills camera with reliable autoexposure.
The autofocus is quick and precise, even in low light and challenging conditions with harsh contrasts and moving subjects.
I didn’t face any shutter shock issues, which is expected given that the electronic first curtain shutter is the default mode, providing minimal sound. For speeds over 1/500 sec, the shutter automatically switches to fully electronic mode.
Editing Small Sensor Raw Files
Adobe Denoise AI has revitalized small sensor cameras, including Micro Four Thirds. High ISO images clean up remarkably well within seconds, maintaining and even enhancing detail.
For effective image upscaling, using either Photoshop or Topaz Gigapixel (currently in version 7.4.4 as of October 2024) works well. I typically process Raw files in ACR and Photoshop, then export as TIFFs, which is preferable for Topaz Gigapixel. Topaz excels with urban settings where sharp edges define structures, and while it also works for natural subjects, the improvement isn’t always significantly better than a straightforward upscale in Photoshop.
Downsides?
For a compact camera, the G100D has very few shortcomings. The autofocus could perform better with bright highlights, and the rear dial could be better placed. However, these are minor issues overall.
The Future?
It’s uncertain what lies ahead. Yogi Berra was right when he said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.”
I cannot predict if the G100 will evolve into a series of upgrades or if the Micro Four Thirds system will endure.
In the meantime, the G100D with the 12-32mm kit lens serves as a highly competent and user-friendly compact camera that I can confidently recommend as a standalone product.
