Panasonic Lumix G100 - Best camera for blogging in 2021

The Panasonic Lumix G100 is a stylish small camera, but does the Lumix G series really require another model? It might be claimed that the Lumix brand has done more than any other to contribute to the vlogging explosion. Panasonic, being one of the top developers in video-capable digital cameras, offers a wide selection of models that might replace the G100. If you're acquainted with the Lumix G and GH camera lines, you might be asking why another camera is needed in this crowded market.

What exactly is the Panasonic Lumix G100?

While the Panasonic G100 may appear to be a successor for the Panasonic G90, it really ranks lower in the Lumix mirrorless camera lineup. It's for new vloggers and those who wish to go into videography. With that in mind, it has a vari-angle touchscreen that can be viewed from in front of the camera, as well as Nokia's new OZO Audio audio technology, which is meant to boost sound without the use of an external microphone.

Panasonic emphasizes that the Lumix G100 can also be used for still photography, and it features a 20.3 megapixel Four Thirds sensor as well as a built-in viewfinder.

Panasonic Lumix G100 Features:

Vlogging is a hot topic right now, and Panasonic has a strong following among videographers. Panasonic has announced the Lumix G100, which, although having capabilities that make it appropriate for stills shooting, is geared at beginning videographers and vloggers.

Naturally, this implies it can shoot video in 4K or Full HD at a variety of frame rates. However, while filming in 4K, take in mind that the 12-32mm kit lens is cropped somewhat, making it appear slightly longer than its normal 24-64mm effective focal length.

When you start recording, the Panasonic G100 includes a Rec Frame Indicator that highlights the frame in red. There's also a Frame Marker function that may be used to show the framing of a variety of aspect ratios popular on social networking platforms. The video is captured normally, but you may see what's in the frame using the aspect ratio you choose.

On the mode dial, there's also a Slow&Fast option for creating slow motion and quick motion film. There are menu options to enable 2x, 4x, and 8x rapid recording or 2x and 4x slow recording when this option is enabled. The camera adjusts the frame rate accordingly, and the film is produced at the intended viewing rate, eliminating the need for post-processing to modify the playback frame rate.

While the sound is not captured in Slow&Quick mode, the focusing mechanism is active, making the mode more flexible.

The Panasonic G100 also boasts 5-axis hybrid picture stabilization, which is great news. When using a stabilized lens, this combines an in-camera electronic stabilization technology with lens-based stabilization.

Panasonic Lumix G100 Video Quality:

The camera changes to selfie mode when the Lumix G100's vari-angle screen is turned to face front. If the video record button is pushed, the screen displays a countdown from 3 before the recording begins.

The G100 also looks for faces and eyes in the frame and focuses on them if you enable it from the settings.

Although the G100 includes a 3.5mm connector for connecting an external microphone, it also incorporates Nokia's OZO Audio spatial audio recording technology. For mirrorless cameras, this is a first.

OZO Audio employs three internal microphones in the G100. It may also be used in conjunction with facial detection focusing to monitor and adjust the audio for the person speaking.

Alternatively, depending on where you think the most significant noises will come from, you may set the mic to Auto, Surround, Front, or Back.

While some of the video capabilities are intended to assist novices or non-videographers in creating material, there are certain elements that are appealing to more experienced shooters. Cinelike D, Cinelike V, and V-Log L are just a few of the Photo Styles available. The latter generates low-contrast, low-saturation video that is more suited to post-production grading than the other modes.

Panasonic Lumix G100 Image Quality:

I've only been able to look at Jpeg and movie footage because the raw conversion software for the Panasonic G100 isn't currently available.

The results with stills are excellent up to ISO 3200. I'd even be willing to shoot at ISO 6400. However, with video, I'd try to keep the sensitivity (ISO) level as low as possible, as temporal noise degrades the results.

Panasonic Lumix G100 Performance:

The Lumix G100 delivers the video and stills I'd expect from a contemporary MicroFour Thirds camera with a 20.3 megapixel sensor. There's a lot of detail, and noise is effectively handled for this sort of camera, even if it's not revolutionary.

Panasonic chose contrast detection for the G100's autofocus technology, which, while typically accurate, isn't as quick or trustworthy as a phase detection system.

When I was recording 4K video in a gloomy woods, the camera displayed a box around my face and highlighted my eyes, but it didn't get my face or eyes crisp from the start. It took a few seconds for me to become focused, and it wavered at times.

Further research indicates that if you wear spectacles, it might be difficult to recognize your face or eyes. Even with a box around your face and a crosshair on one eye under less-than-ideal lighting, the focus can wander about a bit.

Another difficulty with capturing 4K video on the G100 is that the 2x focal length magnification that comes with a Four Thirds type sensor results in a minor crop. As a result, the 12-32mm kit lens's widest point is somewhat longer than the intended 24mm. It makes framing for vlogging to camera at arm's length a tad tight.

Either acquire a wider lens or convert to Full HD recording as a solution.

Verdict:

The Panasonic Lumix G100 is intended to be a best camera for blogging and the entry-level vlogging camera, and it succeeds well. It features a larger sensor than other small cameras such as the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III and Sony ZV-1, and it accepts interchangeable lenses, making it more flexible.

Although the OZO Audio tracking works well in static situations, I believe that even rookie vloggers will soon switch to an external mic such as the Rode Wireless Go for windshield capabilities.

While it misses some of the Sony ZV-1's unique vlogging features like Face Priority and Product Showcase, as well as the Canon G7 X III's live streaming functionality, it offers a fair degree of flexibility and the ability to regulate depth of focus without being too bulky.