Panasonic Lumix G100D review: minor modifications

This baby Panasonic mirrorless camera is small, cheap, has an EVF and it shoots 4K too. What’s not to like?

Panasonic Lumix G100D
(Image: © Rod Lawton)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Panasonic Lumix G100D is the baby of the Lumix mirrorless range. It’s the cheapest and smallest in the line-up but it still boasts an electronic viewfinder, 4K video and a clever multi-pattern mic array that can adapt to different surroundings. But while the 20MP MFT sensor is still fine by today’s standards, the G100D lacks in-body image stabilization, and that could really hold it back for novice vloggers. It’s also not really a replacement for the original G100, just a very minor modification that’s progressively taking over. The G100D is cheap, powerful and pretty good, but it has its limits.

Pros

  • +

    Inexpensive for beginners

  • +

    4K video

  • +

    Advanced mic array

  • +

    Decent EVF

  • +

    Vari-angle screen

Cons

  • -

    No in-body stabilization

  • -

    Small and slightly cramped

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The original Panasonic Lumix G100 was launched back in 2020 as a kind of baby-faced entry point to the Lumix mirrorless camera range, and with a special emphasis on vlogging features, notably a vari-angle screen and an advanced mic array with different pickup patterns for different shooting styles and situations.

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TypeMirrorless
FormatMicro Four Thirds
Lens mountMFT
Sensor20.3MP Live MOS
ISO range200-25,600 (ISO 100 extended mode)
Viewfinder2.36M-dot OLED EVF, 0.74x magnification
Screen3.0-in 1.84M-dot vari-angle
Burst speed6fps, 5fps with AF
Image stabilizationDigital EIS, lens IS where available, no IBIS
Video4K 30p, FHD 60p, S&Q mode up to 4x slow motion, 8x quick motion
MemorySingle UHS-1 SD slot
Battery life280/270 shots (EVF/rear screen)
Size and weight115.6 x 83.1 x 54.2 mm, 346g
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FeaturesThe EVF, vari-angle screen and 4K video are all great, but the lack of in-body stabilization is an issue★★★★
Design It’s tiny, it’s cute, but the baby-DSLR design has been shrunk perhaps a little too far, leaving limited room for controls and getting a good grip★★★★
PerformanceThe photo and video quality is fine, but while the lack of IBIS doesn’t hinder stills photography too much, it’s a real issue for handheld video★★★★
ValueThe Lumix G100D is cheap, but not the cheapest on the market, as the APS-C EOS R100 is cheaper still★★★★
Canon EOS R100

Typically sold with a basic 18-45mm kit lens, the Canon EOS R100 is so cheap it’s hard not to recommend it for beginners. It does use older tech which limits its video capabilities and has no in-body stabilization, but it’s a great camera to get started with nonetheless.

OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a little more expensive than the G100D, but probably worth it, especially for stills photography. Importantly, it does have in-body stabilization and, while it does use contrast AF, it doesn’t seem to suffer the same ‘pulsing’ issues as Panasonic’s system.

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