The start of a new era

DMC-G1

It is hard to imagine the world of photography without the principle of the Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) camera. Panasonic was a pioneer here with the LUMIX DMC-G1, the world's first DSLM camera which was unveiled at photokina in Cologne in September 2008.

By doing without the mirror box, the new system allowed much more compact and lighter bodies and lenses than classic DSLR cameras, combined with optimum image quality and input from other manufacturers.

After all, the DMC-G1 marked the launch of the Micro Four Thirds System standard which Panasonic developed together with Olympus Imaging Corporation. The open Micro Four Thirds System standard offers users maximum freedom when choosing their equipment.

As a result, the LUMIX G system offered unbeatable advantages after it was launched and the Micro Four Thirds System standard went on to become one of the most successful and biggest camera systems available on the market.

In addition to the system‘s compact design and the new opportunities when it comes to the construction of interchangeable lenses, the LUMIX DSLM models allowed full-time live view image viewing in real time from the very beginning. With their mirrorless structure, they even opened up completely new possibilities.