Panasonic Lumix G100D
£619/$750 (kit with 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 lens)
Small, affordable, has an EVF and it shoots 4K, too
1 There is a decent-sized grip on the right side that makes it feel quite secure to hold.
2 The 20MP MFT sensor is no disadvantage compared with APS-C rivals, except perhaps beyond ISO 3200.
3 The G100D is so small that it doesn’t wedge into the palm of your hand, even with your fingers on the grip.
The original Panasonic Lumix G100 was launched in 2020 as an T entry point to the Lumix mirrorless camera range and with an emphasis on vlogging features, notably a vari-angle screen and an advanced mic array for recording in different situations.
The Lumix G100D is a newer variant that is more of a maintenance release than a new camera. The fundamental features and design haven’t changed and there are just two differences; the EVF has dropped in resolution from 3.68 million dots to 2.36 million, but has swapped from TFT technology to OLED – so the screen is better.
The second change is the provision of a USB-C port (though this still runs at USB 2 speeds). This was probably in response to changing camera legislation and does at least allow easy USB charging from power banks.
Key features
You get a 20MP MFT Live MOS sensor in a baby-SLR design with an electronic viewfinder housing on the top and a good quality flip-out variangle screen on the back. The Micro Four Thirds format offers a lightweight and affordable camera with professional capabilities.
The Lumix G100D brings this to the beginner market, though it’s a shadow of cameras such as the Lumix GH5 II and GH6. The lack of in-built image stabilisation is the most serious limitation and while it has an OZO Audio system by Nokia, you will also need an external microphone. But the Lumix G100D is also a pretty good stills camera. The 20MP sensor captures lots of detail, the EVF is good and the vari-angle screen adds more flexibility. More than a vlogging camera that can shoot stills, it’s also a good hybrid travel and fashion camera.
4 The rear screen has a higher resolution than is usual for a camera at this price point.
5 The EVF is pretty good, too – it’s sharp and clear and the colours are good.
6 A control dial on the back doubles as the camera’s four-way controller.
7 The buttons
