Panasonic DMC G81 Detailed Review

In additional DMC G81 was introduced by Panasonic in April 2016. It belongs to the Mirrorless Cameras category.

Panasonic is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Panasonic.

Also DMC G81 has a Four Thirds CMOS sensor with size of 17 x 13 mm² (0.68″ x 0.51″).

Picture of DMC G81’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The DMC G81’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 16 megapixel. The resolution is somewhat below average but will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 size.

The Panasonic supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Panasonic’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The DMC G81 features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.

The DMC G81 uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use.

The magnifcation is c. 0.74x, an excellent value for an electronic viewfinder.

The DMC G81’s shutter speed varies from 1/4000s to 60s.

The DMC G81’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 25600 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The DMC G81 supports all general exposure modes.

The Panasonic allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The DMC G81’s auto focus processor uses 49 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. when panning the camera).

Manual focus is also possible with the Panasonic, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The DMC G81 has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 6m (20 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

The DMC G81 display has a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 inches.) and a resolution 1.04 megapixel.

The camera display is intended for selfies or other occasion.

Display parameters:

DMC G81 video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Panasonic DMC G81 Video parameters:

The DMC G81 has Wi-fi connection. You can transfer photos to a mobile or laptop using wi-fi.

Eventually, if the wifi connection is disabled the wired connection may be used.

Connect the Panasonic to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Panasonic supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Panasonic DMC G81 has a BCL12E LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 330 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The DMC G81’s battery battery parameters:

The Panasonic DMC G81’s size is 128.4 x 89 x 74.3mm³. (5.1″ x 3.5″ x 2.9″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.1″ x 3.5″ x 2.9″ grams (505 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the DMC G81:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.