The Lumix G110V variant comes with a table tripod that can also be used as a handle
Photo: Rainer ClaaßenEven if smartphone cameras often take amazingly good photos and videos - if you are really interested in photography, sooner or later you will rely on cameras with which the lens can be changed.
More than ten years ago, Panasonic was the first manufacturer to dispense with the folding mirror in such cameras and to introduce mirrorless system cameras as an alternative to the SLR camera. The latest model from the G series should offer particularly good network functions and complement the smartphone as a picture and video supplier for social networks. We put the camera under the microscope in a practical test.
That’s inside
In the box of the Lumix G110, in addition to the camera housing and a lens (focal length: 12 to 32 millimeters), there is a USB charger with a micro-USB cable, a carrying strap and a hand strap. In the tested variant G110V there is also a tripod handle.
In this variant, the camera 🛒 is available for less than 800 euros. Without a handle (available separately for just under 100 euros), the G110 costs 750 euros. The basic functions are described in the printed quick start guide. A detailed manual is available as a PDF. Not all functions are described in detail here either. Because the compact camera offers a surprising number of options.
Motif programs and Instagram filters
Photos and videos are captured by a 20.3 megapixel sensor. The optics can - converted to the full format - zoom from 24 to 64 millimeters. For wide-angle shots or telephoto shots, lenses can be purchased from the extensive range from Panasonic and Olympus.
If the dial is in the "iA" position (intelligent automatic), you aim at the subject using the monitor, which can be rotated and swiveled in all directions, or the electronic viewfinder, and if you like, press the shutter release button. Most of the time, this leads to satisfactory results - thanks to the precise autofocus, among other things.
In order to be able to use the possibilities of the Lumix G100, one has to deal intensively with its diverse options
Photo: Rainer ClaaßenIf you want to be successful on Instagram, you can't do without filters. The G110 has integrated 28 of these - from the backlight effect to a soft focus to the option to emphasize individual colors. There are also 23 motif programs and the option of individually adjusting contrast, sharpness, noise reduction and saturation. There are also functions such as intelligent dynamics and intelligent ISO setting.
The problem: Anyone who is not very familiar with photography and does not deal more intensively with the options of the camera will be overwhelmed by this variety. Even if the settings menu is clearly structured, the setting options that are often required cannot always be found straight away. Researcher natures will enjoy the many options.
Where's the film going here?
Full HD videos (1920 x 1080 pixels) can be recorded at 60, 50, 30, 25 or 24 frames per second. At 4K resolution (3840 × 2160 pixels) this is reduced to 30, 25 and 24 frames per second. The camera crops the recorded image area slightly. The image effect shifts further towards telephoto, which is a disadvantage for landscape panoramas.
The G110 aborts 4K videos after ten minutes, HD videos with 60 or 50 frames per second are limited to 20 minutes, at lower frame rates the limit is 30 minutes of recording time. There are also completely manual settings and options for videos to individually adjust the image effect.
Grippy
display
Panasonic Lumix DC-G110VEG-K system camera (20 MP, 4K, image stabilizer, 7.5cm touch, 12-60mm lens, tripod grip, black)
From € 778.27
Price inquiry time
08/11/2020 8.40 p.m.
No guarantee
Icon: InfoOrder at AmazonIcon: amazon
Product reviews are purely editorial and independent. Via the so-called affiliate links above, we usually receive a commission from the dealer when making a purchase. More information hereThe included table tripod proves to be really practical and can also be used as a handle. This allows calm camera work. Triggers for photo and video recordings are conveniently placed on it. There is also a button on the left of the handle that can be used to put the camera into sleep mode - if necessary, it can be released again in less than two seconds.
The sound quality is above average: three built-in microphones ensure easy-to-understand voice recordings. In addition, there are functions such as slow motion with up to 120 frames per second as well as a time lapse with up to four frames per second, a fast series picture function and the possibility of recording brackets of exposure and focus brackets.
Remote controlled
However, the registration of the camera on a WLAN did not work reliably. My attempts to upload pictures and videos to online services such as Flickr and YouTube via the wireless network failed in the test despite several attempts.
The wireless connection between the camera and smartphone, however, was fast and reliable. With the Lumix Sync app, available for iOS and Android, camera settings can be made using a mobile phone and the shutter button operated. Films and photos can also be transferred to the smartphone and uploaded from there to online services.
What is the result?
As long as well-lit subjects are photographed or filmed, there is little to complain about with the Lumix G110. If the sensitivity is turned up in the dark, fine-grained image noise becomes noticeable - but this only becomes really disturbing when the subject is almost pitch black.
Even when viewed from a short distance on a 4K TV set (the G110 can be connected to it via a micro-HDMI socket), no noteworthy interference was noticed. If you want to keep all the options for image processing open, you can save the photos with a resolution of up to 5184 x 3888 pixels in addition to the JPG format as RAW on the card.
Conclusion
Per
Very compact
Interchangeable lenses
Practical handle / table stand included
Contra
Concise manual
Manual focus only via touchscreen
Although this camera is so compact that it might not initially be mistaken for an interchangeable lens model, it is very richly equipped. The extensive setting options can overwhelm users, but allow adaptation to almost any recording situation. The Lumix G110 goes far beyond the possibilities of the highest quality smartphones - provided that you have internalized the many functions and know how to use them with virtuosity.
Icon: The mirrorBackground: Product tests in the Netzwelt department
Which products are reported on in the Netzwelt section? Arrow up Arrow down
We decide for ourselves which products we report in the Internet world and which we test or not. We do not receive any money or other consideration from the manufacturer for any of the test reports. For various reasons, it can happen that we do not report on products even though we have corresponding test products.
Where do the test products come from? Up arrow Down arrow
We usually get test devices and review copies of games from the manufacturer free of charge for a certain period of time, sometimes even before the official release. In this way, our test reports can appear in good time or shortly after the product is published.
We only test pre-release versions or devices from pre-series production in special cases. We usually wait until we can get test devices or game versions that are identical to the retail versions. In some cases we also buy products ourselves at our own expense if they are already available in stores or online.
Can the Netzwelt editors keep the products? Up arrow Down arrow
Usually test devices are sent back to the manufacturer after the end of the test. The exception are review copies of games and so-called permanent loans: For example, we have game consoles and smartphones in the editorial office that we are allowed to use for a longer period of time. For example, we can report on software updates, new accessories and new games or make long-term judgments.
Do companies invite Netzwelt editors to travel? Up arrow Down arrow
DER SPIEGEL always bears the costs for travel to events, regardless of whether they take place in Germany or abroad. This also applies if, for example, a company takes over travel planning due to short-term appointments.
Events to which we travel at our own expense include the Ifa, CES, E3 and Gamescom trade fairs as well as events from companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft or Nintendo. At conferences like the Chaos Communication Congress or the re: publica, like other press representatives, we usually get free press tickets because we report on the conference and are not traditional participants.
What about the Amazon ads in some articles? Up arrow Down arrow
Since December 2016, Amazon ads containing so-called partner links can be found in some Netzwelt articles. If a user visits Amazon via such a link and buys online there, DER SPIEGEL receives a share of the sales in the form of a commission. The ads appear in articles regardless of whether a product test is positive or negative.
