Nikon D100 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
      52
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      58
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D100 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D100 was introduced in July 2002 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 was introduced in October 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D100 Highlights

      • 6.1 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 1.8" 118k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Highlights

      • 12 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 23 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • Electronic (Optional) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D100
      4. Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1.

      PROS

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz)

      CONS

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 118k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 54
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Weight - 780 g (1.72 lb / 27.51 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Advantage of Nikon D100

      Nikon D100
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D100 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1.

      Nikon D100 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs Micro Four Thirds
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/180 sec vs 1/160 sec

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D100.

      Nikon D200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D5200
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      APS-C

      24.1 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Leica M10
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24 MP

      Sigma SD9
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      APS-C

      3 MP

      Sony a5000
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      APS-C

      20.1 MP

      Fujifilm GFX 50S II
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      Medium format

      51.4 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Nikon Z9
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Sony SLT-A58
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      APS-C

      20.1 MP

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      Panasonic GF1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 over Nikon D100.

      Nikon D100 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 6.1 Megapixel vs 12 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 100
      Higher Native ISO 1,600 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 3008 x 2000 vs 4000 x 3000
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Larger Screen 1.8" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 118k dot vs 460k dot
      Live View vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 60 sec
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher USB Speed USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
      HDMI Output vs Mini Type C
      Built-in Microphone vs Mono
      Lighter 780 g (1.72 lb / 27.51 oz) vs 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1.

      Panasonic GF7
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Panasonic GF3
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Panasonic GF8
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Panasonic GF5
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.1 MP

      Panasonic GF6
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Panasonic GF2
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M5 III
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20.4 MP

      Hasselblad X1D II 50C
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      Medium format

      50 MP

      Samsung NX10
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Fujifilm GFX 100
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      Medium format

      102 MP

      Leica T Typ 701
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Olympus E-500
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      Micro Four Thirds

      8 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D100 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D100 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
        Low Resolution Sensor6.1 Megapixel12 Megapixel
        Low Native ISO1,6003,200
        Timelapse Recording
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen118k dot460k dot
        Low Max Continuous Shooting3.0 fps3.0 fps
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D100 has a 1.8" screen with 118k dot resolution and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Nikon D100 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderPanasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 has a built-in Electronic (Optional) viewfinder. Nikon D100 has 95% coverage with 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification and magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D100 features a 6.1 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 369.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 1,600. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 features a 12 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 169 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D100 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2240 x 1488, 1504 x 1000 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is equipped with Venus Engine HD processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 3000, 4000 x 2672, 4000 x 2248, 2992 x 2992, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2112 x 2112, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1920 x 1080, 1504 x 1504 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon D100 has Nikon F lens mount and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 has Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Nikon D100 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5. Due to Micro Four Thirds sensor in Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 its crop factor is equal to 2x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D100 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 nothing can be done. On Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D100 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D100 has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), MicroDrive card slot. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 has a single SD/SDHC/MMC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D100 has Electronic assist shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D100, and up to 1/4000 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 11.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D100 and 6.00 m on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe to Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Nikon D100 and 1/160 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D100 body has dimensions of 144 x 116 x 81 mm (5.67 x 4.57 x 3.19") and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 body has dimensions of 119 x 71 x 36 mm (4.69 x 2.8 x 1.43"). Nikon D100 weighs 780 g (1.72 lb / 27.51 oz) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 weighs 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz).

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      144 mm

      116 mm

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      119 mm

      71 mm

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      116 mm

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      71 mm

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      81 mm

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      36 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      Nikon D100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 118k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      POOR
      50
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 118k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      POOR
      49
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 118k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 118k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      GOOD
      75
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Street Photography

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      GOOD
      73
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 118k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 780 g (1.72 lb / 27.51 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      GOOD
      73
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 118k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 780 g (1.72 lb / 27.51 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and give them scores of 52 and 58 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      OVERALL
      52
      OVERALL
      58

      Sensor

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 54

      Photo

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      POOR
      51
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Video

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      9
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      GOOD
      84
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 118k dot
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      BAD
      33
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D100

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

      BAD
      39
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 780 g (1.72 lb / 27.51 oz)
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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