Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 vs Sigma sd Quattro

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro
      63
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      64
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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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and the Sigma sd Quattro, 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.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 was introduced in July 2009 and Sigma sd Quattro was introduced in February 2016. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Highlights

      • 12 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Electronic (LVF) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Sigma sd Quattro Highlights

      • 29 MP APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 1,620k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2,360k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 3.6 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1
      4. Advantage of Sigma sd Quattro
      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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Sigma sd Quattro.

      PROS

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      •   Video Capture
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz)
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low Bit Depth
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.6 fps
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth


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

      AVERAGE

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 64
      •   Sensor Resolution - 29 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,360k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Weight - 625 g (1.38 lb / 22.05 oz)

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Panasonic GH1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 over Sigma sd Quattro.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 vs Sigma sd Quattro
      Video Capture vs
      Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 60 sec vs 30 sec
      Built-in Flash vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Lighter 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz) vs 625 g (1.38 lb / 22.05 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1.

      Panasonic GH5 II
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20.33 MP

      Panasonic GH5
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20.3 MP

      Panasonic GH5S
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.28 MP

      Panasonic GH3
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      16.05 MP

      Panasonic GH6
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      Micro Four Thirds

      25.2 MP

      Panasonic GH2
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Panasonic GH4
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      16.05 MP

      Leica S2
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      Medium format

      38 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Samsung GX-1L
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Leica M Edition 60
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      Full Frame

      23.7 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M5
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Advantage of Sigma sd Quattro

      Sigma sd Quattro
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma sd Quattro over Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 vs Sigma sd Quattro
      Larger Sensor Micro Four Thirds vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixel vs 29 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 1,600 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 vs 5424 x 3616
      Higher Bit Depth 8-Bit vs 14-Bit
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 460k dot vs 1,620k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps vs 3.6 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/160 sec vs 1/180 sec
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec)
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sigma sd Quattro.

      Panasonic GH5
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20.3 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M1 II
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20.3 MP

      Olympus E-3
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Canon 7D
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Olympus SZ-10
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      1/2.3-inch

      14 MP

      Olympus E-1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      5 MP

      Samsung Galaxy NX
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      APS-C

      20.3 MP

      Panasonic G3
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Olympus E-620
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.3 MP

      Pentax K-7
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Panasonic L10
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Sigma sd Quattro
        Live View Autofocus
        HDMI Output Mini
      WEAKNESSES Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Sigma sd Quattro
        Timelapse Recording
        No Image Stabilization
        Low Max Continuous Shooting3.0 fps3.6 fps
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Sigma sd Quattro have 3.0" screens with 460k dot and 1,620k dot resolutions respectively. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 has a Fully Articulated screen which makes it selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting. Sigma sd Quattro has a Fixed screen

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      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 with Fully Articulated screen


      Viewfinder

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 has a built-in Electronic (LVF) viewfinderSigma sd Quattro has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 2,360k dot resolution. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 features a 12 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 224.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 1,600 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode. Sigma sd Quattro features a 29 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.


      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

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 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, 4128 x 2752, 4352 x 2448, 3072 x 1728, 2992 x 2992, 2928 x 1952, 2816 x 2112, 2112 x 2112, 2064 x 1376, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 1504 x 1504 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Sigma sd Quattro is equipped with Dual TRUE III processor and can take pictures up to 5424 x 3616 resolution.


      Lens Mount

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 has Micro Four Thirds lens mount and Sigma sd Quattro has Sigma SA lens mount. Due to Micro Four Thirds sensor in Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 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. Due to APS-C sensor in Sigma sd Quattro 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.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Sigma sd Quattro

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Sigma sd Quattro. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma sd Quattro nothing can be done. On Sigma sd Quattro it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 has an HDMI and Sigma sd Quattro has a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sigma sd Quattro comes with BP-61 battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 has a single SD/SDHC card slot. Sigma sd Quattro has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Sigma sd Quattro has Electronic shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sigma sd Quattro. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps. Sigma sd Quattro can shoot continuously up to 3.6 fps.


      Focusing

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 has Sigma sd Quattro has 9 focusing points. Sigma sd Quattro has detection range from -1 to +18 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Sigma sd Quattro ranges from 0 to +17 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±3 EV range on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and ±5 EV range on Sigma sd Quattro. You can also do and manual exposure adjustment on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Sigma sd Quattro.


      Flash

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 10.50 m and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Sigma sd Quattro has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and 1/180 sec on Sigma sd Quattro.

      Physical Parameters

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 body has dimensions of 124 x 90 x 45 mm (4.88 x 3.54 x 1.77") and Sigma sd Quattro body has dimensions of 147 x 95 x 91 mm (5.79 x 3.74 x 3.58"). Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 weighs 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz) and Sigma sd Quattro weighs 625 g (1.38 lb / 22.05 oz).

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      124 mm

      90 mm

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      147 mm

      95 mm

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      90 mm

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      95 mm

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      45 mm

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      91 mm

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      Size comparisons of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Sigma sd Quattro

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Sigma sd Quattro 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

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      79
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,360k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.6 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      AVERAGE
      55
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,360k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.6 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      GOOD
      70
      •   Small Sensor
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      GOOD
      78
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      GOOD
      84
      •   Small Sensor
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 625 g (1.38 lb / 22.05 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      GOOD
      82
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots
      GOOD
      84
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 625 g (1.38 lb / 22.05 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Sigma sd Quattro and give them scores of 63 and 64 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.


      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      OVERALL
      63
      OVERALL
      64

      Sensor

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 64
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Sensor Resolution - 29 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Low Bit Depth
      •   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
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.6 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      GOOD
      81
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      GOOD
      71
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,360k dot

      Connectivity

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   High USB Speed
      •   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

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

      Sigma sd Quattro

      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 385 g (0.85 lb / 13.58 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots
      GOOD
      79
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 625 g (1.38 lb / 22.05 oz)


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

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