Comparison to a calibrated Samsung UN55B7100:
Please see my review of the Samsung for more info on it.
The G10 was in Custom mode. The Samsung's blacks were darker, but not to the same extent as with the 800u. It was easily noticeable in a totally dark room, but not a glaring difference. Ignoring totally black screens and concentrating on black areas of real pictures (what the modified ANSI measurements simulate) showed they were essentially even and both excellent in this regard in the middle and right side of the screen. On the left side, the Samsung's blacks looked a bit washed out with the ANSI checkerboard (due to the cloudiness, but this was not visible very often). The Samsung had more accurate looking color; flesh tones looked richer (without being overcooked) and more lifelike. Both were extremely sharp and detailed, and both had tremendous "pop". I noticed a tiny bit of pumping and brightness instability with the Panny, but it was not objectionable. They handled shadow detail similarly. If it were not for the slight pumping, the Panny's shadow detail would be much more apparent than the Samsung's. I think that characteristic is built in to the Custom mode, but again turning the picture control down a bit could help. The Panasonic was much better off to the side. This was a very close comparison, but I did prefer the Samsung overall. However, your environment, viewing angles, finances, etc may make the Panasonic a better choice for you, and I am very happy with the improvements to the contrast ratio and Custom mode in the G10.
