Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 16 MP Micro 4/3 Compact System Camera with 3-Inch LCD Touch Screen Body Only (Black)

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Price: $373.09   

Product Feature

• 3-inch LCD display
• 16MP DSLR-Like Image Quality, Features, and Lens Options
• Built-in Flash, Hotshoe, and Traditional Mode Dial
• Lumix LightSpeed Focusing and PinPoint Focusing Control
• Full HD Vide1080/60i - AVCHD/MP8

Product Description

Bursting at the seams with features and functions, the black Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera Body wants to take what you think you know about Micro Four Thirds shooting, and turn it on its ear. The GX1 camera body boasts a number of built-in capabilities, not to mention compatibility with numerous lenses, including a 3D interchangeable lens. Additionally, in-camera editing and various other modes for producing professional-looking pictures, enhance the face value of this remarkable little machine. The GX1 embodies the hallmarks of a Micro Four Thirds camera - a compact body (thanks to its mirror-less design), stellar resolution with the 16.0Mp Live MOS Sensor, and the aforementioned multiple lens compatibility with LUMIX G and Leica DG lenses. Additionally, the Venus Engine provides for fast processing of files, noise reduction, and smooth operation of the camera's many modes. The GX1 also boasts a sleek design with easy to operate dials and buttons. Other design considerations include the 3.0" touch enabled LCD, the built-in flash, and the right-side grip.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 16 MP Micro 4/3 Compact System Camera with 3-Inch LCD Touch Screen Body Only (Black) Review

The GX1 is tiny. Not skinny jean pocket size but palm sized and a notch larger than a S100. With a pancake mounted, it slides in a coat pocket or purse. The GX1 is at its best with small lenses but can balance telezooms if you support (grip) the lens. The metal body shell (magnesium?) feels solid. A contoured rubberized grip makes holding secure, but wish it had room for two more fingers. The textured matte black finish is impeccable. The design is not vintage inspired like a Pen, but modern and reminiscent of Contax. I was pleased to see the familiar "Made in Japan" on the bottom.

CONTROLS
This camera is packed with advanced features but DSLR users should find most controls intuitive. Major functions (ISO, WB, AF, etc.) have a dedicated button or dial and are labeled. Point 'n shoot converts will need to study the manual, but can start straightaway in auto mode. The buttons are small but I adjusted quickly. The single input dial/wheel, albeit tiny, falls naturally under the thumb. It is stiff and not likely to suffer inadvertent turning. The mode dial is knurled metal with strong click stops. One of the nice things about this camera is the sturdy on-off flip lever on the top deck.

If you're used to a subject tabbed interface with options visible on a single screen, e.g., Canon, this menu system will feel disorganized. There is rough subject organization via 5 icons, but requires scrolling through as many as seven screens of illogically grouped options. Fortunately, after initial set up, most people will rarely visit the menus as important features have physical controls.

LCD
The LCD is okay but falls short compared to current technology: resolution, refresh rate and brightness are lower than the LCDs on my E-P3, 7D and 5D MKII. The OLED of the E-P3 whips it silly. The slow refresh rate is the most bothersome: pans are smeared and jerky in low light. In fairness, nobody buys this camera to shoot sports but a faster refresh rate would be welcome for panning rug rats 'n house critters.

You have a choice of touchscreen or buttons/dial for most features. Touchscreen implementation is clumsy compared to an iPhone or Olympus E-P3. I prefer buttons and dials (operate by feel) so no biggie. If your first camera was an iPhone, the more responsive touchscreen of a recent Olympus M4/3 model will suit you better. Finally, the LCD can't be turned off for time-lapse photography or use with optical viewfinders. You must buy the DMW-LVF2 to gain a LCD off switch.

VIEWFINDER
The stock GX1 lacks a viewfinder but I purchased the Panasonic DMW-LVF2 External Live View Finder here at Amazon $160. It's a little pricey but you get a tilting EVF with full LCD graphics in your eyeball. Using the DMW-LVF2 is the only way to shoot with the main LCD off. No eye-detect but is has a toggle button to deactivate the main LCD. Viewfinders are essential for shooting in bright sunlight, for stealth in dark venues and the 90 degree tilt makes ground level shooting a snap. It also allows steadying the camera against the face, resulting in sharper images.

SHOOTING
This is my point 'n shoot so portability--coat pocket & messenger bag--is paramount. I installed a Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 pancake lens and never took it off. This combo works like a dream: AF is fast and surefooted, even in dim light, and the package is so petite I barely notice it has a lens.

Exposures were accurate most of the time but dim scenes tend to be overexposed, but it is easy to dial down night scenes with exposure compensation.

Images are sharp and richly nuanced and stunning when viewed on my 27" Cinema Display. I shoot RAW and "develop" in Apple Aperture. Image quality trails my 7D but is nipping at its coattails. The GX1 bests my E-P3 with 23% more resolution but noise levels are similar up to ISO 3200. I wouldn't hesitate using ISO 800 and ISO 1600 is surprising clean if you don't underexpose and apply noise reduction for skies and shadows. The GX1 yields 3 more stops of high ISO, extending to 12800, but beyond ISO 1600 is too noisy save for "emergencies."

Battery performance is weak and trails far behind my E-P3, 5D MK II and 7D, so carry a spare for a day of heavy shooting. Two hundred pics and your'e done for. Using the DMW-LVF2, instead of the main LCD, doesn't save much battery power.

FLASH
I mainly shoot with natural light and use the popup for fill-in flash. Slow sync mode does an impressive job of blending flash and background light for a natural look. Unlike my other cameras, I rarely need to use flash exposure compensation. However, flash compensation was the only feature lacking obvious controls and I had to look it up in the manual: press a function button and turn the input dial.

TRIPOD MOUNT
The GX1's tripod socket is centered under the lens but most quick release plates block the battery door. You need a small Arca quick release plate with offset screw. The Kirk PZ-130 fits fine and has an anti-twist lip. If you're hardcore, slap on a Really Right Stuff BGX1 Arca L-plate. Besides ease of tripod use, the L-plate makes makes it easier to hang on to this camera (more grip area).

MIA: IN-BODY STABILIZATION
In contrast to Olympus, Lumix cameras lack in-body stabilization. Instead, stabilization is built into lenses. Well, some lenses: Lumix prime lenses lack stabilization but zooms have it. Panasonic should put stabilization into all their lenses, including primes, or add it to the body. I knew the GX1 lacked in-body stabilization and I bought it anyway. So I use a table top tripod or brace against walls and fences in dim light.

LAST BLURB
Despite my grumbling about the LCD and lack of stabilization, I like this camera. The positives of confident AF, near-DSLR image quality, stylish design, excellent fit and finish, petite size and useful features out weigh nitpicks. Panasonic nailed the most important aspects of performance and image quality. If this camera cost $600 I'd subtract a star or two for the zits. But for the closeout price of $200, this is a wonderful camera.

Finally, I bought this item from Roberts LP. I ordered May 1 and it was on my doorstep in Honolulu May 3 with UPS Blue shipping at no extra charge. Wish all my Amazon orders were as fast...

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