Hi Huneybees,
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GX1 is the company's latest addition to its
G-series lineup. And although the camera bears the '1' appendage in its
model name, it is clear from even a cursory glance that with the GX1,
Panasonic has provided the long-awaited spiritual successor to the
highly regarded Lumix DMC-GF1.
Of perhaps even greater significance, the move to introduce a separate
GX product line (as opposed to releasing the camera as a 'GF4') would
seem to suggest a long-term commitment by the camera maker to meet the
demands of enthusiasts who embraced the GF1.
The Panasonic GX1 represents three years of iteration on Micro Four
Thirds cameras, combining the three best elements from Panasonic's
previous cameras into one: the blocky, retro design of the GF1, the G3's
16-megapixel sensor, and the touchscreen LCD first introduced on the
GF2.
It’s clear that the GX1 is meant to be a
“serious” camera; with its boxy, but carefully designed shaped body, the thumb
dial, the constellation of buttons. Although it will, take a
picture when you press the shutter release button, it’s not the kind of
camera you know photos will come back blurry.
Panasonic GX1 specification highlights
- 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor
- ISO 160-12,800
- Orientation sensor (providing information with non-OIS lenses)
- 3.0", 460k dot LCD
- Full AVCHD 1080/60i video (from 30fps sensor output)
- Continuous shooting up to 20fps (at reduced resolution)
- Electronic level gauge
- Four available Fn buttons (two onscreen)
The design of the camera is straightforward and on the right side, you will find a fairly
subtle bump on the front, highly textured that allows you to grip tightly.
On the back, a thumbgrip that feels bigger than it looks, makes for easier one-handed operation, without having to change any settings while doing that.
What I like about the camera
Like Panasonic's micro four thirds predecessors, the camera takes
very nice photos in daylight, and the improved sensor resolution only
makes daylight shooting easy. What really sets this camera apart, is how easy it is to use. Any settings adjustment is
always just a quick tap away. That means more time taking pictures, and
less time staring at your camera.
Also the flash on the side is elevated enough that you
won’t catch the shadow of your lens in the picture (I always have that problem with my GF2). And speaking of comparisons, see how much shorter the lens is, making the whole bringing out a camera so much more "lighter".
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| Same range but so much more compact! |
Did I mention how much I love the HD lens? Now I can shoot pictures in 16:9 ration and with the easy zooming button on the left of left, it makes so much more easier when I'm zooming in and out whilst recording a HD video!
Below are some shots I took whilst at Marina Bay Sands.
What I do not like
Pictures were generally sharp,
with very low noise up until ISO 6400. JPEGs are rendered a bit flat in
the “standard” render style, and it’s definitely worthwhile to test out
the other modes, which are fairly subtle. The art-style modes are a bit
much, of course, and you can always do adjustments in post, but it was fun to try them out....
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| Normal View |
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| EXPS View |
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| Retro View |
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| SEPI View |
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| HKEY View |
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| LKEY View |
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| Toy View |
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| MINI View |
And another sad thing is that my ring light would not fit onto the lens due to diameter constraint, which means I have to go get another! Kind of a pity right?
So should you get yourself a GX1?
The GX1 is a powerful camera, there's just a hint of identity crisis here. This clearly wants to be a
photographer’s camera, so why so many auto and art modes? Why a touchscreen and a
galaxy of buttons? However, disregarding those issues, the GX1
is a powerful contender against the likes cameras of other brands, offering a sort of camera-lover’s camera without any
gimmicks or weird styling. It’s practical, compact, and performs well.
Why not get yourself one right?
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| Even Gloomy agrees too! |
