Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 16 MP Micro 4/3 Compact System Camera with 3-Inch LCD Touch Screen Body (Silver)
Price : $649.95
Product Description
From the Manufacturer
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1 joins Panasonic’s award-winning LUMIX G Series of digital cameras, which are acclaimed for their high image quality with small and compact body and lenses. The new LUMIX GX1 features a 16.01-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine, helping to ensure real-to-life images through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction. Even in low-light situations and at maximum 12800 high ISO sensitivity, the LUMIX GX1 can produce stunning photos and videos, and because of its compact size it can be easily carried for daily use. The LUMIX GX1, like all the models in Panasonic’s LUMIX G Series of CSC, adopts Contrast AF for its focus system, so focusing is controlled by the image sensor. When compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF achieves higher accuracy especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F value. For instance, the accuracy of Contrast AF is approximately 90% while Phase difference AF is approximately 60% at F1.4. Additionally, with the precise Contrast AF system, the LUMIX GX1 achieves high resolution through an optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction, thus producing lifelike image rendering and highly precise Auto Exposure and white balance. To further advance the Contrast AF, the LUMIX GX1 incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. With the LUMIX GX1’s 3.0-inch touch LCD screen, frame composition is intuitive and easy. The LUMIX GX1 features an ultra high-speed Light Speed AF, which means it can Auto Focus in approximately 0.09 second. This is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by the synchronizing the lens and sensor at 120 fps. Plus, the newly-added focus mode AFF (AF Flexible) locks on the focus when the shutter button is half-pressed, however, if the subject moves, the focusing is reset to get the best results. Combined with the Touch AF control, setting and focusing on the subject is incredibly easy and quick. The touch-control system of the LUMIX GX1 lets users set the focus on the subject by simply touching it on the large, 460,000-dot wide-viewing angle LCD. Users can even release the shutter by touching the screen. Once locked on the subject with a touch, the LUMIX GX1 tracks the subject, even when it moves, using the AF tracking function. With a touch on the screen, users can select the part and the size of the AF area, choosing from 1-area AF, Multi-area AF with 23 AF areas and Pinpoint AF, which allows extremely precise focus setting. Despite its compact size, the LUMIX GX1 is extremely intuitive to operate, with an optimized layout of control buttons, a mode dial and dedicated function buttons. Users can customize the two external buttons and two menus tabs to settings they most frequently use so they are easily accessible. In addition, a total of four custom setting patterns can be stored to the camera’s model dial – one on ‘C1’ and three on ‘C2.’ Furthermore, the LUMIX GX1 was designed to enhance its ergonomics, with a grip that fits naturally and comfortably in the hand, despite its flat profile and compact design. Plus, the LUMIX GX1 has a more tactile texture and the mode dial is easy to turn and features print that is easy to read and won’t easily wear. The LUMIX GX1 can record 1920 x 1080 at 60i, with sensor output of 30p, full-High Definition videos in the AVCHD format which excels in both compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback. In addition to the practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing at the subject, the focus is shifted so it stands out. With a dedicated video record button on the top, users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra setting adjustments. Along with the full-HD video capabilities, the LUMIX GX1 also features high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. Videos can also be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files. Additional Features
- A new Level Gauge, which lets the camera detect the horizontal/vertical angle of view with its internal level working with the sensor. In addition, photos shot in portrait aspect will be automatically displayed vertically, regardless of which lens is used.
- One Push AE adjusts exposure with a single press of the “Fn” (Function) button when it is over/under exposed, which is especially useful when shooting outdoors with open aperture or indoors with fast shutter speed.
- Dust Reduction System helps to eliminate dust or foreign matter getting inside the LUMIX GX1 when lenses are being changed. By placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor that vibrates vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.
- Zoom operation can be controlled with touch control when either of Panasonic’s new LUMIX X Power Zoom lenses are attached. And the zoom speed can also be adjusted in two steps for more precise control.
- Popular iA and iA Plus modes for beginners looking for automatic shooting in both still and video modes.
- Increased energy consumption and an approximately 11% longer battery life when compared to the LUMIX DMC-G3, which also uses the same battery pack DMW-BLD10.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 16 MP Micr4/3 Compact System Camera with 3-Inch Touch-Screen LCD Body Only (Silver)
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 7.5 x 3.9 inches ; 11.2 ounces
- Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
- Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
- ASIN: B00604YTGG
- Item model number: DMC-GX1SBODY
- Batteries: 1 Nonstandard Battery batteries required. (included)
Technical Details
- 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/MP9
Customer Reviews
Received my GX1 on 12/24, and have been testing all aspects of the camera with 20mm f/1.7 Lumix lens, LVF2 viewfinder, and Metz MZ40-3i flash. So far the camera meets my expectations and many areas it exceeds. I have been looking for a camera that performs close to Leica M7 ; 35mm Leica lens combo in picture quality, portability, build quality, and available lens choice. I also have a LX5 which is a very good camera. GX1 is very similar to LX5 in many respects such as overall body size, buttons layout, picture quality, and menu system. In fact, GX1 looks like a big brother of LX5.
Here's what I have found out so far.
1. Overall build quality is excellent. The wheel button, battery cover, and connection port cover can be a little beefier but not that bad.
2. Picture quality is quite good although I've seen more detailed shots from my Canon 1DS Mark2 with 35mm f1.4 lens combo. But this is not a surprise to me considering the sensor size and price differences.
3. The overall size and weight are just perfect for me. This is one aspect that I like GX1 combo better than Leica combo although Leica was lighter than most 35mm Pro SLRs at the time.
4. Ergonomics is excellent. The camera feels very comfortable in my hand. FYI-my hand is a little bit on the smaller size.
5. The built-in flash is not powerful at all but you can still use it for very near subject and use it as a master for slave flash set up.
6. Metz flash works quite good with GX1 although looks strange because the flash is almost two times the size of the camera. A funny thing I noticed on GX1 is that the mode button is higher than the accessory shoe so my flash knurled knob interferes with the mode button. I rectified the problem by adding a thin nylon washer on the flash. FYI - Metz flash has an extra large diameter locking knob where most don't.
7. The menu layout is very similar to LX5 so I am familiar with it. It's very simple and straight forward.
8. Battery life is okay. I haven't tested it properly but seems lasting long enough. I keep the extra one charged anyway for just in case.
9. Video seems quite good and the stereo microphone picks up sound good too. I am not a video user so do not take my comment too seriously.
I think I have found a holy grail camera. I enjoy it very much.
I really enjoy this camera. It is a delight to use. Its kinda like the poor mans leica. I especially love the touch screen, very responsive- no delay very quick focus with no lag time. I find the layout of buttons very easy and logical to use. No hunting in menus for frequently used functions. It doesn't get much better. I have used olympus epl1 and find it lacking compared to the panasonic in ease of use and functions. The olympus lenses are very compatible and work perfect with the panasonic gx1 if you have them. The screen is bright and works well in bright sunlight. It feels solid and handles easily- like the grip= fits my hand so that its easy to shoot one handed. In short- Its a keeper.
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