Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 compact system camera preview

First look

Photography aficionados have already been treated to an extensive range of performance-focused digital cameras from Panasonic’s widely known Lumix Series. This time, it’s the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 compact system camera that has girded up to take shutter bugs on a higher ride. Designed aesthetically, the high image quality camera vows to differ with an outweighing 16.01 megapixel Live MOS sensor and finds an ideal balance between the size and performance. Perfect for professionals and photo enthusiasts, the stylish yet sturdy camera is the latest addition to the company’s award winning Lumix G Series of digital cameras. The slim and compact DMC-GX1 features the ability to smoothly produce stunning photos and videos at maximum 12800 high ISO sensitivity and even in low light situations.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

What’s new?

The latest addition to Panasonic’s G Series employs Contrast Auto Focus for its focus system and accomplishes higher accuracy during shooting with a bright lens along with small F value. The model features a new unique Level Gauge that enables the Lumix DMC-GX1 to detect the horizontal and vertical angle of view through an inclusive internal level working with the sensor. The 16.01 megapixel camera also includes One Push AE that intelligently brings adjustments to the exposure with a single press of the Function button in incidences where it is over or under exposed. For amateurs, there’s iA and iA Plus modes that enable automatic shooting in still as well as video modes. Users can even benefit from the integrated Dust Reduction System that trims down foreign matter or dust from entering the camera when they are changing the lenses.

What’s been refreshed?

Although Lumix GX1 features Contrast Auto Focus for an enhanced experience, the camera looks appealing with a new ultra high speed Light Speed Auto-Focus. By utilizing this embedded system, users can conveniently auto focus in about 0.09 seconds through the camera’s ability to lessen the detection time for focusing by syncing the sensor and lens at 120fps. Also, the freshly added focus mode ‘AF Flexible’ locks on the focus when the user has half pressed the camera’s shutter button. Nevertheless, if the subject starts moving, the focusing is set again to deliver the optimum results.

Features walkthrough

Enclosed in a robust body, the camera gets a total of 14 Micro Four Thirds lenses comprising the power zoom X lens. Besides this, there are fish-eye lens, telephoto zoom lens, 3D lens, wide angle lens, single focal length lens and standard zoom lens. On its 3-inch LCD touchscreen monitor that offers screen resolution of 460k dots, users can easily view their pictures and high quality videos. Other focusing modes that uplift the experience are auto-focus, manual, auto-focus tracking, touch auto-focus, face detection and spot focus. The 272g camera also comes with 1920 x 1080 resolution and support for stereo sound and optical zoom. At the same time, keeping the Lumix DMC-GX1 alive is a powerful Lithium-ion 7.2v, 1010mAh battery.

What’s good?

The compact digital camera from Panasonic receives brownie points for featuring a solid rubberized grip on the front and stylish design. Ideal for users seeking a blend of design and high functionality, the camera also catches attention for full high definition video and support for fast focus. Amazing picture quality and quicker continuous shooting 4.2fps topples as other plus points.

What’s not so good?

Unfortunately, the device misses on incorporating Image Stabilization – which has been touted to be one of the necessary features in any digital camera. Apart from this, it appears to be high kit price with X lens.

Industry buzz

Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company expresses,

Panasonic expects the Lumix GX1 to please a lot of photo enthusiasts who have been eager for a technology upgrade comparable to the Lumix DMC-GF1, which continues to be a very popular digital camera with dedicated followers who appreciate the compact size, yet high quality of photos and video. The LUMIX GX1 is an extremely flexible and capable digital camera with fast AF speeds and outstanding image quality. Plus with a built-in flash and a hot shoe allowing for accessories like an external view finder, the GX1 is a powerful compact system camera that is small enough to be a photographer’s everyday camera choice.

The Panasonic DMC-GX1 will be hitting shelves beginning mid-December 2011 in either black or silver body colors. For body-only, users will have to fork out around $700.

Wrap-up

Panasonic has perfectly designed the Lumix G1 for advanced photographers seeking higher resolution sensor and optimum functionality through a stylish body. The device certainly makes an ideal option if high quality pictures and videos, sturdy build quality, portability and great performance hover across the mind.

Picture Gallery

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1