Panasonic Lumix GM1: Review

Panasonic Lumix GM1 is a microscopic mirrorless with great performance: 16 mpx, clean images up to ISO 1,600, 5 fps burst and integrated Wi-Fi. The purpose of the micro 4:3 format has always been to offer the traditional SLR cameras more compact, while keeping intact for the image quality and the department’s performance.

The mission can be said definitively accomplished in the new Panasonic Lumix GM1, which is not only among the mirrorless smaller in absolute terms but within its ultra-compact, body can integrate the same sensor Panasonic Lumix GX7 top of the range and a number of technical features that not disfigure compared to those of well-larger and heavier. All this was made possible, in part, thanks to the creation of a new shutter mechanism, really miniaturized, which represents both the greatest strength of Panasonic Lumix GM1, and as we shall discover later, one of his greatest potential defects.

Panasonic Lumix GM1: Technical Details

Hold the Panasonic Lumix GM1 is a revelation: this machine has dimensions that until recently would have attributed to a compact pocket sensor with reduced size and quality of the corresponding image. But here we are in the presence of a real micro 4:3 interchangeable lens, compatible with all lenses out so far for the size and features a range of commands that, while limited by the limited space offered by the camera body, they can surely meet a lover of photography advanced on average.

The data sheet corresponds to a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor (the same as the GX7), a burst rate to 5 fps, a touch screen 3″ diagonal and 1.036k points and integrated Wi-Fi antenna for the communication with smart devices. The lens supplied in a kit with the Panasonic Lumix GM1 is an equivalent: 24-64 mm f/3.5-5.6 made on the new design, to minimize the size and fit into the tiny camera body. For those who want to mount one of the several objectives micro 4:3 and still maintain the balance of the car, there is a small additional grip sold separately, which also improves the grip.

The camera body is well designed, very simple and clean. The choice of materials is discreet and conveys a feeling of quality from the camera, if it were not for one detail: the touch screen when pressed with a minimum of intensity, creaks and flexes a bit too. The design of the controls and the menu is logical and well laid out, allowing you to access most of the features of this camera without fatigue.

Exceptions are certain aspects, which, depending on the habits of use, may be more or less important: the manual focus, for example, can be selected very rapidly through a mechanical selector, but then it is quite inconvenient and cumbersome to use, being delegated at varied pressures on the touch screen of the machine.

Panasonic Lumix GM1: Performance

When used in the field, the Panasonic Lumix GM1 definitely surprising in terms of performance. The focus speed with the kit lens, it really is instant, so as not to regret that the mid-range SLR. The machine is ready to shoot really in an instant, the waiting time between shots and the other is minimal, and even burst from 5 fps with AF single or 4 fps continuous focus tracking is great (not to mention the mode super-high with electronic shutter, now common in high-end Panasonic models, which leads us even to something like 40fps).

Even the lens kit, very compact design thanks to the re-sealable give a good performance in terms of clarity and reduce distortion and also ensuring a totally silent auto focus. Too bad for a macro performance a little subdued, which may disappoint those accustomed to focusing super-compact range of its traditional: this is the minimum distance of about 10 cm and does not guarantee specific magnification.

It is good. The performance of the stabilizer, which allows you to shoot handheld and relatively slow without too many worries. In this field the results offered by the stabilization of Olympus are yet another level.

We come then to the sore, the only one of the Panasonic Lumix GM1, which is the flash. Panasonic has added a little pop-up flash, which could come in handy in many situations, the shutter only when this machine does not limit the flash sync at an extremely low: only 1/50 of a second. This means that the flash, in essence, can only be used in low light, so to use the flash to fill in the daytime scenes (ie, the most logical use for a flash like that) without getting an overexposure is necessary to set values really opening extremes: f/16 up. This defect, depending on the habits of each photographic, may either be totally negligible both a barrier unacceptable.

Quality of Photo and Video

The ratio quality / size offered by the Panasonic Lumix GM1 is, in a word, sensational. JPEG files captured are comparable to those of the flagship GX7 and are therefore, excellent in terms of detail and color values ​​up to at least 1600 ISO. A performance that surpasses, in no uncertain terms, that of all the other cameras of this size. We simply do not exist on the market another compact pocket able to offer a comparable quality.

At base ISO levels, the detail is excellent even with a 100% pixel display, and digital noise remains well contained, even when you set higher values, with only the thresholds Etreme of ISO 3,200 and 6,400 that are beginning to raise some doubt usability. Although the dynamic range is good and, in the toughest situations, it still leaves to extend through automatic HDR function very convenient and excellent results. The engine Jpeg Panasonic is still not among the best in the market, offering sometimes unpleasant magenta dominant in the heavens, but it is improved in recent years and is now able to provide good results in most situations.

Good, but not excellent, the video department, a traditional dish of mirrorless Panasonic. The Panasonic Lumix GM1 find a yield slightly more limited than usual, since the maximum resolution (1080i at 50fps) up to the quality of the results, in this case comparable to those expressed by top of the range Panasonic Lumix GX7. Recorded movies are nonetheless, pleasing as detail and color, continuous auto focus performance is good and the sound recorded by the stereo microphones is clear enough.

Conclusions

The Panasonic Lumix GM1 is a camera extraordinary in many respects. It has the best balance between size and image quality of all cameras currently on the market and offers a performance and a range of advanced features into a truly pocket-sized camera body.

Moreover, unlike all the super-compact on the market (except for the Pentax Q7, which has a sensor far smaller), can accept interchangeable lenses, and then allows to choose between the whole range nourished micro 4:3. The only real flaw of this machine has a capacity of flash sync extremely limited: only 1/50s. Let the photographers and their experience with the task of judging whether this is a hardcore restriction or not.

Where to Buy Panasonic Lumix GM1

Panasonic Digital Spiegelreflex Kamera Lumix GM1 Lens Kit Standard Zoom Objektiv kommt mit schwarz dmc-gm1 K-k [International Version, ohne Garantie]

• Panasonic
• Panasonic digital single-lens camera Lumix GM1 lens kit standard zoom lens comes...
• Japansese Language only

$748.99

CHECK DEAL Prices are accurate as of 2024-12-03 at 00:21

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