Photography

Panasonic outs tiny Lumix GM1 interchangeable lens camera

Panasonic outs tiny Lumix GM1 interchangeable lens camera
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 fits a Micro Four Thirds sensor in a tiny body which is smaller than many compact cameras
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 fits a Micro Four Thirds sensor in a tiny body which is smaller than many compact cameras
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 fits a Micro Four Thirds sensor in a tiny body which is smaller than many compact cameras
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 fits a Micro Four Thirds sensor in a tiny body which is smaller than many compact cameras
The Panasonic Lumix GM1 features a 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor
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The Panasonic Lumix GM1 features a 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor
The LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 lens is being released alongside, and bundled with, the Panasonic GM1
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The LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 lens is being released alongside, and bundled with, the Panasonic GM1
On the rear of the Panasonic Lumix GM1 there's a three-inch touchscreen with 1,036K dots for composing and controlling shots
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On the rear of the Panasonic Lumix GM1 there's a three-inch touchscreen with 1,036K dots for composing and controlling shots
A magnesium-alloy shell with aluminum dials and buttons should give the Panasonic Lumix GM1 a solid feel
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A magnesium-alloy shell with aluminum dials and buttons should give the Panasonic Lumix GM1 a solid feel
The Panasonic GM1 will be available in November, bundled with the kit lens, for a price of US$750
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The Panasonic GM1 will be available in November, bundled with the kit lens, for a price of US$750
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Over the past couple of years we've seen camera manufacturers trying to strike the right balance between image quality and camera size, by fitting ever larger sensors in ever smaller cameras. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera which continues this trend, by somehow squeezing a Micro Four Thirds sensor into a body which is smaller than many compact cameras.

Featuring the same size Micro Four Thirds sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) as the likes of the Lumix DMC-GX7 and Olympus OM-D E-M1, the Panasonic Lumix GM1 should be capable of shooting comparable quality images as its larger brethren. Indeed it even takes the same lenses. But it's not just small for a Micro Four Thirds camera, measuring just 98.5 x 54.9 x 30.4 mm (3.88 x 2.16 x 1.2 inches), it's one of the smallest interchangeable lens cameras ever. In terms of miniaturization, it's right up there with the Pentax Q cameras, which have much smaller sensors.

The GM1's 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor is paired with Panasonic’s Venus Engine image processor and enables detailed images with an ISO range of 200 to 25,600. Burst shooting is possible at speeds of 5 frames per second if set to use the mechanical shutter, and 40 fps with an electronic shutter. A silent shutter feature also allows users to capture images in situations where the traditional click might be frowned upon.

Autofocus is dealt with by a contrast AF system with 23 points, and Panasonic claims the camera is capable of speedy focusing even in low light situations. There's a handy Focus Peaking function available in MF and AF+MF modes. The Panasonic GM1 shoots Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps and this increases to 60 fps at 720p. This being 2013, the camera also features built-in Wi-Fi for sharing images and video, as well as remote shooting via an iOS or Android device running the respective app.

The Panasonic Lumix GM1 features a 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor
The Panasonic Lumix GM1 features a 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor

A magnesium-alloy shell with aluminum dials and buttons should give the (slightly retro-styled) camera a solid-feel and physical controls include a mode dial, a switch for jumping between single, continuous and manual focus modes and a function button. All of which should keep enthusiasts happy given the overall small size of the device and lack of space to fit much more.

On the rear there's a three-inch touchscreen with 1,036K dots for composing and controlling shots. Space being at a premium, there's obviously no optical or electronic viewfinder, and it's worth noting that because there's no hot-shoe, it's not possible to add an external one either. There is however a pop-up flash should you need a bit of extra light.

Released alongside, and bundled with, the Panasonic GM1 is the LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 lens. Giving a 35 mm-format equivalent focal length of 24-64 mm, the retractable-type zoom unit is made up of eight lenses in seven groups, including ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass for minimizing chromatic aberration. Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape which should also produce a smooth out-of-focus blur when shooting at larger apertures.

The LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 lens is being released alongside, and bundled with, the Panasonic GM1
The LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 lens is being released alongside, and bundled with, the Panasonic GM1

The lens also boasts MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to make it easier to control shots with slower shutter speeds, and an inner focus drive system and stepping motor for smooth and silent operation whether shooting stills or video. While the new lens uses the traditional Micro Four Thirds mount, it's been specially designed to fit the size of the GM1 with a smaller diameter. Many Micro Four Thirds lenses are taller than the body of the Panasonic GM1.

This is where the discussion and boasts of small size get interesting. Because the GM1 has a relatively large sensor, its lenses still need to be big enough to cover that sensor with an image, while those designed for the smaller sensors of the Nikon 1 or Pentax Q can be smaller. This means that while the camera itself is pocketable, many of the lenses you might want to use with it certainly won't be.

The Panasonic GM1 will be available in November, bundled with the kit lens, for a price of US$750.

Product page: Panasonic Lumix GM1

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3 comments
3 comments
The Skud
Neat! Now find room for wi-fi and/or a Blutooth chip so you can use your "Google Glass" for a viewfinder and you're complete ...
HappyPhil
@Skud..Read the 4th paragraph.
kri
ha ha good one Happy.. wot a sexy camera, retro look is cool, and love the 'Orange?' version.. can't wait to buy.. do I need it? No! Do I want it? Def. YES!