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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 Micro Four Thirds camera review
It's no surprise that the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera category is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. These compact, pro-featured ILCs undoubtedly have a strong future, with mass consumer appeal and a widening assortment of price points. We're particularly taken with the technology's compact footprint -- we're focusing our camera reviews on mirrorless models, and even outfitted our entire CES team with Sony's NEX-C3. But long before the likes of Sony and Fujifilm launched their first cameras, Olympus and Panasonic dominated the then-infant mirrorless category, developing the Micro Four Thirds sensor standard, that, for better or worse, has failed to catch on among other manufacturers. Surprisingly, Panasonic's pioneering days were far stronger than those of recent past, with the company's GF1 melting the hearts of compact-seeking professionals. But following that successful first model, Panasonic opted to take the GF series in a different direction, launching a dumbed-down GF2 (and later GF3) in what was likely an attempt to appeal to the much larger amateur category. This left the GF1 faithful without a worthy successor -- until now. Panasonic's Lumix line gets a lot more crowded Panasonic Lumix GX1 Micro Four Thirds camera surfaces in leaked photos Panasonic launches Lumix DMC-GX1 Micro Four Thirds camera, we go hands-onThe Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 looks pretty standard on paper: there's a 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor, a choice of body colors, RAW shooting, HD video and a top sensitivity of ISO 12,800. Just as it did with the GF2 and GF3 body designs, Panasonic took a different direction with its new X-series lenses, swapping the traditional manual zoom for a motorized version, enabling a much more compact footprint. The difference when positioned alongside the NEX-C3's 18-55mm zoom is staggering, but Panasonic didn't arrive at this slick design without compromise, particularly noticeable when it comes time to swallow the $950 kit price. Still, one look at the hardened matte black metal body is all it takes to know that this is no GF4 -- this is it, the long-awaited successor to the GF1 has finally arrived. So, will the GX1 be our new top pick for the mirrorless category? Join us past the break to find out.
Panasonic launches Lumix DMC-GX1 Micro Four Thirds camera, we go hands-on
Remember the Lumix GF1? It was one of Panasonic's first Micro Four Thirds cameras, setting the bar quite high for models to come. But the GF1's successors -- the GF2 and GF3 -- did not live up to expectations, with the company gradually shifting the series towards transitioning point-and-shoot users, and away from early adopters who grew accustomed to the performance and build quality offered by that beloved early mirrorless cam. Now that familiar look and feel is back, in the form of the Lumix DMC-GX1. The 16 megapixel ILC includes a Live MOS sensor and Venus engine, with a maximum ISO of 12,800. Like other Panasonic G-series cameras, the GX1 uses a Micro Four Thirds mount, and is compatible with both Panasonic and Olympus lenses, including the standard 14-42mm zoom that ships with the $800 kit, or the Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm retractable lens that comes packaged for $950. Existing lens owners can pick up just the body for $700. What we really missed was the solid feel of the GF1 -- everything from the housing to the controls felt well-made, while the design of later GF models, was... underwhelming. Picking up the GX1 helped to restore our confidence in the series -- it was a pleasure to hold. There's quite a bit of power under the hood, too. We weren't able to test the GX1, which is expected to hit stores in mid-December, but Panasonic promises autofocus speeds of 0.09 second -- you can focus simply by touching your subject on the 3-inch, 460,000-dot touchscreen. There's also an external EVF option, which attaches to the camera's hot shoe and offers a 1.44 million-dot display with 100-percent field of view. Movie buffs can capture 1080/60i HD video, with either MP4 or AVCHD compression. It goes without saying that the GX1 can shoot in RAW, and offers the complete gamut of advanced shooting modes. Of course the features don't stop there, so jump past the break for the full PR from Panasonic.%Gallery-138523%%Gallery-138519%
Panasonic GF3 reviewed: aging 12 MP sensor, good upgrade for current compact users
When the Lumix GF1 was released less than a year after Micro Four Thirds first made its debut, it made a huge splash for its size, image quality, and versatility. Problem is, Panasonic set the bar very high for future GF-series models, and has sadly come up short with its latest update, positioning the GF3 ($600 with 14-42mm kit lens) as an upgrade for compact camera owners while leaving enthusiasts longing for much more. DPReview took the GF3 to task, publishing a very comprehensive review while finding that while Panasonic's latest ILC is a good fit for some photographers, more advanced users will likely be disappointed -- especially if they're expecting a rangefinder-like successor to the GF1. We spent a few hours with a pre-production GF3 earlier this summer, and weren't blown away by its performance. When testing against the class-leading Sony NEX-C3, we found the Sony camera to offer faster focusing, better high-ISO performance, more accurate white balance, and better image quality overall. So unless you're really gunning to save 50 bucks on an ILC with a kit zoom (or you already have a collection of Micro Four Thirds lenses), the $650 C3 is definitely the better bet.
Panasonic Lumix GF2 vs. GF1... fight!
If yesterday's preview of the GF2 wasn't enough for you, here's a little more eye candy to feast upon. We paired up Panasonic's all-new Micro Four Thirds shooter with the GF1 that preceded it and collected a nice little gallery for your perusal below. The major difference between the two is in their dimensions -- the GF2 feels a lot closer to your typical compact camera -- though there are plenty of smaller modifications as well, such as the refashioned grip on the camera's right side, the replacement of the jog dial up top with a stereo mic array, and the introduction of a luminous iA button for switching on the intelligent auto mode. The back of the GF2 is also quite a bit tidier, which has been achieved mostly by eliminating some buttons in favor of the touchscreen interface. Check it all out below or jump past the break for some video action. %Gallery-106820%
Panasonic GF2 rumored to be announced this week, released early 2011
There still isn't much in the way of actual details or pictures, but 4/3 Rumors is reporting that it's heard from sources who say the Panasonic GF2 Micro Four Thirds camera (successor to the GF1) will be announced as soon as next week. What's more, those same sources say that the camera will be the smallest mirrorless camera to date, and that it will use the Panasonic G2 12-megapixel sensor. That rumor is further backed up by a new listing for a GF2 at the Korean Radio Research Agency, although that unfortunately doesn't provide any details beyond the name. You might not want to ditch your GF1 just yet, though -- while camera will supposedly be announced next week, it apparently won't actually be released until sometime early next year. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Mirrorless camera shootout: DSLR alternatives get sized up and ISO-examined
It all started with Micro Four Thirds, but now just about everyone is jonesing to play along in the mirrorless camera game. The crew over at Serious Compacts managed to get ahold of quite a few contenders (Samsung's NX10, Sony's NEX5, Olympus' E-P2 and E-PL1, and Panasonic's GF1, GF2 and GH1), and rather than taking 'em apart one by one, they've decided to size 'em up in a fantastic size comparison piece. From lenses to bodies, all six cameras are shown from various angles, and even if you've convinced yourself to not be in the market for one of these bad boys, the eye candy alone is worth a peek. Furthermore, the group has been entered into a telling ISO comparison test, but if you came here looking for a spoiler, you'll be sorely disappointed. Tap those links below to get your study on, won'tcha?
Panasonic GF1 is ready to take the plunge Big Daddy style with the INON X-2 waterproof housing
It takes a special suit to stand up to the worst that Rapture can throw at you, and for the Panasonic DMC-GF1 that suit is the INON X-2. It's an aluminum alloy case available in white or black that looks beefy enough to survive far deeper than the 75 meters it's rated for. It also seems capable of standing up to being driven over by a car or being thrown down a flight of stairs. Add on two optional M1 grips plus underwater lights and you have yourself the diving rig pictured above, absolutely dwarfing the tiny GF1 cowering inside. Its cost does too, with the case alone going for 186,900 yen, about $2,200, and each grip costing 10,000 yen (about $115). That seems like an awful lot to spend to protect a $650 camera, but don't let such words dissuade your capitalistic instincts.
Engadget's back to school guide: Digital cameras
Welcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we've got our optical viewfinders set firmly on digital cameras -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here! Time for us to open up chapter two of this year's Back to School advice compendium. Up for discussion today are digital cameras, which have been in the gym all year working on their processing prowess and return today with 720p HD video as an almost standard feature. We've got a good cross-section of young pretenders and finely aged veterans for your perusal, so why not give your mouse a little exercise as well and click past the break?
Panasonic GF1 gets 1080p video recording via firmware hack
By utilizing the same groundwork of this DMC-GH1 hack, a group of crafty coders have devised a way to allow for all sorts of funky tweaks to the beloved Lumix GF1 -- most notably, 1080p video recording. Besides the full HD recording, using a reworked version of the camera's firmware, the micro four thirds shooter has had its video recording bit rates upped, added 4.2.2 color sampling, and looks like it could be getting full manual control and 24p/25p shooting options down the road. Some users are already maximizing their camera's abilities with the hacks, though based on reading we've done in the DVXuser forums, the firmware changes don't seem completely ready for primetime. Regardless, it's pretty encouraging news for those us who are already having a torrid love affair with the GF1. Check out some 1080p examples after the break, and hit the source links for a lot more info.
Panasonic's DMC-GF1 / GH1 / G1 firmware updates improve autofocus performance
Curious timing, no? Nary a fortnight after Olympus announced an autofocus-related firmware update for its line of Micro Four Thirds cameras (the PEN E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1), along comes Panasonic with an all-too-similar round of firmware fixes for their own MFT range. Slated to hit the interwebs on May 10th, a trio of new updates will purportedly bring improved autofocus performance with third-party lenses as well as recognition of the new 14-42mm kit zoom to the DMC-GF1, DMC-GH1 and DMC-G1. We're also told that there will be improved flash performance for the latter two, and if you just so happen to be the proud owner of one of these, you can head on past the break for the full changelog.
Panasonic adds silver and pink body options to GF1, exhibits poor timing
It's pretty much common knowledge these days that we're big fans of Micro Four Thirds cameras, and while Olympus may already be shipping its second generation hardware, Panasonic is holding firm with the still highly desirable GF1. Tweaking up the formula just a tad, the company is throwing its Japanese audience a bone with a pair of frankly stupendous color options, led by the silver (looks more like gunmetal to us) number above. We're digging the contrast between the black sections and silver body, though the real highlight must be that we don't find the pink option (pictured after the break) intolerable. Good job by Panasonic on picking out these hues, but why on earth are they coming out on March 12 -- shouldn't the marketing department be aware of certain global consumerist events that exist pretty much exclusively to stimulate indulgent purchases of superficially appealing new gear?
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 hands-on, with 720p test footage!
Hoo boy are we stoked on this one. Panasonic has really shown what micro four thirds is all about, with the retro good looks and strong performance of the new Lumix DMC-GF1. The camera is certainly a bit larger and heavier than it looks from a distance, but housed within the slightly oversized shell are some pretty good optics and some snappy performance. You can't replicate the satisfying "kerklunk" of a real DSLR shutter, but the GF1 is responsive and clicky enough to give off a much better vibe than the standard camera in this size range. The few shots we took on auto looked quite vibrant in a variety of lighting conditions, though the close-ups showed a disturbingly shallow depth of field -- though that could obviously be tweaked. Being the filthy non-purists that we are, we're most excited by the camera's 720p video mode, which offers decently fast autofocus with a half press of the shutter button, and zero jelly vision to worry about. The downsides of no line-in and a higher pricetag than the comparable E-P1 aren't insignificant, but the GF1 will certainly put up a fight. Stick around for some in-camera test footage later on, test stills are below and there's a hands-on video after the break.Update: Sample footage is now posted after the break! It was ripped from an AVCHD file to H.264, so there's been some generational quality loss, but you'll get an idea of the colors and the motion. We also just got word that the camera is up for pre-order at Amazon. [Thanks, Ron]
Panasonic goes rangefinder with the Lumix DMC-GF1
We've been wondering when Panasonic would do something a little more interesting with a Micro Four Thirds sensor than simply pack it into an SLR-style body, and it looks like the new Lumix DMC-GF1 is the first step along that road. First leaked early last month, the spec sheet aligns pretty closely to the similarly sweet-looking Olympus E-P1, although most of the numbers max out a little lower: 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor with ISO 3200 sensitivity, 720p 30fps AVCHD Lite or Motion JPEG video (sorry, no mic input), three-inch LCD, and HDMI out. (In terms of size it's a wash: the GF1 is less wide, but it's a tick taller, and they're both about the same thickness, although the GF1 has a built-in flash.) Ready for the bad news? Panny's going to be selling this thing in two kits come October, one with a 20mm/f1.7 "pancake" lens and the other with a 14-45mm/f3.5-5.6 zoom, and both are priced at $900 -- not including the optional viewfinder attachment. Yeah, that's a lot of scratch, especially since the E-P1 has slightly better specs and lists for $800. We'll see what street prices look like after a couple months, but for now we're, oh, let's say, "waiting to be convinced." Full press release after the break. Update: Well, what do you know? PhotographyBLOG has a nice gallery of sample shots up to give you a solid idea of what this bad boy's capable of.
Panasonic Lumix GF1 banner ad hits the web, still not official
So much for subtle, ambiguous leaks. As a great follow-up to the first blurry pics we saw of Panasonic's Lumix GF1, someone over at dpreview apparently pulled the trigger a little early and posted a vertical banner ad for the micro four thirds camera, with the tag line "DSLR photo quality in ultra compact flat design." 4/3rumors has some of the other ad variants if you're curious -- so now that its ad campaign is primed for launch, anyone care to take a guess how much longer we'll be waiting for its full debut? [Via Photo Rumors; thanks, Ren K]
Rumored Micro Four Thirds Panasonic GF1 gets pictured
Well, this one's a bit out of the blue, but a member of the Xitek.com forums has produced this image of a hereto unheard of Micro Four Thirds Panasonic Lumix GF1 that's purported to come from an internal Panasonic PDF. A second image (after the break, and full size at the link below), also reveals a few more interesting details, like a port below the hotshoe that would presumably be used for a detachable EVF, and a built-in pop-up flash. Otherwise, about all that's clear is that the camera itself appears to be slightly smaller than the Olympus E-P1, and that it's prompted an endless stream of speculation on the photography forums.[Via Digital Photography Review]
