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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 $949.99
By Liam McCabe February 24, 2012
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1
Review Highlights

Best Micro Four Thirds image quality

Excellent user interface

With the X Power Zoom lens, small enough for a pocket

Lowest overall score among similar mirrorless cameras

Score Breakdown
6.9
5.0
5.4
4.1

Introduction

Back by popular demand, Panasonic has returned to the enthusiast system niche with the Lumix GX1. While it’s technically the first model in a new G-series sub-line, the GX1 is really the logical descendent of the GF1, the most beloved camera in the short history of the Micro Four Thirds format.

The GF1 has been discontinued for some time now, but it was one of the first mirrorless cameras that felt like an actual product rather than a proof-of-concept. It was smaller than a DSLR, offered great image quality, was pretty comfortable to handle, and above all, was blessed with a control scheme geared for hands-on users. Enthusiasts loved it.

Then Panasonic turned the GF line toward the mass market. The latest model looks and handles more like a point-and-shoot than a system camera. For a while, there was no obvious upgrade for GF1 fans.

But Panasonic wants to make it right, and has offered up the GX1. It’s the spitting image of the GF1, stuffed with updated components, including the great 16-megapixel sensor used in last year’s G3.

While it’s built from familiar elements that have worked in the past, the mirrorless segment gets more competitive every month. Is the GX1 really the update that enthusiasts have been looking for, or was it just cobbled together to appease a few vocal fans? Read on to see how it stacks up.

This review is organized into 8 pages
Page 1
Sample Photos

A gallery of photos taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

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Page 2
Design

Looks like a gently reworked version of the Panasonic GF1, but stuffed with the newer components of the G3.

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Page 3
Image Quality

Very good overall image quality, perhaps the best we’ve seen from any Micro Four Thirds camera so far.

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Page 4
Usability

An excellent interface and control scheme for hands-on users. Responsive, customizable, and—the best part—pocketable, with the right lens.

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Page 5
Features

The on-screen level guide is a very helpful tool for framing correctly aligned shots.

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Page 6
Conclusion

Read our final conclusion of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1.

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Page 7
Specs & Ratings

See all the scores for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1.

Read More...
Part 8
Comments

Read what people are saying about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1.

Add your comments...

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1
Digital Camera Review

This review is organized into 25 pages

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Sample Photos
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