I have been very excited about the World's Smallest Full Frame Interchangable Lens Camera, the Sony A7 which is indeed a game changer in the mirrorless arena. To add on to my excitement today is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1; The World's Smallest Micro Four Thirds camera.
This new camera from Panasonic, is somehow different from what Sony offers - big sensor in a small body. Now, if Micro Four Thirds is all about compactness, the Lumix GM1 is even more compact than ever. Measuring just 98.5 x 54.9 x 30.4 ( mm ) , Panasonic can really describe the GM1 as compact in the fullest sense of the word.
From far, one can easily mistook the GM1 for a point-and-shoot. In fact, a Canon point-and-shoot like the Powershot series already has slightly bigger dimensions in the region of 100 plus x 60 plus x 30 plus ( mm ).
This new camera from Panasonic, is somehow different from what Sony offers - big sensor in a small body. Now, if Micro Four Thirds is all about compactness, the Lumix GM1 is even more compact than ever. Measuring just 98.5 x 54.9 x 30.4 ( mm ) , Panasonic can really describe the GM1 as compact in the fullest sense of the word.
From far, one can easily mistook the GM1 for a point-and-shoot. In fact, a Canon point-and-shoot like the Powershot series already has slightly bigger dimensions in the region of 100 plus x 60 plus x 30 plus ( mm ).
With its classy traditional rangefinder design, solid aluminium and leather packed in a small body, Panasonic managed to squeeze in a 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor with the Venus image processor just like the Lumix GX7. In fact, the GM1 is very much like a scaled down version of the GX7; Shedding off some weight yet retaining the same performance. This is very much like putting a V6 engine into a go cart, the feel and handling may be different but you get a whole lot of boost of performance. While I am not so sure if the GM1 can fit comfortably in the hand, it will definitely be a faithful travel companion.
Similar to the GX7, the GM1 also offers an ISO range of 200-25600 for better use in low light condition. Just like other Lumix models, the GM1 also adopts contrast AF for its focus system too. The GM1 features a high-speed Light Speed AF, making it possible to capture fast-moving subjects clearly and accurately. This autofocus system is also the same as the one in GX7 which is fast and responsive in whichever mode to quickly and accurately acquire focus under a wide variety of lighting conditions.
Similar to the GX7, the GM1 also offers an ISO range of 200-25600 for better use in low light condition. Just like other Lumix models, the GM1 also adopts contrast AF for its focus system too. The GM1 features a high-speed Light Speed AF, making it possible to capture fast-moving subjects clearly and accurately. This autofocus system is also the same as the one in GX7 which is fast and responsive in whichever mode to quickly and accurately acquire focus under a wide variety of lighting conditions.
Whats interesting is a completely silent electronic shutter; All other sounds can be disable too and there is nothing more discreet than that now. You can practically bring such a small camera anywhere and snap a shot or two without becoming too obtrusive or being labelled as a nuisance. This is a valuable tool for street photography as well as spy photography. Now you can stalk your beautiful classmate and capture her candid moments in an absolute stealth mode. Let all lovers of MFT thank Panasonic nicely for such a Micro invention.
Other nice features includes a maximum shutter speed of 1/16000 seconds, focus peaking, pop-up flash with a guide number of 13 and Full HD 1920 x 1080 video capabilities. What's more, full-time AF and tracking AF are available in the video recording mode. Wi-Fi connectivity is also available for the transfer of photos and videos to mobile devices via the Panasonic App. This is quite a standard for new cameras these days and social media lovers would appreciate the convenience of an instant backup + upload to their favourite social media sites.
Other nice features includes a maximum shutter speed of 1/16000 seconds, focus peaking, pop-up flash with a guide number of 13 and Full HD 1920 x 1080 video capabilities. What's more, full-time AF and tracking AF are available in the video recording mode. Wi-Fi connectivity is also available for the transfer of photos and videos to mobile devices via the Panasonic App. This is quite a standard for new cameras these days and social media lovers would appreciate the convenience of an instant backup + upload to their favourite social media sites.
On the down side, the GM1 does not have an Electronic View Finder but I would say this may not bother anyone so much since there are also other MFT cameras out there without one too. Let us only start worrying if there was no rear LCD.
Anyway, users can simply rely what they have, and thats this 1036K Dot Touch Screen 3 Inch LCD for framing and focusing. Also, as the camera is able to shoot in RAW and any mistakes that goes undetected on the LCD can be rectified in the post editing process. So its not really of a big problem. Well, just to take note, the GM1 also does not have a hot shoe for an add-on EVF option.
Another missing is a tilt-able screen and hence no more self-protraits for the narcissist. Also, as other Panasonic models have image stabilisation through the lens, the GX7 may however, the first to provide image stabilisation in the body itself. As for the GM1, there is no image stabilisation in the body. In exchange, Panasonic offers the new Lumix G Vario 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH MEGA O.I.S. lens with Panasonic's advanced hand-shake correction technology that collapse electronically to a pancake size.
This is an absolutely fabulous setup as pocketing an MFT camera with the lens can be quite challenging. With small retractable lens coupled with a small body, this is truly the World's Smallest MFT.
Being small and compact as what Micro Four Thirds are known for, the GM1 can now be stuffed into your front jeans pockets without looking too obscene.
Anyway, users can simply rely what they have, and thats this 1036K Dot Touch Screen 3 Inch LCD for framing and focusing. Also, as the camera is able to shoot in RAW and any mistakes that goes undetected on the LCD can be rectified in the post editing process. So its not really of a big problem. Well, just to take note, the GM1 also does not have a hot shoe for an add-on EVF option.
Another missing is a tilt-able screen and hence no more self-protraits for the narcissist. Also, as other Panasonic models have image stabilisation through the lens, the GX7 may however, the first to provide image stabilisation in the body itself. As for the GM1, there is no image stabilisation in the body. In exchange, Panasonic offers the new Lumix G Vario 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH MEGA O.I.S. lens with Panasonic's advanced hand-shake correction technology that collapse electronically to a pancake size.
This is an absolutely fabulous setup as pocketing an MFT camera with the lens can be quite challenging. With small retractable lens coupled with a small body, this is truly the World's Smallest MFT.
Being small and compact as what Micro Four Thirds are known for, the GM1 can now be stuffed into your front jeans pockets without looking too obscene.
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