What is the Panasonic Lumix GX7?
If Panasonic is to be believed, the Lumix GX7 is the best micro four-thirds camera it has ever made, which means it's likely the best camera it has made full-stop. It's too early to say, of course, as this isn't a full review, but on first impressions the Panasonic Lumix GX7 is a mighty impressive camera, mainly thanks to a fantastic 2740k-dot electronic viewfinder, brand new 16MP sensor and plenty more besides.
Watch our in-depth hands-on Panasonic Lumix GX7 video:
Panasonic Lumix GX7: Specs
New cameras tend to be a bit of a number-fest and the GX7 is no different, but here are the important bits:
- Brand new 16MP sensor: While it shares the same basic resolution as other Panasonic micro-four-thirds cameras, like the Lumix G6, the actual sensor is a brand new Live MOS model and there's a new processing engine, Venus Engine 8. Among other things, this means the GX7 has a 200 - 25,600 ISO range and Panasonic reckons low-light performance will match APS-C-sensor cameras - i.e. DSLRs.
- Tiltable 2740k-dot electronic viewfinder: That resolution is damn impressive, as is that it tilts - a nice feature to ensure you're always comfortable. One first impressions, it's a stunner.
- Tiltable 1040k touchscreen: The rear display's resolution isn't as impressive as the EVF, but the fact it's tiltable is very useful. Moreover, the touchscreen allows a number of nifty features for fine-tuning focussing, such as pinpoint focusing by zooming in on specific parts of your desired shot.
- Built-in Image Stabilisation: This means you can use any micro four-thirds lens, not just stabilised ones from Panasonic, and still benefit from image stabilisation. It's a key point of difference from other cameras in the range, which don't normally have it built into the body.
- Shoots at 5 frames per second: That's more than fast enough for action shots, and the speed increases to 4.2fps when using the AF-tracking mode.
- NFC and Wi-Fi: Two essentials, it seems, in modern, high-end cameras and the GX7 doesn't disappoint. The Wi-Fi means you can control the GX7 using Panasonic's app, while both make it easier to transfer and view photos on other devices without using a cable.
Panasonic Lumix GX7: Price
There are several versions of the Panasonic Lumix GX7. Body only it costs £819. It's £899 with the standard 14-42mm kit lens, and £999 with the slim, fixed 20mm pancake lens.
It will also come in two versions: the black one in the video, and a rather attractive two tone silver version for those with 'retro' inclinations.
Similar cameras include the Sony NEX-6, which cost around the same at launch last year, and the Olympus Pen E-P5 we reviewed recently. The fact the GX7 has a viewfinder should give it a serious leg up over the E-P5, however. It's a very promising camera that we can't wait to use more.
