Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-GM1, a small compact system camera with a Micro Four Thirds-size sensor.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 marks the introduction of a new camera type in Panasonic's compact system camera range. It's a tiny camera, but with the specs and high-end construction of the company's higher-end cameras.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 Design
Just 98.5mm wide and and 54.9mm tall, the Panasonic GM1 is smaller even than the highly portable GMC-GF5. Its body is made of magnesium, to offer solid construction without adding too much weight – the DMC-GM1 weighs just 203g. Panasonic boasts that it's roughly the side of a playing card.
The Panasonic GM1's body has a leather-effect finish, and it comes in two colours in the UK – black and orange. However, a silver trim version will also be available in other countries if you're desperate for a mild retro look.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 Features
The camera uses the same 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor as the Panasonic DMC-GX7, one of our highest-rated cameras of the year. Panasonic product manager Mark Baber claims, “we've managed to cram everything from the GX7 into the GM1.”
Sensitivity of the Panasonic DMC-GM1 tops out at ISO 25,600, and the same noise reduction techniques used in the GX7.
The camera has a 3-inch, 1,036k-dot LCD touchscreen and Wi-Fi, but lacks the NFC connectivity found in the GX7. It's heavy on scene modes and filters,though, with 23 scene modes and 22 creative filters, including HDR. On the video side the Panasonic GM1 offers top-motion and time lapse as well as normal 1080p video capture.
The Panasonic Lumiz DMC-GM1 uses a brand new range of lenses made specially for the ultra-small camera. It comes with a stabilised 12-32mm f3.5-56 lens in the standard kit package, and there are also several other lenses in the works. A 15mm f1.7 prime lens is planned for early 2014, along with a 43mm prime and a 35-100mm zoom lens. However, existing Micro Four Thirds lenses can also be used.
So why would you buy the GX7? It offers better manual control, NFC, a larger battery and slightly better video shooting.
With the 12-32mm lens, the Panasonic Lumiz DMC-GM1 costs £629, and will start shipping on 18 November in the UK.
Next, read our GX7 review
