Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 16 MP Micro 4/3 Compact System Camera with 3-Inch LCD Touch Screen Body Only (Black)

by Panasonic

• 3-inch LCD display
• 16MP DSLR-Like Image Quality, Features, and Lens Options
• Built-in Flash, Hotshoe, and Traditional Mode Dial
• Lumix LightSpeed Focusing and PinPoint Focusing Control
• Full HD Vide1080/60i - AVCHD/MP8

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 7.5 x 3.9 inches ; 11.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00604YTFM
• Item model number: DMC-GX1KBODY
• Batteries 1 Nonstandard Battery batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (91 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #180 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #3 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Digital Cameras > Compact System Cameras
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 5, 2011

Product Description

Color: Black | Style: Body Only

From the Manufacturer

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 16 MP Micro 4/3 Compact System Camera

Superb Image Quality and Performance Combined with a Premium Design Panasonic is pleased to announce the addition of the DMC-GX1 interchangeable lens system camera as part of the LUMIX G Micro System as part of the new premium mirror-less line up - DMC-GX1 featuring high image quality and stunning performance in both response and function. LUMIX G Micro System realizes high-quality photo images with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction. Taking full advantage of the 16.0-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine, images to be shot in low-lit situations at max. 12800 high ISO sensitivity setting is stunningly clear with highly sharp resolution. Precision Contrast AF system of LUMIX G Micro System gains even higher speed realizing approx. 0.09 second of Light Speed AF.* Consecutive shooting is also improved for 4.2 fps in 16.0-megapixel full resolution. The DMC-GX1 records 1920 x 1080 full-HD video with stereo sound in AVCHD format which is superior in both compression efficiency and friendliness with AV equipment for playback. Advanced AF system including practical full-time AF and tracking AF is available in video recording so that every photographer can enjoy high quality video recording with minimum ease. As a camera from the new premium line of LUMIX G Micro System, the external design of the camera has been developed with no compromising on grip, dial, coating - everything to detail. The hot shoe on the top lets you attach the optional tilt-shift Live View Finder (DMW-LVF2) of approx. 1.4x (approx. 0.7x**), 1,440,000-dot equivalent, 100% field of view. It is now compatible with UHS-I standard for the SDXC/SDHC Memory Card taking its advantage to extend performance. Available in silver and black, the DMC-GX1 offers luxurious comfort in shooting experience with a stunning performance and a host of functions, to be a great partner that is always in your sight, in your mind. * The time for focusing on the subject is measured with LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) to move the lens position to "2m" from "infinity" position. The zoom position is in wide end. Panasonic measurement method ** 35mm camera equivalent

High Image Quality for an Interchangeable Lens System Camera LUMIX G Micro System realizes high-quality photo images with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction; high-grade lens and precision AF achieves high resolution, optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction achieves lifelike image rendering and high precision auto exposure and white balance with live light metering results in the faithful color reproduction. The 16.0-megapixel Live MOS sensor plays a big role in high quality image rendering. With the dedicated circuit which reads out signals with minimum noise, the level of noise is significantly suppressed by more than 66%. Notably max. ISO 12800 is available with DMC-GX1. In shooting at high ISO setting, S/N value is improved by approx. 200% compared with the conventional 12.1-megapixel sensor. The sensor performance improves by 6db at ISO 3200 and max. 9db at ISO 6400, resulting in the dramatically flawless picture without noise.

In addition to the high-speed signal processing with its 3 CPUs, the image processor Venus Engine boasts its excellent performance with an adoption of noise reduction technology for even higher quality of image. By separating chromatic noise from luminance noise even more accurately by applying the optimal noise reduction to each, you can capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. By preventing the color mixture which tended to occur around the edges, any chromatic noise, not only in the gradation part but also in the edge part, are described clearly. The engine also provides selective noise reduction to the outline part to let it have more naturally-balanced curve without deterioration of the resolution. In addition, the spot-type noise which can be often seen in the dark area of the picture taken in low light situation or color bleeding on high luminance area generated by the chromatic aberration. Details are kept by optimum synthesizing of the data which is processed with resolution-priority for edge part and NR-priority for smooth part of a picture*. The result is a picture with stunning clarity if shot in low-lit situations. Furthermore, optimization of the parameter contributes to the increase of resolution.

* In a single shot at ISO3200 or higher. Not available with iA and iA Plus mode

Advanced AF System All cameras of LUMIX G Micro System adopt Contrast AF for its focus system. The Phase-difference AF system is susceptible to mechanical margin of error. However, in Contrast AF system, focusing is controlled by the image sensor so that no mechanical margin of error occurs to achieve precise focusing. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, the Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy especially in shooting with bright lens with small F value. (e.g. the accuracy of Contrast AF is approx. 90% while Phase difference AF is approx. 60% at F1.4.)

The DMC-GX1 features the approx. 0.09 second of ultra high-speed Light Speed AF* which is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by the synchronization of the lens and the sensor at 120 fps. Not only the accuracy but also the speed excels by far than the high-end DSLRs with Phase difference AF with the advanced Contrast AF system in DMC-GX1.

The newly added focus mode AFF (AF Flexible) locks on the focus when shutter button is half-pressed, however, if the subject moves, the focusing is reset to get the best results.

Combined with the Touch AF control, setting and focusing at the subject is incredibly easy and quick, never missing the spur-of-the-moment. Taking further advantage of Contrast AF, the DMC-GX1incorporates Full-area focusing which makes it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. Frame composition is free and intuitive combining the touch-screen operation. The touch-control system of DMC-GX1 immediately lets users to set focus to the subject by just touching it on the large, 460,000-dot wide-viewing angle LCD and you can even release the shutter. Once you lock on the subject by a touch, the camera tracks the subject with the AF tracking function even if it moves. Just a touch on the screen lets you select the part and the size of AF area with the 1-area AF. The 1-area AF in Face Detection even allows you to set finer focus on the eyes while capturing human face bright and clear. The Multi-area AF with 23 AF areas allows you to set a group of AF point according to the composition. In addition, Pinpoint AF function is incorporated in DMC-GX1 allowing more precise focus setting by further enlarging the focusing area. It assists, for example, setting focus right on the pupil in an eye. In the MF assist mode, you can enlarge the part by just a touch to select 1x, 4x, 5x or 10x and smoothly move the part by dragging it on the screen. The 4x enlarged view is displayed on the framing screen making it possible to setting fine focus while composing the whole picture at the same time. * The time for focusing on the subject is measured with LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) to move the lens position to "2m" from "infinity" position. The zoom position is in wide end. Panasonic measurement method Easy Manual Control with a Variety of Shooting Assist Functions Despite its outstanding compactness, the operation on DMC-GX1 is smooth and easy with optimum layout of control buttons and the mode dial, turn-and-press dial and dedicated function buttons. The function the user changes its setting can be assigned to the 2 external buttons and 2 menus in the software tab for direct reach. In addition, a total of 4 custom setting patterns can be memorized to the camera (1 on C1 for direct switch and 3 on C2). Now the DMC-GX1 comes with Level Gauge which lets the camera detect the horizontal/vertical angle of view with its internal level working with the acceleration sensor. Photos shot in a portrait aspect will be automatically displayed vertically whatever lens is used.

The newly incorporated One Push AE adjusts exposure with a single press of Fn (Function) button when it is over/under exposure. It is especially useful in shootin outdoor with open aperture or indoor with fast shutter speed.

Zoom operation can be controlled with touch control when the Power Zoom lens of LUMIX G Micro System is attached. Speed of zooming can be adjusted in 2 steps.

Even though the DMC-GX1 pursued the ultimate compactness, Panasonic did not compromise in the equipment of camera such as built-in flash (GN7.6, ISO160). Finest Tuning in Every Part of the Camera As a camera from the new premium GX line of LUMIX G Micro System, the external design of the camera has been developed with no compromising in every detail. The ergonomically designed grip fits the DMC-GX1's flat profile yet easy to hold. Its tactile feeling offers more comfort thanks to the casting material resin and elastomer. The mode dial is machined with finest tuning on its pitch of spin, form of plate and shininess. Characters are sharply printed by laser so that they are easy to see and they last long. The buttons on the back also have style in the coating, spin, stamp and color.

1920 x 1080 Full-HD High Quality Video Recording LUMIX G Micro System is the camera that records not only high quality photo but also stunning video. The AVCHD format features almost twice the recording time in HD quality than the conventional Motion JPEG. A special, dedicated button on the top lets the user instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra settings. Now the DMC-GX1 can record high-resolution full-HD videos 1920 x 1080 at 60i (NTSC) / 50i in AVCHD (Sensor output is 30p [NTSC])*. Image recording is more flexible fun with the DMC-GX1. In addition to the practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing the subject, the focus is shifted to it and let it stand out to attract attention. The Extra Tele Conversion function virtually extends the zoom range Max.4.8x without deterioration of image quality in smaller resolution. Even video beginners can record excellent video with the DMC-GX1 because the popular iA and iA Plus modes are also available in video recording. Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. AF Tracking locks on the subject with focus even it moves. Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it, so it always turns out beautiful. The Intelligent D-range Control offers natural looking by optimizing the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully including the blue color of the sky. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Portrait, Scenery, Close-up and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize various parameters for higher visual quality. High quality sound can be recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind. The DMC-GX1 can take a photo while recording video by just pressing a shutter button. Also, photos can be cropped out from the video and the unwanted part of the video can be removed with a video divide function. Videos can be recorded in MP4 format to play it back directly on the PC or other portable electronic devices without a need of conversion. • Full HD (1920 x 1080) videos are output by the image sensor at 30p (NTSC), and recorded at 60i (NTSC). HD (1280 x 720) videos are output by the image sensor at 30p (NTSC), and recorded at 60p (NTSC). • Motion images can be recorded continuously for up to 29 min 59 sec in European PAL areas. • Continuous recording exceeding 4GB is not possible when recording MP4. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen. • Use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 4" or higher when recording motion pictures • SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing. Outstanding Performance in Power, Speed and Image Processing With further optimization and rationalization in electric design, the DMC-GX1 excels in energy consumption and features approx. 11%* longer battery life than the DMC-G3 which complies with the same battery pack DMW-BLD10. The DMC-GX1 is now capable of 4.2 fps consecutive shooting in 16.0-megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter. High speed burst shooting at 20 fps with electronic shutter is also selectable according to the shooting fast-moving subject and it is possible to select the best shot later**. The Intelligent D-range Control offers even more natural looking by optimizing the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully including the blue color of the sky. DMC-GX1 compiles the Intelligent Resolution technology to perform the optimum signal processing depending on the part of a picture to give a whole image outstandingly natural clearness with fine details. Cameras of LUMIX G Micro System are equipped with highly efficient Dust Reduction System. If dust or other foreign matter gets inside the camera when you're changing lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. The Dust Reduction System in the DMC-GX1 helps eliminate this possibility by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively. The DMC-GX1 is compatible with UHS-I standard for the SDXC/SDHC Memory Card taking its advantage of high-speed data transmission. *Based on a CIPA Standard. ** In the high speed burst shooting at 20 fps, the picture size is fixed to S-size in all aspects. Artistic Color Control Functions and iA (Intelligent Auto) Plus Mode The DMC-GX1 is artistic not only in form, but also in function. It provides an array of features that let users capture precisely true-to-life images and create their own beautifully expressive images. The Creative Control offers a variety of color modes; Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Miniature Effect* and newly added Low Key and Toy Effect mode.

The Photo Style is another option to look photos more true to your artistic intention. It has Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait presets while enabling finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction by each. It is possible to fully customize those settings to make user's own color effect manually in Custom mode. These two modes — Creative Control and Photo Style — let users at any level of skill enjoy giving photographers' intention to make the picture even more impressive and fun. The DMC-GX1 has advanced functions that will satisfy experienced photographers, yet is easy enough for beginners of interchangeable lens camera to use comfortably in both photo and video recording with the iA (Intelligent Auto) Plus. In addition to the popular iA functions – AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control - , the iA Plus mode lets users adjust defocusing area in the background, exposure compensation and white balance for more flexible control. * Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long) Enjoy Watching High Quality Photos and Videos on Large HDTV — VIERA Link Networking Even in 3D With Panasonic's introduction of an interchangeable lens to make 3D photo shooting possible with an interchangeable lens system camera, Panasonic proposes to enjoy high-quality shooting in 3D with DMC-GX1. Both photo and AVCHD video recorded on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV with dynamic HD resolution. The user simply inserts the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD Memory Card slot) on a VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player** to play the content. Alternatively, an optional HDMI mini cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the DMC-GX1 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link operation. This makes it possible to take maximum advantage of the camera's playback functions, including slideshows in which both still and motion images are played sequentially, or calendar displays and so on. * For a digital interchangeable lens as of September 21, 2010. ** AVCHD motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard. Rich Options for Further Expandability The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today's Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GX1 can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard via an optional Mount Adaptor for the unlimited number of lens properties. The hot shoe on the top lets you attach the optional tilt-shift Live View Finder (DMW-LVF2) of approx. 1.4x (approx. 0.7x*), 1,440,000-dot equivalent, 100% field of view. The LUMIX DMC-GX1 system camera offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style – External Flashes, PL Filters, ND Filters, MC Protectors, Remote Shutter, Zoom Lever, Battery Pack, AC Adaptor, DC Coupler, Lens Caps, Straps, Cases and Bags.

Product Description

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 16 MP Micr4/3 Compact System Camera with 3-Inch Touch-Screen LCD Body Only (Black)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

130 of 135 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Compared with GF1 and GH2 December 29, 2011

By Parka TOP 50 REVIEWER

Style Name:Body Only|Color Name:Black

I own the GF1 and GH2 so I'll be comparing with those two cameras. I like the rangefinder-like body but as with using a camera, the photos and image quality comes above all. That's the reason why I use my GH2 more often than the GF1. But now with the GX1, it seems like Panasonic is finally able to put GH2 capability into a GF1 body. That's something I've been looking for.

- BUILT

The GX1 construction is sturdy. It's a metal body and now comes with a new rubber grip that I like. You get a firmer hold when using heavier lens.

The GX1 is slightly slimmer than GF1. At 272g, it's 13g lighter than GF1 and 120g lighter than GH2. By the way, the LVF2 is 36g.

Buttons behind are rearranged a bit. I've read a few reviews saying the buttons are cheap and misaligned, but I don't think that's so with my set.

The new flash can now be tilted back for a bounce lighting so that's useful. But the flash films filmsy. I seldom use it even with my GF1 so it's a small issue.

The battery used here is the BMW-BLD10, also used by the GF2. That means now I have three different batteries and chargers with GF1, GX1, and GH2. I seriously think Panasonic should release new batteries only when they can double the capacity. 2 old batteries are always going to last longer than whatever new battery. Panasonic, just choose a slim battery and stick with it for 10 years.

- SPEED (Autofocus and handling)

I value speed A LOT.

I'm glad to say that the autofocus speed is very comparable to GH2, which means it's almost instant.

The touchscreen is convenient for autofocus. Choosing focus points is faster with one touch, compared to several button presses on the GF1.

Everything seems breezy with the camera. Startup is fast. Moving through menus is fast. Writing to files is alright but that's dependent on the card speed. Class 10 is a good card speed. If you want really fast writing time, get a SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-1 card.

The improved speed makes it fantastic for street photography. See something interesting on the street. Power on, hold it to your eye, touch-focus and snap. It all happens very fast, as things on the street do.

- IMAGE QUALITY

The 16mp sensor here is similar to the one on G3. The ISO performance has improved a lot. On the GF1, ISO 800 is my no-go zone. On GX1, I can go up to ISO 3200 and not be worried that noise becoming the subject of the photo. I think there's about 1-stop plus advantage.

Image quality is great in most situation. Colours are pleasing but I still prefer Canon colours. Everyone sees colour differently. It's subtle and you have to compare photos side by side to see the difference. The colour temperature in the GX1 seems slightly cooler.

White balance is still a problem with artificial light sometimes. WB intelligence still has some ways to go. It's a small issue that can be easily fixed in post process.

Dynamic range has improved slightly I feel. Always shoot raw to get the best possible quality to tweak later if you so desire.

Overall, the image quality seems comparable to the GH2.

- VIDEO QUALITY

All Panasonic micro four thirds cameras have fantastic video quality out of the box. It gets better with good lens.

What's improved here is it can record 1080/60i movies now. It's great for those who need it. I normally shoot 720p on my GF1 and GH2, so I'll still be shooting 720p here. I like the 720p for the smaller file size which is quicker to upload online.

- CONCLUSION

I'll rate the camera 5 stars in its class. However, if I include DSLRs for comparison, GX1 would probably be 4 or 4.5 stars. Image quality very good but not stellar, mostly the part on colours. I've to emphasis again that colours is quite subjective, so maybe it's just me.

It's a rather pricey camera (body only). And the new LVF2 goes for USD 299 at recommended retail price. So the total cost of camera and LVF2 can be higher than GH2 body!

I've always wanted a GH2 quality in GF1 body (and weight). The maximum ISO I reach in most situations is ISO1600 and this camera is perfectly capable of handling that, so it's a big plus for me.

The biggest reason to upgrade from GF1 would be for the improved ISO performance. If you've been missing shots because of photos being too noisy, it's a worthy upgrade.

BUT BUT BUT...if it's just the ISO performance, I might recommend, to get your money's worth, consider a good low light lens to use with the GF1. You can get the Panasonic Leica 25mm lens and still have change left! And I've used the Olympus 12mm lens with GF1 at night, shooting at 1/10s on ISO 400, and gotten a relatively sharp photo.

GH2 users have less reason to buy since image quality difference is not drastic. The more probable reason would be to get a lighter gear. It is 120g lighter. It's worth considering if you don't mind the missing viewfinder (available for a price). I see myself using the GX1 more because of the lighter weight. I don't shoot for critical events, and the GX1 can handle most of what I already do currently with the GH2. So if I start using the GH2 less, I'll be selling it away.

Last note. If you check back to reviews on the GF1 when it was first released, you'll be able to see much of the criticism have been addressed.

I still wish for that in-built EVF in the GF/X series but I don't think I'll see that from Panasonic in the near future. Well, a LVF2 is better than no alternatives.

73 of 79 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars first m43 and very satisfied December 30, 2011

By Wayne

Style Name:Body Only|Color Name:Black

A conversation with a friend on Sony's Nex 7 started my journey into a full week research on these new mirrorless compact interchangeable lens cameras. My choices went from the Sony Nex 7, Samsung NX200, Olympus EP3, Olympus EPL3, Pentax Q, Fuji X100 (lens not interchangeable), Nikon J1 and the V1.

I'm looking for a pocketable camera that can take good pictures. I can sacrifice a few things if it means I'm more likely to carry the darn thing with me. The m43 fits the bill with their smaller lens. To counter the previous reviews, the build quality on the GX1 is excellent. I purchased the camera from my local Samys where I got to hold and play with the Olympus, Nikon and Panasonic cameras. From the bunch, the Panasonic felt the best. It has enough weight to feel legitimate in the hands. The hand grip is just right for this size of a camera. The mode dial is firm and not likely to shift when maneuvering in and out of my jacket pocket. It has customize-able dial settings C1 and C2 as common with the latest Panasonic cameras. It has programmable soft keys (in the touch screen) within quick reach. The menu system is nicely laid out and quick. The Q-menu, short for quick menu, is also customizable. I arranged mines to give me instant access to various settings for raw, metering, etc. This is a nifty feature and seen in other Panasonic cameras. It's clear that Panasonic pays a lot of attention to this aspect of the usability experience. You can pick it up and navigate through the menu very easily without a manual. Another cool feature is live manual focus mode. In automatic focus mode, you can adjust the manual focus ring and the body will automatically switch to that mode while zooming into the focus area so you can set your focus. Really cool for this body. The touchscreen is very good and with the firmware update it's excellent. Keep in mind these are your resistive type screens for usability reason as opposed to capacitive screens found in your cellphones. This prevents you from accidentally pressing soft buttons on the screen as you manipulate the camera.

The auto focus is extremely fast hooked up to a Panasonic 20mm in my test shots at alternating distances (from close to far). Shot to shot is very quick but not as quick as quick as you would find in a full body dslr (as noticed when compared to my Pentax K20D), but still impresses my friends. Now, there is a jog dial for aperature, shutter, and EV settings thats context sensitive. In manual mode the dial operates aperature and a quick press will get it to shutter. Likewise, in aperture mode, a press of the dial will allow you to instantly adjust EV. The dial feels great. GX1 has a metal lens mount. In fact, most of the body is metal which sets it apart from the G3. It does have the touchscreen shutter release allowing you to snap away from just touching points on the screen to set the focus area just like the EP3.

There's quite a bit of fanboyism between the Olympus and Panasonic sides of the m43 house. The general feeling I get is Panasonic folks just happy with their gear with the Olympus side pressing the issue of what's a better system. What's often overlooked from the point and shoot migrators as opposed to coming in from the dslr side is that "you are buying into a system". Right now, Panasonic makes the better lens of both brands in image and physical quality of the lenses as noted by the price differences. The Panasonic 20mm is considered a must have. The 7-14mm, 45mm and others are among the best lenses. What's overlooked in comparisons is that you will not get the in body chromatic abberation corrections using an olympus body with a panasonic lens. The lens you will keep for a long time while you upgrade your bodies in the years to come. If you're using a wide range of older tele lens WITHOUT a tripod you might do better with an Olympus, but I'm not sure there are many people hand holding a camera with a tele lens. On the other hand, the Panasonic's sensor is a stop or two faster due to the new sensor which gives it some shake resistance.

Then there's the question of picking the gx1 or g3. The G3 is a great camera and you should definitely consider it. It's feature packed with an evf and a full flip out screen (as opposed to simply articulating). Specs of these two side by side are available online. There's a few differences in performance and obviously build quality as the gx1 is mostly metal. If you're doing a lot of video then the gh2, and sony nex series are your candidates. The quality of the gh2 videos are already well noted and has been compared with the canon 5d mark II, especially with some hacked firmware.

Coming from the K20D and did my share of research for several weeks before purchasing this camera. As a result I went through several reviews, blogs and forums. You maybe in the same boat comparing the Olympus EP3 and the GX1 and you really ought to hold onto both cameras to see what feels right for you. I want to address a peculiar review on stevehuffs blog where he puts these cameras head to head in natural mode with no adjustment to compare jpgs (as Olympus is noted for their jpeg processor). A more useful review would have been to take both cameras and adjust the settings for what seems optimally pleasing to the reviewer. Otherwise, what's the point of having settings? This is akin to taking a hdtv out of the box and watching it as is compared to calibrating it, even if by eyeball. A little rant on how uninformative some of the review sites maybe.

In regards to the lack of an electronic view finder. You can purchase this separately if you need it so the issue is added cost. Just factor it in and consider it the ability for you to decrease the form factor without it. A non issue for some and others not so.

Also, there's a new firmware out and you should definitely upgrade. The Auto White Balance is much improved for indoor shots. I love the gx1. It's beautiful and you can't go wrong with either colors (satin, black). When I play with the gx1 after playing with my dslr the gx1 feels just fantastic to hold.

In the next year or so, I hope to see gorilla glass used by all camera makers for their dslrs and compacts to prevent scratching and damage. Another note, keep an eye on the Samsung compacts. The NX200 is a thing of beauty from the pictures and the system sports a good selection of lenses. I just didn't get the chance to handle one.

65 of 71 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not quite a Contax G2, but an excellent camera January 29, 2012

By S. Kasapi

Style Name:Body Only| Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase

I normally don't post reviews, but I've been surprised at how few reviews of this camera there are on Amazon. Some of the negative reviews have also been a bit bizarre, IMHO, so I wanted to share my opinion with other photo enthusiasts. Specifically, I'm writing to people who loved (or still love) the discontinued Contax G2.

My gold standard for a mirrorless (ie. rangefinder) camera is the Contax G2, which is a film camera. It stopped production when Contax died some time ago, but it still has a cult-like following. Some called it the poor man's Leica, but it's really an excellent camera. The mechanics were mostly very solid (the viewfinder housing was flimsy), the focus was confident and fast, and it had a suite of outstanding lenses. It was easy to hold, durable, and very pretty. I took a lot of photos with my G2 that I'm very fold of. Then I sold it because I got tired of scanning film.

I've been hoping someone would come up with a digital camera like the G2. Maybe Leica has, but I could never justify spending thousands of dollars for a basic body. Forget about the prices of Leica lenses... To give you context, I've been using a Nikon D700 with primarily the 24-70 f2.8 (excellent image machine but big - too big a lot of the time), the Panasonic LX5 (a great camera, small and very capable, but a far cry from the G2 when it comes to handling and image quality), and my iPhone (the iPhone 4S is pretty good if you don't force it to embarrass itself).

Panasonic's GF1 seemed like a nice camera, but I never was terribly impressed by the images I saw from it. As my lawyer used to say, nice try but no cigar. The GF2 and GF3 are fine cameras, I'm sure, but they weren't heading in the direction of the G2, so I passed.

I ordered the GX1 on a whim, prepared to return it if I didn't get much use out of it. After using the GX1 for 4 weeks, I've decided to keep it. It's the closest I've come to the G2 at a reasonable cost. The body is well-balanced, easy to hold, and pretty. The controls are familiar, probably because I'm used to the LX5. It's very responsive and well-built. I've mostly been using the 20mm f1.7 and the 14-45mm Panasonic lenses. It's hard to compare to images from the G2 because there are so many ways to manipulate images in post-processing, but with practice I'm pretty sure the GX1 isn't going to limit me any more than the G2 did.

Two things I think should be made clear:

1) If you like rangefinders, you should get the add-on viewfinder. Just consider it part of the base cost of the camera.
2) There's no dedicated focus button. The only way to initiate focus, as far as I can tell, is with the shutter release. That's a problem if you prefer to fix focus on auto as I do. You can manually focus, of course, but that's a pain.

Be aware of these two issues.

I'm not able to compare the GX1 to the plethora of other MILC cameras out there since I haven't tried them to the same extent. Having spent some quality time with the GX1, though, I think this camera is a good platform. I'll be sticking with it for a few years. There's a cost in time and energy learning a new platform, so I don't relish switching.

As I said, I don't normally write reviews, but I think there's a small group like me that just wants a small, pleasant, reliable photographic platform to build on.

I think the GX1 is that platform for those of us who miss the G2.

For Fellini fans, it's 8-1/2 of the G2 :-)