14 DAY TRIAL // Announced back in October, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 is the smallest MFT (Micro Four Thirds) digital camera available on the market.
Featuring the same 16MP sensor as Panasonic's GX7 model, the GM1 also comes packed with a 3-inch (1,036k dot) touchscreen LCD and if paired with the 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 pancake zoom lens, the camera can easily fit in your pocket.
In addition to that, Panasonic GM1 also comes with 1080p Full HD video capture capabilities at 60, 50, 25 and 24 fps using AVCHD encoding. The fast shutter speed of 1/16,000 of a second can capture a staggering 40fps in continuous shooting mode.
On the other hand, GM1's sensor doesn't come with phase-detection AF like the GX7, but instead it features a contrast detection AF with peaking option. The sensor is also capable of delivering great shots even in low light conditions thanks to an increased ISO sensitivity of up to ISO 25,600.
In a recent DxO Labs test, the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 achieved a 66 points score, which places it above most high-end MFT models including Olympus E-M1 and E-M5 as well as Panasonic's GH-3.
Moreover, the Panasonic GM1 manages to score a little bit better Canon's first mirrorless camera, the EOS M as well as the Canon 600D / Rebel T3i entry-level DSLR.
When compared with the GX7, Panasonic GM1 has a -1/4 stop down when it comes to low light performance as well as around -1/2 stop when compared with the best MFT cameras on the market.
Against similar rival mirrorless cameras, the GM1 manages to outperform the Nikon 1 J3 by a full stop in terms of image quality, as well as 1 stop better color depth and +1/2 stop more dynamic range.
Compared with the Olympus E-PM2 that also features a 16MP sensor, the GM1 has a -1/3 stop lower image quality, as well as a -2/3 stop less low light capability.
Panasonic GM1 comes with an impressive image quality for the MFT segment packed in the smallest body in its class. Although it cannot match the GX7 performance, the GM1 is $1000 / €729 cheaper than the latter, which can make it an attractive option for customers.
