Panasonic DMC GM1 Detailed Review

In additional DMC GM1 was introduced by Panasonic in November 2013. It belongs to the Mirrorless Cameras category.

Panasonic is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Panasonic.

Also DMC GM1 has a Four Thirds CMOS sensor with size of 17 x 13 mm² (0.68″ x 0.51″).

Picture of DMC GM1’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The DMC GM1’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 16 megapixel. The resolution is somewhat below average but will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 size.

The Panasonic supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Panasonic’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The DMC GM1 features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.

The DMC GM1 does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

The DMC GM1’s shutter speed varies from 1/16000s to 60s.

The DMC GM1’s sensitivity goes from 200 ISO und 25600 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The DMC GM1 supports all general exposure modes.

The Panasonic allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The DMC GM1’s auto focus processor uses 23 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. when panning the camera).

Manual focus is also possible with the Panasonic, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The DMC GM1 features a built-in flash with a range of up to 6m (19 ft.). That range will work for most situations.

A hotshoe is missing from the Panasonic.

The DMC GM1 features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.04 megapixel. That’s about average.

Unfortunately, the DMC GM1’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The DMC GM1’s monitor can work as a touch screen, just like a smartphone. That can be very useful, for example to pick AF points, but keep in mind that touch screens usually don’t work when wearing gloves.

Display characteristics at a glance:

DMC GM1 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Panasonic DMC GM1 Video parameters:

The DMC GM1 has Wi-fi connection. You can transfer photos to a mobile or laptop using wi-fi.

Connect the Panasonic to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Panasonic supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Panasonic DMC GM1 works with a BLH7E battery. The battery lifetime is an average 220 shots. That’s on the lower side of things for a full day, consider a spare battery for the DMC GM1.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The DMC GM1’s battery battery parameters:

The Panasonic DMC GM1’s dimensions are 98.5 x 54.9 x 30.4mm³. (3.9″ x 2.2″ x 1.2″). That’s the body only, without lens. The camera’s weight is only 204 grams (6.6 oz.). Add to this the weight of the lens.

Here is front and top view of the DMC GM1:

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The DMC GM1 is not much bigger: