When the Micro Four Thirds cameras first appeared, Panasonic and Olympus stood at the forefront of this emerging technology. As the years passed more manufacturers entered the Micro Four Thirds arena adding new technological advances. Even with all of the competition in the interchangeable lens camera (ILC) field, Panasonic’s initial entry the DMCGF1, endeared itself to many Micro Four Thirds users. With the release of the DMCGX1 this February it appears that we have a true heir to Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds throne.
The first thing that struck me was the size of this camera. Panasonic has taken compact to a new level with the GX1. The company achieved this by creating a new ”X” Series of lenses that favor motorized mechanisms as opposed to the manual units we have grown accustomed to. This shift gives the GX1 a very small footprint. The camera is of course mirror-less possessing a 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor, RAW shooting capability, HD Video, and a high 12800 ISO. The body is a rock solid metal construction with good grip and a weight that doesn’t make it unwieldy yet gives you confidence in its durability.
There is plenty more to this camera that has me pretty excited to play around with it again. This new toy will not be for the faint of heart though. The kit version will retail for $950 equipped with the X-Series 14-42mm Power Zoom Lens. Despite the price I think the GX1 will far surpass its predecessors. What do you think?
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