‪A Real-Life Lumix GX1 Mirrorless Camera Review‬

[@WillCrockett]

Hi iGet, Excellent points here. Most here (not all) think the GX1 does really well up to ISO 2000. The nightscape images Will Crockett shot are rather stunning. We do find that it does have it's own personality for sure. One other point, the team here has proven over and over that sensor size is not directly related to image quality nor ISO / low light performance. We have large sensor cameras with poor low light ability, and small sensors with good and bad low light ability. FYI.

[@WillCrockett]

Then once the battery dies, we just open the card up and see how long it lasted. that's pretty real life to me! Glad to hear your doing LOTS better. BTW, the intern here working with Will gets to pick any camera (withing reason of course) to use as their take-home camera every day. Our current intern chooses the GX1 over ALL the others (even Fuji X Pro) and the work this kid does is REALLY solid. Thanks Richard.

[@WillCrockett]

Hi Jack, Great to hear my friend. Our intern (soon to be employee!) has taken the GX1 as his overall favorite. The postability of that lil dide is amazing. So glad you like it.

[@WillCrockett]

Hi Jim, Welcome to the "migration" sir. We think you are correct in the image quality comparisions between those two cameras. The real difference, in our opinion, is the removeable EVF is either a plus or an expensive minus depending on your preference. We differ on the menu and actually prefer the elegance of the EP3/5 menu. Once you get used to it, we like it better.

[@WillCrockett]

Tough call there buddy. The beauty of the GX 1 is that when you take the EVF off, it's SO small and fits in just about any pocket with one of the small / flat lenses. Then when you need the EVF, you simply slide it on. That's a biggie for me. But performance wise, they are VERY similar with the G5 being a little more speedy to shoot with and better low light performance (but not by much!). Both are really terrific cameras.

[@jackbcjr]

Very, very informative and clear review. It sold me on the GX1, and I am now learning to use it. I am very satisfied with it so far. Thanks for the great review.

[@AirgunNinja]

Wow, finally a credible and informative camera reviewer. I sure hope you do more reviews.

[@m0bob]

Good video. I read several website reviews and also watched some KZbin videos, hence, I ordered one today. I need a camera that will be easy to carry, especially while on foot, so I can take photos of buildings, architecture and Churches.

[@gchamp727]

I find the little built in flash to be useful for indoor fills because in the menu you can dial down the flash intensity up to 2 stops.

[@WillCrockett]

Our problem with the EP's are the video art filters do not work on the HD video and that mysteriously seems to be missing in most reviews and forum chatter. They are exceptional filters! The still phptos using them are superb, but they choke the camera down to a crawl when used in HD video. Tough call here Jim, dunno which we would choose if we were buying now. Also, please consider the unstable company structure at Olympus and keep in mind that may be gone in a years time?

[@emoo79able]

Nice review Will, thanks for sharing your thoughts. On your comment about the 14-42mm lens, you said it is a shame to put it on the GX1. Are you taking here about the power zoom or the old version? Thanks,

[@WillCrockett]

Hi lilCrocky (cool name!) We did not do one on the 5N but it's definately high on our suggestions for mirrorless cameras. We think it's great. The lack of a viewfinder is SO rough to get over. In fact, I see very little difference in image quality with the NEX 7 vs the NEX 5.

[@SuperKotaa]

Haha, Great review by the way. Just bought the GX1 and the panasonic 25mm f1.4 and love it to bits. Will you do any reviews on the 45mm f2.8 macro lens? Would love to know what you think of it before I buy. Thanks.

[@WillCrockett]

Hi Kotaa, GREAT choice on the GX1 buddy. And the 25mm f 1.4 is a magnificent lens. It's one of the Leica designs that has the Leica brand on the front lens ring, but the Lumix badge on the outside surface of it. They tell me there's a funny story behind that but I cannot get them to tell me what it is.

[@WillCrockett]

The 45mm Lumix MACRO lens is one of the reasons that we bought Lumix GH2's when we moved our video department from SD to HD. We use this lens for the product shots we do every day. In this review of the Fuji X Pro, you see those shallow depth of field product shots? All done with that 45mm Lumix lens and a roller skate style dolly.

[@WillCrockett]

Hi John, There are TTL flashes available for this camera from Panasonic, Metz and other third party brands that will offer full or almost full dedication to the GX1. but, most of them are really not too good. Judging a camera as not good because there's no TTL is kinda off, these cameras are made for low light and all of photography is slowly moving away from flash. The current cameras, the the future cameras are hybrid (photo+video+audio) and there's no flash for video.

[@WillCrockett]

Will is meeting with the Panasonic team right now in fact in Chicago and is getting a new Lumix GX7 to test. We think he will have something for us on it by next week. Thanks!!

[@ilcrocky]

thanks for great review. do you have one on the Sony NEX 5N? I am currently trying to decide whether to buy the GX1 or the NEX 5N. I am interested in learning a bit more on photography to do kids/ family photos and vids landscapes, portarits and hopefully lots of experimentation time permitting.

[@calizess]

Will, thanks for a professional and coherent review. I am wandering around the Canon G1X, I thought you have your Real Life review of that model, but could not find. Can we expect the G1X reviewed in the nearest future? Again thanks.

[@WillCrockett]

Hi Richard, LOL!! Potatoe! The power consumption on the GX1 varies greatly buddy on your lens choice, constant AF, if you are using the EVF... we like to post up the "Real Life" scenario numbers here to show how it will perform under the toughest day it will ever have to face with the type of work we shoot. Typically, we battery test with all continuous AF features on, use a mid-range lens (Lumix 14-140), set it on a tripod and have it shoot my 2 dogs fetching a ball so it's forced to AF.

[@WillCrockett]

Did you really? You went with the GX1? Well done! Be sure to buy the extra EVF that slides in? It's magnificent. We asked at CES if there's a GX2 in the works and they gave us no hint that there's one on the way. No need, the GX1 is really great. Nice job Champ.

[@winedemonium]

Will - that was a really good review. Amazing these are $199 today online... so I was tempted. But I want something for old lenses, so may - on your advice - look elsewhere. Time to look at your other reviews... Thank you.

[@gchamp727]

Got the GX1 and it is certainly a GF2 on steroids. I like it. Not to argue, cause I love your stuff Will, but to me, the GX1 is still primarily an outdoor camera .. my Sony A57 easily blows it out of the water in low light, indoor stills. I think you are right, mirrorless is the future as well as hybrid. However, mirrorless has light years to go before catching cameras like the D4. I think that modern processors and software/firmware will eventually catch up .. but still a ways to go.

[@SamiAbuauad]

Thanks Will!! Great review!!

[@WillCrockett]

Hey V, Ooooh, good pair to pick from buddy. Those are two excellent cameras. You are good with either, but here's my take....... If you want to shoot with a viewfinder, then the GX1 has an optional $300 EVF that is really terrific. There is no finder option on the Sony 5N - instead if you want a finder on the NEX 5N you trade up to the NEX 7. As for low light performance - both are the same.

[@WillCrockett]

We actually shoot them backwards - start in focus o nthe product, then pull back on the dolly. Then in editing we reverse the clip and edit it in. To see what that lens REALLY does, please look at this video we shot of a rare rifle. The Macro shots are really sweet:

[@gchamp727]

Well, since you put it that way .. I looked deeper into it and changed my mind. I just ordered on on Amazon (used) for a great price. It will replace my GF2 which my niece will inherit.

[@887Rabbit]

Great video Will. I think your turning to face the camera from different aspects is fine, didn't bother me at all in fact stopped me from drifting off, good voice RSVP as well. Didn't know about the TTL issue even though it's been out a while so thanks for that. Loved the jpeg's you shot and displayed really good detail and as you say pre processing which is awesome as well as the low light which were beautiful. Great review Thanks

[@tbechmannfrost]

Extremely good review! Thank you

[@WillCrockett]

Hi Ayman, Will is referring to the manual "kit lens" version. But I can tell you he's not happy with the X version either. He does not recommend either. He does like the 14-45mm, and all the writers / vloggers LOVE the 12-35mm (of course!). Thanks Ayman.

[@WillCrockett]

in fact, as soon as world famous B&W portrait photo master Marc Hauser saw me shooting it, he bought one. So if you want to know what Hauser carries with him for fun shots, its a brown Lumix GX1 with the optional EVF and the 7-14mm lens.

[@WillCrockett]

Thanks, I try my best. I appreciate the comment too. We are getting lots of positive comments on the goofy B&W cutaways we are doing in the reviews now to try to keep it light. Take a look at the MeFoto tripod review if you get a minute? Let us know how we can help. WC

[@swazimilk]

Hey Will, have you tested the new Olympus OM-D? Could you do a review on it?

[@igetsmart]

GX1 now for $239 without lens is a nice deal - A real joy to use. Nice menu system and super nice button layout - love the metal buttons - build and grip. JPG so so - RAW is nice. Not so good in low light - to me 800 about max 1600 sometimes. Just wished Panasonic updated sensor and low light shooting and higher Res LCD - like touch screen - just IQ does not compare to NEX7 and Olympus OMD5 or E-P5 PEN. G6 to bulky. A nice camera for family with kit lens

[@WillCrockett]

Hi Emoo! Well, either one actually. I am referring to the kit lens in this video, but the power zoom is not much better I'm afraid. This camera is waaaay beyond the resolving power of either of these zooms. The 14-45 is a big step up. BTW, our intern has his choice of ANY camera in the place and the GX1 is his favorite (even over the G5 and Fuji X Pro. Please connect with us thru the CONNECT button on discovermirrorless? WC

[@WillCrockett]

Hi John, Yes, all of photography is moving away from flash. The line between a still picture and a moving picture is blurring quickly and there's no flash that woks for video. Flash, unfortunately, will be fading away soon to allow for video.

[@WillCrockett]

YeahBuddy! We really like it and the review will (hopefully) be up in December. Thanks! WC

[@WillCrockett]

Hiya bud! Yes, we hear that and have changed. This is one of the early reviews. More coming plus we are posting our hybrid recommended list on discovermirrorless. LOTSA cool tools there that we use everyday.

[@BryanMumble]

Great review.. Will keep it up

[@deepblue69uk]

Only 26 minutes of HD video on the GX1 battery? What was powering the thing, a potatoe? I am now a very happy owner of a Panasonic GX1. In my own experience I am happy to report that I have managed to confortably record an hour long conference. If I remember correctly there was around 45~55% battery left.

[@WillCrockett]

Thanks for your rather direct comment. Will has changed his style in more recent reviews to accomodate your taste. Thanks. L

[@igetsmart]

Now good news, GX7 out soon :) GX1 was nice but seems GX7 is improved in all departments - Love the til-able viewfinder and it seems it has all the nice controls the GX1 had and they claim 20-30% better low light perf. Might not still match NEX5n/6/7 or Fuji X-Pro1 or X-E1 but maybe getting closer - fun to use factor is great on GX1 and I know GX7 will be as well - putting in my pre-order. Sony NEX8 coming soon might be worth getting but they do need to update menu sytem :)

[@WillCrockett]

Ha! Yep, good thing we did not use 3 cameras! Thanks for watching Kotaa.

[@WillCrockett]

They are good lenses too, just different. If you want to shoot with a lot of shallow DOF, Sony is maybe not the right choice? We do find the fast Lumix and Lumix/Leica and the Olympus lenses REALLY cool tho! : )

[@WillCrockett]

If I had to pick one, it would be the GX1 because of the cool in-camera file processing "filters" inside that lil guy. BUT, the NEX 5N with the big but really nice 18-200mm lens gives you one really easy to use - all purpose camera. Next, the 14-42mm is an embarassment to put onto the GX1. Please, buy the body only and if you need that zoom range buy the 14-45mm. If you want the craziest performance you've ever seen from a small camera, buy the GX1 and a 20mm f 1.7, ...

[@dariuszdomeradzki5869]

really good review. Thanks.

[@MarkOrtaliz]

Great review! But you have to switch cameras less. I get dizzy with all of the moving around. :)

[@ruebenp.6939]

I saw a headphone jack and the hot shoe, so you can use a external mic right?

[@RUS-dv5sm]

Hello, does this camera has full manual exposure for video recording?

[@WillCrockett]

We agree! My neck is sore! This is an older one buddy, see the new ones like the Fuji X Pro. And... the Lumix GH3 is in the studio this week!! Thanks for the comment, please join us thru the CONNECT button on discovermirrorless? WC

[@NubeNegraTV]

How does it fair against the g5?

[@Luger718A1]

sucks that the nex 5r body is almost twice the price of the gx1, I'd kill for a nex 6 though

[@SuperKotaa]

What's with the 90 Degree shuffle? Is it because the other camera is getting jealous, and you have to please them both!

[@WillCrockett]

LOL!! I hear you bud, thanks for the input.

[@WillCrockett]

Agree. Although the talking head is rather handsome? : )

[@phuocle]

Will, please consider using just one video camera. Whenever you turn to the second camera it's highly annoying. I found that I was paying attention to you turning to the other camera more than what you're saying! Leave all that to the news broadcasters... it's just not necessary for a KZbin review!

[@jackslater8688]

I just bought a gx1

[@WillCrockett]

Thanks for the nice comments guys! Much appreciated. Please spread the word and get some more views on these? : )

[@masroormoin9715]

Is it 4gb or 4G??

[@soundknight]

Thanks Willometer! that was a great review. It really told me the story from a bunch of perspectives. haha Photo Joke!

[@igetsmart]

Nice review - but camera does poorly with ISO over 800 - but is a great camera otherwise - super nice buttons and functions - lots of lenses available - better of with the Sony Nex5r and Nex 6 with their APS-C sensor - or the Fuji X E1 series for around the same price - granted that the GX1 is a bit cheaper - so if you are looking to save money and not taking pics in lower light then this camera is a great camera

[@WillCrockett]

Hey Champ, That's not a summation of this review video. None of us here agree with that statement. We like the GX1 a lot. Are you having troubles with yours? Glad to help if we can.

[@WillCrockett]

or step up and buy what we refer to as a "masterpiece" lens - the Lumix 7-14mm aspherical lens. *gasp* it's remarkable.

[@masroormoin9715]

Whats a 4G sd card? Where can I buy it? Can I buy it the 4G sd card in Amazon?

[@WillCrockett]

You are one of the rudest and most disrespectful trolls we've had in a while, congrats on that. Will Crockett actually is a pro hybrid photographer, has been for a very long time. He's even taught other pros and has a pretty hefty pedigree. It's dissapointing that you can be so rude, and so wrong at the same time. I'm sure your mother is proud of what you've become.

[@kazcnepj]

SOny bodies are nice but the lenses are not as good as the Panny or Oly's

[@WillCrockett]

LOL!! Good one!

[@doctor_voctor]

I don't think he ever called himself pro in this video. However he did come of a bit elitist. But that's probobly just his personality. No one's perfect.

[@WillCrockett]

Your comment about learning portraiture is interesting, can you help me learn more about what you want to do? You know I made a career out of ad and commercial portraits, now that LED lighting is here we need to decide how to teach lighting. Are you interested in chatting a bit? Maybe Skype with me? WC please use the CONTACT email form on the bottom of discovermirrorless dohtt comm to connect with me please? I'll be glad to help you pal. WC

[@WillCrockett]

Thanks Rich! more info on discovermirrorless dot cohmm ; )

[@WillCrockett]

for the MAcro video example go to: vimeo dot com slash 45762705

[@gchamp727]

To sum it up in a sentence, the GX1 sucks.

[@jdtx1]

This guy talks to much. Go to the Camera store and Digital Rev a better review.

[@WillCrockett]

You're right! I DO talk too much! I agree with going to a camera store and comparing Lumix and Sony and Fuji and see which is the right one for you.