Why Does This $300 Street Photography Camera Exist?

This $300 camera from Lumix is an exciting camera that offers a compact body with a satisfying set of ergonomics and great image quality for street photography. It's not a camera many consider as a street photography camera but it has great image quality that rivals Olympus E-M10, Fujifilm X100V, Sony A7C and many other street photography cameras.
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#streetphotography #lumix

[@stuartcarden1371]

I would go for the GX7 myself - It replaced the GX1, has viewfinder and ibis and is currently on mpb for £199. It's slightly larger than the GX1 but still perfectly portable and excellent for street/travel stuff. Just a suggestion, the GX1 is still an excellent choice :)

[@GeorgeHolden]

Yes the GX7 is great, although I think among the newer GX lineup it's a hard decision between the GX9 and GX80 for me

[@log791]

@@GeorgeHolden The GX80 is a very capable camera, but it has not got the fun factor that the GX1 has. I know because I still have the GF1, which is more fun to carry and use than the GX80 in everyday situations. There are special use cases like events where the GX80 is better because its silent electric shutter (and very quiet mechanic shutter) - and as a consequence the lack of shutter shock, and its swivel screen is also very useful. But for the streets, my GF1 with the crappy LVF-1 and the Olympus 17 f1.8 with its AF/MF clutch is simply much more fun to use. The GX80 is bigger, heavier, IMHO has worse button alignments. The GX80 is a workhorse. The GF1 is fun. Its only downside for me is the sometimes loud shutter.

[@coxbright]

@@log791 What is it you find more fun about the GF1 than the GX80?

[@log791]

@@coxbright It's subjective, but for me it has a better grip and handling. It just has the perfect size to hold it, while it is not too heavy. The GX80 is heavier due to the tech built in, and I like light cameras. Also, the AF lock button on the GF1 is better shaped, I can find it easily without looking at it - on the GX80 it is very flat, and I can mix it up with other buttons next to it if I just touch and don't see - and the AF lock is my most used button beside the shutter release button :) They have a bit different shape as well: the GF1 houses the mount (and the sensor) in the middle of the camera, while the GX80 has it a bit on the left side. Therefore I feel the GF1 a bit better balanced with the same lenses due to the smaller leverage, if I use it one-handed. Well, maybe that is about it :)

[@coxbright]

​@@log791 Thanks for your reply. It's really interesting how all the little things can make a difference. I want to go find my GF1 now and go out and take some photos with it! Another thing that feels nicer about the GF1 is its magnesium build. The GX80 while solid, feels a bit plastic on the top and bottom. One thing I love about the GX80 though is the shutter sound. I like the GF1s quirky shutter sound, but I find it addictive on the GX80!

[@snappychappy]

My preference is the GX80. More features for not much more money including a built in EVF. or the GX9 with it's flip up EVF and dedicated exposure comp dial and 20 mp. I have both but for some reason use the GX80 more coupled with the Lumix 14mm f2.4 a great carry round camera.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear!

[@JonBushell]

The tech has reached a peak and the better the tech, the soul of photography reduces. This proves that. The Sony rx100’s are the perfect example. They are technically bang on and up to date but they dissolve the whole premise of photography being about solely a snap shot of memories.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That was very well put and I couldn't agree more, without quirks what makes a camera stand out?

[@arsenal_84]

go with an older rx100 series like v and below ? Each series only had small improvements to the previous model. Quite happy with my rx100 ii as I don't need 4k video recording.

[@lorenschwiderski]

When I bought the Lumix GX-9 for $798 USD, it was like buying the camera for $300 and the 12-60mm lens for $500. At the time it was one of the best deals going in the camera world for a new camera. The PEN PL-8 and Lumix GX-85 were also quite the bargains. In regard to full-frame bargains the Canon RP with lens for $999 was a best bargain, but more recently the Nikon Z5 matched, or exceeded the best deal ever on a FF. With a 50mm compact and inexpensive lens, they make good street shooters. And yes, least we forget the wonderful, metal Olympus EM10 markII matched with a 25mm Olympus f1.8 lens or 45mm f1.8 lens for the street. My most compact combo though is the PEN PL-8 + Lumix 14mm f2.5 lens -- so tiny! Take care, Loren

[@GeorgeHolden]

Cheers Loren! I think that GX9 deal would still be great even today!

[@Drmikekuna]

Thank you for this video. I have been fortunate, as of late, as KZbin has been serving up videos of creators exploring the use of older cameras. There are so many great cameras from the recent past (last 15 years) that have the ability to take wonderful photos. Regarding street, travel, and standard nature photography (not wildlife), size matters. In fact, it matters a lot more than the size of the sensor. Some years ago, I used a compact (small sensor) Sony camera to capture the downtown area of a pretty dangerous city. I could slip it in my pocket, and it wasn't a "come rob me" flag. Street photography is an emerging photo interest of mine, and I have been using a variety of smaller cameras. Dragging around my Canon 5D IV is a no-go. Lately, I have been using a Fuji X100... the V? Nope, an X100S. Works great!

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jupiterman7]

I bought a used Gx85 to use as a every day carry camera for $300 usd with the kit 12-32 and 45-150... To replace my gh5 ii but I just found it to uncomfortable so I bought a g95 and it's only a bit bigger and so much more enjoyable to use... But still I can't seem to sell the Gx85... I just keep thinking it's such a cool little camera...

[@GeorgeHolden]

I always hear the GX85/80 is a favourite of anyone that owns one!

[@user-es3zu5zd1g]

Gx85 is top G. It’s so under rated.

[@The_Hero_Is_Back]

I’ve both a GF1 and a G2. The G2 has a view finder and a hinged rear screen built in. And it’s barely bigger than the GF1. None of the early m43 cameras are expensive now. Try pairing them with the 12-32 zoom or a 14-45 if you can find one.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks! I tried the 14-42 zoom on my old Olympus and had a great time with it

[@log791]

@@GeorgeHolden None of the m43 lenses has the fun factor like the Olympus 45 f1.8 has. It is so small you can put it in your trousers pocket. And the images come out... are just wow. Try it! :)

[@philby1]

Been looking at the older M/43 bodies. I have an Olympus E-Pl6 which is also small and good for carrying round.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Oh yeah I tried one not long ago!

[@slr7075]

You need to try the Nikon D200 next! The CCD APS-C sensor colors are rich and 'film like' wrapped around professional body ergonomics and tactical controls. Best of all, decades and decades worth of legacy Nikon F-mount lenses compatibility. I been perfectly using mine as a 'digital film' camera.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Yes I think I will try one at some point, sometimes hard to find in good condition!

[@JoeOwen]

Don't forget, if you process the RAW files in something like DXO Pureraw you can get significantly better noise and colour and sharpness. Truly makes the anxiety about quality disappear - its phenomenal and a real game changer for me!

[@TR6Telos]

You make me feel less guilty with all my second hand cameras!

[@GeorgeHolden]

Happy to 😂

[@john_murch]

"Why not this Sony?" "No thanks!" LOL

[@GeorgeHolden]

Had to be done 😅

[@john_murch]

@@GeorgeHolden 👍

[@alfonsovegaiii]

That’s kind of funny I just ordered a GX1 yesterday and today this video comes up on my feed. I already have quite a bit of lenses since I also have the em1 mkiii but wanted something smaller that had the option of interchangeable lenses

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's funny! Did you get a good deal on one?

[@alfonsovegaiii]

@@GeorgeHolden Was around $150 USD so it was pretty cheap. Going to pair it with my 20mm or 14mm to walk around with. Even that combo if it were to get stolen wouldn’t hurt as much as potentially having my GRiii stolen.

[@gregbrummett7762]

Have this camera. Love this camera. It is my grab and go I take with me everywhere.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's awesome!

[@brianegendorf2023]

I would love to get one of these to play with. I did tech support at Panasonic when the Lumix line came out, and the G models were the only cameras too expensive for them to provide to our "Testing Lab". I've always been a little sad that I never got to play with one.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Definitely try one when you can!

[@rafamorenoc]

I own a GF2 with a 14mm lens, I really have fun using it

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great!

[@bfs5113]

I bought the GF1 & GX1 when they came out and missed getting the GM1. Too bad I still cannot find any new small & compact ILC that I like to replace it yet and afraid that I'll not want one anymore as time goes by and the continuous use of my Q.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Q as in Leica Q?

[@bfs5113]

@@GeorgeHolden Yes.

[@GeorgeHolden]

@@bfs5113 yeah then I think you may not want any MFT cheap cameras? 😅

[@bfs5113]

@@GeorgeHolden Price has nothing to do with it, but the right camera for each situation. Thus, I am still hoping for a MFT soon and too bad that I don't like Olympus color science.

[@randomstuffman01]

I have a Panasonic GX1, GX7, GM1. All good. One thing: the external EVF for the GX1, LVF2, is rather expensive and bulky, so I won't buy one. The GX1 is fine without it. If I need an EVF I would choose a GX7. But they're all good, just different. Thanks. toronto canada.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear!

[@opal817]

This was my daily driver for years. I feel like I unlocked all its hidden secrets. You can actually get custom firmware for it to unlock higher bitrate video!

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great and yes I've heard of the high bitrate tricks, but sad for the battery life!

[@AvengeArtz]

Please can you do another video on this camera?

[@GeorgeHolden]

I did!

[@lovcovru]

looks like cool. thank you bro!

[@GeorgeHolden]

No problem 👍

[@hernanlee1699]

Your video inspired me to buy a camera! Could I ask how your settings are? My photos come out weird..

[@GeorgeHolden]

My settings weren't anything crazy! What's the issue with your photos?

[@hernanlee1699]

@GeorgeHolden Solved it! Thank you so much though!

[@reeshmalms6686]

I wish i could get the camera. Am dying to get one but can't afford to

[@GeorgeHolden]

Stick around for the giveaway video 👍

[@dazzastuart1923]

james popsys blew its price up ahahah

[@GeorgeHolden]

@@dazzastuart1923 you can win this one, so keep an eye out 👍

[@reeshmalms6686]

@@GeorgeHolden am holding on to it😂. Am looking for my first camera.

[@djcovid1971]

look at digicams like canon sd1000

[@Tnbt-de3ow]

I love gx1 my daily camera❤

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's awesome!

[@duynguyen1141]

i bought this myself with a 20mmf1.7 with your reviews. I'm looking for another lens for bokeh/portrait pictures, and budget. What do you think about pairing the GX1 with vintage MF lens, does the camera have focus peaking because i don't find it. Thanks

[@GeorgeHolden]

Nice! No focus peaking sadly, so same when I was using the 7artisans I had no focus peaking

[@TopshelfJunior]

Love the idea of it.. But personally, for me...the iPhone just fills this niche/lane. The photos are comparable.. And I dont have to worry about a cam or lens. Totally get what you're saying tho ! And still love shooting old cameras + film.

[@GeorgeHolden]

I agree with the logic but for me I never get the same satisfaction from a phone compared to an older digital camera

[@ollywillans2100]

Great video, George. Whats the EVF and how much do you need to spend to get a reasonable one. They seem quite expensive.

[@GeorgeHolden]

They go for around £100, some for £79 on eBay, which for an external EVF is normal - especially as the connection is specific - it's called the Panasonic DMW-LVF1 Viewfinder EVF

[@log791]

for the GX1 the EVF is the "LVF2", and for the GF1 or GF2 there is the "LVF1". The LVF2 is much higher resolution, but it's not compatible with the older GF1 or GF2.

[@DavidKabra]

I wonder if the other lens is a 20mm 1.7 👀👀 recently sold mine with a camera and I miss it

[@GeorgeHolden]

I think that's the obvious candidate but I want to get something different to the 25mm we have here, whoever wins needs VARIETY

[@log791]

@@GeorgeHolden Try the Olympus 17mm with the AF-MF clutch - it is fun to set it about hyperfocal, and just shoot as in the good old days :) Or buy the Olympus 45 f1.8, which generates superb images with a lot of bokeh!

[@phil_aesthetics]

I always look for a full-frame compact camera and it's always the Leica that comes up but that is just too much money for me. Is there a similar compact like the fuji xt-5 that has all the cool manual dials but in full-frame?

[@GeorgeHolden]

Sadly not, at least nothing in a compact rangefinder style sadly!

[@phil_aesthetics]

@@GeorgeHolden it would sell like hotcakes if not too expensive

[@thenexthobby]

My only objection to m43 is that they never embraced pocketable cameras. Even with a pancake it sticks out. I suppose they thought competing with "digicams" (built in lenses) was just too much to bear. My other gripe is that I never could keep up with GF vs GM vs GX vs the Pens etc.

[@FelixKusuma]

Nice video as always, would like to get this camera as a giveaway, but i don't think your giveaway cover worldwide international shipping.

[@GeorgeHolden]

I am still assessing the shipping situation for worldwide, which country are you based in?

[@FelixKusuma]

@@GeorgeHolden currently residing in Malaysia, i believe you got some fans worldwide too

[@TomPollardPhotography]

This camera looks so familiar.

[@GeorgeHolden]

😅 may make another video just with existing footage just to make you double check you still have yours!

[@TomPollardPhotography]

@@GeorgeHolden That would most likely melt my brain. For the record, I LOVE the GX1. I took it to the park with my family and the 7artisans lens; f/16 and zone focusing just meant I could capture the fun and stop screen-gazing. Thank you 🙏

[@GeorgeHolden]

@@TomPollardPhotography that is awesome to hear! So glad you enjoy the set up 😄

[@LifeCenterLIVE]

Do you prefer the GX1 over the LX100 for street photography?

[@GeorgeHolden]

Very different in my opinion! The LX100 is an all-in-one solution but you're stuck with the lens and the lens has been known to suck in dust onto the sensor. The GX1 has flexibility with the lens and with the EVF has a better shooting experience

[@catladyrai]

What was the name of the four thirds lens you featured?

[@GeorgeHolden]

7artisans 25mm!

[@jonathanliang4275]

and.... here comes the price hike

[@GeorgeHolden]

You may have noticed from the eBay prices I mentioned this camera has already had a price hike, this camera with its specs sells for the same as more up to date GX series cameras - so I want to do the giveaway!

[@DavidGriffin]

I want

[@GeorgeHolden]

Stay tuned for the giveaway video!

[@melody3741]

Hey just FYI any giveaway that does require a purchase is legally classified as gambling and requires the same restrictions as casinos and such

[@GeorgeHolden]

Hi, that's why I said it's a no cost giveaway! 😅 I'm not gonna run a gambling scheme on an old camera

[@JoeLopez]

SMH

[@herobear]

Hmmmm 😊

[@GeorgeHolden]

Eyy!

[@herobear]

@@GeorgeHolden 🤩

[@mateleber]

The Sony NEX-C3 is cheaper and has a higher dynamic range, a tilting LCD, and a more compact body.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's good to know!

[@MikeRinz]

Has focus peaking too, but the fact that it has few buttons is enough to take away from shooting experience.

[@mateleber]

@@MikeRinzwat?

[@sam200542]

I want

[@GeorgeHolden]

Stay tuned for the giveaway!