Fujifilm X-Pro2 vs Panasonic G1

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2016 and September 2008. Both the X-Pro2 and the G1 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on an APS-C (X-Pro2) and a Four Thirds (G1) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 12 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm X-Pro2		Panasonic G1
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses		Micro Four Thirds lenses
24 MP, APS-C Sensor		12 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
1080/60p Video		no Video
ISO 200-12800 (100-51200)		ISO 100-1600 (100-3200)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
3.0" LCD, 1620k dots		3.0" LCD, 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
8 shutter flaps per second		3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		Not weather sealed
350 shots per battery charge		410 shots per battery charge
141 x 83 x 46 mm, 495 g		124 x 84 x 45 mm, 360 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and the Panasonic G1 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-Pro2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, graphite), while the G1 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic G1 is notably smaller (11 percent) than the Fujifilm X-Pro2. Moreover, the G1 is markedly lighter (27 percent) than the X-Pro2. It is worth mentioning in this context that the X-Pro2 is splash and dust resistant, while the G1 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-Pro2) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (G1). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the X-Pro2 gets 350 shots out of its NP-W126 battery, while the G1 can take 410 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLB13 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-Pro2»	141 mm	83 mm	46 mm	495 g	350	Y	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Panasonic G1«	124 mm	84 mm	45 mm	360 g	410	n	Sep 2008	599	-		Panasonic G1
	Canon 6D Mark II« »	144 mm	111 mm	75 mm	765 g	1200	Y	Jun 2017	1,999			Canon 6D Mark II
	Fujifilm X-T3« »	133 mm	93 mm	59 mm	539 g	390	Y	Sep 2018	1,499			Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X100F« »	127 mm	75 mm	52 mm	469 g	390	n	Jan 2017	1,299			Fujifilm X100F
	Fujifilm X-E3« »	121 mm	74 mm	43 mm	337 g	350	n	Sep 2017	899			Fujifilm X-E3
	Fujifilm X-T20« »	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	383 g	350	n	Jan 2017	899			Fujifilm X-T20
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	133 mm	92 mm	49 mm	507 g	340	Y	Jul 2016	1,599	-		Fujifilm X-T2
	Fujifilm X-T1« »	129 mm	90 mm	47 mm	440 g	350	Y	Jan 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X-T1
	Fujifilm X-Pro1« »	140 mm	82 mm	43 mm	450 g	300	n	Jan 2012	1,699	-		Fujifilm X-Pro1
	Olympus E-M1 II« »	134 mm	91 mm	67 mm	574 g	440	Y	Sep 2016	1,999			Olympus E-M1 II
	Panasonic G10« »	124 mm	84 mm	74 mm	388 g	380	n	Mar 2010	499	-		Panasonic G10
	Panasonic G2« »	124 mm	84 mm	74 mm	428 g	360	n	Mar 2010	599	-		Panasonic G2
	Panasonic GF2« »	113 mm	68 mm	33 mm	310 g	300	n	Nov 2010	549	-		Panasonic GF2
	Panasonic GF1« »	119 mm	71 mm	36 mm	385 g	380	n	Sep 2009	749	-		Panasonic GF1
	Panasonic GH1« »	124 mm	90 mm	45 mm	385 g	300	n	Mar 2009	899	-		Panasonic GH1
	Sony A6500« »	120 mm	67 mm	53 mm	453 g	350	Y	Oct 2016	1,399	-		Sony A6500
Convert to Imperial
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The G1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 65 percent) than the X-Pro2, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic G1 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the G1 is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the X-Pro2 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the G1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 24MP, the X-Pro2 offers a higher resolution than the G1 (12MP), but the X-Pro2 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.92μm versus 4.33μm for the G1). However, the X-Pro2 is a much more recent model (by 7 years and 4 months) than the G1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-Pro2 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X-Pro2 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inch or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inch or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inch or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic G1 are 20 x 15 inch or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inch or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inch or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The X-Pro2 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 are ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-3200.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The X-Pro2 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the G1 does not. The highest resolution format that the X-Pro2 can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the X-Pro2 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the G1 (2360k vs 1440k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and Panasonic G1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The G1 has one, while the X-Pro2 does not. While the built-in flash of the G1 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the X-Pro2 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The X-Pro2 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the G1 uses SDHC cards. The X-Pro2 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the G1 only has one slot. The X-Pro2 supports UHS-II cards on its first slot and UHS-I on its second one, while the G1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the X-Pro2 offers wifi support, while the G1 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Fujifilm X-Pro2 (unlike the G1) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The X-Pro2 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Fujifilm. In contrast, the G1 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the G1 was succeeded by the Panasonic G2. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Fujifilm X-Pro2 or the Panasonic G1 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Fujifilm X-Pro2:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 12MP) with a 44% higher linear resolution.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/60p movies.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2360k vs 1440k dots).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 460k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II and UHS-I) SDXC cards.
• More modern: Reflects 7 years and 4 months of technical progress since the G1 launch.

Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.39x).
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• More compact: Is smaller (124x84mm vs 141x83mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 135g or 27 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (410 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (65 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2008).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-Pro2 is the clear winner of the match-up (20 : 10 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and the Panasonic G1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X-Pro2 and the G1 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-Pro2»	+	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Panasonic G1«	+ +	70/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2008	599	-		Panasonic G1
	Canon 6D Mark II« »	+	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Jun 2017	1,999			Canon 6D Mark II
	Fujifilm X-T3« »	+ +	88/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Sep 2018	1,499			Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X100F« »	+	83/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,299			Fujifilm X100F
	Fujifilm X-E3« »	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2017	899			Fujifilm X-E3
	Fujifilm X-T20« »	+ +	82/100	5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2017	899			Fujifilm X-T20
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	+ +	86/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jul 2016	1,599	-		Fujifilm X-T2
	Fujifilm X-T1« »	+ +	84/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X-T1
	Fujifilm X-Pro1« »	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	1,699	-		Fujifilm X-Pro1
	Olympus E-M1 II« »	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	1,999			Olympus E-M1 II
	Panasonic G10« »	-	70/100	4/5	-	4/5	Mar 2010	499	-		Panasonic G10
	Panasonic G2« »	-	72/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2010	599	-		Panasonic G2
	Panasonic GF2« »	82/100	70/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2010	549	-		Panasonic GF2
	Panasonic GF1« »	85/100	69/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2009	749	-		Panasonic GF1
	Panasonic GH1« »	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	899	-		Panasonic GH1
	Sony A6500« »	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	1,399	-		Sony A6500
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Fujifilm X-Pro2 vs Panasonic G1

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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