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Panasonic GX1 vs GF1

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in November 2011 and September 2009. Both the GX1 and the GF1 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. The GX1 has a resolution of 15.8 megapixels, whereas the GF1 provides 12 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Panasonic GX1
versus
Panasonic GF1
Panasonic GX1   Panasonic GF1
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
15.8 MP – Four Thirds sensor 12 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60p Video 720/30p Video
ISO 160-12,800 ISO 100-3,200
Viewfinder optional Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 460k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
4.2 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
320 shots per battery charge380 shots per battery charge
116 x 68 x 39 mm, 318 g 119 x 71 x 36 mm, 385 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1? 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.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Panasonic GX1 and the Panasonic GF1 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Panasonic GX1 vs Panasonic GF1
Compare GX1 versus GF1 top
Comparison GX1 or GF1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GF1 is notably larger (7 percent) than the Panasonic GX1. Moreover, the GF1 is markedly heavier (21 percent) than the GX1. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the GX1 nor the GF1 are weather-sealed.

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. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog. 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 GX1 gets 320 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLD10 battery, while the GF1 can take 380 images on a single charge of its Panasonic 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, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GX1 116 mm 68 mm 39 mm 318 g 320 n Nov 2011 699ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GF1 119 mm 71 mm 36 mm 385 g 380 n Sep 2009 749ebay.com
3.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic GM1 99 mm 55 mm 30 mm 204 g 230 n Oct 2013 749ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic G5 120 mm 83 mm 71 mm 396 g 320 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 n Apr 2012 499ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 899ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GH1 124 mm 90 mm 45 mm 385 g 300 n Mar 2009 899ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G1 124 mm 84 mm 45 mm 360 g 410 n Sep 2008 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The GX1 was somewhat cheaper (by 7 percent) than the GF1 at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a Four Thirds sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Panasonic GX1 and Panasonic GF1 sensor measures

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the GX1 offers a higher resolution of 15.8 megapixels, compared with 12 MP of the GF1. This megapixels advantage translates into a 15 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the GX1 has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.77μm versus 4.33μm for the GF1). In this context, it should be noted, however, that the GX1 is much more recent (by 2 years and 2 months) than the GF1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic GX1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the GX1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 23 x 17.2 inches or 58.3 x 43.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.7 x 35 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 15.3 x 11.5 inches or 38.9 x 29.2 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GF1 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 are ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

GX1 versus GF1 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic GX1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p20.810.670355
2.
 
Panasonic GF1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.351354
3.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
4.
 
Panasonic GM1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i22.311.766066
5.
 
Panasonic G5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.411.661861
6.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350
7.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
8.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
9.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
10.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
11.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
12.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
13.
 
Panasonic GH1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/24p21.611.677264
14.
 
Panasonic G1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000none21.110.346353
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the GX1 provides a higher video resolution than the GF1. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the GF1 is limited to 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The GX1 and the GF1 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. However, optional viewfinders – the DMW-LVF2 for the GX1 and the DMW-LVF1 for the GF1 – are available as accessories. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Panasonic GX1 and Panasonic GF1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic GX1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
2.
 
Panasonic GF1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
4.
 
Panasonic GM1none n3.0 / 1036 fixed Y 1/500s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Panasonic G51440 n3.0 / 920 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Panasonic GF5none n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
7.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic GH11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
14.
 
Panasonic G11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The GX1 has a touchscreen, while the GF1 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The GX1 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the GF1 uses SDHC cards. The GX1 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the GF1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic GX1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Panasonic GF1Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Panasonic GM1-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Panasonic G5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Panasonic GF5-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic GH1Ystereo / -Y-mini2.0---
14.
 
Panasonic G1Y- / ---mini2.0---
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Both the GX1 and the GF1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The GF1 was replaced by the Panasonic DMC-GF2, while the GX1 was followed by the Panasonic GX7. Further information on the features and operation of the GX1 and GF1 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic GX1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GF1 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic GX1 or the Panasonic GF1 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (15.8 vs 12MP) with a 15% higher linear resolution.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/60p vs 720/30p).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (4.2 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 67g or 17 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 2 months of technical progress since the GF1 launch.


Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1:

  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (380 versus 320) out of a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2009).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GX1 is the clear winner of the match-up (8 : 2 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

GX1 08:02 GF1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic GX1 and the Panasonic GF1 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the GX1 and the GF1 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GX13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2011 699ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GF1..85/100..69/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 749ebay.com
3.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic GM13/5+..78/1005/54.5/5 Oct 2013 749ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic G53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 499ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 899ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GH1..+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 899ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G1..+ +..70/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2008 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Panasonic GX1 vs Panasonic GF1

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Panasonic GX1 Panasonic GF1
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date November 2011 September 2009
    Launch Price USD 699 USD 749
    Sensor Specs Panasonic GX1 Panasonic GF1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 15.8 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4592 x 3448 pixels 4000 x 3000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.77 μm 4.33 μm
    Pixel Density 7.04 MP/cm2 5.34 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 160 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 3,200 ISO
    Image Processor Venus FHD Venus HD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 55 54
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.8 21.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.6 10.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 703 513
    Screen Specs Panasonic GX1 Panasonic GF1
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Viewfinder optional
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic GX1 Panasonic GF1
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 4.2 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I no
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic GX1 Panasonic GF1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Panasonic GX1 Panasonic GF1
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLD10 Panasonic DMW-BLB13
    Battery Life (CIPA)320 shots per charge380 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 116 x 68 x 39 mm
    (4.6 x 2.7 x 1.5 in)
    119 x 71 x 36 mm
    (4.7 x 2.8 x 1.4 in)
    Camera Weight 318 g (11.2 oz) 385 g (13.6 oz)
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