A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Panasonic GX1 vs GM1

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in November 2011 and October 2013. Both the GX1 and the GM1 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 15.8 megapixels.

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 GM1
Panasonic GX1   Panasonic GM1
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
15.8 MP – Four Thirds sensor 15.8 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 160-12,800 ISO 200-25,600
Viewfinder optional No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 460k dots 3.0" LCD – 1036k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fixed touchscreen
4.2 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
320 shots per battery charge230 shots per battery charge
116 x 68 x 39 mm, 318 g 99 x 55 x 30 mm, 204 g
logo
Check GX1 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check GM1 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1? 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.

ad

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Panasonic GX1 and the Panasonic GM1. 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.

The GM1 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, red), while the GX1 is only available in black.

Size Panasonic GX1 vs Panasonic GM1
Compare GX1 versus GM1 top
Comparison GX1 or GM1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GM1 is considerably smaller (31 percent) than the Panasonic GX1. Moreover, the GM1 is substantially lighter (36 percent) than the GX1. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the GX1 nor the GM1 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 GM1 can take 230 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLH7 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.

scroll hint
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 GM1 99 mm 55 mm 30 mm 204 g 230 n Oct 2013 749ebay.com
3.
 
Panasonic GM5 99 mm 60 mm 36 mm 211 g 220 n Sep 2014 749ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 n Aug 2013 999ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G5 120 mm 83 mm 71 mm 396 g 320 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 n Apr 2012 499ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.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 GF1 119 mm 71 mm 36 mm 385 g 380 n Sep 2009 749ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The GX1 was somewhat cheaper (by 7 percent) than the GM1 at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies 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 GM1 sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 15.8 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the GX1 and the GM1 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the GM1 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 11 months) than the GX1, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

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-GM1 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 125-25600.

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 GM1 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"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the GM1 offers substantially better image quality than the GX1 (overall score 11 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.5 bits higher color depth, 1.1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.1 stops of reduced low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
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 GM1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i22.311.766066
3.
 
Panasonic GM5 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.111.772166
4.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
5.
 
Panasonic GX7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.612.271870
6.
 
Panasonic G5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.411.661861
7.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350
8.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
9.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
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 GF1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.351354
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the GX1 provides a higher frame rate than the GM1. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the GM1 is limited to 1080/60i.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The GX1 and the GM1 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. That said, the GX1 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the DMW-LVF2. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Panasonic GX1 and Panasonic GM1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
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 GM1none n3.0 / 1036 fixed Y 1/500s 5.0/s Y n
3.
 
Panasonic GM51166 n3.0 / 921 fixed Y 1/500s 5.8/s n n
4.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
5.
 
Panasonic GX72760 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Panasonic G51440 n3.0 / 920 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Panasonic GF5none n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/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 GF1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

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 GM1 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 Panasonic GM1 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the GX1 and the GM1 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

ad

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-GM1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
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 GM1-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Panasonic GM5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
4.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Panasonic GX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Panasonic G5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Panasonic GF5-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic GF1Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
padding

It is notable that the GX1 has a hotshoe, while the GM1 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Both the GX1 and the GM1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The GX1 was replaced by the Panasonic GX7, while the GM1 was followed by the Panasonic GM5. Further information on the features and operation of the GX1 and GM1 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic GX1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GM1 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic GX1 or the Panasonic GM1 – 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:

  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/60i).
  • More framing options: Can be equipped with a hotshoe-mounted accessory-viewfinder.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/500s) to freeze action.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (320 versus 230) on a single battery charge.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in November 2011).


Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1:

  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (11 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.5 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.1 EV of extra DR).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1036k vs 460k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 4.2 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.
  • More compact: Is smaller (99x55mm vs 116x68mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 114g or 36 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 11 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GM1 is the clear winner of the contest (11 : 6 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 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 06:11 GM1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic GX1 and the Panasonic GM1 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 GM1 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 where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera 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.

scroll hint
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 GM13/5+..78/1005/54.5/5 Oct 2013 749ebay.com
3.
 
Panasonic GM53.5/5+..77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2014 749ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 999ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 499ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.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 GF1..85/100..69/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 749ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

logo
Check GX1 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check GM1 offers at
ebay.com

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.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Panasonic GX1 vs Panasonic GM1

    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 GM1
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date November 2011 October 2013
    Launch Price USD 699 USD 749
    Sensor Specs Panasonic GX1 Panasonic GM1
    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 15.8 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4592 x 3448 pixels 4592 x 3448 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.77 μm 3.77 μm
    Pixel Density 7.04 MP/cm2 7.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 160 - 12,800 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 125 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor Venus FHD Venus IX
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 55 66
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.8 22.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.6 11.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 703 660
    Screen Specs Panasonic GX1 Panasonic GM1
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional no viewfinder
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots 1036k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic GX1 Panasonic GM1
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/500s
    Continuous Shooting 4.2 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic GX1 Panasonic GM1
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Body Specs Panasonic GX1 Panasonic GM1
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLD10 Panasonic DMW-BLH7
    Battery Life (CIPA)320 shots per charge230 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 116 x 68 x 39 mm
    (4.6 x 2.7 x 1.5 in)
    99 x 55 x 30 mm
    (3.9 x 2.2 x 1.2 in)
    Camera Weight 318 g (11.2 oz) 204 g (7.2 oz)
    logo
    Check GX1 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check GM1 offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Panasonic GX1 vs Panasonic GM1