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| Category: | Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera |
| Product: | Panasonic Lumix GX1 |
| Price: | £269.99 |
Panasonic Lumix GX1 vs G3 Review - We look at the new Micro Four Thirds Panasonic Lumix GX1 and compare it to the Panasonic Lumix G3.
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Jargon Buster: OffHandling
Performance
Verdict
Specifications
We recently reviewed the Panasonic Lumix G3 and GX1, you can read our full reviews here: Panasonic Lumix GX1 Full Review and Panasonic Lumix G3 Full Review. The G3 and GX1 have a lot of similar features and specifications, to all intents and purposes they are the same camera inside, but the main difference is the lack of electronic viewfinder (EVF) and smaller body on the GX1. The GX1 also gives additional external controls and buttons, to find out what else is different read on.
Panasonic Lumix GX1 vs G3 Features
Panasonic Lumix G3 and GX1
| Panasonic Lumix G3 | Panasonic Lumix GX1 |
| 16mp Live MOS | 16mp Live MOS |
| SSWF Dust reduction | SSWF Dust reduction |
| 3inch 460k dots, Touch, Tilting screen | 3inch 460k dots, Touch screen |
| 1.44m EVF | EVF optional extra |
| Lens based IS | Lens based IS |
| TTL Built-in-Flash, GN10.5 | TTL Built-in-Flash, GN7.6 (can be tilted up) |
| Stereo Mics | Stereo Mics |
| Shutter speed: 60 - 1/4000s | Shutter speed: 60 - 1/4000s |
| Focus AFS, AFC, MF | Focus AFS, AFF (Auto Focus Flexible), AFC, MF |
| ISO: 160-6400 | ISO: 160-12800 |
| 4 fps | 4.2 fps |
| Video AVCHD / MP4 | Video AVCHD / MP4 |
| Battery: 270 (with FS1442) | Battery: 310 (with PS1442) |
| Size: 115.2x83.6x46.7mm | Size: 116.3x67.8x39.4mm |
| Weight: 336g (Body only) | Weight: 272g (Body only) |
| Price: £449 with 14-42mm Kit lens | Price: £469 Body Only |
| White, Black, Red | Silver or Black |
| Filters: Expressive / Retro / High key / Sepia / High Dynamic | Filters: Expressive / Retro / High key / Low key / Sepia / High Dynamic / Toy effect / Miniature effect |
| Built-in 3 shaft accelerometer sensor / electronic level | |
| Remote socket |
Panasonic Lumix GX1 vs G3 Handling
Panasonic Lumix G3 and GX1
Handling - The GX1 has a more rubberised front grip compared to the smoother G3. The back of the GX1 has slightly more grip with a more noticeable bump and less smooth texture. You can also spot from the back that the GX1 has dedicated function buttons, while the G3 shares its function buttons with the DISP and Q.Menu buttons. On the G3 if you want AF/AE lock then this needs to be set to one of the function buttons. The GX1 also adds a dedicated button for AF/MF and moves the video record button to the top.
Panasonic Lumix G3 and GX1
Menus - The menus are very similar between the two cameras, with the biggest difference being in the colour of the menus, the GX1 adopting a new black colour theme. The GX1 also takes you straight into the menu options, whereas the G3 shows you a touch screen with icons where you can select which menu to go into, once selected you then get the same menus as the GX1.
Panasonic Lumix G3 and GX1
Battery Life - The battery life of the G3 is rated at 270 shots according to CIPA testing compared to 310 shots on the GX1. We found the GX1 gave better than expected battery life compared to the G3, which is impressive considering both cameras use the same battery.
| Panasonic Lumix G3 | Panasonic Lumix GX1 |
| CIPA 270 | CIPA 310 |
| Actual 270 | Actual 400+ |
Speed - We tested each camera's performance at focusing, shutter response, shot to shot time, continuous shooting etc. and have posted the results below. To test this we took 6 or more shots and calculated the average, so that consistent results were produced, we also made sure to test all the cameras at the same time to ensure the cameras were being tested under the same conditions.
| Panasonic GX1* |
Panasonic G3** |
Sony NEX-5N |
|
| Shutter Reponse | 0.05 | 0.05 |
<0.05 |
| Wide - Focus / Shutter Response |
0.15* | 0.2** | 0.2 |
| Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Switch on Time to Taking a Photo | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.9 |
| Shot to Shot (without flash) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 |
| Shot to Shot with Flash | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.7 |
| Continuous Shooting (JPEG) | 4fps (26 shots) |
4fps (8 shots) | 10fps (10 shots) |
| Continuous Shooting (with Flash) | N/A | N/A | 2fps |
| Continuous Shooting (RAW) | 4fps (9 shots) |
4fps (8 shots) | 10fps (7 shots) |
* Tested with 14-42mm Power Zoom ** Tested with 14-42 kit lens.
The new Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 14-42 Power Zoom lens gives slightly quicker focus than the 14-42mm lens.
For both cameras, the continuous shooting at full resolution was around 4fps as expected and shooting at the 20fps mode reduces the image size to 4 megapixels, as well as switching the camera to an electronic shutter. Shooting at 4fps we were able to take 26 shots before slow down with the GX1 and just 8 shots with the G3.
If you use long exposures such as a 10 second exposure, the camera will spend another 10 seconds shooting a dark frame to reduce noise from the image, delaying the next shot, unless you switch off the NR in the camera's menus.
Panasonic Lumix GX1 vs G3 Performance
Here we've posted a number of sample photos from both cameras allowing you to compare the results from each. You can click the image to view a larger version, or click "Hi-Res" to view the full size originals. For additional sample photos and video please see the full reviews.Panasonic Lumix GX1 ISO test images
 1/15 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 160 |  1/20 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 200 |  1/40 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 400 |  1/80 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 800 |
 1/160 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 1600 |  1/250 sec | f/6.3 | 42.0 mm | ISO 3200 |  1/250 sec | f/8.0 | 42.0 mm | ISO 6400 |  1/500 sec | f/9.0 | 42.0 mm | ISO 12800 |
Panasonic Lumix G3 ISO test images
 1/8 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 160 |  1/10 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 200 |  1/20 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 400 |  1/40 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 800 |
 1/80 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 1600 |  1/160 sec | f/5.6 | 42.0 mm | ISO 3200 |  1/200 sec | f/7.1 | 42.0 mm | ISO 6400 |
ISO Noise Performance: Both cameras offer very good noise results with ISO3200 usable on both cameras. At ISO6400 the G3 shows stronger noise reduction and slightly softer results, although with the benefit of lower noise. The GX1 also gives an additional ISO12800 setting which could be useful for images used resized on the web or converted to black and white.
Panasonic Lumix GX1 White-balance test images
 AWB Tungsten 1/25 sec | f/4.4 | 19.0 mm | ISO 200 |  Tungsten Preset 1/25 sec | f/4.4 | 19.0 mm | ISO 200 |  AWB Fluorescent 1/10 sec | f/4.4 | 19.0 mm | ISO 200 |
Panasonic Lumix G3 White-balance test images
 AWB Tungsten 1/15 sec | f/4.6 | 25.0 mm | ISO 200 |  Tungsten Preset 1/15 sec | f/4.6 | 25.0 mm | ISO 200 |  AWB Fluorescent 1/6 sec | f/4.6 | 25.0 mm | ISO 200 |
White Balance Performance: Under tungsten and fluorescent lighting both cameras perform well, with the cameras giving the option of using presets when needed. The presets can be adjusted as well, although there is no fluorescent preset on Panasonic cameras, most likely due to auto white balance performing well.
Panasonic Lumix GX1 Sample Photos
 Portrait Scene Mode 1/60 sec | f/5.5 | 32.0 mm | ISO 800 |  1/400 sec | f/9.0 | 19.0 mm | ISO 160 |  1/500 sec | f/8.0 | 14.0 mm | ISO 160 |  Sunset 1/60 sec | f/3.5 | 14.0 mm | ISO 250 |
Panasonic Lumix G3 Sample Photos
 Portrait 1/60 sec | f/5.2 | 33.0 mm | ISO 160 |  HDR 1/500 sec | f/11,0 | 42.0 mm | ISO 640 |  Flower 1/80 sec | f/5.6 | 42 mm | ISO 200 |  1/400 sec | f/9.0 | 42.0 mm | ISO 160 |
Sample Photos: Here are some "real world" shots taken in a variety of situations. The portrait shot with flash shows very little to no red-eye and good detail in the images, with very little difference between the two cameras.
Panasonic Lumix GX1 Digital filters
 Sepia 1/320 sec | f/6.3 | 14.0 mm | ISO 160 |  Toy Camera 1/250 sec | f/5.6 | 14.0 mm | ISO 160 |  Expressive 1/320 sec | f/5.6 | 14.0 mm | ISO 160 |  High Dynamic 1/400 sec | f/7.1 | 14.0 mm | ISO 640 |
 High Key 1/160 sec | f/4.5 | 14.0 mm | ISO 160 |  Low-key 1/400 sec | f/7.1 | 14.0 mm | ISO 160 |  Miniature 1/320 sec | f/6.3 | 14.0 mm | ISO 160 |  Retro 1/320 sec | f/5.6 | 14.0 mm | ISO 160 |
 Natural 1/320 sec | f/6.3 | 14.0 mm | ISO 160 |  Vivid 1/320 sec | f/6.3 | 14.0 mm | ISO 160 |  Mono 1/320 sec | f/6.3 | 14.0 mm | ISO 160 |  Scenery 1/320 sec | f/6.3 | 14.0 mm | ISO 160 |
Panasonic Lumix G3 Digital filters
 Normal 1/60 sec | f/3.5 | 15.0 mm | ISO 800 |  High Dynamic 1/20 sec | f/3.6 | 15.0 mm | ISO 640 |  Expressive 1/50 sec | f/3.6 | 15.0 mm | ISO 800 |
 Retro 1/50 sec | f/3.6 | 15.0 mm | ISO 800 |  High Key 1/25 sec | f/3.6 | 15.0 mm | ISO 800 |  Sepia 1/60 sec | f/3.6 | 15.0 mm | ISO 800 |
Digital Filters: The G3 and GX1 both offer colour modes, called "Photo Styles" with the option of Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait as well as Custom. The G3 offers digital filters called "Creative control" with the option of Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, with the GX1 offering the addition of Low Key, Toy Effect and Miniature.
Value For Money
£469 for the GX1 body or £529 with the 14-42mm kit lens (standard lens, not the power zoom shown in this review) vs £449 for the G3 + 14-42mm kit lens. These cameras both offer good value for money for Micro Four Thirds cameras that aren't entry level models (see the GF2/GF3 or EPM1 for the entry level models). The G3 is better value for money, having been available for longer its price has dropped further and it also features a built in EVF and swivel / tilt screen, however the GX1 does have additional features, controls and a more compact body.Panasonic Lumix GX1 vs G3 Verdict
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| The Panasonic Lumix GX1 is an excellent camera, compact, fast, controllable and great to use. |
For full scores please read the full reviews:
Panasonic Lumix GX1 Full Review
Panasonic Lumix G3 Full Review
Panasonic Lumix G3 Specifications
| Manufacturer | Panasonic | |
| Image Sensor | ||
| CCD pixels | 16Mp (Megapixels) | |
| Pixels (W) | 4592 | |
| Pixels (H) | 3448 | |
| Sensor Type | Live MOS Sensor | |
| Sensor Size | Micro / Four Thirds | |
| Sensor Size (width) | 17.3mm | |
| Sensor Size (height) | 13mm | |
| Aspect Ratio |
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| LCD Monitor | ||
| LCD Monitor | 3in | |
| Screen resolution | 460k dots | |
| Touch Screen | Yes | |
| Focusing | ||
| Focusing modes |
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| Exposure Control | ||
| Shutter speeds shortest | 1/4000sec | |
| Shutter speeds longest | 60sec | |
| Exp modes |
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| Metering |
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| ISO sensitivity | 160 - 6400 | |
| White balance |
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| Exposure Comp | +/-3 | |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder Resolution | 1.44 million pixels | |
| Shooting Options | ||
| Continuous shooting | 4fps | |
| Video | ||
| Movie mode | Yes | |
| Video Resolution |
|
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| Video FPS | 30p,25p | |
| Stereo Sound | Yes | |
| Optical Zoom with Video | Yes | |
| Other Features | ||
| Image Stabilisation | No | |
| Interface | ||
| HDMI | Yes | |
| USB | USB 2 | |
| Storage | ||
| Card Type |
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| File Type |
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| Power Source | ||
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion | |
| CIPA Rating | No Data | |
| Box Contents | ||
| Box Contents | Camera, Battery Charger, Battery Pack, Body Cap, AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, Shoulder Strap, Stylus pen, CD-ROM | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 544g | |
| Width | 115.2mm | |
| Height | 83.6mm | |
| Depth | 46.7mm | |
Panasonic Lumix GX1 Specifications
| Manufacturer | Panasonic | |
| Image Sensor | ||
| CCD pixels | 16Mp (Megapixels) | |
| Pixels (W) | 4592 | |
| Pixels (H) | 3448 | |
| Sensor Type | Live MOS Sensor | |
| Sensor Size | Micro / Four Thirds | |
| Sensor Size (width) | 17.3mm | |
| Sensor Size (height) | 13mm | |
| Aspect Ratio |
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| LCD Monitor | ||
| LCD Monitor | 3in | |
| Screen resolution | 460k dots | |
| Touch Screen | Yes | |
| Focusing | ||
| Focusing modes |
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| Exposure Control | ||
| Shutter speeds shortest | 1/4000sec | |
| Shutter speeds longest | 60sec | |
| Exp modes |
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| Metering |
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| ISO sensitivity | 160 - 12800 | |
| White balance |
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| Exposure Comp | +/-5 | |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder Resolution | No Data | |
| Shooting Options | ||
| Continuous shooting | 4.2fps | |
| Video | ||
| Movie mode | Yes | |
| Video Resolution |
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| Video FPS | 30fps, 25fps | |
| Stereo Sound | Yes | |
| Optical Zoom with Video | Yes | |
| Other Features | ||
| Image Stabilisation | No | |
| Interface | ||
| HDMI | Yes | |
| USB | USB 2 | |
| Storage | ||
| Card Type |
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| File Type |
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| Power Source | ||
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion 7.2v, 1010mAh | |
| CIPA Rating | 340 | |
| Box Contents | ||
| Box Contents | Battery Charger, Body Cap(DMC-GX1K and DMC-GX1 only), USB Connection Cable, Shoulder Strap, CD-ROM * Body cap not included for DMC-GX1X kit and DMC-GX1W kit ** Lens rear cap of H-H014 lens not included for DMC-GX1W Kit | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 272g | |
| Width | 116.3mm | |
| Height | 67.8mm | |
| Depth | 39.4mm | |
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Comments
Fair review, though it’s a pity Panasonic didn’t give the GX1 a swivelling rear screen which would reduce the need for an expensive slot-on EVF. Having in mind that Olympus’ OM-D is coming out soon, what I think many Panasonic devotees are waiting to hear is how Pany will take the best of the G3 and GX1 and put them together in what we hope will be an enthusiast successor to the G2/GH2. The latter pair have all the right functionality on the outside where the former pair are more in-date on the inside. It then only needs Panasonic to offer a more complete range of lenses – particularly a reasonably priced superwide – to become a great DSLR competitor. For now, I’m not swopping my very capable G2 & GF2 for minor upgrades.
the EVF and swivel screen are so useful that even though the newer model has added features - the lack of those two make the G3 a winner! If the Image Quality or Dynamic Range were significantly better, then perhaps the GX1 would be a better choice, but all things considered the G3 is so much more versatile...
Believe G3 does have a remote socket, I don't think this is a differentiator.
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