The GM1 uses a hybrid mechanical and electronic shutter
system. Shutter speeds available are from 60 seconds to 1/500 sec (mechanical
shutter) and from 1 sec to 1/16,000 sec (electronic shutter). Recording modes
are Program (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Manual (M),
intelligent Auto (iA), intelligent Auto+ (iA+), Creative Video Mode, Custom Modes (C1 and C2), Scene
Guide Mode (23 scenes), and Creative Control Mode (22 creative effects).
Exposure compensation is up to +/- 5EV. The Burst Mode (when shooting Raw) is
limited to 7 frames. A feature known as Silent Mode is included in the GM1
which is unusually quiet and when combined with Super High Continuous shooting
mode, allows you to fire 40 frames per second, albeit at only 3.8 megapixel
rating and only when using JPEGs. The camera also offers HDR imaging, wherein
it fires off several frames and combines them in-house to produce details in
highlights as well as shadows when shooting under very contrasty
lighting. ISO sensitivity can be set to Auto, Intelligent ISO, 125 (Extended),
200- 25,600 in 0.3 or 1 EV step. White Balance settings are Auto, Daylight,
Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1 and 2, and Kelvin temperature.
The Lumix GM1 can shoot movies in HD
The Lumix GM1 can shoot movies in
HD with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60i/30p/24p; 1280 x 720 at 60p/30p; and
640 x 480 at 30p. Movie file formats are AVCHD and MP4. The built-in pop-up
flash has a Guide Number of 4m/13.1 feet at ISO 100. Flash can be compensdated up to +/- 2EV in 0.3 EV steps. Images are
stored in SD/SDHC/SDXC card.
The camera is PictBridge
compliant. It uses a 680 mAh rechargeable Lithium
-ion battery, which, under CIPA rating, should last for 230 shots. The camera
weighs 274g with its kit lens, battery and card and comes bundled with the
following software: PHOTOfun STUDIO9.2 AE SILKYPIX
Developer Studio 4.1 SE LoiloScope (trial version)
Ergonomics
The GM1 with its 12-32mm kit lens can be easily carried in
a trouser pocket. The design is clean and uncluttered. If you are used to
large, heavy D-SLRs, you may take some time getting used to the GM1’s
diminutive design and button layout. Speaking of buttons, there aren’t many.
The LCD is touch-screen and covers most of the camera back. The user interface
may feel daunting if you have never used a Lumix
model before but once you get a hang of it, things are pretty straightforward.
Users with large hands may find the controls a bit fiddly but again, it is just
a matter of getting used to. The 12-32mm lens and body combo balanced well but
since the body is so small and lightweight, we wonder how large telephoto
lenses will cope up.
The GM1 with its 12-32mm kit lens can be easily carried in a trouser
pocket
Performance
The overall performance of the Panasonic GM1 can be termed
‘outstanding’. Control over digital noise was very good. At native image size
of 15.307 x 11.493 inches at 300ppi, we did not notice any noise all the way up
to the maximum sensitivity of ISO 25,600. At 50% screen size, some noise could
be seen at ISO 12,800 but was in no way troublesome. At 100% screen size, we
could see noise at ISO 3200 but again, perfectly usable. Larger images at
higher ISOs will show noise, but in a pinch, I wouldn’t hesitate to use even
the highest ISO (25,600) if my print size is limited. Autofocus was reasonably
fast in good light; in low light, it did take a while but nevertheless, latched
on accurately. Note: Digital noise depends not only on the ISO used, but also
on the way you expose your shots. Underexposed areas will always show more
noise; with soft lighting, shadows often show more details, resulting in less
noise.
The overall performance of the Panasonic GM1 can be termed
‘outstanding’
