The GM1 from 2013 was one of the smallest interchangeable lens cameras ever made at 204g and 98.5mm wide, built around a 16MP Live MOS sensor with a fixed touchscreen and Wi-Fi. No viewfinder, no IBIS, no 4K. Its claim to fame was fitting a real M43 mount into a jacket-pocket body. Used examples are popular with travelers who want the smallest possible M43 body, but capability is limited and batteries are tiny. It has been succeeded by the Panasonic Lumix GM5. At 204g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 334g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the Panasonic Lumix G100D if you want more controls at the cost of 129g extra.
Best for: Everyday and casual photography
Pros
- Extremely small and pocketable
- Good 16MP image quality
- Discreet for street use
Cons
- No viewfinder
- No in-body stabilisation
- Tiny controls and small battery
Pocket and street
The GM1 is one of the smallest interchangeable-lens cameras ever made, barely larger than a compact, which makes it an exceptionally discreet street and everyday camera with a proper 16MP sensor. The trade-offs are tiny controls, no viewfinder, and no stabilisation, but for ultimate portability with real image quality it remains a cult used pick. Full guide →
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2013-11 |
| Weight | 204g |
| Dimensions | 98.5 × 55.7 × 30.4mm |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Screen | Fixed |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 16MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 16MP |
| Resolution | 4592 × 3448 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | No |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | No |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | No |
| Subject recognition | No |
| Shooting | |
| Video | |
| 4K | No |
| 4K 60fps | No |
| Log | No |
| Ports & storage | |
| Card slots | 1 |
| Card type | SD UHS-I |
| HDMI | micro |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Mic port | No |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | DMW-BLH7 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Panasonic Lumix GM1 have IBIS?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GM1 does not have in-body image stabilisation. You will need a lens with OIS for any stabilisation benefit.
Is the Panasonic Lumix GM1 weather sealed?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GM1 does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the Panasonic Lumix GM1 shoot 4K video?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GM1 does not record 4K video.
Does the Panasonic Lumix GM1 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GM1 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Panasonic Lumix GM1 use?
The Panasonic Lumix GM1 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Panasonic Lumix GM1 weigh?
The Panasonic Lumix GM1 weighs 204g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Panasonic Lumix GM1 still worth buying?
The Panasonic Lumix GM1 has been succeeded by the Panasonic Lumix GM5. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Panasonic Lumix GM1 remains a capable body, but the Panasonic Lumix GM5 is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.