The GX1 from 2011 was Panasonic's first rangefinder-style premium compact M43 body, pairing a 16MP Live MOS sensor with a fixed touchscreen at 317g. It had no viewfinder in the box (an optional EVF was sold separately), no IBIS, no 4K, and no Wi-Fi. Despite those limitations it was well-regarded for its image quality and compact handling at the time. It is the predecessor to the GX7 and GX8 lines but offers nothing competitive today. It has been succeeded by the Panasonic Lumix GX7. At 317g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 221g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the Panasonic Lumix G100D if you want more controls at the cost of 16g extra.
Best for: Everyday and casual photography
Pros
- Compact rangefinder-style body
- Good 16MP image quality for its era
- Affordable used entry point
Cons
- No built-in viewfinder
- No in-body stabilisation
- Dated autofocus and no 4K
Budget street and everyday
The GX1 is a small, flat-bodied camera that suits discreet street and everyday shooting, especially paired with a pancake prime. It has no viewfinder or stabilisation, so it leans on the rear screen and stabilised lenses, but as one of the cheapest ways into a capable M43 body it remains a sensible used buy for beginners. Full guide →
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2011-11 |
| Weight | 317g |
| Dimensions | 116 × 60.7 × 38.1mm |
| 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 | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | DMW-BLG10 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Panasonic Lumix GX1 have IBIS?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GX1 does not have in-body image stabilisation. You will need a lens with OIS for any stabilisation benefit.
Is the Panasonic Lumix GX1 weather sealed?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GX1 does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the Panasonic Lumix GX1 shoot 4K video?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GX1 does not record 4K video.
Does the Panasonic Lumix GX1 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GX1 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Panasonic Lumix GX1 use?
The Panasonic Lumix GX1 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Panasonic Lumix GX1 weigh?
The Panasonic Lumix GX1 weighs 317g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Panasonic Lumix GX1 still worth buying?
The Panasonic Lumix GX1 has been succeeded by the Panasonic Lumix GX7. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Panasonic Lumix GX1 remains a capable body, but the Panasonic Lumix GX7 is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.