Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GM1K / SHOOTING REPORT

While mirrorless cameras are on the rise and many types of cameras are released one after another, Panasonic will launch the one that deserves special attention: the LUMIX DMC-GM1K. Even though it's as small as a compact camera, it's an interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera. Compared to the compact LUMIX DMC-LF1, the body is slightly thicker. But, surprisingly, it's shorter and narrower. As of now, they say it's the world's smallest interchangeable-lens body. It's easy to imagine how difficult it was to design such a small micro four-thirds body and I'm amazed that they did it. This minimum body comes in four colors including orange and white, so it will appeal to a variety of users including "camera girls" and even those who are looking for a compact camera.

( Photography : A.Inden & 4Beats & 48 / Text : 4Beats )

I understand that people want to take beautiful wedding photography with SLR cameras, but it can be embarrassing to hang a big camera and a lens on the shoulder when wearing a suit or a dress. But, the GM1K is so small that you can put in the bag. Plus, it has the "silent mode" which fires the noiseless electronic shutter, so you can shoot even in the solemn situation without hesitation.
This image was shot at ISO1250, but because of the natural tonal gradation of the white flower and the mood of the ceremony, I almost forgot that I took it with such a high sensitivity.

The ISO was 200 and the exposure compensation was -3Ev. This is a condition that requires a camera to depict only with a gradation of black. I see no distracting noise and the cross has a 3D quality growing in the natural dark tonal gradation. The latest sensor and image processor (same as the one for the DMC-GX7) are nothing but reassuring.

The soft light filtered through the curtain has a rich and natural tonal gradation from the highlight to the shadow. And, thanks to the high resolution, the texture has a great detail.

I shot the backlit photo of the boy pushing his bike. While the sky tone looks natural, I can see the tonal gradation and colors of the boy and the bike. No wonder it has the GX7's image quality.

I can recognize each product when I enlarge the original image. Almost all of them are covered with vinyl, but I can still see the difference of textures between them.

The pancake absorbing the syrup looks so delicious. You don't need to shoot it with a smartphone to share the image. Because this camera has a built-in Wi-Fi, you can easily upload images to SNS. This means, you can share the high quality images at the location.
The banana, sugar, and the utensils look so realistic and I think it's also due to the new small zoom lens the LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S.

Shot at F8. The camera including the AF was brisk enough to focus on the walking dog while reproducing the soft hair.

Let's try higher sensitivity. I raised it to ISO3200 to shoot this night scene. I have no complaints on the image quality and I can't believe it was taken with such a small body.

This mirrorless camera makes you want to carry, no matter where you go.

We know cameras with large sensors generate high quality images, but I think many people hesitate to use them on a daily basis. And, there had been no fashionable interchangeable-lens cameras. So, even though someone bought a camera, s/he uses it only on holidays and would even use a compact camera or cellphone to take daily scenes.

The DMC-GM1K will solve such worries. The compact-camera-like small body generates DSLR quality images. The magnesium-alloy body and the machined dial make it a sophisticated gadget for adults. The color variation consisting of the orange, white, silver, and black is so appealing. Here, I have to note one drawback due to the smallness. Sometimes you may find it a little hard to operate because the body is extremely small. For example, I often ended up in adjusting white balance by accidentally pushing the button while I was trying to turn the rear dial to control exposure compensation. But, Panasonic seems to know this issue and they offer a solution by making the function button and the touch panel customizable. However, it's not a major issue. When the camera is this mall, it's best to take advantage of it rather than asking for the ideal.

In short, it's an extremely small camera, but the image quality is excellent. And, because it's a micro four-thirds body, you can use other micro four-thirds lenses. The small body makes it always portable, so you don't have to miss the sudden shutter chances. Plus, it's easy to connect to a smartphone, so you can instantly share the images with your people. This mini mirrorless camera will definitely enrich your days.