Featured forum post: GX1 Initial Impressions and a Sample ISO 1600 Image

pawzitiv · #1 December 9th, 2011, 10:54 PM

So, despite being very happy with my pair of GF1 bodies, I had to see if there was credence to Panasonic's claims regarding the GX1. I picked up a black GX1 body this past Tuesday.

Getting the GX1 customized to the same settings that I use on my GF1 took some doing .. the menus are much the same but there's no Dynamic B&W setting and I found it took some effort to get accustomed to the touch screen.

I definitely don't like the touch screen shutter release but being able to move the single focus point (my preference) around with my finger is handy. The touch screen is also handy for making Quick Menu selections.

The "pin-point" focus option is something new (compared to the GF1) and is useful for critical focus but slows down the AF significantly as it first enlarges the focus point (much like when manual focusing) before you can recompose to trip the shutter. I see this focus mode being most useful for macro photography on a tripod.

It also took me awhile to figure out which settings to assign to the 4 function buttons (2 physical buttons and 2 icons onscreen)

I don't shoot video but for still photography here briefly are my GX1 pros and cons compared to the GF1 ...

Pros:
+1 slightly smaller with better grip
+2 higher quality feel (subjective)
+3 faster handling
+4 faster AF
+5 improved sensor for shooting at sensitivities higher than ISO800
+6 highlight roll-off a bit smoother

Cons:
-1 More menu options (mostly for the touch screen) add to UI complexity
-2 Touch screen is love/hate
-3 Buttons FN1, Disp., Q.Menu & AF/MF are flush with camera body (can't find them with tactile touch .. you have to look)

For me, the GX1 improvements over the GF1 are worth the cost of admission.

Here is an ISO1600 shot with the 20mm f/1.7 lens. This is Buddy; he always help me test the dynamic range of my cameras. This is a straight JPG conversion from raw using the default LR 6.6RC conversion settings ...

Iconindustries · #2 December 9th, 2011, 11:27 PM

Thanks for doing this Arie. I'm pretty sure when the GX1 arrives in Australia I'll be purchasing it to compliment my GF1.

In terms of build quality in what way do you reckon it feels different compared to the GF1?

Also regarding the screen, does it take more of a push to operate than say an iPhone or GPS? And how do you find the clarity and brightness of the screen?

The detail in the picture you posted looks great.

demiro · #3 December 9th, 2011, 11:48 PM

Thanks for the post Arie. I've just sold out of

for the second time. I am afraid the GX1 may pull me right back in...

Your list of Pros with the GX1 are attention getters for me. Can you give them some weight? For example, is the improvement slight, moderate or signficant?

Regarding Buddy, did you look for a black & white pup specifically for DR evluations, or is that just a convenient coincidence? :)

Thanks again!

Livnius · #4 December 10th, 2011, 12:00 AM

Thanks for the informative post, really great to getting early user reviews. Appreciate the effort

I'll wait until you clarify further or until more user reviews like this filter through...but it seems to me that the Pros are significant whereas the Cons appear to be more quirks that will be easily overcome with time and familiarity.

This thing is looking like a winner.....early days yet.

betamax · #5 December 10th, 2011, 12:17 AM

Thanks for the post pawzitiv. I have my own DNR test subject, a black and white cat. Judging by Buddy, DNR is a little better than my E-PL3.

pawzitiv · #6 December 10th, 2011, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iconindustries

Thanks for doing this Arie. I'm pretty sure when the GX1 arrives in Australia I'll be purchasing it to compliment my GF1.

In terms of build quality in what way do you reckon it feels different compared to the GF1?

Also regarding the screen, does it take more of a push to operate than say an iPhone or GPS? And how do you find the clarity and brightness of the screen?

The detail in the picture you posted looks great.

My pleasure, Brady. You'll find the GX1 is a good step better than its' older sister.

Regarding build quality, it feels and handles smaller than the GF1 but it's not cramped .. ergonomics are as good as on the GF1. It's an all-metal body, save for the grip, so it feels "cooler" in the hand. I find the overall finish and fit a bit better than on the GF1.

Yes, the touch screen does indeed need a bit harder push or tap than what you'd need on a smartphone or GPS receiver. The screen brightness is user setting .. full bright hurts the eyes under normal lighting but would be useful in bright sun. Screen clarity is equal to the GF1 and its' reflectivity is less.

Indeed, I'm pleased with with detail, reduced noise and slightly improved DR at ISO1600. Thinking back to colour film, this result was impossible and it's a worthy evolution to what the GF1 can do. And the GF1 is very good .. I'm going to keep at least one of my GF1 bodies.

pawzitiv · #7 December 10th, 2011, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demiro

Thanks for the post Arie. I've just sold out of

for the second time. I am afraid the GX1 may pull me right back in...

Your list of Pros with the GX1 are attention getters for me. Can you give them some weight? For example, is the improvement slight, moderate or signficant?

Sure .. I'll rank the "pros" on a scale of 1 to 5. Bear in mind, you may weight things differently ..

3/5 slightly smaller with better grip
2/5 higher quality feel (subjective)
4/5 faster handling
3/5 faster AF
5/5 improved sensor for shooting at sensitivities higher than ISO800
5/5 highlight roll-off a bit smoother

Quote:

Originally Posted by demiro

Regarding Buddy, did you look for a black & white pup specifically for DR evluations, or is that just a convenient coincidence? :)

Buddy is simple pure luck; he is a rescue and he picked us as his "forever" people.

pawzitiv · #8 December 10th, 2011, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Livnius

Thanks for the informative post, really great to getting early user reviews. Appreciate the effort

I'll wait until you clarify further or until more user reviews like this filter through...but it seems to me that the Pros are significant whereas the Cons appear to be more quirks that will be easily overcome with time and familiarity.

This thing is looking like a winner.....early days yet.

My pleasure, Livnius.

Yes, there's really very little to criticize with the new GX1 and the 3 things I mentioned may be of no consequence to others. It does produce a cleaner image than the GF1 and shedding a few millimetres in size plus the all-metal build are all significant enough for me to move up the GX1.

It's a gloomy winter and running the GX1 further through its' paces will have to be a deliberate exercise .. mostly indoors.

pawzitiv · #9 December 10th, 2011, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by betamax

Thanks for the post pawzitiv. I have my own DNR test subject, a black and white cat. Judging by Buddy, DNR is a little better than my E-PL3.

Well, I guess we both are blessed (or cursed) with challenging photo subjects.

I'd hazard to guess that the GX1 dynamic range at base ISO is on par with the E-P3.

zerotiu · #10 December 10th, 2011, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawzitiv

Well, I guess we both are blessed (or cursed) with challenging photo subjects.

I'd hazard to guess that the GX1 dynamic range at base ISO is on par with the E-P3.

wow, that's amazing detail! I have an issue with high ISO with my ep3. I don't process mine with lightroom. Do you mind to upload the JPG version of that? or you only shot raw? I mean the unprocess one. My ISO 1600 has some nasty purple noise