Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 Review - Unboxing & First Looks

Recently, I've found myself wanting a camera to complement my bulky DSLR for events which requires good photographs yet the environment does not allow or isn't exactly feasible to carry a large camera in. Introducing the all-new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1, a pocketable camera with a 16 megapixel Four Thirds sensor. Check out the first part of my review below, on the unboxing and first looks of the camera. 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 Review - Unboxing & First Looks

It was a fine evening when I took ownership of this really striking camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1, which came in orange giving out a distinctive and bright outlook to the diminutive outlook. The GM1 retains much of the successful inner workings from the much larger Lumix GX7, yet the size is nearly as small as my mouse, and my iPhone. Just check out the size comparison below and you'll understand why I say it's really very small. 

A shot comparing the size of my wireless mouse with the new Panasonic Lumix GM1

Being part of Panasonic's Lumix range of Compact System Cameras (CSC), the GM1 delivers great performance despite it's mini size. The new camera comes with Panasonic’s renowned Light Speed AF system that the manufacture claims to operate at a 240fps data read out rate and as a result delivers focus speeds of around 0.06 seconds. Pretty impressive focus speed if you ask me. But first off, the unboxing. The whole package came in a rather well-built packaging, with the words Lumix GM printed in shiny chrome-like fonts on top. 

The Lumix DMC-GM1K packaging

Unboxing the contents of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 box

The package contents include the camera itself, with the accompanying manuals and guarantee card from Panasonic. No SD cards were included though, so I had to get one from the nearest electronic shop around the corner. No issue there though. Two different plugs were given, the 3-pin as well as the 2-pin ones, which can be connected to the battery charging port. A USB cable is a must, and is included as well, for the connectivity option and to transfer files. For good measures, Panasonic lumped in a landyard too.

The Panasonic Lumix GM1 fits perfectly in the palms of my hand

Panasonic claims that this latest version will deliver a better dynamic range, improved performance at higher ISO settings and better light-gathering capabilities. I'll be talking more about the features and specifications in part 2 of this review though. For now, let's have a look at the form factor and the outlook of this really cool Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. 

Functional dials and buttons on the top part of the Lumix GM1

The rather large touch-screen LCD, with the familiar Panasonic Lumix styled buttons and dials

The GM1 uses the same Micro Four Thirds mount as its bigger siblings, but its 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens is designed with a smaller diameter to better fit the camera. The camera body itself has a leather-like finish and doesn't feel slippery in the hand. Mine came in the colour orange, which I chose as opposed to the silver or black one as it felt good to be bright and stand out. 

The touch screen is not tilt-able and is fixed,  but with great response, one of the better touch screen LCDs around. Small though the camera may be, the inclusion of the two dials on the top is a clear sign that Panasonic isn't just thinking about the point-and-shoot crowd with this model. It is almost similar to my DSLR except way smaller to fit the 'mini' look of the camera. 

Connectivity options include WIFI capabilities, which I love

The side of the GM1 houses a microHDMI connection and port for USB 2.0 connection. The Wi-Fi logo printed on the side panel indicates one of my best loved feature of this camera, the ability to connect via wifi to my smartphone and send photos directly to be shared on my various social media channels. 

A shot showing the bottom part of the GM1

The battery bay and memory card slot of the Panasonic Lumix GM1

The battery bay and memory card slot are concealed behind a door that covers about half of the bottom of the camera. Nothing special here, just the fact that the battery itself fits perfectly inside with my newly bought 8GB high speed SD Card. Do wait up for my subsequent review posts on the product features and my experience using it. For now, I must say, I'm pretty well pleased with this latest acquisition of mine and will be using it frequently during the events I attend. 

Updated:
Review Post #2: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 Review - Features