I have embarked upon my review of the Panasonic GM1, the first stage of which (sitting and playing with it) has been completed and the second stage of which (walking about and shooting with it) is about to begin.
Initial impressions are favourable, this is a very clever little camera which tries to compensate for a lack of buttons by offering extensive control via the LCD. How usable this is when out on the street in the sunlight; well I am about to find out.
When I went to Japan I carried three lenses in my bag with the E-M1. The Olympus 12-40mm, the Panasonic 25mm and the Olympus 75mm.
A wonderful set-up which served me well and I would not want to swap.
In comparison, this will be she who must be obeyed’s gear collection, assuming she can be bothered to carry all of it:
The GM1 with the 12-32mm kit lens, the Panasonic 20mm and the Olympus 45mm.
The E-M1 set-up is ultimately more capable, but for many shots I think you would be hard pressed to notice a difference in IQ. The E-M1, with it’s range of buttons, configurability and viewfinder makes for an easier experience for the photographer than the GM1; but that tiny setup scores in terms of portability.
If you go for a walk, you possibly carry a small bottle of water with you. It weighs around 640 grams and you probably barely notice it. The GM1, with all three lenses, weighs 530 grams…. (The E-M1 and three lenses is 1673 grams).
It’s a fact that, as Micro Four Thirds has grown in capability, it has also increased in bulk. We are not talking DSLR bulk, but it’s a long way from the original GF1 and PEN cameras. The GM1 reverses that trend to offer the smallest M43 camera every made. A step too far? I am about to find out.