Pro Panasonic compact system camera outed

Panasonic GX1
Panasonic's new Lumix GX1 compact system camera

Panasonic has introduced a new camera to sit in its G range, the GX1 is the much anticipated pro compact system camera that has been in development for some time.

The GX1 features a micro four-thirds size 16.0 million pixel Live MOS sensor and includes a number of features, including automatic shooting modes, a touchscreen to control autofocus and full manual control.

High-speed focusing is promised by the precise AF, with Panasonic claiming that the 0.09 focusing speed is the fastest AF speed among Compact System Cameras, a claim previously made by the Olympus PEN E-P3. Burst shooting speed of up to 20 fps is also possible.

Panasonic G series cameras are compatible with a wide range of micro four-thirds lenses, including the new X Zoom lenses which were announced earlier this year.

The camera also includes a Venus Engine image processor, while sensitivity can be pushed up to a maximum of ISO 12800. AF modes on board the camera include multiple-area AF, Face Detection and AF Tracking. It also comes with an integrated flash.

Touchscreen

Fast becoming a popular feature among compact system cameras, the Lumix GX1 features a touchscreen LCD. Full HD video recording is also available in AVCHD format, with 50i and stereo sound.

The Panasonic Lumix GX1 UK price will be £499.99 body only or £599.99 with the 14-42mm standard kits. Available from mid-December, you'll have to wait another month for the GX1 to be available with the 14-42 'X' lens kit, which will be available for £729.99.

Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.