Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 review

Sophisticated compact system camera with advanced features

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1
This 12MP compact system camera comes in silver or black

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions, and the resulting images are analysed using DXO Analyzer software to generate the data to produce the graphs below.

A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.

For more more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.

JPEG noise and dynamic range

Panasonic lumic dmc-gx1 review: jpeg signal to noise ratio

Panasonic lumic dmc-gx1 review: jpeg signal to noise ratio

Up to a sensitivity of ISO 800, JPEG images from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 beat the Sony NEX-7, Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. Although the Olympus E-P3 just takes the lead from ISO 800, the difference in results is marginal.

Raw images

Panasonic lumic dmc-gx1 review: raw signal to noise ratio

Panasonic lumic dmc-gx1 review: raw signal to noise ratio

Raw files (after conversion to TIFF) from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1are on par with the Sony NEX-7, Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. At the higher end of the sensitivity range the GX1 shows a slight improvement over the GF3, but the Sony NEX-7 leads in this area.

JPEG dynamic range

Panasonic lumic dmc-gx1 review: jpeg dynamic range

Panasonic lumic dmc-gx1 review: jpeg dynamic range

This chart indicates that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1's JPEGs show an improvement over the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3, but they lag behind those from the Sony NEX-7 and Olympus E-P3 especially at the lower end of the sensitivity range.

Raw dynamic range

Panasonic lumic dmc-gx1 review: tiff dynamic range

Panasonic lumic dmc-gx1 review: tiff dynamic range

TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 compare well against those from the Olympus E-P3. They show a definate improvement over the Panasonic DMC-GF3. However, the more expensive Sony NEX-7 really shows its quality with dynamic range scores that are at least 1.5 EV higher across the dynamic range

TOPICS
Latest in DSLRs
Nikon Df DSLR camera on a wooden surface by large window, with dusk light
Forget Fujifilm, I've retested 2013's Nikon Df DSLR and it's the ultimate retro camera for these 6 reasons
Monochrome image of a distant wind farm alongside a Canon DSLR camera in the hand with black background
You don't really need a new camera – a $200,000 photo prize was just won with this old Canon DSLR
Photographer holding the Nikon D800 DSLR camera up to their eye while leaning on a tree trunk surrounded by bluebells
I used my DSLR for the first time in years since switching to mirrorless – here are four things I learned
Two cameras sitting next to each other on a wooden table
If DSLR cameras are dead, why are they still so popular? Here are 5 reasons
Prouct photo of the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome with a 16-50mm f/2.8 attached
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome review: one love
Canon EOS 4000D with 18-55mm lens attached on red background beside a lowest ever price text
This Canon beginner DSLR is so cheap right now it might even tempt you away from mirrorless
Latest in Reviews
The Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap being worn by Hamish
I test VR headsets for a living, and this affordable headstrap is the first Meta Quest 3 accessory you should buy
Both Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips
I thought VR controller grips were pointless until this Meta Quest 3 accessory proved me wrong
The Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap
Want to upgrade your VR headset? Look no further than my new favorite Meta Quest 3 headstrap
WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR main image
I tested the WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR - read how I rated this Endpoint Protection for small business
The RIG M2 Streamstar.
I wanted to love the new RIG M2 Streamstar, but this pricey gaming microphone fails to deliver
Bambu Lab H2D Vs X1C
I've been reviewing the hotly anticipated Bambu Lab H2D for a month, and it's the most versatile machine I've ever used