Panasonic Lumix GX7 - Hands On Review


robotech

Member
Oct 5, 2004
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www.d3dphotography.com
Just got my hands on this little toy. The Lumix GX7 is the latest generation of micro 4/3 camera to hit the market now.
The heart of it comes with a 16MP CMOS Sensor that is able to go up to ISO25600.

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Some of the new features includes a electronic viewfinder that can be tilted 90 degrees, WIFI support for remote control via supported mobile phones, sending images to the PC or cloud and play back on TV. As a first for the G series, the image stabilisation is built onto the sensor.
For more info and specs, you can refer to the panasonic site at http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gx7/index.html

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It is very well built and feels comfortable on the hands with the 20mm f/1.8, 12mm f/2 and the 25mm f/1.4 lenses.Controls on the camera is pretty standard m43. There is a mode dial on upper right corner just next to the shutter release button, 2 command dials that provides direct access to exposure settings, a MF/AF switch and WIFI button.

Initial handling and usage gives the impression that the buttons well labelled and laid out, handling is pretty intuitive. The EVF and LCD displays impressive sharpness and brightness. Autofocus is fast and accurate. Noise control is good enough to ISO3200, ISO6400 is the image is for web.
Overall, it is a very capable camera that is easy to use at the hands of amarteurs and professionals. The small size and good ISO capabilities make it a great low light street camera too.

Some sample pictures out of camera. No Editing was done to the pictures.

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Natural Skin Tone under Sunlight - ISO125 f/5.6 1/200

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Good Auto White Balance and Noise Control - ISO6400 f/2 1/125

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Available Light Great Colors and Details - ISO250 f/2 1/60​
 

Looks very very good. I have a GF2 which gets me very good pics in bright daylight, but indoors like those of the 2nd and 3rd shots here by Robotech, it simply flounders. I have a fear of too many megapixels in a small sensor, but looks like Panny has done a great job in this 16Mp on 4/3.
 

Looks very very good. I have a GF2 which gets me very good pics in bright daylight, but indoors like those of the 2nd and 3rd shots here by Robotech, it simply flounders. I have a fear of too many megapixels in a small sensor, but looks like Panny has done a great job in this 16Mp on 4/3.

The indoors quality is very good. I would say..It could be better then the OMD. Will try to see if I can get hold of a OMD to test out. Will upload some ISO tests later.
 

Is GX7 made in Japan?
 

Where did you buy it? What kit did you get?

Cheers Sax
 

After shooting more shots today, noticed that the EVF is totally silent. Good for those discrete shots or in places where you want to keep the shutter sound low.
Some more pictures...

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Night Landscape on Tripod - ISO200 f/16 30s

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ISO125 f/8 1/60

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Miniature Filter

Spotted these some beauties on my way to office...

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Indoor side lighting and top lighting from airwell - ISO200 f/4 1/20

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Indoor side lighting and top lighting from airwell - ISO200 f/2.5 1/25​
 

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Can I request you to review on the IBIS performance? Preferably introducing (although I admit is near impossible to control equally across) minor shake at 1/10, 1/20 & 1/30 Shutter speed?

And can you state what you think GX7 should have or to be improved on?

Thanks
 

Can I request you to review on the IBIS performance? Preferably introducing (although I admit is near impossible to control equally across) minor shake at 1/10, 1/20 & 1/30 Shutter speed?

And can you state what you think GX7 should have or to be improved on?

Thanks

Sorry for the late reply. I think the IBIS works perfectly like other camera or lenses with IS and VR technology. It does help if you need to shoot at a lower shutter speed, but don't expect it to replace a tripod.

Here are some quick testing of the IBIS I did this morning before returning the camera. All shots taken using Panasonic 25mm f/1.4


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1/50

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No Shake at 1/15s

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No Noticable Shake at 1/6s

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Starts to see some shake at 1/3s

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Really Pushing It at 1/1.6s
 

Thank you for taking my request...

I suppose you are introducing some hand shake right? At a horizontal or vertical or both plane may I ask?

I am really impress that there is still no noticeable shake at 1/6 given that this is on 2-axis...

Really appreciate your review, I think I can hear my wallet "crying" right now :embrass:
 

Thank you for taking my request...

I suppose you are introducing some hand shake right? At a horizontal or vertical or both plane may I ask?

I am really impress that there is still no noticeable shake at 1/6 given that this is on 2-axis...

Really appreciate your review, I think I can hear my wallet "crying" right now :embrass:


I did not purposely introduce handshake. It was just a focus and snap. I did it like a normal shooting situation.
 

What I really like about the GX7 is its size, compact enough to bring around and does not add much weight to your bag.

The camera look tame, combining with the electronic shutter which is totally silent, it allows you to easily capture great street shots.

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Many has ask, is the focusing comparable with the other brands?

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Hi robotech,

When you conducted these IBIS tests, did you have the camera held away from you or pressed against your face?

Thank you,

Sabesh.
 

A couple of sunset shots done earlier.

Panasonic 7-14 @ F6,3, ISO200, 1/125s, vivid color mode. tweaked highlights + shadows, almost ooc jpg.


Panasonic 12-35 @ F7.1, ISO200, 1/125s, vivid color mode. tweaked highlights + shadows, almost ooc jpg.
 

Sorry for the late reply. I think the IBIS works perfectly like other camera or lenses with IS and VR technology. It does help if you need to shoot at a lower shutter speed, but don't expect it to replace a tripod.

Here are some quick testing of the IBIS I did this morning before returning the camera. All shots taken using Panasonic 25mm f/1.4


9800735373_aeedd472a6_c.jpg

1/50

9800680536_0d992dc088_c.jpg

No Shake at 1/15s

9800680666_d3f3fc0f9d_c.jpg

No Noticable Shake at 1/6s

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Starts to see some shake at 1/3s

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Really Pushing It at 1/1.6s

Robo, either you are a super cool poker player or this is some serious IBIS stabilizing .... impressed