Panasonic reveals Lumix DMC-GX7

Panasonic has revealed its latest retro-styled Micro Four Thirds format interchangeable lens mirrorless camera, the Lumix DMC-GX7. Panasonic's G-series model brings a twist to the interchangeable lens camera (ILC) format with a rangefinder-like experience. The GX7 is the follow-up model to the popular DMC-GX1, which was released in early 2012. The GX7 arrives with several notable upgrades and adjustments as well as the already strong features that will be familiar to any GX1 user.

The body itself is not too dissimilar to the first GX camera that appeared a few years ago, with a protruding, ergonomic grip and plenty of customisable options on the camera. A magnesium alloy frame promises durability, while also being relatively lightweight for street photography.

The GX7 is reasonably nimble performer, being able to grab 4.3 frames per second in continuous shooting mode with autofocus (5 frames without continuous AF). It can grab 25 RAW images in a single burst before processing them, and an unlimited number of JPEG photos.

Dressed in magnesium alloy full diecast frame in black and silver the new LUMIX GX7 provides a 16MP (17.3 x 13 mm) Digital Live MOS sensor that offers high-sensitivity still images. It works together with the Venus Engine image processor to reduce noise even at its maximum ISO of 25600, which is an improvement from the 12800 maximum of its predecessor. The sensor/processor combination also provides Full HD 1080/60p video recording in both the AVCHD and MP4 formats. The Contrast AF focus system on the GX7 is particularly accurate, especially when working with wide-open apertures and the Lumix Light Speed AF system clearly captures fast-moving subjects while Low Light AF is effective in dark situations, even without an AF assist lamp. The camera also boasts a fast 1/8000 shutter speed to help ensure sharp capture of moving subjects.

LUMIX GX7 provides a 16MP (17.3 x 13 mm) Digital Live MOS sensor that offers high-sensitivity still images

The company has also treated the new addition to built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, in-body image stabilization, and a silent shooting mode.

The Lumix GX7 high end Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) camera sports a camcorder-like tilting electronic viewfinder with 90 degrees of adjustment, allowing photographers to look down into the 2.76 million dot resolution Live Viewfinder (LVF) Brownie-style, or with a cheek firmly pressed against the display panel like a compact ... or anywhere inbetween.

The GX7 has a tilting Live Viewfinder with 90 degrees of adjustment

It's reported to have 100 percent color reproduction, and benefits from a built-in sensor that turns the LVF on or off depending on how the photographer uses the camera, and auto switches the displayed image between viewfinder and rear display.

That display is a 3-inch, 1.04 million dot resolution touch panel that also tilts up and down, to raise the camera above the crowd or get close to the ground, and still allow the photographer to frame the shot. The touch sensitivity of the rear monitor can be adjusted to minimize the chance of false operation while using the LVF.

The 3-inch, 1.04 million dot resolution touch panel tilts down, to get close to the ground and still allow the photographer to frame the shot

By attaching the monitor's front panel directly to the In Cell Touch LCD, Panasonic says that bothersome reflection has been significantly reduced, and Touch AF lets users set the focus by touching the desired subject on the panel. Fingertip zoom is also possible, as well as touch shutter control.

Not only has built-in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity been included, but the camera also sports NFC technology for easy, instant connection to smartphones or tablets. By default this function is accessed via the Fn3 button. Remote viewing and shooting is possible via the Panasonic Image App for iOS and Android.

To the right of the touch panel are button and dial controls for more traditional menu and control access, and there's twin dial control over aperture, shutter speed or exposure. Creative photography options include Creative Panorama, Time Lapse, and Stop Motion. Creative Control mode boasts 22 filter effects, including rough or silky monochrome, soft focus and the ever-popular sepia. Clear Retouch allows users to remove unwanted parts of the image after the shot has been taken.

To the right of the touch panel are button and dial controls

Rounding off quite an impressive set of specs is Full HD video recording at up to 60 fps in AVCHD Progressive or MP4, with stereo microphones (with a useful wind cut feature) grabbing the audio. Autofocus, Touch AF and Tracking AF can all be used while shooting video.

Panasonic is also adding a new lens, developed in conjunction with Leica, to its Micro Four Thirds lineup. The Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2 is the fastest autofocus lens in the system. It's ideally suited for portraiture, as its field of view matches a full-frame 85mm lens. The wide f/1.2 aperture allows for shooting in very dim light, and for extremely shallow depth of field.

The Lumix GX7 has been given an estimated ship date of October and comes in black or silver for a body-only suggested retail of US$999.99. Lens kit options will also be available. If you want all black, you'll have to import one from Japan.

Key specifications:

The GX7 has a built-in flash module

16MP Live MOS sensor
In-body image stabilization (works with any lens)
Front and rear control dials
Flip-up, 1024 x 768 pixel (2.3M dot equivalent) electronic viewfinder
3-inch tilting LCD
3-level focus peaking
1080 video at 60p/60i/24p in MP4 or AVCHD format
Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC
Magnesium-alloy frame
1/8000 second max shutter speed, 1/320th flash sync speed
Highlight and shadow curve adjustments
Built-in pop-up flash
Large contoured grip

Future Trends

Panasonic reveals Lumix DMC-GX7