The Panasonic Lumix GX7 was introduced in 2013 and it continues to fight. This interchangeable lens mirrorless camera offers a very complete and versatile solution for demanding photographers who want a manageable and competent equipment. Compact and robust , its design is slightly reminiscent of retro cameras, but modernized. It has current systems such as the touch screen, which is also folding, but does not forget to offer dials and controls to handle it in a more traditional way. One of the novelties that this model introduced is the folding visor,very practical for shooting in more difficult positions. It has a 16 megapixel sensor with a Venus Engine processor that offers faithful images and fast shooting. The 23-zone autofocus is also fast and accurate, offering multiple modes. It records videos in FullHD and is equipped with WiFi and NFC connectivity . We have tested the Panasonic Lumix GX7 with the 20mm f / 1.7 lens , we will tell you our impressions.
Design and handling
The Panasonic Lumix GX7 has a compact body made of magnesium alloy, a very resistant material that keeps weight at bay. The weight is 402 grams without the lens, which in this case is the 20mm f / 1.7, so it does not increase the total weight too much. It has a grip on the right side, covered with non-slip rubber for a better grip. It is not very prominent, but it is just the right size for a comfortable and secure grip. As we said, Panasonic has maintained a retro-style design reminiscent of old film cameras. The model in black and silverIt is the one that highlights that aesthetic the most, while the black model is more discreet.
The camera is comfortable to hold and the controls are well distributed so that we can access them easily. In the upper right we find the mode dial, in which the power switch is integrated . The shutter button is surrounded by another dial, which is used to move through the menus and adjust the aperture when using manual mode . Another dial located in the right corner, just below the power button, is responsible for adjusting the speed and also serves to advance through the menus. At the top left is the flip-up visor and theflash shoe, which is covered with a protective piece. It also has a pop-up flash, which we can open with the plug located at the back. If we go to the back of the chassis, we find a dial to switch between manual or automatic focus, as well as to lock focus on a subject. To the right of the screen are more buttons, including a directional pad. The screen is tactile , but it is appreciated that there are enough controls so that users who want to can do without it.
The physical connections are located on the side , protected by a cover which incidentally is quite uncomfortable to open because it forces us to move the screen. The battery and memory card cover is located at the bottom.
Screen and viewfinder
The Panasonic Lumix GX7 has a touch screen and electronic viewfinder , both folding . The articulated screens are quite common, but the detail of the viewfinder that can be tilted up to 90º draws attention. The combination of both pieces allows us to shoot in almost any position.
The viewfinder offers very good image quality. It is bright , the colors are faithful and it offers the necessary information without interfering with the frame. However, it is a bit small and the 16: 9 aspect ratio makes it a bit awkward when we've been working through it for a while. It has a proximity sensor that connects it automatically when we bring the camera close to our face. It has 2,764,800 pixels of resolution and diopter control.
The screen is also folding thanks to a hinge that allows us to tilt it on the vertical axis , to be able to find the best angle when shooting at a different height, or to avoid sun reflections - although it should be noted that it offers very good results outdoors. and we've rarely had to tilt the screen or use the viewfinder. It measures 3 inches diagonally and has 1,040,000 pixels, a large enough size to see the content clearly . Technology has capacitive touch and we can navigate through menus and adjust parameters such as focus area.
Focus and shoot
Small but bulky. The Panasonic Lumix GX7 has a very fast and precise contrast focusing system, with a very effective object tracking function . It has a tracking mode normal objects and other special that allows lock focus on a moving subject or object, very practical to the recording videos .
The focus system bases the measurement on 23 areas, which we can select through the touch screen. The Light Speed system allows us to work fluidly, reaching a burst shooting speed of 5 frames per second if we work with the mechanical shutter (maximum resolution). If we activate the electronic shutter mode, bursts of 40 frames per second can be shot . Speaking of shutter, the one on the Panasonic Lumix GX7 allows shooting in the Bulb position with a maximum exposure of two minutes and 1/8000 secondsAs minimum. It also includes an optical stabilizer in the body of the camera itself, a detail that does not make us depend on the lens we are using. The system achieves videos with smoother movements and that we can shoot without a tripod at low speeds. It also allows us to adjust the quality and aspect ratio of the image, to choose between 4: 3, 16: 9 and 1: 1
Returning to focus , we highlight low-light performance and assist mode when using manual focus . As we said, there is a rear dial to be able to change to manual focus. When we start to move the lens ring , the screen automatically shows us a frame with the enlarged image, to be able to make a finer adjustment in the area we want to focus on.
Picture quality
The Panasonic Lumix GX7 has a Live MOS sensor of 16 megapixels effective, accompanied by an engine Venus Engine and option to record videos in FullHD quality. It includes a flicker reduction system and a noise reduction filter that gives quite good results. You can work up to ISO 25,600, but at higher sensitivities noise is unavoidable - although it works quite well up to ISO 6,400.
The results offered by the sensor are excellent. Faithful colors, good dynamic range and great level of detail. The videos are at the same level and also records stereo sound. At this point, we must highlight the 20 mm lens , with a brightness of f / 1.7 that offers great clarity and allows you to work with the depth of field , creating very interesting blurs ( bokeh effect ).
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Connectivity and autonomy
The Panasonic Lumix GX7 has a port mini HDMI , one video output and connector for remote control. In addition, it is prepared for modern life thanks to its WiFi connection , which allows us to share images without cables quickly and easily. Panasonic offers an application to control the Panasonic Lumix GX7 from a smartphone or tablet. It has an NFC chip to facilitate connection and the application is quite simple to use.
It includes a 1,025 milliamp battery that offers a range of 320 shots.
Feedback
The Panasonic Lumix GX7 offers advanced features in a compact, comfortable and , above all, versatile design. Fast focus, great image quality, built-in stabilizer , wireless connectivity and FullHD videos. The combination of flip-up visor and screen gives a lot of play and allows us to work in different positions, in addition, both pieces offer good performance. In short, a camera to take into account within the micro four-thirds segment.
Panasonic Lumix GX7
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Model | Lumix GX7 |
| Typology | Digital camera with interchangeable lens system |
Sensor
| Type | Live MOS Primary color filter Supersonic wave filter |
| Size | Micro Four Thirds 17.3 x 13.0 mm |
| Resolution | 16 effective megapixels 16.84 total megapixels 4: 3 format |
| Image processor | Venus engine |
Lenses
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds mount |
| Type | Interchangeable lenses |
| Focal distance | - |
| Image Stabilizer | Yes, built into the body |
Focus
| Type | Contrast system AF 23 zones |
| Focus modes | AFS (Single) / AFF (Flexible) / AFC (Continuous) / MF Face Detection / AF Tracking / 23 focus areas / 1-focus area / Pinpoint Quick AF, Continuous AF (while recording motion pictures), AF + MF, Sensor Eye AF, Touch AF / AE function, Touch Pad AF, Touch Shutter, MF Assist, Touch MF Assist, One Shot AF |
| Features | Focus lock Help light |
Exposition
| Measuring system | 1728-zone multi-pattern detection system Multiple / Center weighted / Spot |
| Exposure compensation | 1 / 3EV Step ± 5EV |
| ISO sensitivity | ISO 200-25,600 |
| Shutter | Bulb (Max.2min) - 1/8000 ~ 60 |
| White balance | Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Incandescent / Flash / White Adjustment / Color Temperature |
Viewfinder
| Type | LCD Live View Finder 2,764,800 points Folding |
| Coverage | 100% (approx) |
| Extension | Approx. 1.39x / 0.7x (35mm equivalent) with 50mm lens at infinity, -1.0m-1 |
| Diopter correction | -4.0 ~ + 3.0（dpt |
Display and layout
| Size | 3 inch LCD |
| Folding | Yes |
| Tactile | Yes |
| Resolution | 1,040,000 pixels |
| Dimensions | 122.60x 70.7 x 54.6 millimeters (body only) |
| Weight | 402 grams (body only) |
Flash
| Type | Built-in flash Compatible with external flash |
| Sync speed | Less than 1/320 seconds |
| Features | Auto, Auto / Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On / Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync / Red-Eye Reduction, Forced Off |
Image
| Scene modes | Portrait / Silky Skin / Backlit / Backlight / Relaxing Tones / Child's Face / Different Landscape / Bright Blue Sky / Romantic Sunset / Vivid Sunset Glow / Bright Water / Night / Cool Night Sky / |
| Creative control | Expressive / Retro / Old Days / Art Monochrome / Impressive High / Low Key Key / Sepia / Monochrome / Dynamic / High Dynamic / Cross Process / Toy Effect / Toy POP / Bleach Bypass / Miniature Effect / Fantasy / One Color Point |
| Burst shooting | 5 fps in maximum quality with mechanical shutter 40 fps with electronic shutter |
| Image size | [4: 3] 4592 × 3448 (L) / 3232 × 2424 (M) / 2272 × 1704 (S) / 1824 × 1368 Aspect ratio 4: 3, 3: 2, 16: 9, 1: 1 |
| Video size | Full HD] 1920í — 1080, 25/50 fps |
| File formats | Images: JPEG (DCF, Exif 2.3), RAW, MPO Videos: AVCHD, MP4 |
Connections and autonomy
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| With cables | MiniHDMI TypeC with VIERA Link USB 2.0 |
| Without cables | WiFi 802.11 b / g / n NFC |
| Battery | Li-ion batteries (7.2V, 1025mAh) 320 shots of autonomy |
+ info
| Release date | August 2013 |
| Manufacturer's website | Panasonic |
Kit price with 20 mm lens 1,200 euros