Panasonic GX-1 opinion

Picked up the GF-1 successor recently and early thoughts are that this is indeed a true upgrade.

Build quality is superb with a slightly heavier feel which I prefer. A built in grip aids handling and the new LVF2 viewfinder is light years on from the GF-1 VF. I can actually see what I'm shooting now!

16 megapixels is certainly more beneficial than the GF-1 12 megapixels but the real upgrade is a higher usable ISO. ISO 400 was tops with the GF-1 but at 1600 ISO the GX-1 is cleaner.

The touch screen control is cool. Touch any part of the image and the focus locks on and stays put. And stays there until you reset. I love this tweak. Completely negates the need for manual focus. Speaking of focus, the 10x zoom- in is now available via a half press of the shutter using "pinpoint" mode. No more need to spin dials to establish focus when using AF or indeed manual legacy lenses. Just hit the shutter and you're in. And boy, does it focus fast.

Built in spirit level to correct slopping horizons and converging verticals. If you're a landscape or architectural shooter you'll love this.

Additional function button added to tweak to your preferences without diving into the menu.

All in all a camera that is far quicker to use.

I can't as yet comment on image IQ as my preferred RAW developer has yet to include the GX-1 but playing around with the jpegs things are looking very promising.

At a body only price of some $650 this camera is a killer!