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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Panasonic GX7

    Main Features

    • 16MP - Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 125 - 25600
    • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
    • 3″ Tilting Screen
    • 2764k dot Electronic viewfinder
    • 5 fps continuous shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 video resolution
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 402g. 123 x 71 x 55 mm
    • Replaced Panasonic GX1
    • Replaced by Panasonic GX8
    $449.99

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    Panasonic GX7 Overview

    First introduced in November 2013 , Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 is a 16.0MP Semi-Pro Mirrorless camera with a Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm ) sized CMOS sensor. Panasonic replaced the older Panasonic GX1 with this model and later GX7 was replaced with Panasonic GX8. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
    Compare Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 vs Panasonic GX1
    Compare Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 vs Panasonic GX8
    or try our multi-camera comparison:
    Compare Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 vs GX1 vs GX8

    Panasonic GX7 is a member of Panasonic's GX series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Panasonic GX Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Panasonic GX85 2016 16.0MP - Four Thirds 8.0 fps 122 x 71 x 44mm 426g
    Panasonic GX8 2015 20.0MP - Four Thirds 12.0 fps 133 x 78 x 63mm 487g
    Panasonic GX7 2013 16.0MP - Four Thirds 5.0 fps 123 x 71 x 55mm 402g
    Panasonic GX1 2012 16.0MP - Four Thirds 4.0 fps 116 x 68 x 39mm 318g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Panasonic GX85 vs GX8 vs GX7 vs GX1

    Panasonic GX7 has an Overall Score of 81/100 and ranked #21 out of 163 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 10 Mirrorless), and ranked #58 out of 1131 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Panasonic GX7 Type Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras

    Panasonic GX7 Compared to other Mirrorless Cameras

    Now let's get in to more details of Panasonic GX7's specs and feature, and list out its pro's and con's compared to average cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    NFC Connectivity
    Image Stabilization
    Articulating Screen
    1920 x 1080 Max Video Resolution
    Touch Screen
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    25.600 Max ISO
    23 Focus Points
    1.040k dots LCD Resolution
    1/16000s High Shutter Speed
    402g Light Body
    Timelapse Recording
    2764.8kdot Viewfinder Resolution
    Panorama Shooting
    Flash Sync Port
    Dual-axis Electronic Level
    Tilting Viewfinder
    Remote control with a smartphone
    EV -4 Focus Sensitivity

    Buy Panasonic GX7 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    Low Battery Life: 350 shots
    No Environmental Sealing
    Poor Low Light Performance
    Panasonic GX7 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Panasonic GX7 has a Micro Four Thirds lens mount and currently there are 92 native lenses available for this mount. MFT is the most mature and diverse mount in the Mirrorles camera world. Panasonic offers a big selection of MFT lenses with high optical quality. Other main contributor of the system, Olympus also offers similarly well regarded lenses. Third party lens manufacturers keeps on offering more lenses for the system every day as well.

    GX7 also has a Sensor based Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on GX7. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC. There are also 22 lenses with weather sealing for GX7 but bear in mind that GX7 body doesn't have weather sealings.

    Here are some of the most popular Panasonic GX7 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Panasonic GX7 Lenses
    Model Focal Length on GX7 Max Aperture Weight Focusing Price
    Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS
    24-120mm F3.5 - F5.6 210gr AF $497.99
    Olympus 9mm F8 Fish-Eye Body Cap Lens
    18mm F8.0 30gr MF $98.72
    Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. Power O.I.S
    28-280mm F3.5 - F5.6 265gr AF $497.99
    Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO
    24-80mm F2.8 382gr AF $999.00
    Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8
    50mm F1.8 136gr AF $399.00

    Check our Panasonic GX7 Lenses page or use our Smart Lens Finder tool for more detailed lens search.

    Panasonic GX7 Sensor and Photography Features

    Panasonic GX7 has a 16.0MP Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Venus Engine processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4592 x 3448 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. GX7 has a native ISO range of 125 - 25600 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Panasonic GX7 is not the highest resolution Four Thirds camera. Panasonic GX8 with its 20.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Panasonic GX7 vs Panasonic GX8 or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Panasonic GX7's Four Thirds sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Panasonic GX7 Sensor Size Comparison

    Panasonic GX7 Physical Specs
    Panasonic GX7 weighs 402 g (0.89 lb / 14.18 oz) and has external dimensions of 123 x 71 x 55 mm (4.83 x 2.78 x 2.15″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 395g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 55mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Panasonic GX7
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    Thickness Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Panasonic GX7
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    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Panasonic GX7 with the dimensions:

    Panasonic GX7 Body Size Dimensions

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Panasonic GX7, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Panasonic GX7 Real Life Body Size Comparison


    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Panasonic GX7 with its main competitors:

    Panasonic GX7 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Sensor Weight vs GX7 Thickness vs GX7
    Sony A6000 24.0MP - APS-C 344g 58g lighter 45mm 10mm thinner
    Olympus E-M10 16.0MP - Four Thirds 396g 6g lighter 46mm 9mm thinner
    Panasonic GX8 20.0MP - Four Thirds 487g 85g heavier 63mm 8mm thicker
    Panasonic G7 16.0MP - Four Thirds 410g 8g heavier 77mm 22mm thicker
    Panasonic GF7 16.0MP - Four Thirds 266g 136g lighter 33mm 22mm thinner
    Panasonic GM5 16.0MP - Four Thirds 211g 191g lighter 36mm 19mm thinner
    Panasonic GX85 16.0MP - Four Thirds 426g 24g heavier 44mm 11mm thinner
    Olympus E-PL7 16.0MP - Four Thirds 357g 45g lighter 38mm 17mm thinner

    Panasonic GX7 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Panasonic GX7 Other Features
    LCD and Viewfinder

    Panasonic GX7 has a Tilting 3″ LCD screen with a resolution of 1,040k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    Panasonic GX7 back view and LCD

    GX7 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder has a resolution of 2,765kdots and coverage of 100%. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

    Max Shutter speed
    Panasonic GX7 can shoot continuously at max speed of 5 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/16000 sec.

    Flash
    GX7 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing
    Panasonic GX7 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 23 points to choose from.

    Panasonic GX7 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Video Features
    With Panasonic GX7, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60p,60i,50p,50i,30p,24p fps and save in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. Full HD resolution of Panasonic GX7 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.
    You can also consider its successor, the Panasonic GX8 which features 4K video recording.

    GX7 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Panasonic GX7 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Mirrorless camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Samsung NX30 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 in a similar price range.

    Connectivity and Storage
    Panasonic GX7 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n with NFC) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. With its NFC feature, GX7 can communicate with devices such as smartphones which are also equipped with this technology by simply touching each other.One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our GX7. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect GX7 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery Panasonic GX7 is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a shooting life of 350 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 353 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Semi-Pro Mirrorless Cameras

    Panasonic GX7
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Panasonic GH3 with its 540shots is the model with longest battery life among Semi-Pro Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Panasonic GX7 vs Panasonic GH3 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

    Panasonic GX7 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Sony A6000
    >>Compare to GX7
    1920 x 1080 360shots Yes No Yes
    Olympus E-M10
    >>Compare to GX7
    1920 x 1080 320shots Yes No No
    Panasonic GX8
    >>Compare to GX7
    3840 x 2160 330shots Yes No Yes
    Panasonic G7
    >>Compare to GX7
    3840 x 2160 350shots Yes No No
    Panasonic GF7
    >>Compare to GX7
    1920 x 1080 230shots Yes No Yes
    Panasonic GM5
    >>Compare to GX7
    1920 x 1080 220shots Yes No Yes
    Panasonic GX85
    >>Compare to GX7
    3840 x 2160 290shots Yes No Yes
    Olympus E-PL7
    >>Compare to GX7
    1920 x 1080 350shots Yes No No

    Lowest Price
    Current Lowest price for Panasonic GX7 is $449.99

    $449.99

    What type of Photography is Panasonic GX7 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Panasonic GX7 in 5 different photography areas. This first spider web graph shows how the GX7 compares with the average Mirrorless camera.
    Hover your mouse over the points to see the score details for each photography type.

    Panasonic GX7 for Portrait Photography

    Panasonic GX7 has a score of 77 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
    Image Stabilization
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    Average Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic GX7 for Portrait Photography

    Panasonic GX7 for Street Photography

    Panasonic GX7 has a score of 91 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Tilting LCD Screen
    Image Stabilization
    Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
    Medium sized Body

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic GX7 for Street Photography

    Panasonic GX7 for Sports Photography

    Panasonic GX7 has a score of 74 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/16000s
    23 Focus Points
    Wireless Connection
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic GX7 for Sports Photography

    Panasonic GX7 for Daily Photography

    Panasonic GX7 has a score of 69 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
    Medium size Body
    402g
    Body Thickness 55mm

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic GX7 for Daily Photography

    Panasonic GX7 for Landscape Photography

    Panasonic GX7 has a score of 55 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Live-view
    Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic GX7 for Landscape Photography

    Panasonic GX7 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Panasonic GX7 compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range. In the Bubble chart below, you can see Overall Score vs Price comparison of GX7 and the top 10 contenders in the same range. Hover your mouse on the bubbles to see the details of the cameras.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Panasonic GX7 alternatives.
    Popular Comparisons of Panasonic GX7
    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Panasonic GX7 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Sony A6000
    Sony A6000
    Compare
    Olympus E-M10
    Olympus E-M10
    Compare
    Panasonic GX8
    Panasonic GX8
    Compare
    Panasonic G7
    Panasonic G7
    Compare
    Panasonic GF7
    Panasonic GF7
    Compare
    Panasonic GM5
    Panasonic GM5
    Compare
    Panasonic GX85
    Panasonic GX85
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL7
    Olympus E-PL7
    Compare
    Panasonic GX7 Alternatives in DSLR Cameras
    It would also be interesting to compare Panasonic GX7 with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Panasonic GX7's price range.

    Pentax K-70
    Pentax K-70
    Compare
    Nikon D5500
    Nikon D5500
    Compare
    Nikon D5600
    Nikon D5600
    Compare
    Canon SL2
    Canon SL2
    Compare
    Nikon D5300
    Nikon D5300
    Compare
    Nikon D5200
    Nikon D5200
    Compare
    Sony A68
    Sony A68
    Compare
    Canon 750D
    Canon 750D
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Panasonic GX7
    Does the Panasonic GX7 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Panasonic GX7 have RAW support?
    Does the Panasonic GX7 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Panasonic GX7 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Panasonic GX7?
    What is the Sensor Size of Panasonic GX7?
    is the Panasonic GX7 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Panasonic GX7 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Panasonic GX7 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Panasonic GX7?
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Panasonic
    Model Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7
    Announced 2013-11-07
    Body Type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
    Price $449.99
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds
    Number of Lenses 92
    Focal Length Multiplier 2x
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Tilting
    Screen Technology LCD
    Screen Size 3″
    Screen Resolution 1,040k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution 2,765k dots
    Viewfinder Coverage 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.7
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 60s
    Max Shutter Speed 1/16000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 7.00 m (at ISO 200)
    Max Flash Sync 1/320s
    Flash Modes Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Slow sync w/red-eye reduction, off
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 70
    DxO Color Depth 22.6
    DxO Dynamic Range 12.2
    DxO Low Light ISO 718
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size Four Thirds
    Sensor Dimensions 17.3 x 13 mm
    Sensor Area 224.90mm2
    Sensor Resolution 16 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3448
    Max Native ISO 25,600
    Min Native ISO 125
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 23
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 50p, 50i, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, AVCHD
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 402g
    Physical Dimensions 123 x 71 x 55mm
    Battery Life 350 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, 10 secs w/ 3 shots)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC card
    Storage Slots 1
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