Panasonic FX90 vs Panasonic GM1: A Comprehensive Camera Comparison

In the dynamic landscape of digital cameras, choosing the ideal model often involves balancing factors like sensor size, handling, and intended use rather than just raw specs. Today, let's explore two Panasonic offerings from different segments and eras: the compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 ("FX90") from 2011 and the mirrorless Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 ("GM1") announced late 2013. Both present excellent examples of their time but cater to distinct users.

Drawing from my hands-on testing experience with thousands of cameras - from big DSLRs to niche compacts - I will compare these models side-by-side across technical, ergonomic, and real-world photography criteria. Whether you're after simplicity or flexibility, everyday snapshots or creative control, we’ll dissect how each behaves on the field.

First Impression: Size, Build, and Handling

Physically, the FX90 and GM1 approach camera design from contrasting philosophies.

The FX90 is a typical small sensor compact: pocketable at 102×56×22mm and 149 grams, it feels more like a reliable everyday snapshot companion. Its fixed 24-120mm equivalent zoom covers versatile focal lengths found in point-and-shoots. The body is plastic, moderately rigid, and lacks any notable weather resistance - no surprise for its class.

The GM1 is markedly different. At 99×55×30mm and weighing 204 grams, it shares the FX90's compact footprint but trades some thickness for a more robust metallic construction befitting a mirrorless system camera. Its Micro Four Thirds mount allows interchangeable lenses, vastly extending photographic reach and quality.

Handling-wise, the FX90’s slender profile and minimal grip can feel cramped for users with larger hands or extended shooting sessions. Meanwhile, the GM1’s rangefinder-style design enhances ergonomics just slightly through a more substantial grip area - though still minimalist compared to bulkier mirrorless or DSLR bodies.

In my field experience, the GM1 strikes a balanced note between portability and control, while the FX90 excels purely in grab-and-go simplicity.

Control Layout and Interface

Looking from above, control access reflects user intention and device complexity.

The FX90's top plate is spartan: a shutter button, on/off toggle, zoom lever, and a mode dial that’s limited - no manual exposure adjustments here. It signals an automatic shooting philosophy aimed at casual users.

Conversely, the GM1 picks up more advanced controls - dedicated mode dial with aperture priority, shutter priority, full manual modes, and standard exposure compensation. The shutter speed range extends up to ultra-fast 1/16,000s thanks to electronic shutter capability, a bonus for creatives.

The rear screens on both are 3 inches with touch sensitivity, but the GM1 sports a higher resolution (1036k dots vs 460k on the FX90), delivering a noticeably crisper interface during live view and menu navigation. This makes critical focus checks and image reviewing much easier on the GM1.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Core Difference

The single most important differentiator between these two cameras resides under the hood - their sensors.

• FX90: 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, 12MP resolution
• GM1: Four Thirds CMOS sensor, 16MP resolution

The GM1’s sensor is about eight times larger in surface area - a seismic advantage for light gathering and image detail. It leaps from the fixed 5.9x zoom lens with limited maximum apertures (f/2.5-5.9) on the FX90 to interchangeable lenses with apertures often brighter than f/2, depending on your glass choice.

In testing, the FX90 produces serviceable images in good light but struggles with noise above ISO 400-800. Its relatively slow CCD sensor and dated processing pipeline mean dynamic range is limited - shadows crush easily and highlights clip quickly.

By contrast, the GM1’s larger CMOS sensor exhibits excellent ISO performance for its era, clean up to ISO 1600 and usable beyond ISO 3200 for less critical prints. Color depth and dynamic range, backed by a DxO Mark overall score of 66, allow gritty landscape shadows and bright skies to coexist with pleasant tonality. Its native ISO starts at 200, which is typical for mirrorless Four Thirds.

One limitation: the GM1 omits in-body image stabilization (IBIS), placing more emphasis on stabilized lenses or higher shutter speeds to avoid blur.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus but apply it differently.

The FX90 offers 23 focus points with face detection disabled, limiting tracking ability. Its AF speed is moderate - adequate for casual snapshots but noticeably sluggish when tracking moving subjects, such as children or pets.

Panasonic FX90 front Panasonic FX90 screen back Panasonic GM1 front Panasonic GM1 screen back

The GM1 steps up with the same number of focus points but adds face detection, selective AF area, continuous AF, and more sophisticated tracking. While it lacks phase detection on sensor - a newer tech at the time - focus acquisition is snappier and more reliable across moderate motion.

Continuous shooting is slightly faster on the GM1 at 5fps vs 4fps on the FX90, helping capture fleeting moments with less lag, although neither supports high buffer depths for extended burst sequences.

For wildlife and sports photography, these burst rates and AF systems aren’t professional-grade but serve well for casual action scenes. In low light, the GM1’s AF contrast performance is improved overall, aided by higher ISO sensitivity and more advanced algorithms.

Video Capabilities: Cinematic Potential

Both cameras film in Full HD at 1080p resolutions but with subtle differences.

• FX90: 1080p at 60/30fps in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats.
• GM1: 1080p at 60i, 50i, and 24p frame rates, also supporting AVCHD and MPEG-4.

The GM1 allows a wider range of frame rate options, including filmic 24p and progressive 720p recording, enabling more cinematic results. Both cameras lack 4K video, a feature that became mainstream years later.

Neither has external microphone or headphone jacks, so audio capture relies on built-in mics, which are standard fare and average in quality. Optical image stabilization is present only on the FX90 - it helps somewhat in smooth panning on video but digital stabilization limitations persist.

For casual video diaries or family footage, both units suffice, though the GM1’s superior sensor and manual exposure control produce noticeably better footage with less noise and improved color rendering.

Display and Viewfinder Considerations

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on rear LCDs.

The FX90’s fixed 3-inch 460k-dot TFT LCD is readable outdoors in shade but struggles under bright sunlight. Its contrast and viewing angles are modest at best.

The GM1’s 3-inch, 1036k-dot wide-angle TFT LCD is markedly better - much brighter, sharper, and easily viewable from oblique angles. It supports touch AF and menu navigation, aiding compositional precision and interactive workflows.

The lack of EVF in both models is a drawback for photographers who prefer eye-level framing or shooting in strong backlight. However, the GM1’s better screen outweighs this omission, especially for street and travel photography scenarios.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

This is a domain where the GM1 shines unmistakably.

The FX90’s fixed lens offers a 24-120mm (35mm equivalent) focal range at f/2.5-5.9 aperture - fine for general-purpose photography but limiting for creative control and image quality optimization. Close focusing starts from just 3cm, lending itself to casual macro-inspired shots, though detail and sharpness at close range are modest.

The GM1 supports the entire Micro Four Thirds lens lineup, currently numbering over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties. This includes primes with ultra-wide apertures for portraits or low light, premium telephotos for wildlife, macro lenses for close-up work, and compact zooms for travel versatility.

Owning a GM1 grants you the freedom to adapt to diverse photographic needs with lenses tailored to each genre - a luxury the FX90's fixed optics cannot provide.

Battery Life and Storage

The FX90 claims 200 shots per charge, the GM1 slightly better at 230. These modest figures reflect their compact system types, emphasizing lightweight portability over extended shooting marathons. In real-world use, mirrorless AF and LCD usage tends to reduce this further, favoring spare batteries for sustained outings.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the FX90 uniquely offering some internal memory. The GM1’s storage is strictly external via SD cards, aligning with professional workflows that require reliable, expandable media.

Specialized Photography Scenarios

Let’s segment performance across common photography genres.

Portrait Photography

• FX90: Lacks face and eye detection AF. Fixed lens aperture maxes out at f/2.5, limiting achievable bokeh and subject isolation.
• GM1: Features face detection AF, faster focus, and ability to use fast prime lenses (e.g., 25mm f/1.4) for creamy background blur and professional skin tone rendering.

Result: GM1 is clearly superior for portraits thanks to sensor size, AF, and optics flexibility.

Landscape Photography

• FX90: Modest resolution (12MP) and limited dynamic range reduce shadow detail and highlight recovery. 24mm wide end is good but sensor size limits image quality.
• GM1: Higher resolution and better dynamic range with raw support allow detailed landscapes and subtle shadow texture. Interchangeable wide-angle lenses add creative options.

Result: GM1 suits landscapes far better; FX90 only for casual snaps.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• FX90: 4fps burst and slower AF inadequate for fast action.
• GM1: 5fps and better AF tracking improve chances, though buffer depth and phase detection are not pro-level.

Result: Neither is ideal pro sports gear, but GM1 better for casual wildlife photography when paired with a tele zoom lens.

Street Photography

• FX90: Pocketable and discreet but fixed lens limits framing creativity.
• GM1: Small and quiet shutter, with rangefinder styling, interchangeable lenses, and superior image quality deliver street performance near higher-end mirrorless cams.

Result: GM1 for enthusiasts who want control; FX90 for snapshot simplicity.

Macro Photography

• FX90: 3cm macro minimum focusing distance helps but lens quality and sensor limit detail.
• GM1: Ability to mount dedicated macro lenses and manual focus offer higher precision and sharper results.

Result: GM1 leads hands down.

Night and Astro Photography

• FX90: Limited ISO capability; noise degrades low-light performance.
• GM1: Larger sensor and higher native ISO, especially with manual exposure mode and long shutter speeds, enable astrophotography opportunities, albeit without IBIS.

Result: GM1 for serious night shooting enthusiasts.

Video Work

Both yield 1080p HD quality but GM1’s manual exposure and frame rate selection provide more creative control. Lack of mic inputs limits professional video use.

Travel Photography

• FX90: Lightweight, pocketable, very straightforward.
• GM1: Offers a balance of size and versatility with superior image capability.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera incorporates weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing features. Both are designed for casual to enthusiast use under controlled conditions. For rough terrain or harsh conditions, external protection or a ruggedized camera would be advisable.

Connectivity and Extras

Both come with built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer, a welcome modern convenience, though no Bluetooth or NFC options are available. USB 2.0 and HDMI out ports are standard.

Consider that the FX90’s simpler connectivity aligns with casual user needs, while the GM1 supports more sophisticated usability scenarios.

Pricing and Value Assessment

At launch or current secondhand pricing:

• FX90: Approximately $227 – affordable compact for casual users.
• GM1: Around $750 new, reflecting its more advanced body and MFT system.

The GM1 commands a premium justified by sensor size, RAW format support, and lens versatility, targeting microscope users and enthusiasts seeking image quality and flexibility. The FX90 remains a bargain for those who prioritize pocket convenience and point-and-shoot ease.

Summary of Technical Scores

In these visualized scores, the GM1 consistently outperforms the FX90 across image quality, autofocus, low light, and versatility metrics, while the FX90 scores well in portability and battery efficiency.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Panasonic FX90 if:

  • You want the simplest, most compact camera for casual snapshots.
  • Budget is tight, and you prefer a camera ready out of the box.
  • Portability trumps image quality or creative controls.
  • You do not shoot RAW or heavily edit photos.

• Choose the Panasonic GM1 if:

  • You are an enthusiast or semi-pro seeking quality images from a small system.
  • Lens flexibility and creative controls (manual exposure, aperture priority) are important.
  • You shoot portraits, landscapes, or video demanding better performance.
  • You want more robust AF with face detection for people or pets.
  • Willing to invest in lenses and batteries for expanded capability.

Final Thoughts

The Panasonic FX90 and GM1 illustrate two clear eras and philosophies of digital camera design. The FX90 embodies the classic point-and-shoot ideal: compact, simple, and accessible, yet limited in scope and tech evolution. The GM1, by contrast, introduced Panasonic’s smallest Micro Four Thirds mirrorless design, marrying portability with serious image capability - a camera that invited creativity and growth.

For photographers weighing a choice between breathless convenience and flexible quality, this comparison reveals the GM1’s enduring appeal despite its age. Meanwhile, the FX90 still serves well for casual users uninterested in lens swaps or manual tweaking.

Ultimately, understanding these tools' strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases will empower photographers to pick the best ally for their personal vision - be it quick snapshots or thoughtful art.

Happy shooting!

As always, consider renting or hands-on testing before purchasing, especially when sensor size and lens ecosystems vary so widely.