Panasonic DMC-CM1 review by Pier-Yves Menkhoff

Panasonic DMC-CM1 Video Test Review from Pier-Yves Menkhoff on Vimeo.

The CM1 is not a MFT camera but it’s interesting to see how Panasonic managed to fit so many great features into a small package. It’s also Panasonic answer to the shrinking compact and fixed lens camera. Will it work out? We don’t know yet but 43rumors reader and journalist Pier-Yves Menkhoff reviewed the Panasonic CM1:

Does the DMC-CM1 is a camera with a smartphone function or a smartphone with a dual Photo & Film function ? Panasonic prefers the first option. So do I…
Our smartphone costs 900 € in France. Is it expensive ? We can think it. It is not in comparison with an iPhone. It becomes in front of a Panasonic DMC-GM5, DMC-L-X100, etc. complemented by a Smartphone like the Nokia Lumia 525. Anyway !!!
With this review, we will not cover here Smartphone appearance but rather the photo and film aspects. However, it is nice to precise that the DMC-CM1 is compatible with 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. and compatible with any operator.
The DMC-CM1 is far from the iPhone universe. The appearance is almost “rustic”. It remains in the Panasonic philosophy. It impresses with its all round 200 grams for a size of 134 mm x 15.2 x 25.1 mm. The sensor is a MOS 1 inch with a resolution of 20 million pixels. Identical to the one of the Lumix FZ1000. About the lens, Panasonic continues its collaboration with Leica. It offers a focal length of 28mm with an aperture between F/2.8 and F/11. No optical zoom? Only a digital zoom 2 X. The processor is a Venus Engine type.
Those who already own a Panasonic camcorder or camera will not be disoriented. The menu is similar, in outline, to the one of the DMC-GM1, GH3, GH4, etc. Many modes are available : P, S, A, M, Scenes, and of course two automatic modes iA and iA+ called “Intelligent”. From the menu, we will find the AF/AE, Focus Peaking, Histogram, etc. modes. The Silent mode has not been forgotten.
The handling is nice. It is very “Photo” in contrast to the one proposed by Samsung, Apple, LG, etc. smartphone. We take a photo. We do not play. The DMC-CM1 offers the RAW format for the most discerning.
About Video, it is Bizance. The user has the choice between Full HD (1920 x 1080) 30p or 4K Ultra (2840 x 2160) 15p. The back of the DMC-CM1 is equipped with a 4.7-inch LCD touch screen.  For the storage, you have the choice between the embedded 16 GB or the SD or SDXC memory card within the limit of 128 GB.
The power has been entrusted to a 2600 mAh battery. In use, it is enough for a day in photo mode. It is not the same for the production of video. This is relativized by the time battery charge. Very fast.
Filming is less easy than taking a picture. The shutter is not “mixed” as with the GM1, GM5, GH4, etc. You have to press the “Record” function on the back screen. This forces to prevent shooting then restore its horizontality. Evidence that the DMC-CM1 is dedicated to the image, Panasonic has planned numerous accessories including a tripod adapter, a fisheye, a telephoto, a wide angle and a macro. We appreciate. However, experience shows that Panasonic accessories are not always easy to find in stores.
After two hours of shooting at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, this is the time of editing. The files are encapsulated MP4 only. There are some aliasings. But nothing insurmountable. The final image is appealing. It is quite close to the one I have compared with the DMC-GM1.

Panasonic CM1 is listed at Panasonic Germany, Panasonic Austria, Panasonic France.