There are various fixed-zoom pancake lenses available, but fitting a 3x zoom lens into such a small space is a remarkable achievement.
The GX1 has a rubber handgrip – a significant improvement on the flat-fronted GF range – but the NEX-5N's grip is more substantial.
The GX1 takes an early lead with its controls. It's reminiscent of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1, with a proper mode dial plus dedicated buttons for ISO speed, white balance, drive mode, focus area, focus mode and AE/AF lock. Just posted: Our in-depth review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1.
The DMC-GX1 is very well built, with a solid metal body, "notchy" dials (this is a good thing), and metallic buttons.
As with all of Panasonic's Lumix G series cameras, the GX1 supports the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, with a 2X focal length conversion ratio. To release an attached lens, just press the button to the right of the mount.
Recent Lumix G cameras had their sensor drive speeds increased from 60 to 120 fps, which greatly increased autofocus speeds. While many interchangeable lens cameras have image stabilization built right into the body, Panasonic's do not. This feature is built into the lens instead, and both of the available kit lenses have it.
At the top right of the photo is the GX1's pop-up flash, which is released manually.