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Panasonic Lumix CM1 The Ultimate Smart Camera Uncovered

Release Date
2014, December
Camera
20MP
Battery
2600mAh
Battery Type
18W
Processor
Snapdragon 801
Screen
4.7"
Storage
16GB , microSDXC
Ram
2GB RAM
Operating System
Android 4.4.2, up to 5.0

Design and Build Quality

The Panasonic Lumix Smart Camera CM1 combines the functionality of a smartphone with the high-performance photography capabilities of a compact camera. At first glance, its sleek and robust design stands out. The dimensions of the device—135.4 x 68 x 21.1 mm—make it slightly bulkier compared to typical smartphones, but this is due to the impressive camera technology housed within. Weighing 204 grams, the CM1 has a solid feel, lending a sense of durability and quality.

Display

The CM1 features a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. With a pixel density of approximately 469 ppi, the display renders sharp and vibrant images, crucial for both multimedia consumption and accurately previewing photographs. The screen occupies about 66.1% of the device's front, offering a balanced view without sacrificing space for the large camera module.

Camera Capabilities

Arguably, the standout feature of the CM1 is its camera. The main camera is equipped with a 20.1 MP sensor, Leica optics, and an aperture of f/2.8. The 1.0" sensor size is atypical for smartphones but standard for higher-end compact cameras, allowing for enhanced image quality and better performance in low light situations. Among its impressive features, the camera supports video recording in 4K at 15 fps and Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, ensuring both high-quality stills and videos.

The focus on high-quality optics continues with a 1.1 MP front-facing camera, capable of 720p video recording. Although not as advanced as the primary camera, it is sufficient for standard selfie needs.

Performance

The CM1 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8974AB Snapdragon 801 chipset, featuring a Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. This setup ensures smooth performance across various applications, from basic smartphone functionalities to more demanding tasks such as photo editing and gaming. With 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, the device offers decent multitasking capabilities and storage, expandable via the microSDXC slot.

Software

Initially running on Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), the CM1 is upgradeable to Android 5.0 (Lollipop). The Android OS ensures access to a wide range of applications through the Google Play Store, enhancing the device's utility beyond just photography. The software integrates well with the hardware, offering a seamless user experience.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery, which is fairly standard within the smartphone market. The inclusion of 18W wired charging through Quick Charge 2.0 technology ensures relatively fast charging times, so users can spend more time using the device rather than waiting for it to charge.

Connectivity and Network

The CM1 supports a range of connectivity options, ensuring it meets the needs of most users. It is compatible with GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, offering reliable 4G connectivity with speeds up to LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps. Additional connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band capability, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE, and NFC. GPS and GLONASS support ensure robust location services, though it lacks an FM radio capability.

Additional Features

In terms of sensors, the CM1 includes an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, providing essential functionality for various applications. It's worth noting that the device does not include a radio, which may be a consideration for some users. The CM1 is predominantly available in black and showcases a modern, sophisticated appearance.

Conclusion

The Panasonic Lumix Smart Camera CM1 stands out in the smartphone market for its advanced photography features, effectively bridging the gap between smartphones and compact cameras. While it may not compete with the latest flagship smartphones in terms of processing power or cutting-edge software, its superior camera quality makes it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts seeking a portable solution. Its feature set, combined with consistent performance and diverse connectivity options, make the CM1 a unique offering in the realm of tech devices.

Key Features of Panasonic Lumix Smart Camera CM1

  • Supports multiple network technologies: GSM, HSPA, and LTE.
  • High-resolution 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset with a 2.3 GHz quad-core CPU.
  • Impressive main camera: 20.1 MP with Leica optics and 4K video recording capabilities.
  • Expandable storage via microSDXC card slot.
  • Includes connectivity features such as GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC.
  • Equipped with essential sensors: accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass.
  • Quick charging feature with 18W wired support (QC2).
  • Runs on Android OS, upgradable to version 5.0 (Lollipop).

Disadvantages of Panasonic Lumix Smart Camera CM1

  • Discontinued model, making it difficult to find new units or replacement parts.
  • Bulky and heavy with dimensions of 135.4 x 68 x 21.1 mm and a weight of 204 g, not very pocket-friendly.
  • Outdated operating system, originally running Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) with limited upgradeability to Android 5.0 (Lollipop).
  • Limited internal storage of 16GB, which may require frequent use of a microSD card for additional space.
  • Low-resolution selfie camera at 1.1 MP, not suitable for high-quality selfies.
  • 4K video recording is limited to 15fps, which may lead to less smooth video playback.
  • No FM radio feature, which might be a drawback for some users who enjoy radio content.
  • Battery capacity of 2600 mAh might not be sufficient for prolonged usage, especially with high-performance camera functions.
  • High initial price point of about 830 EUR, which was quite steep compared to other devices with similar specs at the time of release.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA
4G bands LTE (unspecified)
Speed HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
Launch
Announced 2014, September. Released 2014, December
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 135.4 x 68 x 21.1 mm (5.33 x 2.68 x 0.83 in)
Weight 204 g (7.20 oz)
SIM Micro-SIM
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~66.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~469 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 5.0 (Lollipop)
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8974AB Snapdragon 801 (28 nm)
CPU Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400
GPU Adreno 330
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal 16GB 2GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 20.1 MP, f/2.8, 28mm (wide), 1.0", 2.4µm, AF
Features Leica optics, LED flash
Video 4K@15fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 1.1 MP
Video 720p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS
NFC Yes
Radio No
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 2600 mAh, non-removable
Charging 18W wired, QC2
Misc
Colors Black
Models DMC-CM1
Price About 830 EUR

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