Finally! After years of waiting, Panasonic today announced a true successor to their popular GF1 compact Micro Four Thirds camera. After introducing the “dumbed down” GF2 and GF3 cameras, many users felt that Panasonic was on the wrong way, focusing too much on the entry level consumer market than at the advanced/enthusiast market. The GX1 now follows in the steps of the GF1, featuring full manual controls again, as well as a solid body that will appeal to all who seek an advanced but compact interchangeable lens camera.

The new Panasonic GX1 obviously follows the steps of the GF1.

Technically, the GX1 isn’t much more than a slightly advanced GF1, featuring roughly the same design philosophy. But even if it is just a mere “up to date” version, it brings enthusiasts exactly what they were waiting for — the idea of the GF1 with the technology of today.

The Panasonic GX1 features the latest 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor that is also being used the G3, Full HD video recording, and can make use of a new 1.44 million dot electronic viewfinder which, however, is not backwards compatible to the GF1.

For more information you can find a quick hands-on preview of the GX1 over at dpreview.com. Also, make sure to check out 43rumors, who will undoubtedly soon cover all the various announcements, previews, hands-ons as well as possibly full reviews of the GX1.

EDIT: The guys over at dpreview.com have made some fancy side-by-side comparisons between the GX1 and the GF1, showing nicely how much the GX1 is really an iteration of the GF1 philosophy.