Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Review

Although Panasonic has introduced two Micro Four Thirds digital cameras within the last year, it is with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 they truly understand the possible of the format. As the G1 and GH1 were similar to a short Rebel in space, the chief size benefit was had in the small optics, not the body.

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However the Panasonic GF1′s is smaller sized than the G1 and GH1; certainly, it isn’t much larger than a mid-size digital camera. Obviously, the benefit to the Panasonic GF1 over a likewise sized digital camera is it is larger sensor, which provides better light awareness, and it is compatible lens style, that allows the digital camera to become anything you need.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 includes a 12. 1-megapixel sensor, a 3-inch LCD, and includes either a 14-45mm zoom lens or a 20mm f/1. 7 prime lens. A built-in pop-up flash is situated in the top deck and the GF1 also features a hot shoe for exterior flashes. The hot shoe acts to mount an optionally available electronic digital viewfinder that tilts upward 90 degrees.

Buyers can switch among still and film capture by selecting between the Shutter release and the Record switch, both on the Panasonic GF1′s top deck.

There is a much more to the Panasonic GF1, but it is also quite simple. Those are the basics you should know, though, before diving into our User Report beneath to learn more on what promises to become a extremely popular fanatic digital camera.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is available in two various kit editions, and started delivery early October 2009. The DMC-GF1C kit features a 20mm F/1. 7 lenses and it are costing US$899. 95. The DMC-GF1K kit features a 14-45mm F/3.5 – 5.6 O.I.S. lens, also costing $899. 95. The optional exterior viewfinder costs US$199. 95.

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User review:

The perfect interchangeable-lens compact we have see so far, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 delivers great photo quality and overall performance in an enthusiast-friendly shooting encounter. Like rivals, however, the possible lack of an optical viewfinder limits it’s usability for shooting action.

It might lack the retro slick style of it is main competitor, the Olympus E-P1, but Panasonic gets it nearly pitch perfect with the Lumix DMC-GF1, a jacket-pocket-size interchangeable-lens model with the feel and functions that draw people to fanatic compacts like the Canon PowerShot G11.

While it is still less than suited to action shooting or serious low-light photos, those weak points are a much more forgivable at the GF1′s $900-or-so cost than the GH1′s $1, 500 level. However, if you are buying a kids’n'pets-friendly speed enhancement over a point-and-shoot, the lack of an optical viewfinder for constant shooting continues to be the main weakness versus a likewise priced digital slr.

I analyzed the GF1 with both 20mm and 14-45mm lenses, but regrettably was unable to get a recommended viewfinder for evaluation; the viewfinder hooks up above the LCD and rests in the hot shoe, which precludes using a hot-shoe flash with it. Generally, the Micro Four Thirds lenses used by Panasonic and Olympus’ mirror less, interchangeable-lens digital cameras are usually costly, and there are not many of them yet.

You also have to check the specifications on the lenses before you decide to buy; Panasonic depends on optical image stabilization, while Olympus uses sensor shift, some thing to bear in mind if you are mixing and matching systems. Even then, the 20mm Panasonic lens lacks optical image stabilization some might argue you don’t need it for such a short focal length and does not support continuous auto focus, which you may want for movie capture. But both lenses are fairly sharp and comfy for guide focus.

Sturdily built with a short, but eventually sufficiently large, grip, every thing about the GF1′s design appears to address the needs of both fanatics and people upgrading from point-and-shoots. It provides a lot of characteristics, but if you are not a beginner you need to find all the controls pretty clear to see and find, without an excessive amount of menu diving. For example, the switch for burst capturing, bracketing, and self-timer is right round the mode dial, easier found and accessed than of all models.