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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 reviews
You can find here the most interesting reviews / ratings from the well-known expert sites about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Camera. Here are the reviewers:
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- 11 January 2010 - |
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- 0 |
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- 30 November 2009 - |
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- 5 |
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- 23 November 2009 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 08 November 2009 - |
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- 4 |
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- 04 November 2009 - |
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- 0 |
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- 15 October 2009 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 13 October 2009 - |
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- 0 |
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- 11 October 2009 - |
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- 0 |
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- 08 October 2009 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 05 October 2009 - |
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- 0 |
Steves Digicams 's conclusion / rating - 11 January 2010 |
“ The Panasonic Lumix GF1 is another outstanding addition to the Lumix G line of Micro 4/3 system cameras. Although it is a step down from the GH1 in features, it is a little cheaper and still full of useful features, making it very attractive. Not to mention it's quite a bit smaller. The camera's image quality and performance are excellent, allowing it to perform with dSLR cameras that fall into its price range. One big advantage that the GF1 has over these dSLR's is its size, since it doesn't have a mirror to operate, the camera is much smaller and easier to carry. With a MSRP of US $899.95, this is an excellent option for anyone looking for dSLR performance and quality but don't want to lug around a big camera... ”
Steves Digicams's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
NeoCamera 's conclusion / rating - 30 November 2009 |
“ There are almost no similar cameras, so one has to consider the compromise in choosing the Panasonic Lumix GF1. For the ultimate in image quality one should to a recent DSLR. For the ultimate in speed, one should go to a higher-end model of DSLRs as well. For absolute portability, there are ultra-compacts. This leaves the GF1 square in the middle. If both quality and portability are needed, the Panasonic GF1 makes an attractive middle-ground. The last factor to consider is versatility. In that regard, the Micro Four-Thirds mount is designed for compatibility with new Micro Four-Thirds lenses and existing Four-Thirds ones as well. Few such lenses exist, but this is bound to change. Olympus' Zuiko lenses are legendary and many of them unique to the Four-Thirds format. Also because of the short back-focus distance of Micro Four-Thirds, more adapters can be made to this mount than possibly any other existing mount... ”
Complete review here
CameraLabs 's conclusion / rating - 23 November 2009 |
“ When Olympus and Panasonic developed Micro Four Thirds, it was cameras like the E-P1 and GF1 which really had enthusiasts excited: the dream of squeezing a DSLR sensor and interchangeable lenses into as small a form factor as possible.
And in this respect, the GF1, like the E-P1 before it, delivers the goods: much better performance than a traditional compact at high sensitivities, along with higher dynamic range and the potential for much shallower depth-of-field effects. In short, it’s a world apart from what you’ll achieve with a typical compact – and that in itself will be recommendation enough for many enthusiasts.
Again like the E-P1 you’ll be paying for the privilege of a big sensor in a small package, and both Micro Four Thirds models can’t hide from the fact you could buy a fairly decent DSLR for the same money. But again if you want this level of performance in a compact form factor, you’ll have to pay for it.
If you’re happy to pay the price, it essentially becomes a two-horse race between the GF1 and its arch rival the Olympus E-P1. (We’re not including Sigma’s brave but ultimately disappointing DP1 and DP2 here).
As described above, both models have much in common including similar dimensions, but it really boils down comparing which style you prefer and weighing-up the built-in stabilisation of the Olympus against the more detailed screen, faster AF, built-in flash and longer video recording times of the Panasonic. If only Olympus had fitted a flash and a better screen; if only Panasonic had built-in anti-shake or at least included optical stabilisation on the 20mm. But at the same time it seems churlish to complain when after such a long wait we now have the ‘problem’ of not one but two compelling compacts with large sensors to choose from, along with an updated version coming from Olympus in early 2010.
One of the most interesting things about choosing between the GF1 and E-P1 though is how two cameras which are essentially very similar at their hearts can evoke such different reactions. Photographic enthusiasts and reviewers can’t help but love the concept behind both, but almost everyone will much prefer one model over the other. Maybe it’s the features, more likely it’s the look, but by now anyone interested in a Micro Four Thirds compact will have their favourite.
Personally speaking, the snappier AF, more detailed screen, built-in flash and longer recording times of the GF1 ultimately out-weighed the built-in stabilisation of the E-P1, although we really missed having anti-shake on the 20mm when filming video. And you will want the Panasonic 20mm lens too, regardless of which body you end up going for. It’s small, light and bright and allows either body to realise its true potential as a portable quality camera.
Shooting with the GF1 and 20mm took us back to the Seventies and Eighties when we used manual 35mm SLRs with nothing more than a 50mm lens. Back then we didn’t miss a zoom, and it’s amazing how liberating it can still be today when you’ve become used-to adjusting your focal length. The 40mm equivalent coverage is actually very flexible and the bright focal ratio a revelation when again you’ve been used to just having f3.5-5.6 at your disposal. Of course anyone could buy a fast 50mm lens for a DSLR, but the combination will be much larger and heavier than the GF1 or E-P1 with the 20mm, and unless you have a full-frame body, you’ll also have the field-reduction to take into account.
So our review of the fourth Micro Four Thirds body is another glowing one, and in many respects the GF1 is the best model yet. It’s a lot less physically compelling when fitted with the 14-45mm zoom, but mount the 20mm and you’ll have one of the most satisfying combinations we’ve used for a long time – and one which easily comes Highly Recommended. Of course, fit this lens on the E-P1 instead and you’ll enjoy the benefit of stabilisation too – but as we said a moment ago, regardless of how many times we cover the pros and cons, you’ll already have your favourite body and are unlikely to be swayed.
The bottom line is Panasonic and Olympus have developed a great standard which is now realising its full potential with truly compact bodies and lenses. We look forward to seeing how the system develops – along with how rival manufacturers respond... ”
CameraLabs's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
LetsGoDigital 's conclusion / rating - 08 November 2009 |
“ At the time of writing, there are only two truly compact Micro Four Thirds System cameras available. Both are similar when it comes to functions and dimensions. Olympus and Panasonic are the promoters and developers of the Micro Four Thirds system, and are thus faced with the difficult task to convince the traditionally established camera market that such a system is the answer to the consumer's demand. There are mainly two manufacturer battlefields; one of which is led by Nikon and Canon, while the other consists of several small brands trying to conquer market share. The impact of Micro Four Thirds with the arrival of the Panasonic GF1, and also the Olympus E-P1, is significant. The question is how and to what extent Micro Four Thirds will develop... ”
LetsGoDigital's rating: |
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- 4 |
Complete review here
DigitalCameraInfo 's conclusion / rating - 04 November 2009 |
“ This camera shines when it comes to capturing clear sharp images, in fact, when it comes to resolution it was better than the full size SLRs that cost the same. Its onboard noise reduction really impressed us when we cranked it up because most of the time small image sensors yield noisy photos, not this one. White balance was accurate in both auto and custom. Another thing, this cameras auto focus system is fast, real fast. Lets be honest, it won’t keep up with a full on pro camera but hey, take this to your kids next soccer game and you will love how it performs... ”
DigitalCameraInfo's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
DPReview 's conclusion / rating - 15 October 2009 |
“ Overall though - and I guess you probably already know this - I really loved the GF1, and will find it very hard to return it when this review is finished, meaning that I may have to wipe the dust and cobwebs off my wallet and actually hand over my own hard earned cash for one. The Olympus E-P1 now has some very, very strong competition in the form of possibly the most engaging and enjoyable camera on the market today. A compromise, for sure, but a surprisingly happy one... ”
Complete review here
Imaging Resource 's conclusion / rating - 13 October 2009 |
“ Both the Panasonic GF1 and the Olympus E-P1 have their virtues, and both take a pretty nice image from what we can tell. The Panasonic GF1's faster autofocus makes it a better choice for journalists, though those shooting JPEGs will have to be careful about the yellow and orange performance. Olympus's E-P1 has considerably slower autofocus, though we didn't notice it much until we set the camera in front of our timing test bench. This autofocus difference, though, really becomes noticeable when you try to focus while shooting video, and it's not just the Olympus camera, but the Olympus lens that perturbs the focus much more dramatically, while the 20mm Panasonic lens we tested was both tame and quiet while refocusing. We're hoping that this will prove true with the rest of Panasonic's lenses, and that Olympus can somehow update their firmware to improve their focus speed.
What's absolutely clear is that Panasonic and Olympus have identified and quickly exploited a niche in the market. Much like the Netbook in the computer space, the Micro Four Thirds camera comes at an ideal time, offering a small solution to quality imaging. They're not quite as inexpensive as a Netbook, but many of the peripherals seem priced for the market.
I predict it will be a banner year for Panasonic and Olympus, two companies who do well enough, but really needed a big hit in the digital camera space. If Panasonic can make enough of them, I think the Panasonic Lumix GF1 will be a runaway best seller... ”
Imaging Resource's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
DigitalCameraReview 's conclusion / rating - 11 October 2009 |
“ The GF1 is an interesting camera with the potential to attract a wide cross-section of users. On the one hand it can appeal to novice shooters with its host of automatic and scene shooting modes, face recognition technology and compact size. More experienced hands will find a broad expanse of manual controls and adjustments to suit the fussiest of users, along with that compact size. It's small, light and slots into the gap between high end compacts and the DSLR.
The camera focuses quickly, has good shutter response and a decent continuous shooting rate. Image and video quality are very good, ISO performance leaves true compact digitals far behind, and there's a bunch of lenses that will mount on the camera with proper adaptors, and, depending on their age, provide partial to full compatibility.
On the downside, there's an adaptor for legacy Four Thirds lenses: MSRP about $170. Another for Leica M lenses at about $250, and yet a third for Leica R lenses at another $250. An electronic view finder will set you back about $200. Get one of each to go with the $900 GF1 and you're approaching $1800. A Nikon D90 and stabilized 18-200 lens will set you back under $1600, give better high ISO performance and a higher continuous shooting rate (at least for a time).
But the Nikon is much larger and heavier, and there lies the attraction of the GF1 - it puts out quality images from a relatively compact and light camera. I don't mind lugging my DSLRs around, but if I ever needed near-DSLR performance without the weight, the GF1 would be an easy choice to make... ”
DigitalCameraReview's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
PhotographyBLOG 's conclusion / rating - 08 October 2009 |
“ The Panasonic DMC-GF1 is a natural evolution of the Micro Four Thirds format, offering similar functionality to the G1 and GH1 models in a smaller and lighter body. The GF1 isn't perfect, but it is one of my favourite cameras of 2009.
The DMC-G1 isn't as small as all those glossy marketing shots may have suggested, but it subsequently handles really well, even for someone with large hands. It delivers all the convenience of a compact camera shooting experience with the benefit of a DSLR-sized sensor in a body that is smaller and more portable than any DSLR. Users looking to move-up from a point-and-shoot compact should definitely consider the G1. It delivers a near-seamless Live View experience which doesn't feel as though it has been literally forced into the overall design, as with the Live View function on the majority of DSLRs.
In addition the GF1's auto-focus system is lightning fast and very accurate, outpacing its main competitor, the Olympus E-P1, and even rivalling most DSLRs. Some compromises have been made to physically reduce the size of the GF1, most notably the almost pointless handgrip and the removal of an integrated eye-level viewfinder. While the optional Live View Finder is just about worth buying because of the ability to compose an image with the camera held up your eye, it does fill the external flashgun slot, spoils the aesthetic look of the camera, isn't as clear and bright as the G1 and GH1's fantastic EVF, and is very expensive. The pop-up flash is a more inspired addition, with a unique double-hinged design that scores another important point over the flash-less E-P1.
The new 20mm pancake lens is the most natural partner for the GF1, creating a small and light system that can be easily stowed away. The fast maximum aperture of f/1.7 makes it easy to create out-of-focus backgrounds, and the 40mm equivalent focal length provides an appealing angle of view that's slightly wider than human vision. We also tried the GF1 with the 14-45mm and 45-200mm lenses - you definitely need to use the Live View Finder with the longer telephoto lens in order to achieve consistently sharp results. With a new 45mm macro lens due out before the end of October and at least three more lenses scheduled for 2010, Panasonic are clearly committed to the Micro Four Thirds format, an important consideration.
In terms of still image quality, the Panasonic GF1 gets almost everything right. Colours are accurate when using the default Standard setting, with lots of scope to adjust the JPEG output to suit your own tastes, and the auto white balance is spot-on in most lighting conditions. The diminutive pop-up flash is OK for use as fill-in, the ability to make bulb exposures up to 4 minutes long will please night photographers, and anti-shake via compatible lenses helps to keep things sharp in low-light. Noise performance has also been improved compared to the G1 and GH1 cameras, with a very usable range of ISO 100-800 and good results even at 1600. The GF1 still can't quite rival a decent DSLR camera with an APS-C sized sensor in low-light, but the gap has certainly narrowed.
In summary, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 takes most of the good points of its bigger brothers, the G1 and GH1, and literally squeezes them inside a smaller, more compact-camera-like body. The fantastically well-implemented Live View, lightning fast auto-focus, excellent image quality and added bonus of 720p video make the GF1 a great camera for beginners and more serious photographers alike... ”
PhotographyBLOG's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
DCResource 's conclusion / rating - 05 October 2009 |
“ The DMC-GF1 is a compact interchangeable lens camera similar in size to the Olympus E-P1. That shouldn't be too surprising, as they're both rangefinder-style cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds standard. The GF1 doesn't have the cool retro-styling of the E-P1, instead taking a more conservative approach (it looks like a big DMC-LX3)... ”
Complete review here
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