The new Panasonic Lumix GF2 is the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera to come complete with a built-in flash and touchscreen technology. But how does it compare to other compact system cameras out now? The Panasonic Lumix GF2 review finds out...

Product Overview

Overall rating:

87%

Panasonic Lumix GF2

Overall score:87%
Value:85%
Performance:85%
Image Quality:85%
Design:90%
Features:90%

Pros:

  • Size, design, HD video

Cons:

  • no viewfinder, no physical mode dial

Product:

Panasonic Lumix GF2 Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£630.00
Staying ahead of the curve needs new technology and innovation – something the new Panasonic Lumix GF2 looks to herald by offering touchscreen technology as well as being the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera to come complete with a built-in flash. But does the Panasonic GF2 deliver the goods and is it a strong enough release to keep the Micro Four Thirds foundations unshaken?

The Compact System Camera market has gone from strength to strength
in the past year. What was once a Panasonic and Olympus only club has
since seen independent models released from both Sony and Samsung. Back in November 2009 we reviewed the Panasonic Lumix GF1, the precursor to this latest model and, at the time, what we thought was the epitome of what Compact System Cameras should be: small, light, and compact-like yet with DSLR-esque characteristics and qualities. Fast forward just over a year and the Panasonic Lumix GF2 sticks to its guns by offering much the same package, yet trims more size and weight away from its previous incarnation, coming in at some 19% smaller and 7% lighter.

 

Panasonic Lumix GF2 review – Features

Panasonic Lumix GF2 product shot - LCD

The 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor at the camera’s heart is the very same as that found in the GF1 before it, though the latest Venus Engine FHD (Full High Definition) upgrades a couple of areas: Firstly video capture is increased from AVCHD Lite at 720p to AVCHD at 1080i; secondly the latest engine enables the sensitivity to push a stop further, allowing for ISO 6400 to be selected at the top-end.

The same 3in, 460k-dot resolution as per the GF1 screen still features, though this is now touch-capable and can be utilised to control any and all of the camera’s functions to some degree.
As well as full manual controls, there’s the option of clicking the new one-touch iA (intelligent Auto) button for automated control should you wish to let the camera take over. It’s ideal for point-and-shoot work or more complex and demanding scenarios depending on your level.

As well as both Raw and JPEG shooting, in-camera My Color Mode also provides an array of colour types and styles, such as ‘Retro’, ‘Silhouette’, ‘Monochrome’ and many more that can be applied to your shots.

  1. 1. Panasonic Lumix GF2 review - Features
  2. 2. Design
  3. 3. Performance
  4. 4. Image Quality
  5. 5. Movie Mode & Quality
  6. 6. Value & Verdict
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