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

Value & Verdict

Panasonic Lumix GF2 review – Value

New products tend to carry a premium, though both of the GF2’s kit formations come in at less than the GF1 originally retailed for. With the 14mm f/2.5 lens expect to pay around £630, and with the 14-42mm the price ought to be a penny less than £600.

Consider that the Sony NEX-5 with 18-55mm lens is around £500 or, at the most affordable end of the scale, the Samsung NX100 with 20-50mm lens is available for £380.

Of course the GF2 offers its very small size and touschscreen ability which will add value to those seeking such features. However, one of the disappointing elements is the lack of any body only purchase option – especially as the 14mm lens isn’t going to be the ‘right fit’ for everybody.

Panasonic Lumix GF2 review – Verdict

 

The Panasonic Lumix GF2 seems to have a lot of future-thinking in place. There’s touchscreen, 3D compatibility and Micro Four Thirds boasts the largest selection of lenses compared to any other Compact System Camera manufacturer. The new slimmed-down body size is great, though not without its issues: why the physical mode dial has been removed is beyond us (please bring it back) and the 14mm prime lens really isn’t going to be for everyone (a body only option would have been great). The touchscreen may be a step too far for some, but it does add some great practical touches in use such as movie focusing. Still a great little camera, but one that seems to step sidewards from where the Panasonic Lumix GF1 was some 15 months ago, when we were hoping for more of a giant leap.

Details

White Balance:Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / Flash / White Set 1,2 / Color temperature setting, adjustment Blue/amber and Magenta/green bias
Lens Mount:Micro Four Thirds
Built-in Flash:Yes, GN 6
Memory Card:SD
Exposure Comp:1/3EV Step ±3EV
Compression:Yes, high/low
Viewfinder Type:N/A, optional electronic viewfinder (EVF) available separately
LCD:3in, 460K-dot touchscreen
Output Size:4000 x 3000 pixels
Field of View:100% (LCD)
AF Points:up to 23- area
Colour Temp Control:2500 – 10000 Kelvin
White Balance Bracket:Yes (3 exposures in blue/ amber axis or in magenta/ green axis)
Sensor:12.1MP Live MOS
Max Flash Sync:1/160thsec
Focal Length Mag:2x
DoF Prview:Yes
Other:Shutter speed preview, Peripheral defocus, HD 1080i movie, hotshoe, Venus Engine FHD
Dust Reduction:Yes, Supersonic wave filter
Metering System:144-zone multi-pattern sensing system
Built-in Image Stabilisation:No
Live Mode:Yes
Movie Mode:Yes
Exposure Modes:PASM, iA (intelligent Auto), My Colour Modes, 17 scene modes (inc Peripheral Defocus), Custom, Movie
Connectivity:HDMI, digital A/V out
Weight:Approx. 265g (body only)
Shutter Speeds:60 – 1/4000th second, plus Bulb
Dimensions:112.8 x 67.8 x 32.8 mm
File Format:Still Image: JPEG (DCF, Exif 2.21), RAW, DPOF compatible / Still Image with Audio: JPEG (DCF, Exif 2.21) + QuickTime / Motion Image: AVCHD, QuickTime Motion-JPEG / 3D: MPO & JPEG (only with compatible 3D lens attached)
Power:ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1010mAh)
Focusing Modes:AFS/AFC/MF
Drive Mode:Single, Continuous 3.2fps to 7 RAW or unlimited JPEG files
Colour Space:sRGB, Adobe RGB
  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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