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.