The GF1 adopts the micro four thirds system standard, which was developed as an extended version of the four thirds system standard for digital camera systems. By using this standard and developing a camera body that eliminates the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit, Lumix was able to achieve a dramatic reduction in both size and weight compared with conventional digital SLR cameras, to create a new-generation system camera that features full-time live view, high-speed, high-precision contrast AF, HD movie recording, and more. The GF1 is small enough to take anywhere yet sophisticated enough to take you as far into photography and movies as you want to go.The 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel live MOS sensor featured in the GF1 offers the best of both worlds the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. This sensor is also advantageous for photo and movie recording with its high S/N, thanks to a circuit structure that is unaffected by the noise generated in each of the circuits. It results in clear images even when taken at high ISO sensitivity.The hybrid GF1 lets you take both high-quality photos and HD movies. You can shoot breathtaking HD movies in AVCHD Lite format (MPEG-4/H.264) backed by the high sound quality of Dolby Digital Creator. And you can record for a longer time without running out of memory because AVCHD Lite stores data more efficiently than Motion JPEG while maintaining stunning image clarity and detail. A dedicated “movie record” button on the top lets you instantly start recording movies while shooting photos, so you don’t miss a second of the action.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Great photo camera
Very good picture quality even at low light. I like the Pancake Lens, makes it very portable. I’ll probably end up buying the viewfinder for video shooting.
5 Stars Lumix DMC-GF1K Digital Camera
Excellent, highly functional camera and easy to use. Amazing colors! It seems to me it is close to, if not, professional quality while not too complicated for beginners. I have yet to use the HD video option and this is one reason I chose to purchase this camera.
5 Stars Special Camera
I have been into amateur photography most of my life (getting too old to carry all the heavy stuff) and wanted a light, easy to use, go everywhere camera that takes quality pictures comparable to a mid-level DSLR. The Panasonic Lumix GF1 delivers.
This camera is very light and handles well. The image quality is excellent with both the 14-45mm and neat little 20mm f1.7 lenses. I have made 16×20 enlargements with raw images in photoshop with great results. These are close to my Canon D50 shots using an L series lense. The focus is fast and true, great live view with sharp auto and enlarged screen manual focusing. The viewing screen is sharp and clear; however I did get the optional viewfinder which works well especially with bright scenics. I will not review the video or the numerous features other then to say there are many, easy to use options, some quite sophisticated.
OK so any major drawbacks? Not for me. However I’m not sure I would strongly recommend this for the casual consumer who just wants some nice 4X6 images of the family with an occasional enlargement. While the GF1 is superior to point and shoots, it is also more expensive and complicated. The instructions need to be read over carefully several times if you want to successfully use many of the neat options. It can be used for auto everything, but if that is what you want, there are much cheaper and easier to use cameras.
If you want one of the most functional, unique, quality cameras around, the GF1 could be for you.
4 Stars A PORTABLE STREET-WISE CAMERA
The Panasonic GF1 is a well-made MFT camera. I find it to be sufficiently portable as a street-wise camera with the 20mm f1.7 MFT lens. The raw IQ is very good below iso 800. It is as good as the Olympus E-P1 that I also owned.
4 Stars So close to perfect it hurts
If movie mode had fully manual controls over exposure and it shot at 24 FPS I’d be beside myself. The combination of the lens and sensor give this camera a really nice DOF in an incredibly compact package. It’s really a shame Panasonic didn’t deliver on manual controls and a 24P frame rate, because this camera would a viable choice for high end ultra portable film-making. I can live with 720P, but the inability to set ISO and shutter speed makes me crazy. It can take pretty stunning video, but you have to be very careful with changing light values. You are able to focus manually however (again, why not go the whole way?!)
Panasonic?
Are you listening?
Could you please upgrade the firmware?
I thought you guys made the 4/3rds system specifically for still and moving acquisition?
The other thing I hate is the wheel used for shutter/aperture. I used a G9/10 for the last three years and I MUCH prefer it’s exposure wheel.
Otherwise I’m very happy. The noise is low, the shutter delay is very fast, as is auto focus, and it has a 7 exposure auto bracket mode. The drive modes also have their own hardware selector by the function mode knob. The noise is acceptable to about 1600 ISO, which amazes me as it’s body is only a little larger than my G10. I try to never shoot above 400 on the G10. That’s a huge swath of light that was never available to me before.
If you’re moving up from a compact you will love this camera’s performance. If you want the GF1 to complement your SLR you’ll be very happy with it’s portability.
