amazon Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviews
The first impression with the GF1 was a relatively small but solid machine. The volume after the memory card, battery and 20 mm tube is only about 350 grams, considerably less than the Olympus E-P1 (454 grams with 17 mm tube). The three dimensions of GF1 are 119 x 71 x 36.3 mm, equivalent to a midrange compact. Panasonic also carefully prepares its “product” built-in flash hidden at the right corner, above the GF1 logo. The top-of-the-line Hotshoe can be used to attach a headlamp or electronic viewfinder. The capture key responds very quickly and offers a soft feel when moving from focus to capture. The GF1’s rotary select button is designed quite simply with some familiar options like on DSLRs. The dedicated movie key is intended to help users get started quickly without having to go through the system menu.
The GF1’s 3-inch LCD panel is sharp and beautiful than most travel cameras today with a resolution of up to 460,000 pixels. The display icons are small but fairly neatly placed in an intuitive user interface. The large screen size forced Panasonic to cut out the optical viewfinder and replace it with the DMW-LVF1 electronic viewfinder mounted on the hotshoe. LVF1 can rotate 90 degrees on its axis, which is very useful when shooting subjects that are too low as flowers, grasses. However, the viewfinder is disappointing because it only has a magnification of 0.52x and the brightness is average even when attaching a tube as fast as 20mm / 1.7. In contrast, the LCD screen can be used quite well in all lighting conditions because it is equipped with anti-glare coating and high refresh rate.
The GF1 sensor is based on the Micro Four Thirds standard – 17.3 x 13 mm. It can capture up to 4,000 x 3,000 pixels (equivalent to 12.1 Megapixels). In particular, GF1 is equipped with ultrasonic dust protection mechanism as on the high-end DSLR products of Canon and Nikon.
where can you get a Panasonic Lumix GF1 online
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 12.1MP Micro Four-Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Lens: Buy it now
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 12.1MP Micro Four-Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-45mm Lens: Buy it now
According to the review, GF1 gives better image quality than many travel machines, including the most advanced. Contrast and color represent neutrality on JPEG image files. When converted to RAW format, the contrast range extends significantly with the ability to reproduce missing or overexposed areas. At low ISO options, the image is sharp with high detail. When lifting ISO up to 800, noise is still acceptable. Intelligent ISO not only fine-tune brightness but also instantly identify and freeze motion in the image. GF1 performance is also noticeably faster than the Olympus E-P1. The wait time between two JPEGs is 0.7 seconds, decreasing to 0.69 seconds if the file is saved as raw. Continuous shooting speed is also about 2.8 frames per second. The 23-point autofocus system is based on a highly contrasting and extremely fast contrast mechanism. The machine can switch back and forth between single focus, continuous focus or manual focus. When face detection is enabled, the camera automatically detects the subject in the frame and adjusts the focus and exposure accordingly. You can also manually add faces to the database to speed up the machine in case the frame has too many objects detected.
GF1 is capable of 720p or 1080i HD video recording with clear stereo sound. Compression format AVCHD for relatively small capacity but still ensure the highest peak quality. The camera also supports autofocus during the rotation, however, this function is slow and less accurate.
Shooting Modes and Features
The Panasonic Lumix GF1 offers a comprehensive array of shooting modes and features to cater to different photography styles and skill levels. The mode dial on the top of the camera includes options for Manual (M), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Program (P), and various Scene modes. Additionally, there is an Intelligent Auto (iA) mode that automatically selects the best settings for the scene, making it easy for beginners to achieve good results.
Key features include:
- My Color Mode: Allows users to apply creative color effects to their images, such as Expressive, Retro, Pure, and Elegant.
- Film Mode: Simulates different film styles by adjusting color, contrast, and sharpness.
- Multiple Aspect Ratios: Supports 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, and 1:1 aspect ratios, providing flexibility in composition.
- Built-in Flash: Provides fill light for various shooting conditions, with adjustable flash intensity.
Autofocus and Performance
The GF1 features a contrast-detect autofocus system, which, while not as fast as phase-detect systems found in DSLRs, is quite responsive and accurate for a mirrorless camera of its time. The AF system includes multiple modes, such as single-area, multi-area, and face detection, ensuring that users can select the best option for their subject and shooting conditions.
In terms of performance, the GF1 powers on quickly and is ready to shoot within a second. The shutter lag is minimal, and the camera can shoot at up to 3 frames per second in continuous shooting mode, which is adequate for most casual photography needs. The buffer capacity allows for several shots in quick succession before the camera slows down to write data to the memory card.
Image Quality
The Panasonic Lumix GF1 delivers impressive image quality, particularly when paired with high-quality lenses like the 20mm f/1.7. Images are sharp and detailed, with accurate colors and good contrast. The 12.1-megapixel resolution provides ample detail for large prints and allows for some cropping flexibility without significant loss of quality.
In good lighting conditions, the camera produces excellent results, with well-exposed images and a wide dynamic range. The GF1 handles highlights and shadows effectively, capturing a good amount of detail in both. The white balance system is reliable, producing natural colors in various lighting conditions.
Low-light performance is also commendable for a camera of this class. The GF1 offers an ISO range of 100 to 3200, with the Venus Engine HD processor providing effective noise reduction. While higher ISO settings (above 800) do introduce some noise, the images remain usable, particularly when post-processed with noise reduction software.
Video Recording
The Panasonic Lumix GF1 includes HD video recording capabilities, supporting 720p resolution at 30 frames per second in AVCHD Lite format. This was a notable feature at the time, making the GF1 an attractive option for those interested in both photography and videography. The video quality is good, with smooth motion and decent detail, although it doesn’t match the performance of more modern cameras with Full HD or 4K capabilities.
The camera allows for manual control over exposure settings during video recording, providing creative flexibility. The 20mm f/1.7 lens, often bundled with the GF1, is particularly well-suited for video due to its wide aperture, allowing for shallow depth of field and good low-light performance. However, the GF1 lacks a dedicated microphone input, which limits audio quality to the built-in microphone.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The user interface of the Panasonic Lumix GF1 is straightforward and user-friendly, with a logical menu system and clearly labeled buttons. The camera’s controls are well-placed, allowing for easy access to key functions. The mode dial and dedicated buttons for ISO, white balance, and drive mode make it easy to adjust settings on the fly.
The 3.0-inch LCD screen provides a clear view for composing shots and navigating menus. Although it is a fixed screen, it performs well in most lighting conditions, with good visibility and accurate color representation. The on-screen interface is intuitive, with helpful icons and explanations for various settings and modes.
The GF1 also includes a Quick Menu button, which provides fast access to commonly used settings, reducing the need to dive into the main menu. This feature is particularly useful for making adjustments while shooting, ensuring that you can quickly change settings without missing a shot.
Connectivity and Storage
The Panasonic Lumix GF1 uses SD and SDHC memory cards for storage, offering ample space for both photos and videos. The camera supports JPEG and RAW file formats, providing flexibility for different workflows. RAW files offer the highest image quality and greater post-processing flexibility, while JPEGs are suitable for quick sharing and minimal editing.
Connectivity options on the GF1 include a USB 2.0 port for transferring files to a computer and an AV output for connecting to a TV. While these connections are reliable, they are relatively slow compared to modern USB 3.0 or USB-C interfaces. However, the removable SD card can be easily inserted into a card reader for faster file transfer.
Battery Life
The GF1 is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (DMW-BLB13), which provides decent battery life for a mirrorless camera of its time. On a full charge, the battery can deliver approximately 380 shots, depending on usage and settings. This battery life is sufficient for most day-to-day photography needs, although carrying a spare battery is recommended for extended shooting sessions or travel.
Conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix GF1 is a testament to the innovation and quality of early mirrorless cameras. Its compact design, robust build, and versatile feature set make it a compelling option even today. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first interchangeable lens camera, a traveler in need of a lightweight companion, or an enthusiast seeking a capable backup, the GF1 delivers.
Its image quality, manual controls, and lens compatibility provide a solid foundation for learning and creativity. While it may not have the latest bells and whistles, its performance and ease of use ensure that it remains a valuable tool for photographers. The Panasonic Lumix GF1, with its blend of classic design and dependable functionality, continues to be a camera worth considering in the ever-evolving landscape of digital photography.