Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Interchangeable Lens Camera
Step up to a digital SLR without the weight
Digital Camera Review
It's called the world’s smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash and when you take a look at it, you can see why. Panasonic’s DMC-GF1 is the latest in its Lumix G series, but the camera distinguishes itself from previous models with a compact design that will remind you of a classic film camera. The interchangeable-lens model is based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard and also has the ability to record high-definition video. There is a lot packed into the little body.
The new Lumix GF1 continues the evolution of this line for Panasonic with its sophisticated, small body making it easier and more convenient to carry with you anywhere you go.
Point-and-shoot consumers looking to step up to DSLR-quality without the DSLR bulk should take a look at the GF1.
The camera's dedicated video record button captures 1,280x720 HD video recording in AVCHD Lite, a format that enables longer recording times. It also records HD Motion JPEG in 1,280x720 and QVGA, VGA and WVGA formats. There is even a movie program mode that lets users adjust the depth of field while shooting in HD video, so background and foreground can be blurred for a creative effect.
Some other really nice features of the Lumix GF1 include 12MP resolution using its advanced Live MOS sensor, 60 fps full-time live view images, a 3.0-inch LCD with wide viewing angle and automatic backlight control, my color mode, which includes seven preset effects (expressive, retro, pure, elegant, monochrome, dynamic art, silhouette, custom) that enable users to manually set color, brightness and saturation levels, a live view function that displays how settings effect the photo before shooting, nine film modes, a custom function that stores favorite settings, and a dust reduction system.
For beginning photographers, the GF1 has user-friendly settings like the peripheral defocus scene mode that lets you take a photo where the foreground is in focus and background is blurred, or vice versa. Some easy to use video features include optical image stabilization to help reduce blur from handshake, face detection, which adjusts focus, exposure, contrast and skin complexion, and intelligent exposure, which checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows.
A nice accessory for the Lumix GF1 is an optional “live view finder” (DMW-LVF1, $199.95), which gives you full-time live view. The camera can be used with Four Thirds system interchangeable lenses via an optional mount adapter and with Leica M/R lenses using Panasonic’s DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R ($249.95 each) adapters.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 will be available early October in two kit choices, both with an MSRP of $899.95. One kit includes the newly announced Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight “pancake” lens; the other features the Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S.