Panasonic Lumix GF1 review

Other useful features include a depth of field (DOF) preview that automatically ups the gain, which makes it more useful in dark conditions than in other cameras, where switching to DOF mode darkens the frame to the point you can't see anything.

A related feature that we haven't come across: shutter speed preview. Press a button while in DOF mode, move the camera and you'll see the GF1 attempt to simulate the blurring effect the shutter speed you've chosen will have on the final image.

And, as is becoming increasingly common in cameras of this cost, the GF1 also shoots 720p video - at 30fps and in either AVCHD Lite or Motion JPEG mode - with autofocus that remains active (and reasonably quiet) while filming.

The GF1 comes with two kit lens options. The more expensive is the package on review, and includes a compact, super-fast f/1.7 20mm (40mm in 35mm terms) fixed focal length pancake lens. This is a top quality lens with no chromatic aberration, capable of super sharp images in low light and very compact to boot.

For around £100 less, you can have the more versatile, optically stabilised 14-45mm lens (28-90mm in 35mm terms). And it's this that bring us to the GF1's one major weakness compared with the PEN EP-1 - it has no in-body optical image stabilisation.

But image quality is largely beyond reproach. It's far better than any compact we've seen, resolves an impressive amount of detail with good dynamic range too. Meanwhile, HD video recording gives simply superb results. In fact the only issue we have is that - noise levels at ISO 1600 and above are noticeable and less well-controlled than they are with either the best consumer-level Nikon and Canon DSLRs or the Olympus PEN EP-1.

That, and its price, which though competitive with the Olympus PEN EP-1 is high compared to conventional DSLRs, prevents us from wholeheartedly recommending the Lumix DMC-GF1. But that doesn't stop us from liking this camera, its fantastic, fast lens, speedy and intuitive operation and its host of useful features.