Panasonic Lumix GF1 review
in Digital cameras
1 of 2 
Verdict
A highly likeable high-end compact, but expensive noise at high ISO isn't handled as well as with a proper DSLR
Review Date: 26 Oct 2009
Price when reviewed: £565 (£650 inc VAT)
Overall Rating
Features & Design
Value for Money
Performance
Image Quality
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Part Code | DMC-GF1CEG-K |
| Review Date | 26 Oct 2009 |
| Price ex VAT | £565 |
| Price inc VAT | £650 |
| Overall rating |
|
| Performance |
|
| Features & Design |
|
| Image quality |
|
| Value for Money |
|
| Basic specifications | |
|---|---|
| Camera megapixel rating | 12.1mp |
| Camera screen size | 3.0in |
| Camera optical zoom range | N/A |
| Camera maximum resolution | 4028 x 3016 |
| Weight and dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 385g |
| Dimensions | 127 x 38.5 x 74mm (WDH) |
| Battery | |
|---|---|
| Battery type included | Lithium-ion |
| Battery life (CIPA standard) | 380 shots |
| Charger included? |
|
| Other specifications | |
|---|---|
| Built-in flash? |
|
| Aperture range | f1.7 - f20 |
| Camera minimum focus distance | 0.20m |
| Shortest focal length (35mm equivalent) | 40 |
| Longest focal length (35mm equivalent) | 40 |
| Minimum (fastest) shutter speed | 1/4,000 |
| Bulb exposure mode? |
|
| RAW recording mode? |
|
| Exposure compensation range | +/- 3EV |
| ISO range | 100 - 3200 |
| Selectable white balance settings? |
|
| Manual/user preset white balane? |
|
| Progam auto mode? |
|
| Shutter priority mode? |
|
| Aperture priority mode? |
|
| Fully auto mode? |
|
| Burst frame rate | 3.0fps |
| Exposure bracketing? |
|
| White-balance bracketing? |
|
| Memory-card type | SDHC |
| Viewfinder coverage | N/A |
| LCD resolution | 460k |
| Secondary LCD display? |
|
| Video/TV output? |
|
| Body construction | Alloy |
| Tripod mounting thread? |
|
| Data connector type | Proprietary USB |
| Manual, software and accessories | |
|---|---|
| Full printed manual? |
|
| Software supplied | Silkypix DeveloperStudio 3.0 SE, Photofunstudio 4 HD Edition |
| Accessories supplied | Soft lens case |
From around the web
So, what exactly is the advantage of in-body optical image stabilisation compared to in-lens? While I prefer the retro look of the EP1, I'd take the better video and in built flash of the GF1 any day.
Also, in terms of value for money, I think you should be comparing this to other 'pro' compacts (I'm not sure if this class of camera has an official name), rather than DSLRs. Compared to the Leica M (ohmygod expensive) and Sigma DP (large sensor, but no interchangeable lens), the GF1 looks like quite a good deal. I'm quite tempted!
By richspeight on 2 Nov 2009 
So, what exactly is the advantage of in-body optical image stabilisation compared to in-lens?
On a more traditional DSLR it means any lens you use benefits from stabilisation. On this camera maybe it helps to keep the size and cost of the lenses down a little more than if each one had to have OS built in?
By pveater on 14 Dec 2009
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