The Most Fun I've Ever Had With a Digital Camera: The Panasonic Lumix GF1

[Jason Dunn]

<p><object width="600" height="360" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/lIMQ_sHVJcQ&amp;ap=&fmt=18" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lIMQ_sHVJcQ&amp;ap=&fmt=18" /></object></p><p>This is my review video of the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/digitalhomethoughts-20/detail/B002MUAEX4" target="_blank">Panasonic LUMIX GF1</a> [affiliate], easily the most unique camera I've ever had the opportunity to look at. It's similar to a DSLR in that you can change lenses, but the micro four-thirds system doesn't use a pentaprism or mirror, so it's not a DSLR. Panasonic calls it a DILC: Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera. I don't see "DILC" taking off as a term, but this camera is hot stuff. And I'll state right up front that I'm an unabashed fan of the Panasonic GF1. As I explain in the video, there's something magical about getting DSLR-like performance and image quality from a camera that's not much bigger than a point and shoot camera. Panasonic is on to something really special with the GF1, and I'm glad that I purchased this camera - I've used it to capture some really special memories already, and that's what I want from every camera I buy. <MORE /></p><p>The GF1 has a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor (17.3 x 13.0mm in size), capturing JPEG or raw images at a maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels. It's also capable of 720p video capture (1280 x 720) in either AVCHD Lite or MJPEG formats. It can shoot in burst mode, up to three frames per second.</p><p>If I could influence the feature list for a GF2, I'd ask Panasonic to add image stabilization in the body of the camera - to me, the mystique of this camera is greatly lessened with any lens other than the 20mm f/1.7, and because that lens lacks image stabilization, I want it in the body. I'd also like to see 1080p video at 60fps, and better ISO performance at 800 and above.</p><p>All in all, I'm thrilled with the performance and features of the GF1, and if you're in the market for something that takes vastly better pictures than any point and shoot camera, but is much smaller than even the smaller DSLR, the Panasonic Lumix GF1 is worth a serious look. If there was a Digital Home Thoughts camera award, the GF1 would win it.</p><p><em>Jason Dunn owns and operates <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Inc.</a>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys <a href="http://photos.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">photography</a>, mobile devices, <a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">blogging</a>, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, his son Logan, and his sometimes obedient dog. He likes buying digital cameras and lenses...perhaps a little too much!</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, <a class="iAs" href="http://www.digitalhomethoughts.com/news/show/93798/dell-s-inspiron-mini-10-reviewed.html" target="_blank">software</a> and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p>

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Aieee Jason, my ears! Have mercy!


I'm glad you like the GF1 that much. Heh, wasn't expecting you to be so into the whole m4/3s thing.


Me, I prefer my viewfinders, so the GF1 is out for me. The attachment is kludgey and makes the camera bigger anyway.


I've used it to capture some really special memories already, and that's what I want from every camera I buy.


This reminds me of the Kevin Spacey ads from Olympus. Think it's a good point for most people.

[Jason Dunn]

Aieee Jason, my ears! Have mercy!

What are you referring to? The gain being too high on the audio? Yeah, I know - I recorded five videos that day with the microphone turned up too high. :(

Me, I prefer my viewfinders, so the GF1 is out for me. The attachment is kludgey and makes the camera bigger anyway.

Yeah, I'm thinking about getting the viewfinder, but am pretty iffy on it due to the size it adds to the camera, and the fact that I generally loathe EVFs.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Yea, that was a very nice pop from my speakers as the audio started. Eeek, 5 videos with the gain too high. Couldn't decrease the volume in post?


As for EVFs, to me, an EVF is better than a LCD held at arms length. It helps with composition and camera stability. The Panasonic one for the G1/GH1/G2 is at least big and roomy. I think the add-on EVF of the GF1 is of a smaller design.

[Jason Dunn]

Yea, that was a very nice pop from my speakers as the audio started. Eeek, 5 videos with the gain too high. Couldn't decrease the volume in post?

I did - I dropped it by 5db. Nothing I could do in post would lessen the audio crackles/pops from happening though. My videos are louder than most though - I had quiet audio. Maybe you just had your speakers turned up too high, but I'm sorry I scared you. :D

As for EVFs, to me, an EVF is better than a LCD held at arms length. It helps with composition and camera stability.

Definitely agreed on the camera stability, which is why I'm pondering getting one. We'll see...I'll report back if I do pick one up.

[Reid Kistler]

Jason, I see that you are indeed SMITTEN by the Pan GF1!

Can better understand your reaction to my comments concerning the Olympus E-PL1... :o


From the video, this format has a wonderfully small body, and also like the fact that the GF1 seems to have at least a few more readily accessible setting controls than the E-PL1 does.

Am afraid I still think that models without a Viewfinder - at this price point - will remain niche players, although I would be tempted by a "super zoom" version, with EVF, IF the price point AND lens size were within reason (which may not be possible given the large sensor size - ??).