Panasonic DMC-GF1 LUMIX Camera Review

Panasonic DMC-GF1 Camera Review
Today many people do a shift from prosumer cameras to digital SLR cameras. Many companies like Panasonic have realized that there are many consumers in this niche, and they should target making specific cameras with specific qualities, which we offer everything that the consumer needs in this type of niche. The reason why people decide to buy a DSLR camera over consumer cameras, is usually because of the image quality. The bigger the sensor, the higher image quality is. Of course many photographers like the ability to be more creative and enjoy taking images with shallow depth of field.

Panasonic has recently released a new Lumix G Micro system camera, called Panasonic DMC-GF1. The Panasonic DMC-GF1 is based on the micro 4/3 system standard. Using the micro four thirds CCD, manufacturers of digital cameras, are able to build smaller interchangeable lenses cameras also called SLR cameras, and all with high quality images in a small compact design. The Panasonic GF1 is World's smallest and lightest DSLR body. Using the 4/3 standard, Panasonic created a new generation of digital cameras with interchangeable lenses. Using the 4/3 CCD, Panasonic could bring DSLR quality images with high speed shooting inside those small and compact cameras, almost the same size of a regular consumer camera.



Here is a Panasonic DMC-GF1 video review from YouTube:

High Image Quality in a Small Compact Size
When we said 'small', we didn't mean lack of features. Panasonic DMC-GF1 has a 12.1 megapixel live MOS sensor, which offers a superior image quality in comparison to consumer cameras. You will also have the ability to shoot high definition movies and high quality images in High ISO settings, that was never possible before. Panasonic used there you Venus Engine HD processor in order to allow the high definition video recording and also an exceptional noise reduction performance that was impossible before. The new sensor consumes less power and therefore, provides a longer battery life. So using those new technologies implemented in Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 camera, you will be able to take around 380 images on one battery charge.

Intelligent 3.1" LCD Screen

As in other recently DSLR cameras from both Nikon, Canon, Olympus and Pentax, you will be able to see a full-time live view of the scene that you are viewing on the back LCD screen. Of course the advantage of using a live-view, is that you have a 100% field of view, so you will see exactly what the camera captures when you press the shutter button. You can even see the effects of changing aperture settings in the screen. So when you shoot with lower aperture settings, you can see the differences in the depth of field on the LCD screen.


Panasonic DMC-GF1 camera has a large 3.1 inch LCD screen with high resolution 460,000 dots. Panasonic has also used a new technology that will control the LCD brightness automatically according to the shooting conditions. So for example, when you shoot at night, the LCD screen automatically decreases the brightness of the screen, in order to save battery life. And on the opposite, if you shoot in daylight, the intelligence LCD will increase the brightness of the screen.

Dust Reduction System
However, it doesn't end here. You will also have a dust reduction system, which we protect the live MOS sensor from dust and other particles. As you know, when using interchangeable lens cameras, when you switch from one lens to another, there is a chance that small dust particles will enter the camera and reach the sensor. So by using the dust reduction in Panasonic DMC-GF1, you are sure to get clear images without dark dust spots on your images.

Compatible with all LUMIX G and LEICA G
Of course by using Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Micro Four Thirds system standard, you can use all LUMIX G lenses and LEICA DG lenses. As you thought that the features with and here, you're wrong. As for all Panasonic DSLR cameras, Panasonic as implemented its famous and the most valuable MEGA O.I.S (stands for optical image stabilizer). This stabilizer compensates handshakes in order to prevent blurring in your images, when taking images hand-held. It is most valuable when using with telephoto zoom lenses. The Micro Four Thirds cameras are optimized full digital photography. Because everything was built from the ground up, you are assured to get the highest possible image quality available for this type of equipment.

Lumix G Vario f/1.4 7-14mm - Compatible with Pansonic DMC-GF1

DSLR Quality Images in Small Compact Camera Design
Maybe the Panasonic DMC-GF1 doesn't look like a regular DSLR camera, it surely gives high-quality images like larger DSLR cameras. In order to appreciate the image quality of this tiny SLR camera, you should just take a look at dpreview.com Panasonic DMC-GF1 sample gallery and see for yourself how good it is. After seeing those photos, I ask myself, "Why there is even a need for consumer digital cameras nowadays?". It is indeed a successor to the Panasonic LX3 and will probably be a great hit among entry-level photographers.