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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Preview

by Bob Atkins, September 2009 (updated February 2011)


Panasonic announced a new Micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix DMC-GF1. This follows the earlier G1 and GH1 models. The Micro Four Thirds format uses the standard Four Thirds sensor size, which is one quarter the size (area) of a full frame sensor, resulting in a 2x “digital multiplier” factor. By eliminating the reflex mirror and pentaprism and using an electronic “Live View” system for the viewfinder, Micro Four Thirds cameras (and lenses) can be smaller and lighter than similar interchangable lens reflex cameras.

The DMC-GF1 is the smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera with built in flash. As well as conventional still digital images, the DMC-GF1 can also record 720p (1280×720 pixel) HD video.

Photo.net Editorial - Panasonic GF1 (pop-up flash)
Panasonic GF1 (pop-up flash)

Where to Buy

Photo.net’s partners have the Panasonic GF1 available. Their prices are fair and you help to support photo.net.

Here’s the press release from Panasonic:

PANASONIC INTRODUCES ITS LATEST LUMIX G SERIES DIGITAL CAMERA – THE LUMIX DMC-GF1

The LUMIX GF1, the world’s smallest and lightest system digital camera with built-in flash (as of September 2009), packs powerful DSLR and HD video capabilities into a sleek and easy-to-use compact body

Secaucus, NJ (September 2, 2009) – Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-GF1, the latest addition to the award-winning LUMIX G Series, which debuts as the world’s smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 distinguishes itself from previous models with its elegant, compact design reminiscent of classic film cameras, yet builds on Panasonic’s success with the revolutionary LUMIX G Series of digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. With its compact size, user-friendly design and ability to record High Definition (HD) video and take professional-quality photos, the LUMIX GF1 continues to redefine digital photography standards.

“Panasonic changed the digital camera industry with the world’s first Micro Four Thirds digital camera, the LUMIX G1 – a compact “DSLR-like” digital camera that produces exceptional image quality. Then, as we continued to raise the innovation bar, Panasonic launched the LUMIX GH1, adding full High Definition 1080p video recording with continuous auto focus," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The new LUMIX GF1 continues the evolution and is the perfect addition to our LUMIX G Series, as its sophisticated, small body makes it easier and more convenient to carry. The GF1 is ideal for point-and-shoot consumers looking to step-up to DSLR-quality or for current DSLR users who want greater convenience without compromising performance quality or creative flexibility.”

With its lightweight body, the LUMIX GF1 provides experienced photographers with the ideal digital camera to carry with them at all times. Like its predecessors in the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 eliminates the pentaprism found in traditional interchangeable lens cameras. Thus, this mirror-free structure allows Panasonic to dramatically reduce both size and weight.

Though small in size, the LUMIX GF1 does not compromise in advanced features. The LUMIX GF1 thoroughly optimizes the advantages of a system camera to ensure high performance, whether capturing photos or HD video. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 can record 1280 × 720 High Definition video in AVCHD Lite, a format that enables longer recording times. With a dedicated video record button, capturing video is convenient and easy. The LUMIX GF1 can also record HD Motion JPEG in 1280 × 720 and other video recording formats include: QVGA, VGA and WVGA. The LUMIX GF1 has a unique Movie Program Mode that allows consumers to adjust the depth-of-field while shooting in HD video, so background and foreground can be blurred to give creative effects – something typically only possible with expensive professional camcorders.

The LUMIX DMC-GF1 includes the new My Color mode, which includes seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette and Custom – all which let users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels. With the Live View function, users can see how these settings will effect the photo before they shoot, making it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired. For even more elaborate effects, users can choose from a total of nine Film modes, and set the contrast, sharpness and saturation levels for each. A custom function lets users store their favorite settings in memory. Furthermore, the exposure meter can be displayed in other shooting modes and the correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a color-coded warning that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range.

For those users not quite comfortable with extensive manual and creative controls, the LUMIX GF1 provides a user-friendly setting that can address a beginner’s comfort level, while helping them evolve their photography skills. For instance, Panasonic’s new Scene mode, Peripheral Defocus, lets users take a photo where the foreground is in focus and background is blurred – or vice versa. This popular effect can be intimidating for a beginner, but in the Peripheral Defocus mode, by simply selecting the objects to be blurred and focused using the camera’s keypad, it is simple for photographers of any level.

Also, helping to make the LUMIX GF1 more approachable, Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, a system of technologies that engage automatically – no setting changes needed – allows for intuitive use when shooting still or video images. While shooting video, iA activates Panasonic’s O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), which helps reduce video-blurring due to handshake. In addition, Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. For still photos, the iA system encompasses: Face Recognition (up to six faces can be registered); Auto Focus (AF) Tracking; Mega O.I.S.; Intelligent ISO; Intelligent Exposure; and Intelligent Scene Selector.

The LUMIX GF1 also comes fully-equipped with a built-in flash and a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and a 460,000-dot resolution. The Intelligent LCD offers automatic backlight control, which when combined with its high-resolution, helps improve visibility in all light environments – from sunny outdoors to low-light interior settings. New for the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 is compatible with an optional Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1), which provides the full-time live view function boasting 100% field of view regardless of the attached lens. To further expand the LUMIX G Series system, Panasonic Micro Four Thirds digital cameras can be used with Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R lenses using Panasonic’s DMW-MA2M DMW-MA3R. These adapters give the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.

The LUMIX GF1’s sensor technology offers the best of both worlds – the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the low-power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Advanced technology makes it possible to read four channels of data simultaneously, helping the LUMIX GF1 deliver 60 frames-per-second full-time Live View images, while maintaining fine detail and rich gradation. The LUMIX GF1’s Venus Engine HD records stunning high-resolution 12-megapixel images using its advanced Live MOS Sensor. This sophisticated LSI circuit separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, helping to capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO levels.

The contrast AF system adopted in the LUMIX GF1 is not only accurate, but also very quick – approximately 0.3 seconds with the LUMIX G H-FS014045 lens. Users can choose from a wide-range of AF modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas; 1-area AF with a selectable focus area; Face Detection; and AF Tracking. The LUMIX GF1 also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera – without pressing the shutter button halfway.

As with all Panasonic LUMIX G Series digital cameras, the LUMIX GF1 is equipped with a highly-effective Dust Reduction system. Thus, if dust gets inside the camera (when changing lenses), Panasonic’s Dust Reduction system addresses this problem by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor which vertically vibrates around 50,000 times per second, thus repelling the dust.

The content captured on the LUMIX GF1 can easily be viewed on a Panasonic VIERA® HDTV by simply inserting the SD/SDCH Memory Card into the VIERA’s SD/SDHC Memory Card slot or into a Panasonic DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player. Alternatively, an optional mini HDMI cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the LUMIX DMC-GF1 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link™ operation, with control of playback functions, such as slideshows, managed from the VIERA HDTV’s remote control.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1 will be available in early October 2009 with the option of two kits – both with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95. One kit option includes the newly-announced LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight “pancake” lens, while the other kit features the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. The optional Live View Finder DMW-LVF1 has an SRP of $199.95; while the DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R both have an SRP of $249.95. All new accessories will also be available in early October.

For more information about Panasonic and its LUMIX G System cameras and accessories, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

Notes


  • Panasonic in-house comparison. The speed may vary depending on the specifications of PC and the number of images stored in the PC and other condition.
  • AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
  • Some video recording functions may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.
  • When setting quality to HD, WVGA or VGA, Panasonic recommends using a high-speed card with “10MB/s” or greater displayed on the package.
  • Continuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen.
  • AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
  • Turn Face Recognition item ON and register the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance. Refer to back page for detail.
  • Some functions in iA mode may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.
  • Lenses that are not compatible with the contrast AF function can be used with manual focusing.
  • There are some limitations to other functions depending on the lens to attach.

Where to Buy

Photo.net’s partners has the Panasonic GF1 available. Their prices are fair and you help to support photo.net.

More

Original text ©2009 Bob Atkins.

Article revised February 2011.

Readers' Comments


Add a comment



John Womack , September 02, 2009; 12:46 A.M.

I am one of a probably increasing number of SLR photographers who have discovered the capabilities of what has sneaked into the market over the past few years. I like the light weight and overall capabilities of these new "point-and-shoots". Other than for studio work, and especially for travel, I think these new cameras are here to stay. And now I am beginning to wonder about the SLRs. I am not going back.

Si Johnson , September 03, 2009; 12:11 P.M.

The GF-1 brings great technology and, apparently, great pictures. But it and the latest 4/3 from Olympus continue what I consider the no-optical-viewfinder mistake from consumer cameras to prosumer and advanced amateur machines at a much higher price level.

Am I the only one who misses the eye-level optical viewfinder? No amount of image stabilization can counteract all the unsteadiness that most people create by holding cameras out in front of them and looking at the screen in back to frame their shot. The screens are very difficult to see in bright light, leaving you guessing if there is no optical viewfinder.

I sincerely hope the SLR and and the 4/3 System no mirror/ electronic viewfinder cameras don't go away. The GF-1 has the add-on viewfinder for the wide angle lens, but for the zoom you are back looking at the back of the camera body.

If I want to wave my camera in front of myself to take a picture, I will pass on the $900 machines and use my cell phone.

John Kennekam , September 03, 2009; 02:32 P.M.

I believe there is an EVF available (Live View Finder DMW-LVF1).

Jim Mathis , September 03, 2009; 03:05 P.M.

People are always asking my advice on what camera they should buy. My most frequent comment is to never buy a camera without a viewfinder. A LCD screen is just not suitable for any kind of serious photography. This is the single biggest advantage of a DSLR. An EVF is fine too.

How could a viewfinder be optional on a $900 camera?

Peter Harris , September 03, 2009; 11:02 P.M.

Regarding viewfinder=serious photography: I disagree. Any method that gets a compelling image is valid.

Think of it like waistlevel on a twin lens or the screen of a 4x5 - or just take 20 shots - it's digital you can afford to.

$900 for a compact camera with a large sensor (6x larger than lx3) and a nice lens - with future options, and hd video - sound pretty good. We ask a lot these days.

Peter Zapp , September 04, 2009; 08:32 A.M.

I tried the Panasonic G1 only for a few seconds in the shop which was enough to discard it. The electronic view finder was coarse, had slow refresh rate (juddering image so to speak) and dark shadows, and it freezed while recording the shot. Following a moving subject was difficult, even more in continuous shooting mode or dim light. No night vision mode as in some Sonys. And you smear the LCD screen with nose grease. So I would not miss it on the GF1, even less pay extra for it.

The large LCD display in principle has the same deficits. But when looking at it from 30cm away the relative size of the image is smaller, so one does not notice the deficits. In a way it is like using an old Rollei or Hasselblad with waist level finder, minus the quirky, laterally reversed image on the focussing screen. And with autofocus there is no need for a loupe.

Of course I would love a Leica style optical viewfinder on it, with variable, parallax correcting frame lines. At least get the one from Olympus ($99).

I wonder why Panasonic did not carry the micro four thirds concept further. For instance move image chip rather than heavy lens for focussing, with consequently very compact, light and cheap interchangeable prime lenses. The Contax AX worked like this, but had to move the complete assembly of film transport, shutter, SLR mirror and pentaprism rather than just a tiny image chip. And it would provide AF even with third-party lenses (which probably was the commercial arguments against it).

Dean G , September 04, 2009; 01:52 P.M.

"The electronic view finder was coarse, had slow refresh rate (juddering image so to speak) and dark shadows, and it freezed while recording the shot."

That's interesting because my G1 has an incredibly fast refresh rate in all except very dim light, and it has no more image freeze than the average DSLR. It also gains up in low light, and while it does slow down in that circumstance, it shows more than one would get from most DSLR optical viewfinders which a generally quite dim anyway and of course can't increase their gain.

As for being course, the G1 EVF is not at all, except again in very low light. Under normal lighting the resolution exceeds even the KM A2 at over 1meg, and with the 10X manual focus function the G1 can manual focus more accurately than any DSLR optical viewfinder. I used the Sony R1 for a few years, and it's EVF was no match for the capability of the G1 EVF, the closest to it was the KM A2.

That said, from what I've read the GF-1 evf will only provide about 200k resolution, which could be ok for framing, but having owned the Ricoh GX200 with what must be the model for panasonic's removable evf, I would not want another camera with a removable evf. First of all, for me anyway, the whole package gets rather fiddly if one needs to install and remove the evf frequently, which happens if you want to try to disassemble the thing in order to stuff the various parts into your pockets. With the removable EVF in the hot shoe, all pretense of the camera being pocketable goes out the window as it adds another protrusion to catch on even a large coat pocket, with the possibility of damage. Also questionable is how many make-break cycles the devices can handle before the contacts or something else fails.

I like the GF-1, but, like the EP-1, it is not significantly smaller than what you'd have with the G1 if you were to remove the G1 EVF hump, and the right hand grip bulge. Once the GF-1 is fitted with the evf in the hot shoe, or the EP-1 has an optical vf in the hot shoe the size differences are not great vs a G1. And I wouldn't doubt that many will find some accessory right-hand grip to fit to the GF-1 or EP-1, like those that folks add to Canon G7-G9's, where upon one might as well have a G1 with the better EVF and the articulated LCD.

IMO, for my uses there's no advantage to the faux-rangefinder type of micro4/3rds and a number of ergonomic and useability disadvantages. And while the G1 is not something I'd use if I did sports photography(and I don't except for some equine photos), it is faster in normal use than my former DSLRs, and produces preferable photos. With the 14-45mm and 40-200mm I can cover an equivalent range from 28 to 400mm, and it is now the only camera I use, having sold everything else except for an Olympus E1, and that's up for sale now. The G1 works for me very well. What I want from the GF-1 is the 20mm f/1.7 lens, that's all.

David Schmidt , September 11, 2009; 08:39 P.M.

I agree with the necessity of an optical view finder rather than an EVF. The comparison of the LCD screen for focusing to that of a Rolleiflex is false in my opinion. The Rollie is not affect by bright sunlight as the focusing screen is shaded while even composing an image on an LCD screen drives me nuts let alone being sure of the accuracy of my focusing. Additionally the Rolleiflex has a magnifier that makes sharp focus not only possible but easy. I dare anyone to do the same with an electronic view finder.

Ben O'Bryan , September 16, 2009; 10:44 A.M.

It's exceptionally easy to focus manually using the G1 - either using the EVF or screen. You can do it without magnification at wide apertures and there is a magnification option for critical focus (macros, small apertures).

I have a suspicion those that are making these focusing/framing etc. complaints have not actually tried the camera out.

The EVF is far, far easier to use than the tiny, dark, cramped VFs of APS cameras.

G D , October 17, 2009; 06:41 P.M.

When I climb Mt Kilimanjaro I need a lightweight high quality imaging system.

To date the only camera I can come up with is the Hasselbald Xpan with 45 and 90mm lenses, giving me 4 different focal lengths. Thats the most I am prepared to carry up there.

The GF1 is the first digital camera I can consider, as a viable alternative. Kit with the 20mm (£799 quid) and the Olympus 14-42 zoom lens (£289 quid) (it's smaller and theres a black available) Flash (£425 quid) Plus it has the advantage of High quality Video (but not audio) Total retail price £1503 quid.

I am really, really interested.

As for the Nay sayers above who claim that a serious photographer uses a viewfinder to take better images to eliminate camera shake when held at arm length... I should point out that if it is that serious, Photographers utilise a tripod...

Plus the EVF is supposed to be quite good, better than the G1 and as pointed out above it increases its gain to give a better than optical view in low light. (£179)

I just have to know how the image quality compares to my EOS 5D - its had the benefit of 4 years worth of technology, that's a lifetime in the digital world and has to count for something. Yes the Sensor is half the size, but the ISO 3200 image looks pretty good. I am disappointed that I will loose an enormous amount of the effects of depth of field with the smaller sensor, but the Panasonic does have that defocus system that compensates for it.

Yes at present the current contrast AF compatible lenses are disappointing, but perhaps they will expand the compatibility to use those Olympus Zuiko lenses... 150 f2... 300 f2 Yay! 14-35 f2... 24-70 f2 Yay! 90-250 f2.8... 180-500 f2.8 Ha haaa!

The 7-14 looks attractive, but pricey at £1109 quid The 14-140 is ok, but too slow for £799 quid! Well thats about it lens wise.

Yep you can adapt it to any Leica M and R lens and any of the other 4/3rds lenses, but they all become manual focus, which really doesnt cut the mustard. Its still early days, but I believe a very positive and exciting step in the right direction.

If only Fuji would abandon following 6 months behind Nikon in the SLR race, and step into the world with a micro 4/3rds sized EXR sensor. Wow

Lastly I wont be IN until their raw files are compatible with Aperture. I am sure that it will happen, and when it does This looks like a lightweight system that I can grow into, for my travel shots. My main dilemma is having to leave the EOS at home, and with three L lenses thats a big big concern for me.

Max Hodges , December 17, 2009; 08:04 A.M.

Craid Mod GF1 Field Test

guy I know here in Tokyo has a nice write up on the GF1 http://craigmod.com/journal/gf1-fieldtest/

Hubert Figuiere , March 07, 2010; 12:43 A.M.

Just quick note for G D: the GF1 is now supported on Aperture 3 (and iPhoto 09) with the RAW update 3.1 from a couple of weeks ago.


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